Mobile Skating Aid Apparatus

Abstract

A mobile skating aid apparatus for supporting a skater stationed inside and, optionally, an attendant stationed outside of the apparatus at the rear to push from behind and monitor the skater. The apparatus comprises support members for the skater to grasp for support and to propel and steer the apparatus, a horizontally-positioned stabilizing beam which the skater straddles in order to provide a seat for the skater to sit upon in situations where the skater loses footing and which transforms into a more comfortable bench for resting or for changing footwear. At least one gliding or rolling element is also provided to enable the apparatus to move along a surface. The apparatus may also further comprise side rails which serve both to stabilize the apparatus and to further protect the skater against falls as well as collisions.

Claims

1. An apparatus for providing support for a skater, said apparatus comprising; at least two support members, at least one of which the skater can grasp for support; a stabilizing beam for connecting said at least two support members which the skater can straddle when using the apparatus; and at least one gliding or rolling element connected to each of said at least two support members to allow movement of the apparatus.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the height and width of the at least two support members are independently adjustable.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said stabilizing beam is releasably connected to said at least two support members.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said stabilizing beam can rotate with respect to the at least two support members from a skating position, whereby the plane of said stabilizing beam is substantially perpendicular to the surface in which the apparatus is being operated, to a resting position, whereby the plane of said stabilizing beam is substantially parallel to the surface in which the apparatus is being operated.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the length of said stabilizing beam is adjustable.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one side rail that interconnects said at least two support members for increasing the structural integrity of the apparatus.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the length of the at least one side rail is adjustable.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one side rail is fully detachable from the at least two support members.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein one end of said at least one side rail is pivotably attached and dimensioned to be stored inside one of the support members.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising slots vertically and horizontally arranged on said at least two support members to receive the ends of said stabilizing beam, said one or more side rails, or a combination of both of these.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a base to which the at least two support members are attached thereto.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the base comprises a keel that is dimensioned to span the distance between the at least two support members.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the keel is rotatable along its longitudinal axis from a vertical position, whereby the plane of said stabilizing beam is substantially perpendicular to the surface in which the apparatus is being operated, to a foot rest position, whereby the plane of said stabilizing beam is substantially parallel to the surface in which the apparatus is being operated.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said support members are foldable upon the base to facilitate transport and storage of the apparatus when not in use.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising wheels attached to at least one of the support members or to the base to facilitate transportation of the apparatus to and from a desired location for use.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a seat element attached to said stabilizing beam.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least three support members and at least two stabilizing beams.

18. A method of assembling the apparatus of claim 11 comprising the steps of: a. positioning the at least two support members vertically with respect to the base; b. attaching the stabilizing beam to the at least two support members; and c. fastening the at least one side rail to the at least two support members.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least two support members hinged to the base and rotated into their vertical orientation.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of positioning comprises inserting the at least two support members into the base.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Described herein are mobile skating aid apparatuses, and methods of use thereof. It will be appreciated that embodiments and examples are provided for illustrative purposes for those skilled in the art, and are not meant to be limiting in any way.

[0048] These, and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0049] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the mobile skating aid apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the mobile skating aid apparatus in extended and collapsed view according to an embodiment;

[0051] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the mobile skating aid apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the mobile skating aid apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the mobile skating aid apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the mobile skating aid apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the mobile skating aid apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0056] FIG. 8 shows a front exploded view of an embodiment of the mobile skating aid apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] As shown in FIG. 1, the skating apparatus (10) of the invention comprises: at least two support members (12, 14), at least one of which a skater can grasp for support; a stabilizing beam (20) for connecting the at least two support members and which the skater can straddle when using the apparatus (10); and at least one gliding or rolling element (30) connected to each of the at least two support members (12, 14) to allow movement of the apparatus (10).

[0058] The support members (12, 14) are vertically positioned and make up the front and rear of the apparatus (10). When in use, a skater can grasp one of the support members (12, 14) for balance and to steer the apparatus (10) along the surface. In addition, an attendant positioned outside the apparatus (10) and to the rear can grasp the other support member and push or steer the apparatus (10) from behind, using greater or lesser force depending on the degree of assistance required by the skater. The support members (12, 14) may be constructed from a range of materials, including but not limited to: metal, synthetic materials, natural materials, sheets, fibers, castings, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the support members (12, 14) can further comprise grips (16, 18) which a skater or attendant can use to better grasp the apparatus when using it. The grips (16, 18) can be separate elements that can be added to the support members (12, 14) to surround the support members (12, 14) or can be simply separate sections of the support members (12, 14) having a different texture from the main portion of the support members (12, 14) to provide added grip for the attendant/skater. When the grips (16, 18) are provided as separate elements, they can be made from various materials to provide comfort and/or warmth to the skater/attendant. For example, the grips (16, 18) could be made from foam or resilient plastic. Optionally, low voltage healing coils can be integrated with the grips (16, 18) to provide warmth to the grips.

[0059] In some embodiments, the support members (12, 14) can be independently adjusted for height and width to accommodate skaters of varying sizes and to minimize interference with the skater's natural skating stride. For example, the support members (12, 14) can be provided with telescopic sections that are stored in and can be extended from the support members (see FIGS. 4 and 6).

[0060] Although the support members (12, 14) are shown throughout the figures as having similar shape and size, it is conceivable that each support member may have a unique shape and/or size. For example, in some embodiments it may be desirable to provide an apparatus having a front support member, as shown in the figures, to provide the skater with a comfortable and safe surface to grab and support themselves. However, it might be more convenient for the attendant to have a support member that is shorter than the front support member, but is provided with a handle that extends from the support member to allow for easier pushing and steering of the skater.

[0061] The stabilizing beam (20) is horizontally positioned and interconnects the support members (12, 14). For skating, the beam hangs down from the connection points, presenting a narrow profile that a skater positioned inside the apparatus (10) straddles so as to arrest a fall in situations where said skater loses balance. In some embodiments, when the skater tires and needs a more comfortable seat or needs to put on or take off skates, the stabilizing beam (20) may be rotated so that its broad surface is parallel to the ground to serve as a wider bench. The stabilizing beam (20) may be constructed from a range of materials, including but not limited to: metal, synthetic materials, natural materials, sheets, fibers, castings, and combinations thereof. However, it is preferred that the overall construction of the beam (20) is rigid in order to improve the structural integrity of the apparatus (10). To improve the level of comfort for the skater using the apparatus (10), some or all the stabilizing beam (20) can be covered with a material (24), or combination of materials, that provide cushioning for the skater.

[0062] In some embodiments, the length of the stabilizing beam (20) can be adjustable. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3-6, the stabilizing beam (20) can be provided with telescopic sections (22) that are stored in and can be extended from the stabilizing beam (20). In other cases, the length of stabilizing beam (20), as well as other components of the apparatus that are adjustable in length, width or height, can adjusted by dividing the beam into two or more sections that are nested within one another and which are connected to one another by fasteners.

[0063] For ease of transport, it is preferred that the stabilizing beam (20) is releasably connected to the support members (12, 14). Several different mechanisms for releasably connecting the stabilizing beam (20) to the support members (12, 14) are known in the art. For example, the ends of the stabilizing beam (20) can be provided with rigid hooks (25) that are inserted, and pressure fitted into slots (26) provided on the support members (12, 14). In another embodiment, the slots (26) can be in the form of keyholes to which a bolt can be inserted and screwed into the stabilizing beam (20). The arrangement depicted in FIG. 7, provides a plurality of keyhole slots (26) in a vertical arrangement on the support members (12, 14) thus allowing for the height of the stabilizing beam (20) to be adjusted to a level that conforms to the leg length of the skater and minimizes obstructions to the natural stride of the skater. Similarly, the slots (26) can be arranged horizontally to accommodate different configurations of the components of the apparatus (10).

[0064] The gliding or rolling elements (30) serve as a point of contact between the gliding surface, such as ice, pavement, concrete and wood flooring, and the rest of the apparatus (10). Examples of gliding elements include, but are not limited to, rounded pegs, skates, skis, runners, and any other casting or extrusion with a smooth or rounded surface to enable the apparatus to smoothly glide along a surface. Examples of rolling elements include, but are not limited to, wheels and other round or spherical elements that enable the apparatus to move smoothly along a surface. In some embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-6, the apparatus can comprise four gliding elements (30) at the bottom corners of the support members (12, 14). Although a similar shaped gliding or sliding element (30) is shown at each corner in FIGS. 3-6, based on the specific circumstances, different gliding or sliding elements (30) may be provided on each of the support members (12, 14). In addition, the gliding or sliding elements (30) may be removable to allow for customization of the apparatus (10) based on the surface and conditions that the apparatus (10) is being operated in. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1, the gliding or sliding elements (30) can interconnect the support members (12, 14). In this case, the gliding elements (30) can comprise a pair of skis positioned on each side of the apparatus (10) and interconnecting the support members.

[0065] In a further embodiment, the length of the gliding elements (30), in the form of skis or runners, can be adjusted in order to accommodate various lengths of the stabilizing beam (20) within the apparatus (10). In another embodiment, one or more detachable side rails (50) can be positioned on each side of the apparatus (10), extending from one support member (12) to another (14) to further stabilize the apparatus (10) and to protect a skater from side collisions with obstacles or other skaters. Moreover, when the stabilizing beam (20) is rotated into a position where it is parallel to the surface and being used as a bench seat for the skater, the side rails (50) can act as a back rest or as a bottom rail (52) as a footrest.

[0066] Similar to the stabilizing beam (20), the side rails (50) can be adjustable in length such that when extended, they match the length of the stabilizing beam (20) and/or the keel (70). In addition, the side rails (50) can be attached to the support members (12, 14) using a rigid hook and slot system, or can be attached using the keyhole and bolt arrangement, as described above with respect to the stabilizing beam (20). In this case, a plurality of slots (26) can be vertically and horizontally arranged on the support members (12, 14), so that the side rails (50) can be positioned according to the situation. Preferably, at least one side of the side rails (50) are detachable from the apparatus (10) to facilitate access to the middle of the apparatus. In order to make the apparatus (10) easy to store and transport, it is preferred that all side rails (50) are detachable from the support members (12, 14). In a further embodiment, at least one of the side rails (50) is storable within or by attachment to the support members (12, 14), allowing users to easily access the centre of the apparatus (10) as shown in FIG. 6. In this case, it is unnecessary for both ends of the side rails (50) to be completely detachable from the support members (12, 14), instead one end can fully detach and the other end can pivot with respect to the support member, in order to be concealed therein.

[0067] In a further embodiment, at least one of the side rails (50) is storable within or by attachment to the base (5), allowing users to easily transport the apparatus.

[0068] In another embodiment, a folding seat (60) attachable to a support member and/or stabilizing beam may be opened up at times when a skater needs to sit. The back of the seat is lockable at an adjustable height such that the seat, when folded down, may rest on or beside the stabilizing beam. In a further embodiment, the seat may be folded and stowed along or within a support member when not in use so as not to interfere with the skater's stride.

[0069] In one particular embodiment of the apparatus (10), as shown in FIG. 7, a base (5) is provided, to which the support members (12, 14) are attached. In one arrangement, the support members (12, 14) are hinged to the base (5) so that they can be stored substantially parallel to the base (5) for easy storage and transport. However, it is possible to provide the support members (12, 14) as separate elements from base (5) and have the support members (12, 14) inserted into, or otherwise attached to, the base (5) when in use. The base (5) can be simply two or more platforms to which the support members (12. 14) attach and which are interconnected by a keel (70). The keel (70) can be connected to the base (5) or can be a separate element that is attached to the base (5) when the apparatus (10) is in use. The keel may also be extended telescopically to lengthen the apparatus, if necessary.

[0070] In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the keel (70) can rotate about its longitudinal axis to form a foot rest. When used in combination with the side rails (50) as a back rest and when the stabilizing beam (20) is rotated to form a bench seat, the keel (70) positioned as a foot rest can help the skater or attendant take on and off skates. The keel (5), when in its vertical orientation, can help prevent the skater from crossing the ankles and turning the skate blades at an angle to the direction of travel that could inadvertently cause a sprain or cause the user to fall from the apparatus (10).

[0071] Integrated with the base (5) or separate thereto, bottom rails (52) can be provided to add stability to the apparatus (10). Similar to the side rails (50), the bottom rails interconnect the base (5). The bottom rails (52) may be used as a means of constraining the lateral stride of the skater or as a footrest. Although the bottom rail is described herein as a separate component from the side rails, it should be understood that the side rail (50) closest to the ground can be considered a bottom rail.

[0072] Inclusion of a base (5) allows for the other detachable parts of the apparatus (10), such as the side rails (50), stabilizing beam (20), to be positioned on the base (5) and the support members (12, 14) to be folded over onto the detachable parts and base (5) to form a very planar shape, which is easily transported in most vehicles (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0073] To aid in the transport of the apparatus (10) in unassembled form to and from the desired location for use, one of the supporting members (12, 14) can be provided with wheels (32) or, if present, the wheels (32) can be attached to the base (5). The presence of wheels (32) allows the user to pick up the opposite end of the apparatus (10) and push or pull the apparatus (10) to its desired location. In addition, to help maneuver the apparatus (10), a handle (76) can be integrated with the base (5) or the support members (12, 14).

[0074] As shown in FIG. 4, multiple apparatuses (10) can be connected to form a train. In this case, more than two support members (12, 14) are provided, along with multiple stabilizing beams (20).

[0075] As shown in FIG. 8, the support member(s) (14) can be divided into smaller and detachable side sections (72, 74) that can be mated with, or attached to, a main section (76). It should be noted that FIG. 8 shows a single support member (14), whereas both support members (14, 16) or just one of the support members can be divided.

[0076] The detachable side sections (72, 74) can be mated, or otherwise attached to, the main section (76) in a manner that the overall width of the apparatus (10) can be adjusted to accommodate skaters of various sizes and skating strides. One way the overall width of the apparatus (10) can be adjusted is to provide the detachable side sections (72, 74) with a series of eyelets (78) which fasteners can inserted through to secure the detachable side sections (72, 74) to the main section (76) at attachment points (80, 82, 84 and 86). In order to improve the overall structural integrity of the apparatus (10), it is preferred that the detachable side sections (72, 74) be mated to the main section (76) through a tongue and groove arrangement, where the detachable side sections (72, 74) are slid into a channel on the main section (76).

[0077] In this embodiment, the height of the support member (14) can be adjusted by providing a detachable top section (88) that is attached to the main section (76). The detachable top section (88) can be attached to the main section (76) through a series of eyelets either positioned on the detachable top section (88) or the main section (76). These two sections can be attached together using a fastener, such as a bolt.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of slots (65) can be cutout on the detachable side sections (72, 74). These slots (65) allow for vertical and horizontal adjustment of the placement of the side rails (50) to accommodate skaters of different sizes. In addition, additional slots (92, 94, 96, 98) can be positioned on the edges of the detachable side sections (72, 74) to accommodate side rails (50) as either back (92, 94) or foot (96, 98) rests.

[0079] In order to facilitate assembly of the apparatus (10), the main section (76) can be hinged with respect to the base (5). The user can rotate the main section (76) into a vertical position and lock the bottom portion of the main section (76) by friction tabs (100), which allow for the main section (76) to be held in place while the rest of the apparatus (10) is assembled. A backstop bar (102) can also be provided to prevent over-rotation of main section (76).

[0080] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, various changes and modifications may be effected without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.