Steering assembly for a mounted bicycle

Abstract

A steering assembly for a mounted bicycle is disclosed herein. The steering assembly includes a support base and at least one omnidirectional roller assembly extending from a bottom surface thereof. The at least one omnidirectional roller assembly is operatively disposed in direct contact with a ground surface and is structured to facilitate movement of the support base along the ground surface in a plurality of different arcuate and linear paths to accommodate varying trail measurements of a bicycle. The varying trail measurements of the bicycle are defined by varying angles of the bicycle relative to the ground surface during operative use of the steering assembly.

Claims

1. A steering assembly for a mounted bicycle, comprising: a support platform defining a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface being opposite said bottom surface, a shoe disposed on said top surface, wherein said shoe is adjustable in at least one direction, and at least one omnidirectional roller assembly extending from said bottom surface of said support platform, said at least one omnidirectional roller assembly being operatively disposed upon a ground surface and being structured to facilitate movement of said support platform along the ground surface in a plurality of different arcuate and linear paths.

2. The steering assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said shoe is structured to receive and at least partially support a bottom surface of a front end mounting device, the front end mounting device being capable of securely mounting at least a front portion of a bicycle.

3. The steering assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said shoe is structured to receive a front wheel of a bicycle.

4. The steering assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said shoe comprises at least a front stop and a rear stop.

5. The steering assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said front stop and said rear stop are fixedly secured to and extending from said top surface of said support platform.

6. The steering assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said shoe comprises at least a left side stop and a right side stop.

7. The steering assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein at least one of said left side stop and said right side stop is laterally adjustable relative to said support platform to adjust a distance between said left side stop and said right side stop.

8. The steering assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said left side stop and said right side stop are both laterally adjustable relative to said support platform to adjust the distance between said left side stop and said right side stop.

9. The steering assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one omnidirectional roller assembly comprises a ball transfer unit comprising an omnidirectional load-bearing roller mounted at least partially inside of and extending out from a support fixture.

10. The steering assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one omnidirectional roller assembly comprises a plurality of omnidirectional roller assemblies, each extending from said bottom surface of said support platform and disposable in direct contact with the ground surface.

11. The steering assembly as recited in claim 10 wherein said plurality of omnidirectional roller assemblies are structured to facilitate movement of said support platform along the ground surface to accommodate varying trail measurements of a bicycle during operative use of said steering assembly.

12. The steering assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said plurality of omnidirectional roller assemblies are structured to facilitate movement of said support platform along the ground surface in a first arcuate path while the mounted bicycle defines a first trail, and wherein said plurality of omnidirectional roller assemblies are structured to facilitate movement of said support platform along the ground surface in a second arcuate path while the mounted bicycle defines a second trail, the first trail being different than the second trail.

13. The steering assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein the first trail is defined when the mounted bicycle is disposed in a first angle with the ground surface via a front end mounting device and wherein the second trail is defined when the mounted bicycle is disposed in a second angle with the ground surface via the front end mounting device.

14. The steering assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein each of said plurality of omnidirectional roller assemblies comprises an omnidirectional load-bearing roller mounted at least partially inside of and extending out from a support fixture.

15. A steering assembly for a mounted bicycle, comprising: a support base defining a bottom surface, said support base being structured to at least partially support a front end mounting device, the front end mounting device being structured to at least partially support a bicycle, a shoe disposed on a top surface of said support base, said shoe defining a receiving area being structured to support a bottom surface of the front end mounting device, wherein said shoe is at least partially adjustable to adjust an interior dimension defined within said receiving area, a plurality of omnidirectional roller assemblies extending from said bottom surface of said support base, said plurality of omnidirectional roller assemblies being operatively disposable in direct contact with a ground surface and being structured to facilitate movement of said support base along the ground surface in a plurality of different arcuate and linear paths to accommodate varying trail measurements of the mounted bicycle during operative use of said steering assembly, the varying trail measurements of the mounted bicycle being defined by varying angles of the mounted bicycle relative to the ground surface during operative use of said steering assembly.

16. The steering assembly as recited in claim 15 wherein each of said plurality of omnidirectional roller assemblies comprises an omnidirectional load-bearing roller mounted at least partially inside of and extending out from a support fixture.

17. The steering assembly as recited in claim 15 wherein said shoe comprises at least one adjustable stop.

18. A steering assembly for a mounted bicycle, comprising: a support platform defining a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface being opposite said bottom surface, a shoe disposed on said top surface, said shoe being structured to receive a front wheel of a bicycle, and at least one omnidirectional roller assembly extending from said bottom surface of said support platform, said at least one omnidirectional roller assembly being operatively disposed upon a ground surface and being structured to facilitate movement of said support platform along the ground surface in a plurality of different arcuate and linear paths.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1A is an exemplary illustration of a bicycle mounted to a gradient adjustment device supported by the steering assembly as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the gradient adjustment device being disposed in a low position.

(2) FIG. 1B is an exemplary illustration of a bicycle mounted to a gradient adjustment device supported by the steering assembly as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the gradient adjustment device being disposed in a high position.

(3) FIG. 1C is a close up view of the bottom portion of a gradient adjustment device being supported by the steering assembly as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 2A is an exemplary illustration of the front wheel of a bicycle being support by the steering assembly as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, while the rear of the bicycle is mounted to a trainer.

(5) FIG. 2B is a close up view of the front wheel of a bicycle being supported by the steering assembly as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 3A is an exemplary illustration of a bicycle mounted to a gradient adjustment device with an integrated base and omnidirectional rollers, as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 3B is an exemplary illustration of a bicycle mounted to a gradient adjustment device win an integrated base and a single omnidirectional roller, as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 4A is a schematic representation illustrating the trail of an exemplary bicycle disposed in a first position.

(9) FIG. 4B is a schematic representation illustrating the trail of the same exemplary bicycle disposed in a second position.

(10) FIG. 5A is a schematic representation illustrating a plurality of four different arcuate paths of the steering assembly of at least one embodiment of the present invention, each of which represent a different gradient position and therefore a different trail.

(11) FIG. 5B is a schematic representation illustrating linear paths of the steering assembly of at least one embodiment of the present invention as the suspension of the bicycle is compressed or extended.

(12) FIG. 5C is a schematic representation illustrating a plurality of complex arcuate paths of the steering assembly of at least one embodiment of the present invention with the gradient or trail being increased while the rider simultaneously turns the bicycle left and right.

(13) FIG. 5D is a schematic representation illustrating a plurality of complex arcuate paths of the steering assembly of at least one embodiment of the present invention with the gradient or trail being increased and decreased while the rider simultaneously turns the bicycle left and right.

(14) FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the steering assembly as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

(15) FIG. 7 is another top perspective view of the steering assembly as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

(16) FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the steering assembly as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

(17) FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the steering assembly as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

(18) FIG. 10 is a top view of the steering assembly as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

(19) FIG. 11 is an end view of the steering assembly as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

(20) FIG. 12 is a side view of the steering assembly as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

(21) Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings provided herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(22) As shown in the accompanying drawings, and with reference briefly to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C at least one embodiment of the present invention is generally directed to a steering base or steering assembly, represented as 10. As described herein, the steering base 10 of at least one embodiment is structured and configured to move omnidirectionally upon a ground surface while simultaneously supporting a front end mounting device 100, including, but in no way limited to an elevator or other gradient adjustment device, as described herein. Furthermore, in some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the steering assembly or. steering base 10 can support or receive the front wheel or tire 202 of a bicycle 200, as disclosed herein.

(23) Additionally, while the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A through 2B illustrate a separate or stand-alone base 10 upon which the front end mounting device 100 or front wheel or tire 202 is seated or supported, in other embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, for example, the base 10 may be integral with or other built into the front end mounting device 100. In this case, the bottom or base of the front end mounting device 100 may include one or more omnidirectional integral roller assemblies 40 extending therefrom and in contact with the ground or other support. surface. Referring to FIG. 3A, although the side view shows two roller assemblies, there may be four roller assemblies (e.g., one roller assembly proximate each corner) or more. Other embodiments, whether integral with the front end mounting device 100 or a separate stand-alone base 10, may include any number of roller assemblies 40, including a single roller assembly 40 as shown, for example, in FIG. 3B, two, three, four, or more roller assemblies 40.

(24) Moreover, with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A and 3B, an ordinary and operable bicycle 200 may be mounted to a front end mounting device 100 in a number of different manners, depending on the device and in some cases depending on the bicycle itself. In the illustrated embodiment, the front wheel of the bicycle 200 has been removed, and the front forks of the bicycle 203 are mounted to the device 100. The front end mounting device 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A, and 3B is referred to herein as an elevator or a gradient adjustment device which, as described herein, may be structured to raise and lower the front end of the bicycle 200 using internal mechanics, gears or systems, for example.

(25) Also, in the example illustrated, the rear wheel of the bicycle 200 has been removed and the bicycle 20 is mounted to a rear stand or trainer 150. The front end mounting device 100 and/or the trainer 150 may be operational with and communicative with a virtual reality cycling game or system, including but not limited to ZWIFT®, as described herein. It should be noted however, that the front end mounting device 100, trainer 150, and bicycle 200 illustrated in the Figures are for exemplary purposes only and should not be deemed limiting in any fashion. In other words, other front end mounting devices, trainers, stands, rocker plates, etc. can be used in connection with the various embodiments of the present invention described herein.

(26) In any event, as mentioned above, virtually all steered vehicles or devices, such a bicycles, have some form of self-aligning and stabilizing geometry to the steering system known as “trail.” As shown in FIG. 4A, trail, referenced as T, is defined as the horizontal distance the contact patch C of a steered wheel falls behind (or in some cases in front of) an imaginary line drawn through the steering axis S to the ground G. The contact patch C is the point at which the front wheel or tire 202 contacts the ground G. In other words, trail T is defined as the distance where the steered wheel 202 (e.g., the front wheel on a bicycle 200) touches the ground G (e.g., at contact patch C) to where the steering axis S intersects the ground G. The steering axis S is a straight-lined axis drawn through the steering tube 210 of the bicycle 200 to intersect the ground G.

(27) A head angle or head tube angle A can be defined as the angle between steering axis S and a vertical axis V extending vertically from the contact patch C of the wheel on the ground G. It should be noted that the trail T of a standard bicycle with both wheels or tires on the ground can be increased by increasing the size of the wheel or tire 202, increasing the head angle A, or decreasing the fork offset F. Similarly, trail T of a standard bicycle with both wheels on the ground can be decreased by decreasing the head angle A, increasing the fork offset F, or decreasing the diameter of the wheel or tire 202.

(28) Still referring to FIG. 4A, the bicycle 200 is shown disposed in its normal operating orientation, for example, with the front wheel or tire 202 and rear wheel or tire 204 on the ground G. FIG. 4B is presented as a simulation or schematic to illustrate what happens to the trail T2 when the front end of a bicycle is raised, while the rear end remains in place or substantially in place—as would be the case if the bicycle were secured to an elevator or other gradient adjustment device, as represented in FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, with the front end of the bicycle raised, the trail T2, is increased relative to T shown in FIG. 4A. As described above, when the front end of the bicycle 200 is raised relative to the ground G, for example, by an elevator or other gradient adjustment device (as shown at 100 in FIG. 1B) the trail T2 is dramatically increased. Similarly, when the front end of the bicycle 200 is lowered, for example, by an elevator or other gradient adjustment device, the trail is dramatically decreased.

(29) With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, as the elevator raises and lowers the front end of the bicycle 200, the base 10 of the present invention may need to move forward and backward to accommodate the change or movement. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, during operation of the bicycle 200, the front end mounting device 100 and base 10, turning or rotation of the handle bars left and/or right while the front end mounting device 100 is in a lower position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A) will define a much different path along the ground than when the device 100 is in a higher position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B). The different arcuate and linear paths of travel are exemplified in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D.

(30) More in particular, FIGS. 5A through 5D illustrate exemplary movements of the base 10 (not shown in FIGS. 5A-5D) along various arcuate and linear paths. For example, with reference to the schematic of FIG. 5A, steering axis S is shown along with a plurality of arcuate paths A1, A2, A3, A4. The arcuate paths A1-A4 are represented as being paths along the ground which the base may travel (e.g., if you were to follow the center of the base along the ground) as the rider steers the handlebars left and right. More in particular, A1 represents an arcuate path relative to the steering axis S when the elevator device 100 (shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, for example) positions the front of the bicycle below its normal level orientation (e.g., at a gradient of −10%). In this orientation, the base will travel along the ground in an arcuate path A1 having a small radius when the handlebars are turned left and right. Furthermore, A2 represents an arcuate path relative to the steering axis S when the elevator device 100 positions the bicycle at its normal level orientation (e.g., as if the wheels were on the bicycle and the bicycle was resting on the ground in the upright riding position). In this manner, the base will travel along the ground in an arcuate path A2 having a larger radius than A1.

(31) As the front end of the bicycle is raised, for example, via the elevator, the base will travel along the ground when the handlebars are turned left and right in arcuate paths A3 (e.g., when front end of the bicycle is raised to a gradient of +10%) and A4 (e.g., when the front end of the bicycle is raised to a gradient of +20%) with increasing radii.

(32) It should also be noted that the arcuate paths A1-A4 illustrated in FIG. 5A and the different gradients (−10% to +20%) are merely exemplary and representative of the different arcuate paths with which the base may travel as the front end of the bicycle changes heights during operation.

(33) Referring now to FIG. 5B, a schematic is shown to illustrate that as the suspension of the bicycle changes (e.g., being compressed, neutral or extended) the base will travel in linear paths L1, L2. More in particular, N represents the position of the base when the suspension of the bicycle is neutral or otherwise not compressed or extended. If the suspension of the bicycle is compressed, the base will travel backward, for example along linear path L1. Similarly, if the suspension of the bicycle is extended, the base will travel forward, for example along linear path L2.

(34) The path of the base along the ground becomes even more complex when the rider turns the handlebars left or right while the front end of the bicycle simultaneously changes heights, e.g., whether due to an increasing or decreasing gradient from the elevator device or due to a change in the state of the suspension of the bicycle. FIG. 5C illustrates exemplary arcuate paths A5, A6 and A7 that the base may travel if the rider turns the handlebars of the bicycle left and right while the gradient of the bicycle is simultaneously increased. As shown, the arcuate paths A5, A6 and A7 do not form symmetrical or paths along the ground.

(35) Similarly, FIG. 5D illustrates a plurality of complex paths P1 through P7 along the ground which the base may follow as the front of the bicycle (e.g. gradient) is increased and decreased while the rider simultaneously turns left and right. For instance, as the gradient of the bicycle is raised and lowered, the trail of the bicycle will change, causing the complex arcuate and sometimes linear paths which the base may follow. This is why the roller assembly of at least one embodiment of the present invention is omnidirectional—allowing the base to travel along the ground or other surface in these complex paths during operation of the bicycle, elevator, or other training assembly, as described herein.

(36) With reference now to FIGS. 6 through 12, at least one embodiment of the steering base 10 of the present invention is illustrated. In particular, the base 10 may include a support platform 20 defining a top surface 22 and a bottom surface 24. As described herein, and as exemplified in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the base 10 or platform 20 of at least one embodiment may be integrated with or part of the bottom surface of a front end mounting device 100, including but not limited to an elevator or other gradient adjustment device. In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1A through 2B, the base 10 or platform 20 may be a separate device upon which the front end mounting device 100 or bicycle 200 is supported or mounted.

(37) Furthermore, and still referring to FIGS. 6 through 12, the present invention includes one or more roller assemblies, generally referenced as 40. The roller assemblies 40 may extend from or beyond the bottom surface 24 of the platform 20 or base such that the roller assemblies 40 will directly engage or contact the ground surface or other support surface during operation. In particular, with the bottom surface 24 of the platform 20 or base facing the ground surface, and the bicycle 200 or front end mounting device 100 disposed in a supporting relation thereon, the roller assemblies 40 will contact or engage the ground surface in a manner to allow the platform 20 or base to freely roll or move thereon in a plurality of different arcuate and linear paths. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, the roller assemblies 40 may be able to move or roll in all directions—forward, backward, side to side—in arcuate, circular and linear patterns or paths, and thus, in some embodiments, the roller assemblies are referred to herein as omnidirectional.

(38) More in particular, in the embodiment illustrated, the base or platform 20 includes one or more omnidirectional roller assemblies 40 disposed in a manner to sufficiently support the platform 20 during use. For example, a single roller assembly may extend from the bottom of the platform, such as at or near the center thereof, in a manner sufficient to support the platform 20 consistent with the intended operation of the present invention. In other embodiments, a different one of a plurality of omnidirectional roller assemblies 40 is disposed at or near a corner of the platform 20, although other locations, patterns and placements of the rollers assemblies 40 is contemplated within the full spirit and scope of the present invention.

(39) Furthermore, the one or more omnidirectional roller assemblies 40 are structured and configured to facilitate movement of the base 10 and support platform 20 along the ground surface in a manner to accommodate varying trail measurements of the bicycle during operative use of the base 10. For example, as described above, when the base 10 is used in connection with an elevator or gradient adjustment device, which raises and lowers the front end of the bicycle, the trail varies during operative use of the base 10. More particularly, when the elevator or gradient adjustment device raises the front end of the bicycle (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B) to simulate a raised slope, the trail T, T2 of the bicycle increases, which changes the arcuate path of which the base 10 will move as the user or rider turns the front handlebars or steering column. Similarly, when the elevator or gradient adjustment device lowers the front end of the bicycle (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A) to simulate a decreased slope, the trail T of the bicycle decreases, which again changes the arcuate path of which the base 10 will move as the user or rider turns the front handlebars or steering column. For instance, the larger the trail, the larger or wider of an arc is created by the path of the base 10.

(40) In this manner, as the base 10 is used, it must and does accommodate varying (e.g., increasing and decreasing) trail measurements during the same simulated ride. In other words, the one or more omnidirectional roller assemblies 40 of at least one embodiment of the present invention are structured to facilitate movement of the support platform along the ground surface or other support surface in a first arcuate path (e.g., as shown at A2 in FIG. 5A) while the bicycle defines a first trail T. During the same simulated ride, the omnidirectional roller assemblies 40 are also structured to facilitate movement of the support platform 20 along the ground surface or other support surface in a second or more arcuate path(s) (e.g., as shown at A1, A3 and A4 in FIG. 5A). More in particular, each of the different paths A1, A2, A3 and A4 represent the bicycle with the front end disposed at different heights, and therefore, defining different trails. FIGS. 5C and 5D represent paths which are created by the base as the height of the front end of the bicycle is changed while the rider simultaneously rotates or moves the handlebars left and/or right.

(41) It should also be noted that during operation, the base 10 or platform 20 is able to move in linear directions, including but not limited to side-to-side and/or forward-and-backward movements, via the plurality of omnidirectional roller assemblies 40.

(42) Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, the one or more omnidirectional roller assemblies 40 may be in the form of ball transfer units defined as including a support fixture 42 within which an omnidirectional roller ball or bearing 44 is disposed. The ball or bearing 44 is able to move in all directions, and is thus considered omnidirectional. One example of an omnidirectional roller assembly 40 is a steel transfer ball bearing, although others are contemplated within the full spirit and scope of the present invention.

(43) For instance, the support fixture 42 may be mounted to the platform 20 in a manner such that the roller or ball 44 extends down beyond bottom surface 24. As mentioned above, the platform 20 or base 10 may be integral with the front end mounting device 100, and thus, in some embodiments, the roller assemblies 40 may be mounted to the bottom surface of the front end mounting device, or otherwise mounted directly to the front end mounting device in a manner to support the front end mounting device on the ground surface and operate in the intended fashion, as described herein. It should also be noted that in some cases, the roller assemblies 40 may be adjusted in order to adjust the height of the platform 20 from the ground.

(44) Still referring to FIGS. 6 through 12, at least one embodiment of the present invention also includes a shoe, referenced as 30 disposed on and extending from the top surface 22 of the platform 20. In particular, the shoe 30 of at least one embodiment is structured to receive and, in some cases, at least partially support the bottom surface of the front end mounting device 100 or elevator device, as exemplified in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C. In some embodiments, the shoe 30 may include one or more adjustable side walls 31, 32 which can slide inward (toward each other) and outward (away from each other) to decrease and increase the distance between them, respectively. In this manner, the shoe 30 may accommodate different front end mounting devices 100 which may have different widths or different footprint dimensions.

(45) Furthermore, the adjustable side walls 31, 32 may slide or adjust close to each other in order to receive and accommodate the front wheel or tire 202 of a bicycle, as exemplified in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

(46) Yet another embodiment of the present invention may include a non-adjustable shoe secured to the platform 20 and which includes a receiving area dimensioned to receive and support a specific tire size or a range of tire sizes, such as the tires on a road bicycle or mountain bicycle, or a front end mounting device having a particular footprint dimension or range. In other words, the shoe of at least one embodiment can be fixed or non-adjustable to either receive a front end mounting device or tire that fits therein.

(47) In any manner, with reference to FIGS. 6 through 21, it should be noted that the shoe 30 of at least one embodiment may include one or a plurality of stops or walls, referenced as 31, 32, 33, 34 which extend up from the top surface 22 of the platform 20 and which will at least partially surround a lower surface of the front end mounting device 100 or bicycle wheel or tire.

(48) As illustrated in FIG. 1C, for example, in some cases, a space is left between the surface of the front end mounting device 100 and the walls or stops 31, 32, 33, 34 in order to allow the front end mounting device 100 to shift or move forward, backward, and side-to-side within the shoe 30 during use. In other words, the walls or stops 31, 32, 33, 34 may not in some cases, contact or engage the surfaces of the front end mounting device 100 during use. In other cases, one or more of the walls or stops 31, 32, 33, 34 may engage or contact the surface(s) of the front end mounting device 100 during use.

(49) It should also be noted, as described herein, that in other embodiments, the shoe 30 may be configured to receive and at least partially support the front wheel 202 of the bicycle 200, such that it may directly engage or mount to the base 10.

(50) Additionally, grooves or recesses 35 may be disposed on opposing end stops 33, 34 and configured to receive the power cable or other cables or cords from the front end mounting device, including, for example, an elevator or other gradient adjustment device.

(51) Furthermore, the shoe 30 of at least one embodiment is adjustable in at least one direction. In particular, in at least one embodiment, the shoe 30 may be defined as including two end stops, such as a front stop 33 and a rear stop 34, and two side or lateral stops 31, 32. In one embodiment, at least one of the stops 31, 32, 33, 34 may be adjustable in that it may move toward and away from the center of the platform 20 in order to adjust the internal dimension of the shoe 30.

(52) In the embodiment illustrated, the two side or lateral stops or walls 31, 32 are slidingly adjustable toward and away from each other or otherwise toward and away from the center of the platform 20, while the two end stops or walls 33, 34 are fixed. As just an example, knobs 36, 38 may be loosened to allow the corresponding wall or stop 31, 32 to be adjusted. Tightening the knob(s) 36, 38 will again secure the corresponding wall or stop 31, 32 in place. In other words, knobs 36, 38 may include a threaded rod that extends through a corresponding elongated slot and secures into the platform. Loosening of the knob(s) 36, 38 allows the threaded rod to slide within the elongated slot, which in turn, allows the corresponding wall of the shoe to be adjusted or repositioned.

(53) Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. This written description provides an illustrative explanation and/or account of the present invention. It may be possible to deliver equivalent benefits using variations of the specific embodiments, without departing from the inventive concept. This description and these drawings, therefore, are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.

(54) Now that the invention has been described,