TRAINING DEVICE AND TRAINING SEAT FOR KITE SURFING AND METHOD THEREOF

Abstract

A training device having a platform for receiving at least one person; at least one anchoring point for fastening a securing means that secures the person on the training device; a vertical rotation axis Z, about which the training device can be mounted rotatably or is mounted rotatably. The anchoring point is arranged at or above the height of the buttocks region of the person, and the training device is rotatable about this rotary axis Z by means of forces acting on the platform.

Claims

1. A training device for learning the operation of a flying apparatus that pulls a person, the device comprising: a platform (1) for the standing, sitting, kneeling or lying reception of at least one person; at least one anchoring point (2) for the fastening of a securing means (3) which secures the person to the training device; and a vertical rotary axis (Z), about which the training device can be mounted rotatably or is mounted rotatably; wherein the anchoring point (2) is arranged in or above the height of the person's buttocks region, and the training device is rotatable around this rotary axis (Z) by means of forces acting on the platform (1), and wherein the rotary axis (Z) is completely, or within constructively predefined limits, stationary relative to the platform (1), characterized in that said forces are external wind forces which are transferred from the flying apparatus held by the person, and through the securing means (3) and the anchoring point (2) to the body of the training device.

2. The training device according to claim 1, wherein the completely stationary rotary axis (Z) is provided by means of a rotary joint which is located at the underside, at the circumference, or at the upper side of the platform (1).

3. The training device according to claim 2, wherein the rotary axis (Z) which is stationary within constructively predefined boundaries is provided by means of a coupling element (16) which is slidably moveable between two end stops (15).

4. The training device according to claim 1, further comprising skids or a slidable underside for the locomotion on ice and snow, or rollers for the locomotion on solid grounds.

5. The training device according to claim 1, wherein the device is floatable.

6. The training device according to claim 5, further comprising a floating body which provides a permanent or temporary buoyancy.

7. The training device according to claim 1, further comprising a support body for the feet (4), and/or a support body for the back (5) of a person, and wherein the support body/bodies (4, 5) is or are located at the edge of the platform (1) or at the central region of the platform (1).

8. The training device according to claim 7, wherein the support body for the feet (4) has a region which can, by means of the feet of a person, be tilted laterally or forward/backward, and/or be rotated around a central axis, and wherein the support body (4) is designed either as a body which is deformable by the feet, or as a rigid body which is supported moveable on the platform (1) according to said degrees of freedom.

9. The training device according to claim 8, wherein the platform (1) comprises a recess (6) at its circumference, wherein the recess (6): is provided for the reception of a board like sports device serving as a support body for the feet (4), wherein the sports device can be supported in the recess (6) according to said degrees of freedom, or has a deformable floor and provides holding means (7) for a fixation to a person's feet, and is suitable for the reception of a separate training seat which receives a person.

10. The training device according to claim 5, further comprising at least one braking body (8) which is located below or laterally to the platform (1) and which is attached to the same, and which is or can be filled with water or a solid material.

11. The training device according to claim 10, wherein the braking body (8) is provided by means of an additional subfloor or two skids, and has at least one opening (9) through which it can be filled and/or emptied.

12. The training device according to claim 1, further comprising a dragging device (10), wherein the same engages—if applicable, in a view parallel to the rotary axis (Z)—in a region opposing to the at least one opening (9) of the braking body (8).

13. The training device according to claim 7, wherein seats are stretched between the support body for the feet (4) and the support body for the back (5).

14. The training device according to claim 1, further comprising a motor drive and/or a mounting for a vehicle suitable for the pushing and/or pulling propulsion of the training device.

15. A method for the operation of a training device for learning the operation of a flying apparatus for pulling a person, the training device having a platform (1) for the standing, sitting, kneeling or lying reception of at least one person; and at least one anchoring point (2) for the fastening of a securing means (3) which secures the person to the training device; and a vertical rotary axis (Z), about which the training device is rotationally supported, the rotary axis (Z) being, relatively to the platform (1), immovable, or movable within constructively predetermined limits; the method comprising the steps: securing the person at the anchoring point (2) lying in or above the height of the person's buttocks region; exerting external forces on the training device by means of the flying apparatus held by the person; and rotating the training device around its rotary axis (Z) due to said external forces; such that the training device automatically orients itself in such a way that the flying apparatus is located on the downwind side.

16. The method according to claim 16, wherein the rotary axis (Z) is provided by a rotary joint, and wherein the rotary joint is directly or indirectly connected with an anchoring.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the connection is indirect, and is provided by means of a rope, a cable, or a chain, and wherein the anchoring is a floating body, an immersion body, or a solid underground.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the training device is moved by means of a motor driven vehicle.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the motor driven vehicle is attached at the stationary rotary axis (Z) to the training device, so that wind for the flying apparatus is generated, while the training device can rotate around its rotary axis (Z).

20. A method for the operation of a training seat for learning the operation of a flying apparatus for pulling a person, wherein the training seat has a seating area (17) for receiving the person, an inclined tread surface (18) for supporting the feet of a person, as well as securing means (3) for holding back the person to the training seat, characterized in that at least the tread surface (18) of the training seat is erected from a lying rest position due to tensile forces provided by the flying apparatus, together with the person which is attached to the training seat by means of the securing means (3), whereupon at least the tread surface (18) tilts forward around a tilt axis (Y) which runs perpendicular to the person's sagittal plane.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0100] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a preferred embodiment of the training device.

[0101] FIG. 2 shows schematically an embodiment of the training device with a rotary axis which is stationary within predefined boundaries.

[0102] FIG. 3 shows a top view of a preferred embodiment of the training device.

[0103] FIG. 4 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of the training device.

[0104] FIG. 5 shows schematically the situation with forces acting eccentrically to the training device.

[0105] FIG. 6 shows schematically the situation after rotation of the platform, and with external forces running through the center of mass.

[0106] FIG. 7 shows schematically a training seat with tilt axis in the region of the tread surface.

[0107] FIG. 8 shows schematically a training seat which is tiltable as a whole in the form of a half shell with a rear side in the form of a circular segment.

[0108] FIG. 9 shows schematically a training seat with tiltable tread surface in a side view;

[0109] FIG. 10 shows schematically the training seat with tiltable tread surface at an angle from the front;

[0110] FIG. 11 shows schematically a tiltable tread surface with transverse rod in a perspective view;

[0111] FIG. 12 shows schematically a tiltable tread surface without transverse rod in a perspective view;

[0112] FIG. 13 shows schematically training device with a training seat arranged in a recess; and

[0113] FIG. 14 shows schematically an embodiment of the tread surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0114] In FIG. 1, a schematic side view of a preferred embodiment of the training device is depicted. It has a platform 1. In the case at hand, two persons a present, one of which is in a standing, the other in a sitting position. The depicted embodiment is floatable and can glide along the water surface. Platform 1 is provided as floating body which provides permanent buoyancy.

[0115] In the central region, presently in the center, of platform 1, a support body for the back 5 is arranged. Multiple anchoring points 2 are attached to the same for attachment of securing means 3 which are intended to secure persons to the training device. In the present case, the anchoring points 2 are designed as eyelets, and the securing means 3 are designed as lines. The anchoring points 2 are arranged in or above the height of the buttocks region of the person. This has the advantage that a person who must absorb the tensile forces of the kite is relieved, since the tensile forces are diverted by the securing means 3 which is arranged behind the back, without the person being e.g. pulled to the ground which would be the case when the anchoring point 2 would be arranged at the floor, and/or the kite would fly very close to the water surface. In other words, by the raised arrangement of the anchoring point 2, a linear running flux of force from the flying apparatus over its lines to the harness of the student, and, while keeping said linear orientation, further from the student to the body of the training device. Thus, the tensile force vector runs in a straight line from the flying apparatus to the body of the training device. This is done by intersecting with the body of the student, whereby the forces are directed around him/her by appropriate auxiliary means (harness, support frame) such that the student him/herself does not have to absorb all tensile forces. If he/she stems against the kite such that the securing means 3 is temporarily without tension, he/she can take temporarily full control of the kite. In case of a sudden gust or fatigue, he/she can divert the forces to the body of the training device via the securing means 3 instead via his/her own body.

[0116] The platform 1 comprises also a support body for the feet 4 which is arranged circumferentially in the edge region of the platform 1. A person who controls the kite (not shown) and who tries to absorb the tensile forces of the same can rest against this support body 4. Further, the platform 1 comprises also holding means 7 for the feet.

[0117] Depicted is further the vertical rotary axis Z, about which the training device is rotatably supported. Since the training device is not attached firmly to an underground in all degrees of freedom, it can be set in rotation by means of external forces. In particular, it can rotate due to the tensile forces which are provided by a kite, and which are forwarded from the latter by means of the lines to the student, and from there, via the securing means 3 and the anchoring point 2 to the body of the training device. The depicted embodiment has a completely stationary rotary axis Z. The latter is determined by the position of a rotary joint which is arranged at the underside of the platform 1 in its center. To the rotary joint, a rope 12 is attached which is connected with the underground, and which has, in the case at hand, a weighted end. It is clear that, depending on the tension of rope 12, the training device can drift horizontally on the water surface; a very strong tensioned rope or a vertical rod allow virtually no drifting. However, from the viewpoint of the students on the platform, this drifting is hardly noticeable compared to the possible rotations about vertical rotary axis Z.

[0118] When the training device is not connected with the underground, it provides a completely variable rotary axis. The drifting the allows for a simultaneous rotating, the rotary point is however not defined any more.

[0119] Even when the training device is dragged e.g. by a boat with rope 12 (e.g. for the generation of “artificial” wind), it can—in addition to the drifting motion which is imposed to the platform by the boat—still rotate about the defined rotary axis Z; the latter is still completely stationary. It is clear that it has to be ensured that a free rotation is not impeded by components colliding with one another.

[0120] On its underside, the platform 1 has a braking body 8 which is connected to it and which can be filled with water. In the present case, the latter is produced from a flexible, tarpaulin-like material, so that a flat, inflatable volume is provided. The braking body 8 forms an additional underbody below the platform 1 and has an opening 9, through which it can be filled and emptied. In the situation shown, it is largely filled, so that it significantly contributes to the capsizing safety of the training device. Due to the flat design of the braking body 8, the latter does not, or only very little, impede the rotation of the training device, even in the filled state.

[0121] If the training device is now dragged to the right in the image, for example by means of a dragging device 10 (on the right in the image; only schematically and partly shown), the platform 1 is slightly lifted on the side of the dragging device 10. Surface water flows under the platform 1 and thus under the braking body 8. The water contained in the volume thereof is thereby forced out through the opening 9; the platform becomes lighter and better maneuverable. If the training device stagnates, the volume is automatically filled with water again.

[0122] In order to achieve the described effect of emptying, the dragging device 10, seen in a view parallel to the rotary axis Z, attaches to the region of the training device lying opposite the opening 9 of the braking body 8.

[0123] FIG. 2 shows schematically an embodiment of the training device with a rotary axis which is stationary within predefined boundaries. Presently, the latter is provided by means of a coupling element 16 (roller) which is slidably moveable between two end stops 15 (eyelets), the coupling element 16 being able to glide along a rope.

[0124] FIG. 3 shows a top view of a preferred embodiment of the training device. It can be clearly seen that the same has a circular base surface. The centrally arranged support body for the back 5 is also round. The persons have been omitted in the figure for reasons of clarity. Visible is the (almost) circumferential support body for the feet 4, and (shown for one student only) anchoring points 2 and holding means 7 for the feet. The “training segment” shown can be present in a single or multiple manner on the platform 1.

[0125] In the embodiment shown, further, a recess 6 is provided on the platform 1. The recess 6 serves to receive a board-like sports device provided by a rigid-designed support body for the feet 4 (without reference numeral, not to scale). The latter is mounted in a tilting and rotatable manner (bearings not shown), so that a student on the device can perform according movements, in particular when he/she simultaneously controls a kite. However, the recess can also be provided for a training seat which is illustrated further below.

[0126] FIG. 4 shows a scaled down schematic three-dimensional view of a training device obliquely from above. Reference numerals already introduced are omitted for reasons of clarity. A person who holds a bar (without reference numeral) is shown on this training device. Two lines (without reference numeral) extend from the bar to a kite (not shown). A tensile force is exerted on the student by means of the lines; by means of the (not visible) securing means 3 and the anchoring point 2 the forces can be dissipated to the body of the training device.

[0127] Furthermore, seats 11, which are illustrated transparently, can be seen, which are tensioned between the support body for the feet and the support body for the back. Reference is made to the above explanations with regard to the advantages of such seats.

[0128] FIG. 5 shows the schematic plan view of the training device when tensile forces which originate from the kite and which act on the training device and do not run (viewed in a plan view) through its center of mass. The platform 1 is attached to the underground by means of a rope 12, the rotary axis Z is therefore stationary relative to the platform 1.

[0129] In the image, the lines of the kite (not shown) run to the top left; the dash-dotted line indicates the (summed) tensile force vector of the external forces. The line initially does not run through the centre of mass/the rotary axis Z. Therefore, the training device is set into a rotational movement (arrow 13 top right). Also, the centre of the training device drifts in the direction of the dashed arrow 14; the latter lies on a circular path with the centre point at the end of the rope 12 (black circle; e.g. anchor or weight). The plane of the force vector and of the cable that is perpendicular to the image do not coincide, but are at an angle W to one another.

[0130] In FIG. 6, in which the reference numerals have been omitted, the rotation of the platform 1 has come to a standstill, since the force vector now runs through the rotary axis Z. It also lies in the same plane as the rope 12, which dissipates the forces to the underground, said forces travelling via student, securing means and anchoring point (respectively not shown) into the body of the training device, and from there, via the rotary joint to said rope. The equilibrium shown is disturbed by steering the kite to another point; the equilibrium is restored by a further rotation and optional drift of the training device.

[0131] FIG. 7 schematically shows a training seat with a tilt axis Y in the region of the tread surface 18. The training seat can tilt forward in the direction of the sagittal plane of the student about this tilt axis Y, which can be provided, for example, by a transverse rod or belts. The student can be retained on the seat by means of suitable securing means 3. Also visible are parts of the inhibiting device 19, which ensures that the student can tilt forward together with the seat only up to a maximum angle. The inhibiting device can be attached to a fixed underground (platform 1, landing stage, boat, . . . ). Accordingly, the tilt axis Y is stationary. Holding means 7 for the feet (not shown) are arranged on the tread surface 18 as loops that can be adjusted in size and position.

[0132] FIG. 8 shows an entirely tiltable training seat in the form of a half-shell, shown in section, which has a rear side in the form of a circular arc. The rear side of the half shell can be equipped with a rigid guide track which can slide in a corresponding frame, so that the tilting movement is made possible.

[0133] It is also possible for the training seat to be floatable and to have a rear side in the form of a circular segment, so that it can slide in the water on a circular-segment-shaped path. According to this embodiment, the rotary axis is variable within limits.

[0134] FIG. 9 schematically shows a training seat in a side view having only a tiltable tread surface. The seating area 17 is fixedly connected to the platform 1. The tread surface 18 has the tilt axis Y according to the invention. However, since the tread surface is part of the training seat, the tilt axis Y is also part of the training seat. To the side of the tread surface 18A a post 21 is attached, the end of which extends approximately as far as the buttocks region of the seating area 17. During raising from the continuously-drawn rest position to a raised position drawn in dashed lines, the post 21 tilts forward together with the tread surface 18 until the tread surface 18 runs approximately parallel to the water surface (not shown).

[0135] The neck support 24 shown is preferably designed to be adjustable.

[0136] FIG. 10 schematically shows the training seat with tiltable tread surface obliquely from the front. The platform is omitted in this view. The two posts 21, as well as a transverse rod 22 can be clearly seen. In the seating area 17, a recess (without reference numeral) is present, into which the transverse rod 22 can enter.

[0137] FIG. 11 schematically shows a tiltable tread surface with a transverse rod 22 in a perspective view. Instead of the transverse rod, a harness 23 which is part of the securing means 3, fastened to wires or belts, can be attached between the ends of the posts 21 (FIG. 12).

[0138] FIG. 13 schematically shows a training device with a training seat arranged in a recess. The training device accordingly comprises only a single training seat in this exemplary embodiment. In the rear region, space is provided for further students. The training seat can be rotated about a “local” rotary axis X, and can be tilted about the tilt axis Y; the latter is located below the training seat, since it can tilt on the water. The training device itself is still rotatable about the “global axis of rotation Z”.

[0139] Finally, FIG. 14 shows a special embodiment of the tread surface 18, which is suitable in particular for a training seat which can be tilted as a whole. Since high forces can develop during the forward-tilting of the training seat into the vertical, it is advantageous to cushion the tread surface 18. If the underground is soft (water and possibly inflatable floating body), it is helpful to compensate for this. The figure shows a board 20 which is attached to two inflatable air cushions. In the upright state of the training seat, the tread surface 18 presses centrally onto said air cushions. By filling or emptying the air cushions, the inclination of the tread surface 18 can be varied. This could, of course, also be achieved by means of a mechanically adjustable tread surface (not shown).

[0140] The semi-circles visible in the lower region of the figure represent the fastening points of the training seat, wherein the three upper ones can be used simultaneously as the tilt axis Y.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0141] 1 platform [0142] 2 anchoring point [0143] 3 securing means [0144] 4 support body for the feet [0145] 5 support body for the back [0146] 6 recess [0147] 7 holding means [0148] 8 braking body [0149] 9 opening [0150] 10 dragging device [0151] 11 seats [0152] 12 rope [0153] 13 arrow [0154] 14 arrow [0155] 15 end stop [0156] 16 coupling element [0157] 17 seating area [0158] 18 tread surface [0159] 19 inhibiting device [0160] 20 board [0161] 21 post [0162] 22 transverse rod [0163] 23 harness [0164] 24 neck support [0165] Z rotary axis [0166] Y tilt axis [0167] X local rotary axis [0168] W angle