Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SIMULATOR FOR BOARD SPORTS
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to a simulator for board sports. In particular the
invention
relates to a simulator able to be used both for determining a rider's stance
and also
as a training aid.
BACKGROUND ART
In recent years, there has been great growth in board sports such as
snowboarding, kite surfing, wake boarding, motorised skateboarding etc. As in
other sports where an object is manipulated by a person, the person aims to
approach an optimal movement of his body and the object. This optimal
movement would allow a minimal effort to result in a maximal effect such as,
for
example, a maximal weight transfer onto an edge when riding a snowboard. In
board sports where the rider's feet and lower legs are to a degree fixed
relative to a
board or platform then it is generally considered that correct stance is
necessary to
approach this optimal movement.
Although an incorrect or sub-optimal stance can be employed, such a stance
imposes an additional burden upon a beginner during the strenuous and
potentially
expensive learning phase. This burden could be reduced if a better stance had
been adopted initially. At worst, a rider may be so unsuited to a stance that
it
poses a heightened risk of possible injury.
As beginners are often fully pre-occupied with mastering numerous skills, the
subtle effects of stance changes are often completely overlooked.
Consequently,
a rider may retain a particular stance setting provided on their first board
for a
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considerable time, without experimentation. This makes beginners reluctant to
vary their stance before they have gained a greater degree of ability.
Riders are further discouraged in experimenting with variations in stance
because
of the difficulty in making meaningful assessments of the adjustments to the
equipment. Attempting to compare the results of different settings between
runs is
fraught with variables outside the rider's control.
A board rider's stance can be varied in a number of ways. A typical snowboard,
for
example, has two longitudinally spaced boot bindings that support both feet,
often
offset at a substantial angle with respect to the longitudinal centreline of
the
snowboard. This cross-orientation of the bindings allows the rider to assume a
side-forward stance, which is the necessary anatomical positioning for optimal
in-
use control of the snowboard.
It is often the case that either a boot worn by the rider or the binding
itself will be
provided with a support for the lower leg with a variable degree of forward
lean.
Stance can also be varied by adjusting the angle between the midline of the
foot
and the centreline of the snowboard and this is often significantly altered
for
different snowboarding styles, e.g. freestyle or slalom racing. However, when
the
angle of the midline of the foot with respect to the board is changed, this
can also
change the angle of forward lean. Other degrees of freedom are also available,
however within these restraints the "ideal" stance may be optimally adapted to
the
anatomical measurements and dynamic qualities of the rider.
Mechanical surfboards help a surfer learn balance and dynamically determine
the
effect of adjustments on the width of his stance on his ability to balance,
however
they do not allow the simulation of board sports, such as snowboarding, where
the
rider's feet are fixed relative to the board. Snowboard simulating devices
which a
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rider can use on a trampoline allow the simulation of dynamic conditions with
feet
fixed to a platform, however they provide no means to determine the effect of
adjustments of the rider's stance.
There are also other snowboard simulators described in the prior art, such as
Canadian patent CA 2 209 030 and US patent US 4 966 364. None of these
simulators allows the rider to dynamically experience the effects of a stance
adjustment. In particular they have no provision for fixing the bindings for
movement toward and away from one another for adjusting the spacing between
the bindings while the rider is held upon the simulator by the bindings.
It would be desirable to provide a device for determining a rider's stance for
board
sports and which addresses the above-mentioned disadvantages.
Typically snowboard training is undertaken on ski fields in formal lessons
and/or
through self-teaching. The learning phase of snowboarding can be very
strenuous
and traumatic to many novices due to the inevitable falls incurred and while
training
devices such as the above-mentioned mechanical surfboards and snowboard
simulating devices can assist beginners in learning the movements involved in
various board sports, these devices do not provide for increased difficulty of
movements as learner's skill level increases. A relatively accessible and safe
means of practising movements for board sports which can be made progressively
more challenging will enhance the learning phase as well as benefiting
experienced riders.
Therefore, it would also be desirable to make available a training device
which
addresses the above-mentioned disadvantages and which makes possible an
improved and cost-effective progressive training in a course of movement for
board
sports.
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All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this
specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that
any
reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what
their
authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy
and
pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that,
although a
number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does
not
constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common
general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.
It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions,
be
attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose
of this
specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an
inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not
only the
listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified
components
or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or
'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.
It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or
at least
to provide the public with a useful choice.
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent
from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a simulator
for
board sports including:
a pair of foot bindings for holding a rider's feet;
a pivoting mount assembly for pivoting both the foot bindings about a first
simulator
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axis to simulate pivoting movement of a board, and characterised in that
at least one of the foot bindings is attached to the pivoting mount assembly
for
movement toward and away from the other of the foot bindings for adjusting the
spacing therebetween while the rider's feet are held by the foot bindings.
The simulator allows a rider to simulate at least one pivoting movement that
is
made to manoeuvre a snowboard, or the like. The movement between the
bindings toward and away from one another is preferably a linear movement. It
will
be understood that while a pivoting pavement may move part of a binding toward
and away from the other binding, the relative movement must be of the whole
binding. Preferably the movement is linear sliding movement e.g. the at least
one
binding is fixed for sliding on a linear track, in a linear slot, or the like.
The rider is
thereby able to dynamically determine the effect of adjustments on the width
of his
stance (determined by the spacing between the foot bindings) on his ability to
balance about the first simulator axis.
In the preferred embodiment the pivoting of the foot bindings about the first
simulator axis is adapted to simulate edge-to-edge roll movement of a board
about
its longitudinal or roll axis, the at least one of the foot bindings, or both
of the foot
bindings, being mounted for sliding movement in a direction substantially
parallel to
the first simulator axis. It will be understood that pivoting about the
longitudinal or
roll axis of a board is important in steering the board to transfer weight
between the
opposing longitudinal edges of the board.
Optionally the simulator may be adapted for simulating pivoting or rotation
about a
pitch axis and/or about a yaw axis of the board. In addition to pivoting about
the
first simulator axis therefore, the simulator may include means for pivoting
both the
foot bindings together about mutually orthogonal pitch and yaw axes, both of
which
are perpendicular to the first simulator axis.
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Advantageously the foot bindings are fixed together for pivoting about the
first
simulator axis. The foot bindings may be fixed to a platform for simulating a
snowboard, or the like. Most preferably, for simulating the manner of mounting
foot bindings on a snowboard, the foot bindings include boot bindings. A
support is
fixed to the pivotal attachment for supporting the foot bindings, preferably
upon the
ground. A handle may be fixed to the support to assist the rider and prevent a
fall.
The pivoting mount assembly preferably includes at least one resilient pivot
upon
which the boot bindings are supported to provide the pivoting movement about
the
simulator axis while also biasing a foot-supporting surface of each foot
binding
toward the horizontal plane. Alternatively, the pivotal attachment may include
a
journal and separate resilient means.
Most preferably the pivoting mount assembly includes two elastomeric pivots
mounted for sliding movement parallel to the first simulator axis for movement
between a widely spaced position to provide substantially roll movement of the
boot
bindings about the first axis, and any one of more closely spaced positions
configured for providing an increased degree of pivoting movement of the
bindings
about mutually orthogonal pitch and yaw axes, both of which are perpendicular
to
the first simulator axis.
In a preferred embodiment both foot bindings are adapted to be simultaneously
moved for adjusting the spacing between the foot bindings in a direction
substantially parallel to the first simulator axis. This may be achieved, for
example,
by a screw-type adjuster, manually or power-operated linear actuators etc.
Optionally one or both foot bindings are fixed in a track extending parallel
to the
first simulator axis for movement to adjust the spacing between the foot
bindings.
The means for adjusting the spacing between the foot bindings is preferably a
screw-type adjuster, but it will be understood that other manually or power-
operated linear actuators may also be used. The screw-type adjustment
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mechanism is preferably connected to the at least one foot binding for sliding
the at
least one foot binding toward and away from the other of the foot bindings for
adjusting the spacing therebetween while the rider's feet are held by the foot
bindings. When both the bindings are mounted for sliding movement the
adjustment mechanism includes: a screw threaded adjuster rod having a handle;
a
screw block received on the adjuster rod; sliding blocks connected to the
bindings,
and an arm pivotally connected to each sliding block and to the screw block.
The simulator may further include means for measuring the spacing between the
centres of the foot bindings, such as a ruler. An alignment indicating device,
such
as a plumb line or level, may also be provided to assist in aligning the
centre of the
rider's knee vertically with his foot. The alignment indicating device may
include a
knee-receiving cup fixed to each foot binding, the position of the knee-
receiving
cup being adjustable to align with the knees of different users, the cup being
adjustable in a plane extending orthogonally to a foot-supporting surface of
the
binding and substantially aligned with the centre of the rider's foot. A rod
assembly
may be fixed to the binding, extending generally perpendicular to a base of
the
binding or platform and able to telescope to align vertically with the knees
of
different height users.
In addition to this freedom of adjustment of the foot bindings in the
longitudinal
direction, the simulator preferably includes means for adjustment of the foot
bindings by rotation of each foot binding about a central axis substantially
intersecting with and extending orthogonally to the first simulator axis for
adjusting
the angle between the midline of the foot and the first simulator axis.
Means may also be provided for movement of the foot bindings lateral to the
first
simulator axis. The means for means for providing each of these adjustments is
preferably adapted to allow for adjustment while the rider is held in the foot
bindings e.g. by a separate operator or by remote control means operated by
the
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rider.
The simulator preferably further includes a rider's seat, upon which the rider
may
sit with his feet secured by the bindings. Additionally, an operator's seat
may also
be provided for seating an operator while he operates the adjustment
mechanism.
The rider's seat and operator's seats are preferably fixed on opposing sides
of the
pivoting mount assembly.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
simulator
for board sports including:
a pair of foot bindings for holding a rider's feet;
a pivoting mount assembly for pivoting both the foot bindings about a first
simulator
axis to simulate pivoting movement of a board, and characterised in that
the pivoting mount assembly includes two elastomeric pivots mounted for
sliding
movement parallel to the first simulator axis for movement between a widely
spaced position to provide substantially roll movement of the boot bindings
about
the first axis, and any one of more closely spaced positions configured for
providing an increased degree of pivoting movement of the bindings about
mutually
orthogonal pitch and yaw axes, both of which are perpendicular to the first
simulator axis
This invention provides a simulator which is effective and efficient in
operational
use, and which is versatile in operation, allowing it to be used to assist
board riders
determine their stance and also for training riders in different courses of
movement. The simulator may be economically constructed and has an overall
simple design which minimizes manufacturing costs.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the
following
description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the simulator of the present invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the simulator of Fig. 1;
Figure 3 is a front elevation of the simulator of Fig. 1;
Figure 4 is an exploded pictorial view of the mount of the simulator of Fig.
1;
Figure 5 is an exploded pictorial view of part of the platform assembly of the
simulator of Fig. 1;
Figure 6 is an exploded pictorial view of the boot bindings of the simulator
of
Fig. 1, and
Figure 7 is an exploded pictorial view of the alignment indicating device of
the
simulator of Fig. 1
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring to Figs 1 - 3, a simulator 100 according to the present invention
for board
sports, and in particular snowboarding, is shown having a frame 30 with a
rider's
seat 31 and an operator's seat 32 positioned either side of a platform
assembly 33
supported on a pivoting mount 34. The platform assembly 33 includes a platform
5
to which a pair of foot bindings or boot bindings 2a, 2b are mounted for
holding the
a rider's feet while the mount 34 allows the platform assembly 33 to pivot
primarily
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about a first simulator axis A to simulate edge-to-edge roll of a snowboard
about its
longitudinal centreline.
The frame 30 includes a rider's seat framework 35 and an operator's seat
framework 36 fixed by a joining member 37. Both frameworks 35, 36 are of like
shape and have horizontal portions 35a, 36a for supporting the frame upon the
ground and 35b, 36b for supporting the seats 31, 32.
The mount 34 includes an elongate base 38 rigidly fixed upon the joining
member
37 and which supports an elongate pivoting member 39 connected by front and
rear resilient pivots 3a, 3b .
The boot bindings 2a, 2b are fixed for sliding movement in linear slots 41 a,
41 b in
the platform 5 and the platform assembly 33 further includes a rotating handle
40
for controlling the sliding movement of the boot bindings 2a, 2b. An alignment
indicating device 42 is fixed to each of the boot bindings 2a, 2b.
As best seen in Fig. 4, the pivots 3a, 3b are moulded from an elastomeric
material
about a central threaded shank 43 which protrudes from either end for
engagement with upper and lower jaws 44a, 44b for clamping engagement with the
pivoting member 39 and base 38 respectively. The pivots 3a, 3b are symmetrical
about the long axis of the shank 43 and either side of a central waisted
section 45
which defines the first simulator axis A. Upper and lower faces of the pivots
3a, 3b
are parallel to bias the platform 5 toward the horizontal plane. The base 38
is a
rectangular hollow section and the pivoting member a channel, both with
cutouts
48a, 48b, 49a, 49b for access to the jaws 44a, 44b. The pivoting member 39 is
received between and may be restrained by the end plates 47 fixed to the ends
of
the base 38. The upper end of the shank 43 of each pivot 3a, 3b is received in
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slot 46a, 46b in the pivoting member, with corresponding slots (not shown) in
the
base 38 in order that the longitudinal position of the pivots 3a, 3b may be
varied.
An adjustment mechanism 50, shown in Fig. 5, forms part of the platform
assembly
33 and is provided for adjusting the spacing between the boot bindings 2a, 2b
in
the longitudinal direction. The mechanism 50 slides blocks 51 a, 51 b in the
slots
41 a, 41 b. The blocks 51 a, 51 b are connected to the boot bindings 2a, 2b
and with
pivots 54, 55 to pivoting arms 52a, 52b, each of which are connected to a
screw
block 53. A threaded shaft 56 has one end fixed to the handle 40 and the other
received in a threaded aperture in the block 53. The shaft 56 is fixed for
rotation in
saddle blocks 57 to the underside of the platform 5. In this manner, rotation
of the
handle 40 simultaneously slides the blocks 51 a, 51 b toward or away from a
central
position on the platform 5. Measurement indicia (e.g. a ruler - not shown) or
other
means is provided to allow the operator to measure the longitudinal spacing
between the centres of the bindings 2a, 2b.
The simulator 100 can also be readily adapted to support a rider upon a
separate
snowboard (not shown). After removing the boot bindings 2a, 2b, a separate
snowboard may be supported upon the platform 5, the resilient support pads 77
holding the snowboard in place.
As seen in Fig. 6, mounting and support for the rider's booted feet and the
lower
legs is provided by each individual binding 2a, 2b which also forms part of
the
platform assembly 33. The bindings 2a, 2b are fixed to the sliding blocks 51
a, 51 b
by means of a binding disc 59 and secured by central fasteners 60. Each
binding
disc 59 defines an axis of. rotation B, C which intersects the first simulator
axis A
(axes B and C extending vertically when axis A extends horizontally). No stops
limit the rotational movement of the bindings 2a, 2b, which can rotate through
360
degrees. Rotation of the foot plate 60 connected by the disc 59 about axes C,
D
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varies the angle between the midline of the foot (i.e. a line from the heel to
the toe)
and the longitudinal centreline of the platform 5. A scale (not shown) is
provided
on the discs 59 or foot plate 60 to allow angular measurements to be
determined.
Each foot plate 60 has a flat foot-supporting surface, as illustrated in Fig.
7.
Mounted to the rear of the foot plate 60 is a high back leg support 12. The
high
back leg support 12 is preferably rigid, but it may be adjustable for rotation
about
respective axes normal to the axes B, C to provide a variable degree of
forward
lean. The high back leg support 12 has openings 62a, 62b for slidably
receiving
the opposing parallel edges 61 a, 61 b of the foot plate 60. At the front edge
of the
foot plate 160 a recess 65 is provided for receiving a bracket 66 (Fig. 7) of
an
alignment indicating device 42. Fixed to the leg support 12 a spring-biased
detent
63 is provided for engagement with recesses 64 in the edges 61 a, 61 b. In
this
manner, adjustment of the position of the rider's foot is provided in the
direction of
axis D, generally orthogonal to the axes B, C.
The components of the alignment indicating device 42 are shown in Fig. 7 and
include a mounting bracket 66 fixed at one end of an elongate telescoping
assembly 67 having a knee cup 68 fixed at one end thereof. The telescoping
assembly 67 comprises a bar 69 to which the L-shaped bracket is fixed such the
bar 69 extends upwardly from the front and centre of the foot plate 60. The
telescoping assembly 67 further comprises an elongate tubular member 70
slidingly received on the bar 69 and having a detent 63 fixed thereto for
engagement with recesses 71 in the bar 69 to fix the height of a knee-
receiving
cup 68 fixed to the end of the member 70. The knee-receiving cup 68 includes a
stem 72 received in a aperture 74 in the end of member 70 and may be fixed by
pin 74 in any one of openings 75 in the stem 72. In this manner the position
of the
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knee-receiving cup 68 may be adjusted in a plane (not shown) extending
orthogonally to the platform 5 and aligned with the centre of the rider's
foot.
The simulator 100 may be used for two main purposes: primarily it allows
dynamic
adjustments to be made to a rider's stance allowing a suitable stance to be
readily
determined, and a secondary purpose is to allow users to practice a range of
movements applicable to board sports.
To determine a suitable stance for a novice rider the pivots 3a, 3b are
clamped at
their maximum longitudinal spacing (at opposing ends of the slots 46a, 46b).
In
this position, movement of the platform 5 is largely restricted to pivoting
about the
first simulator axis A to simulate edge-to-edge roll of a snowboard. The rider
(not
shown) is secured to the simulator 100 by the bindings 2a, 2b in an initial
narrow
stance, where the bindings 2a, 2b are relatively close together in the
longitudinal
direction (parallel to axis A). The high back leg support 12 is adjusted for
the size
of the rider's boots to position his feet centrally on the foot plates 60. The
angle of
the bindings 2a, 2b are adjusted by rotation about the respective axes B, C
normal
to the platform 5 to a suitable initial stance.
With support initially from the seat 31 the rider 1 attempts to stand and
balance the
platform 5, maintaining it horizontal, while the operator slowly winds the
handle 40
to move the bindings 2a, 2b and widen the rider's stance. As the stance is
widened, the rider is able to feel a point at which he can balance the
platform. This
"correct" stance can be verified by use of the vertical indicating device 42.
The
operator adjusts the vertical and horizontal position of the knee cups 68 so
that the
rider's knees are received therein. This verifies that the centre of the
rider's knee
is properly aligned with his foot.
This same dynamic process can be repeated with variations in the angle of each
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binding 2a, 2b about axes B, C described above to determine a comfortable
stance, approaching an optimal, which is suited to the anatomical measures and
dynamic qualities of the rider.
It will also be understood that the simulator allows for improved training,
allowing a
rider to practice courses of movement, and, for example, to allow a trainer to
make
ready observations to assist the learning process. By adjusting the position
of the
pivots 3a, 3b the characteristics of the simulator can be varied. As the
pivots 3a,
3b are positioned closed together the rotary freedom of movement of the
platform
5 is increased, and whereas at maximum spacing the movement is largely roll
movement about longitudinal axis A, at minimum spacing a degree of pitch and
yaw rotation are provided (about respective axes perpendicular to axis A). The
amount of freedom of movement may thus be adjusted to suit the user's progress
through the learning process, making use of the simulator progressively more
challenging even as the user increases in skill.
Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only
and
it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto
without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.
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