Dry Land Trainer

Abstract

Improvements in a dry land training exerciser is disclosed that can simulate a variety of different water-based exercises while on dry land to allow simulation of surfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and swimming by changing the top member platform. One or two cords or ropes operate on a retraction mechanism to produce a load to simulate the exercise. The top member exercise platform is mounted on a confocal parabolic cylinder that allows the exercise platform to simulate wave motion by altering the position and angle of the user as if going up and down a wave. The exerciser includes a display the user can view when exercising. The display can run a pre-recorded simulation of a prior water activity or can use motion of the user to calculate body position and movement to then generate an approximation of the outcome of the user on the water.

Description

PRIOR ART

U.S. Pat. No. 1,911,572 issued on May 30, 1933, to H. N. Hulander et al., and is titled Rocking Device. This patent discloses a rocking device for exercise and amusement which are equipped with fixed or slidable seat boards, supports for the feet of a user and end legs for e holding the devices stationary in either horizontal or inclined positions, there being appropriate levers for controlling the end legs to withdraw or project them. While this patent discloses a rocking exercise device, it does not disclose a resistance mechanism or a rope or cord for simulating water sport exercise.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,906,532 issued on Sep. 29, 1959, to Guy H. Echols and is titled Exerciser. This patent discloses an exercising and/or amusement device or apparatus and more particularly to a device that employs a novel rocker means, especially in combination with other movable means, the whole being designed and intended for healthful and beneficial exercise as well as for pleasure and competitive sport. While this patent discloses an exerciser with side-to-side motion, it does not disclose exercises that are similar to water sports in the open ocean.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,708,867 issued on Apr. 29, 2014, to Charles Lumsden et al., and is titled Exercise Methods and Apparatus Simulating Stand-u Paddle Boarding. This patent discloses an exercise apparatus includes a frame; a platform configured to receive a person in a standing position, the platform connected to the frame; a handheld component configured to be held by a person standing on the platform; and an impeller-driven fluid circulation system. Manipulation of the handheld component by a person standing on the platform results in driving of the impeller and circulation of fluid within the fluid circulation system. The platform may rock from side to side, whereby a person standing on the platform must maintain balance while manipulating the handheld component. The handheld component may simulate a paddle and may include an elongated shaft. In this respect, the paddle component is used by a person standing on the platform as if the paddle component were a paddle used in paddleboarding, including manipulating the paddle component through a rowing motion that preferably would be experienced when paddleboarding. While this patent discloses an exercise device for paddleboarding, it does not disclose simulation for negotiation waves.

What is needed is a water training and exercise device that is used on land and simulates many water exercises from surfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and swimming. The dry land trainer disclosed in this document provides the solution.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Water sports for many offers a form of exercise that uses the resistance of water for fitness. There are often conditions for weather or access to the water is not practical. For those who rely upon water sports such as surfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and swimming for exercise the dry land simulator was created for all people at any location to exercise in similar conditions to being on the water. The dry land simulator can be quickly configured or re-configured to provide or simulate a variety of different water exercise types for various user positions including kneeling, sitting, lying and standing during usage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the dry land trainer to provide an exercise platform that can simulate a variety of different water-based exercises while on dry land. Water sports can be performed from different positions by a user like kneeling, sitting, lying and standing to allow simulation of exercises such as surfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and swimming.

It is an object of the dry land trainer to include a resistance mechanism that includes one or two cords or ropes on a retraction mechanism wherein the user can pull on the cord(s) or rope as they swim or use an oar to simulate the exercise. The resistance can be adjusted for the workload. The load is adjusted to simulate the resistance of water or wave action as the user navigates the exercise. Resistance can be simulated by measurement of real-world motion and resistance to provide a realistic exercise.

It is another object of the dry land trainer to use a confocal parabolic cylinder. The confocal parabolic cylinder allows the exercise platform to simulate wave motion by altering the position and angle of the user as if going up and down a wave. The platform is further cushioned, buffered to provide both stability and instability as might be encountered on water or open ocean.

It is another object of the dry land trainer to have an interchangeable top member. The top members are changed based upon the type of activity like surfing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and swimming. The top member can be constructed with the same components as used in/on the water so the feel to the user is essentially the same under their feet, hands, and body.

It is still another object of the dry land trainer to include a display that the user can view when exercising. The display can run a pre-recorded simulation of a prior water activity or can use the motion of the user to calculate the body position and movement to then generate an approximation of the outcome of the user on the water. This can be dynamically adjusted based upon the speed, rate, and angle of the user, as opposed to the platform being articulated based upon a pre-set oscillation rate and amplitude.

Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a dry land trainer configured for swimming.

FIG. 1B shows a dry land trainer configured as a stand-up paddleboard.

FIG. 1C shows a dry land trainer configured as a kayak.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the dry land trainer.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a dual parabolic framework.

FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of a single parabolic framework.

FIG. 4A shows an exploded end view of the dry land trainer.

FIG. 4B shows an assembled end view of the dry land trainer.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the dry land trainer.

FIG. 6A shows a side view of the dry land trainer in a surfing configuration.

FIG. 6B shows an underside view of the board section of the dry land trainer in a surfing configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention but is merely representative of various embodiments of the invention. The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.

While this technology is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the technology and is not intended to limit the technology to the embodiments illustrated. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the technology. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings with like reference characters.

ITEM NUMBERS AND DESCRIPTION

11 swimming                  12 stand-up paddleboard
13 kayak                     14 user
21 base frame                22 movable base framework
23 servo motor               24 shaft plate Ass'y
25 surfboard substrate       26 secondary set of plates
27 horizontal shaft          28 cylinders, springs, coils
29 system framework          30 block(s)
31 parabolic framework       32 balancing system
33 caster systems            34 stabilizer and anti-tilt platform
35 stabilizing base supports 36 stabilizing base supports
37 central processing unit   38 computer monitor
39 flywheels                 40 hand grasps
41 monitor lift/stand        42 paddle
43 footrests                 44 seat and backrest
45 lock down                 46 cylinder brackets
48 rope/cord                 50 teeth
51 balancing tube            52 connection for stand

The collection of FIG. 1 shows the dry land trainer configured in various contemplated embodiments including FIG. 1A showing the dry land trainer configured for swimming 11, FIG. 1B showing the dry land trainer configured as a stand-up paddleboard 12 and FIG. 1C showing the dry land trainer configured as a kayak 13. The basic configuration has a rectangular or oval shaped base frame 21. There is a ridged platform that will be attached to base frame 21. This is a lightweight movable base 22 framework with wheels for EZ moving to different locations. Within the movable base 22 is a servomotor 23 drive system that articulates a system framework 29 of a parabolic framework 31. The servo drive 23 is contemplated as a servomotor either an AC or DC motor drive, Servo motor is exceptionally precise and better yet extremely quiet. This motor can be screw driven, worm driven, gear driven, chain or belt driven. The framework 29 is a single or Dual “Parabolic Cylinder Coordinate System Framework” for Up and Down movements to simulate waves or raging waterways and will be shown in more detail in other figures herein.

21. Each side of base frame 21 has stabilizing base supports 35 with caster systems 33 that supports the system framework 29. The front of the trainer has a flywheel 39 that connects to the rope/cord 48 of the resistance system. Flywheel 39 is two (2) forward mounted/attached: drum magnetic flywheels, water flywheels, water rowers, or air resistance flywheel machines creating a fluid motion sensation for the operators. A pulling system, with over 20 different resistance levels or a fan enclosed with a water tank, giving you more of a feeling of stroking in the water. Automatic Electric tensions and variable angles fluid motion with smooth resistance give you a great comfortable and safe place to practice.

There is an articulatable monitor lift/stand 41 that supports a computer monitor 38. The computer monitor 38 shows a simulation or actual movie/video to reflect the water/ocean/wave that a user might expect when exercising on the water/ocean. The Curved LED TV or computer monitor 38 is mounted on the framework or other viewing devices IE: 360 projection screens to totally surround the user in real time environments, Jumbotron, or wide screen like in a theater setting.

In the swimming configuration 11 the user 14 places their hands through or into hand grasps 40. The hand grasps are associated with the exercising apparatus, i.e. gloves or straps. They can have quick release straps for pop-ups or with the oars 42 or paddle 42. In the stand-up paddleboard 12 configuration the user 14 uses a paddle 42 with removable ends for use with the Kayak a single paddle. In the kayak 13 configuration the user 14 also uses a paddle 42 with removable ends for use with the Kayak a single paddle. This configuration also uses an adjustable seat 44 with adjustable footrests 43.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of dry land trainer 19. Starting at the top of this view is the padded horizontal surfboard like substrate 25 platform to perform different ergonomic exercises. Substrate 25 can in a few steps into a Kayak, by adding a padded seat and footrests to the top of the platform. It is secured to the center genic balancing system 32 on a center genic balancing shaft for a stable platform using precision bearings for stability and a smooth ride on the horizontal pneumatic cylinder (shown in other figures) with tension adjustments for both mobility and stability inserted between the top 25 and bottom plates on the stabilizing base support 35. This is connected to the stabilizer and anti-tilt platform 34 that is balanced on the balancing system 32. The cushioning ends of the stabilizing base support 35 mount on the blocks 30 on the system framework 29 of the parabolic framework 31 that enables parabolic movement that is driven by the servo motor system 23. The sub-assembly is then secured onto the base frame 21 on the rollers on the stabilizing base supports 35. The parabolic framework 31 can be constructed with a single driven parabolic rib or a dual parabolic rib and both are shown in the following figures.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a dual parabolic framework 31A and FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of a single parabolic framework 31B. The bottom of the framework has a series of teeth 50 that engage into the servo motor to move the framework. The servo motor can drive the teeth 50 in either direction to simulate wave motion such as going down a wave or over a wave with varying wave amplitude and intensity. The amplitude and intensity can be created by computer or Al simulation or can be recorded from actual wave motion that is simultaneously shown on a computer or monitor screen. In the dual parabolic framework, a balancing tube 51 is shown to allow a user to rock side-to-side to simulate movement of the center-of-gravity of the user on the water. On the right side of these views is a connection for the monitor stand.

FIG. 4A shows an exploded end view of the dry land trainer and FIG. 4B shows an assembled end view of the dry land trainer. Starting at the bottom of these views there is base frame 21 that can be rectangular, or an oval shaped base frame supported on feet, casters, rollers or a combination thereof. There is a movable base frame 22 where the stabilizing base supports 35 and 36 are secured thereon. The servo motor 23 is shown with the shaft ends extending from the shaft plate assembly 24. The sides of system framework 29 of the parabolic framework 31 engage on the shaft ends of the servo motor 23 to provide simulated wave motion. The servo motor can drive the parabolic framework through a screw drive, worm drive, gear drive, chain, belt drive or equivalent.

Parabolic framework 31 is at least partially supported on one or multiple caster system 33 that transfers the load of the system and user to frame base 21. From these end views the balancing tube 51 passes into the view and balances the surfboard substrate 25 (or other exercise substrate) with shock absorbers, cylinders, springs, coils 28 or other centering/balancing apparatus. In the exploded view the caster system 33 is more visible with the blocks 30 and the cylinders, springs, coils 28 having a recess for the balancing tube 51 that sits within the horizontal shaft 27 structure to balance on the balancing system 32. There is a secondary set of plates 26 having a top plate and a bottom plate.

The hand grip(s) 40 allows the user to place their fingers into the hand grip(s) 40 for swimming or other exercise. In the right figure the monitor lift/stand 41 is shown with the computer monitor 38. The computer monitor is connected to a central processing unit 37 that runs the monitor 38, controls motion of the servo motor 23 and loads from the resistance system for exercise with the hand grips 40 or paddles (not shown).

FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the dry land trainer topped with a surfboard substrate 25. The parabolic framework has been removed for clarity. The surfboard substrate 25 is secured to the secondary set of plates 26. The balancing tube 51 passes through the secondary set of plates 26 and the ends of the balancing tube 51 are secured with horizontal shafts 27 that clamp into blocks 30. There is a recess in the stabilizer and anti-tilt platform 34 for a portion of the balancing tube 51 to fit therein. The center of the stabilizer and anti-tilt platform 34 has a bearing for the balancing system 32 to fit therethrough and secure the anti-tilt platform 34 onto the stabilizing base supports 35, 36. A series of caster systems 33 all for guiding the parabolic framework (not shown in this figure). At the bottom of this view the servo motor 23 is shown where the shaft ends of the servo motor 23 have the shaft plate assembly 24 that moves the parabolic framework (not shown in this figure).

FIG. 6A shows a side view of the dry land trainer in a surfing configuration and FIG. 6B shows an underside view of the board section of the dry land trainer in a surfing configuration with a surfboard substrate 25. In these figures the absorbers for side-to-side support are shown. Absorbers 28 are at least 4 hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, springs or coils for side-to-side motion and adjustable controls for stability. Absorbers 28 are connected between the stabilizing and anti-tilt platform 26 and stabilizer and anti-tilt platform 34 and pass through or around the horizontal shaft 27. The secondary plates 26 consisting of one top plate and one bottom plate are secured to the surfing substrate 25 using a plurality of lock downs 45 that can be removed to allow for different substrates 26 for different exercises.

Lock downs 45 are secured at the ends into blocks 30 on the parabolic framework 31. In this embodiment the servo motor only controls parabolic movement of the framework 31, but it is contemplated that the same or a separate servo motor could control some side-to-side movement of the surfboard (or other) substrate 25. The horizontal shaft 27 is secured at the ends with cylinder brackets 46.

Thus, specific embodiments of a dry land trainer have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dry land trainer comprising: an exercise substrate secured to a parabolic framework;said parabolic framework having an arc sector shape that is driven by a servo motor to produce wave motion onto said exercise substrate;said parabolic framework is supported on a caster system on at least one stabilizing base support, andsaid servo motor is controlled by a processing unit that produces said wave motion.

2. The dry land trainer according to claim 1, wherein said exercise substrate is further supported on a stabilizing anti-tilt platform that is configured to limit side-to-side rotation that is perpendicular to said wave motion.

3. The dry land trainer according to claim 1, further includes a monitor that shows or plays wave motion on a screen.

4. The dry land trainer according to claim 1, further includes a curved screen that provides at least 90 degrees of projected image around said exercise substrate.

5. The dry land trainer according to claim 1, wherein said exercise substrate is a Kayak, a surfboard, a paddleboard or a swimming surface.

6. The dry land trainer according to claim 1, further includes a resistance apparatus having at least one rope or cord that is configured to connect to a paddle, an oar at least one glove.

7. The dry land trainer according to claim 6, wherein said at least one rope or cord connects to a flywheel that is supported on said parabolic frame.

8. The dry land trainer according to claim 7, wherein said flywheel is connected to a resistance system.

9. The dry land trainer according to claim 1, further includes a resistance apparatus having a rope or cord on each side of said exercise substrate that connects to paddles, oars or gloves on each side of said exercise substrate.

10. The dry land trainer according to claim 9, wherein each of said rope or cord connects to a flywheel on opposing sides of said parabolic frame.

11. The dry land trainer according to claim 10, wherein said flywheel is connected to a resistance system.

12. The dry land trainer according to claim 9, wherein an end of each said rope or cord connects through said resistance apparatus.

13. The dry land trainer according to claim 1, wherein said servo motor is an AC or a DC motor.

14. The dry land trainer according to claim 1, wherein said servo motor drives said parabolic framework through a screw drive, a worm drive, a gear drive, a chain or a belt drive.

15. The dry land trainer according to claim 1, wherein said parabolic framework has a plurality of teeth that are driven by said servo motor.

16. The dry land trainer according to claim 1, wherein there said parabolic framework is constructed with two parallel parabolic frames.

17. The dry land trainer according to claim 1, further includes at least two absorbers that are connected at a first end to said exercise substrate and at a second end to said parabolic framework.

18. The dry land trainer according to claim 1, wherein said servo motor drives said parabolic framework a first direction to increase an angle of said substrate relative to said at least one stabilizing base support and in a second direction to decrease said angle of said substrate relative to said at least one stabilizing substrate.

19. The dry land trainer according to claim 1, wherein said parabolic framework is at least partially supported on at least one caster that transfers a load of said exercise substrate to said at least one stabilizing base support.

20. The dry land trainer according to claim 1, wherein said substrate is changeable based upon a desired exercise type.