Ski training apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus and method to facilitate training for skiing, skating, roller-blading and the like, where an experienced person may assist or direct a novice. The apparatus includes a stiff, curvilinear hoop or similar shape with a handle section and an adjacent padded frontal section. In one of several methods, one person is positioned within the apparatus and the apparatus is placed against that person's torso, and another person is able to grasp the apparatus and to control or lead the first person.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for one person to guide another in a recreational sport and more particularly to a training device and method used between an experienced skier and a novice skier in order to control the novice skier and thereby facilitate the novice skier's development of confidence, skill and self-control. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY [0002] Numerous devices are known to attach an experienced skier to a novice skier in training. Most notable, relative to the present invention, are those devices that are specifically designed to hold the novice skier back while allowing downhill motion to acclimate the novice or child to the sensation of solo skiing—without the inherent hazard of loosing control due to their lack of skill in using the ski edges for turning and stopping. While the current methods and devices are well suited for limiting the rate of decent, they are inadequate for sustaining or encouraging the skier's postur...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a training device for skiers that allows a novice skier to be guided and controlled by an experienced skier. The device includes a stiff apparatus that links the two skiers together, allowing the experienced skier to control the novice skier's movement. This apparatus can help to teach balance and technique to skiers and snowboarders, as it provides a safe and effective way to guide them as they learn to ski or snowboard. The invention also includes various methods for using the apparatus, including different ways to hold the novice skier upright and direct their movement. Overall, the invention provides a more effective and safe way to teach skiing and snowboarding to novice and neophyte skiers."

Problems solved by technology

While the current methods and devices are well suited for limiting the rate of decent, they are inadequate for sustaining or encouraging the skier's posture in an upright and balanced position.

Furthermore, the various devices do not enable an experienced person to provide supportive and directive forces to the torso of the novice.

Accordingly, the current apparatus and methods, for the most part, fail to eliminate or significantly reduce the potential for the novice to fall.

However, these devices are restricted in their ability to provide vertical stability and balance to the novice.

Additionally, the prior art fails to provide an actual rigid or stiff connection between the two skiers which is considered necessary for both safety and training purposes (e.g., providing tactile feedback to the trainer relative to the novice's leaning, turning, posture, etc).

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