Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
MOBILE SKATING AID APPARATUS
Field of the Invention
[0001] Generally, the present invention relates to sports equipment. More
specifically, the
present invention is related to a skating aid apparatus for use primarily in
supporting individuals
with mobility/balance disabilities that would make skating difficult and
unsafe in the absence of
appropriate physical support or protection.
Background of the Invention
[0002] Individuals with mobility/balance disabilities often face
difficulties when engaging
in physical activities that others often take for granted. One such example is
ice skating, an activity
which requires a great amount of coordination and balance to avoid falling.
For persons who must
cope with impaired faculties such as dexterity, mobility, balance, sensory
perception or mental
acuity, skating is consequently difficult and unsafe without the assistance of
specialized
equipment.
[0003] Skating aids that provide support for skaters are well known in
the art but are aimed
primarily at beginning skaters, children in particular. Such skating aids are
generally simple
frames which a skater grasps to support his or her body weight until he or she
can develop
balance. These simple frames help stabilize a skater to some degree ¨ but do
not necessarily
arrest a fall, should one occur. As such, they present difficulties for
persons with mobility/balance
disabilities. For example, such designs often insufficiently account for the
unique difficulties and
safety concerns that individuals with mobility/balance disabilities face. In
particular, individuals
with mobility/balance disabilities are more susceptible to losing their
balance and falling, and are
less able to protect themselves should they fall. Thus, they are at greater
risk of injury. In addition,
such designs do not provide support for attendants of the disabled. Should the
individual using
the skating aid require the support of an attendant, the attendant is also at
risk of injury when
trying to prevent the skater from falling or in trying to get the skater back
on his or her feet.
[0004] Skating aids that provide means for preventing a fall even where
the skater loses
balance are also known in the art, though less common. However, these aids do
not sufficiently
accommodate individuals with mobility/balance disabilities. For example, US
Patent No.
5,033,734 entitled "Training Aid for Skaters" describes a skating aid
comprising a frame
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surrounding the skater and a seat suspended from said frame that the user
straddles. Difficulties
are apparent in terms of getting into and out of the frame without assistance,
an issue which is
exacerbated if the skater is physically disabled and is wearing skates at the
time.
[0005] Similarly, the skating aid described in US Patent Application No.
2014/0141940 Al
entitled "Training Aid for Skaters" features a horizontal support bar with a
seat for the skater to
rest upon and handlebars which the skater grasps for balance and to propel the
aid forward. A
disadvantage of this device is that there is nothing on the sides or rear of
the apparatus to protect
the skater from collisions or from falls in these directions. An additional
potential drawback of this
skating aid is that there is nothing at the rear to stabilize an attendant or
allow him or her to push
or steer from behind. A further potential drawback is that the device is
primarily designed for use
by children and may not accommodate adults.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for lightweight, compact, adjustable
skating aid
apparatus that enables persons with a range of disabilities or impairments to
skate (or act as an
attendant to a skater) with significantly reduced risk of injury to either
party.
Summary of the Invention
[0007] The present invention relates to a skating aid apparatus for use
primarily in
supporting individuals with mobility/balance disabilities.
[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided
an apparatus for
providing support for a skater. The apparatus comprising; at least two support
members, at least
one of which the skater can grasp for support; a stabilizing beam for
connecting the at least two
support members and 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.
[0009] In one embodiment, the height and width of the at least two
support members are
independently adjustable.
[0010] In another embodiment, the at least two support members comprise
telescopic
sections to allow for the height and width to be adjusted independently.
[0011] In a further embodiment, the stabilizing beam is releasably
connected to the at
least two support members.
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[0012] In a still further embodiment, the stabilizing beam can rotate
with respect to the at
least two support members from a skating position, whereby the plane of the
stabilizing beam is
substantially perpendicular to the surface in which the apparatus is being
operated, to a resting
position, whereby the plane of the stabilizing beam is substantially parallel
to the surface in which
the apparatus is being operated.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, the length of said stabilizing beam is
adjustable.
[0014] In yet a further embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one
side rail that
interconnects the at least two support members for improving the structural
integrity of the
apparatus. The side rails can be any shape; however, the skater may find it
easier to grasp
cylindrically shaped or substantially cylindrically shaped side rails.
[0015] In another embodiment, the length of the at least one side rail is
adjustable.
[0016] In a further embodiment, the at least one side rail is fully
detachable from the at
least two support members.
[0017] In still a further embodiment, one end of the at least one side
rail is pivotably
attached and dimensioned to be stored inside one of the support members.
[0018] In yet a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises slots
vertically
arranged on the at least two support members to receive the ends of said
stabilizing beam, the
one or more side rails, or a combination of both of these.
[0019] In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a base to
which the at
least two support members are attached thereto. The base comprising a keel
that is dimensioned
to span the distance between the at least two support members.
[0020] In another embodiment, 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.
[0021] In yet a further embodiment, the gliding elements are skis or
runners that
interconnect the at least two support members. The length of the skis or
runners can be adjusted.
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[0022] In a still further embodiment, the support members are foldable
upon the base to
facilitate transport and storage of the apparatus when not in use.
[0023] In another embodiment, the rolling elements are wheels.
[0024] In a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises 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.
[0025] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a seat element
attached to
said stabilizing beam. The seat element being dimensioned to be storable in a
support member
or removed from the apparatus when not in use.
[0026] In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least
three support
members and at least two stabilizing beams.
[0027] In a still further embodiment, the stabilizing beam comprises
fastening elements at
each end for connecting the stabilizing beam to said support members.
[0028] In a still further embodiment, the apparatus comprises a base with
central beam or
keel that is intended to prevent skaters with certain disabilities from
inadvertently crossing their
ankles.
[0029] In a still further embodiment, the apparatus comprises a base with
central beam or
keel and open sides to permit skaters with certain disabilities to adopt a
wider lateral stride.
[0030] In a still further embodiment, the apparatus comprises a base with
central beam or
keel and sides that may be enclosed to constrain the lateral stride of skaters
with certain
disabilities.
[0031] In a still further embodiment, the base comprises length adjusting
means.
[0032] In a still further embodiment, the side rails are removable and
comprise fastening
elements at each end for connecting them to said support members.
[0033] In a still further embodiment, the side rails may be connected to
the support
members at various points to form a protective enclosure of variable height
and width.
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[0034] In a still further embodiment, at least one of the side rails may
be connected to the
support members at a point close to the base to serve as a footrest when
putting on or removing
skates.
[0035] In a still further embodiment, at least one of the side rails may
be connected to the
support members at a point above the beam to serve as a backrest when putting
on or removing
skates.
[0036] In a still further embodiment, at least of the one side rails is
dimensioned to be
storable in the base of the apparatus.
[0037] In a still further embodiment, at least one rolling element is
affixed to the base or
to a support element such that the folded apparatus may be rolled along by the
skater or the
attendant (in a manner similar to luggage).
[0038] In a still further embodiment, at least one handle is affixed to
the base or to a
support element such that the folded apparatus may be grasped and towed or
pushed by the
skater or the attendant (in a manner similar to luggage).
[0039] In a still further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a
seat element
attached to said stabilizing beam that may be reconfigured to serve as a
platform bench.
[0040] In a still further embodiment, the seat element is dimensioned to
be storable in a
support member or in the base or to be removed from the apparatus when not in
use.
[0041] In a still further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises
lights positioned on
at least one of the support members.
[0042] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method
of assembling the apparatus described above. The method comprising the steps
of: positioning
the at least two support members vertically with respect to the base;
attaching the stabilizing
beam to the at least two support members; and fastening the at least one side
rail to the at least
two support members.
[0043] In one embodiment, the at least two support members hinged to the
base and
rotated into their vertical orientation.
CA 3015170 2018-08-23
(
[0044] In another embodiment, the step of positioning
comprises inserting the at least two
support members into the base.
[0045] According to one aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of
supporting a skater who is skating on a surface. The method comprising the
steps of: providing
a skating aid apparatus; communicating skating motion of the skater within the
apparatus by
pushing on one of the support members so as to cause the apparatus to move
upon the surface,
and communicating skating motion of the attendant stationed outside of the
apparatus by pushing
on one of the support members so as to cause the apparatus (and the skater
inside the apparatus)
to move upon the surface.
[0046] According to one aspect of the present invention, there
is provided the use of a
skating aid apparatus for supporting a skater who is skating or rolling on a
surface.
[0047] Brief Description of the Drawings
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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:
[0050] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the mobile skating
aid apparatus according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0051] Fig. 2 shows a side view of the mobile skating aid
apparatus in extended and
collapsed view according to an embodiment;
[0052] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the mobile skating
aid apparatus according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0053] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the mobile skating
aid apparatus according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0054] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the mobile skating
aid apparatus according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
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i
[0055] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the mobile skating aid
apparatus according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0056] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the mobile skating aid
apparatus according to
an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0057] 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
[0058] 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).
[0059] 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.
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[0060] 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).
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
8
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-11
[0064] 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 figure 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).
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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
9
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-11
,
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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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
CA 3015170 2018-08-23
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.
[0071] 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).
[0072] 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".
[0073] 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).
[0074] 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).
[0075] 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).
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[0076] 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.
[0077] 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).
[0078] 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.
[0079] 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.
[0080] 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).
[0081] 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.
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