EP1558344A1

EP1558344A1 - Device enabling persons, including handicapped persons to practise roller skating, skateboarding, ice skating, skiing, horse-riding and swimming, without falling or sinking

Info

Publication number: EP1558344A1
Application number: EP03776959A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michèle Leblond
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-10-09
Filing date: 2003-10-07
Publication date: 2005-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 2023-10-07
Also published as: DE60305729D1; WO2004033046A1; AU2003286218A1; FR2845608B1; FR2845608A1; ATE327804T1; EP1558344B1; US20060189453A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a device enabling able-bodied or handicapped persons to learn to practise roller skating, skateboarding, ice skating, skiing on snow or artificial track. The invention is characterized in that it comprises supports (1) or (27) consisting of posts (5) or (29) supporting the cross members (2) or (28) beneath which are maintained rails (11) and (34) whereon can move freely rolling wheeled carriages (20) or (54) whereto are attached the straps (35) or (53) secured to the harnesses (40) or (52), obstacles (42) or (43) arranged or provided beneath the rails (11) or (34), seats (44) provided each with two hollow pockets (44) with inclined base enabling the persons to put on their skates and fix their strap (35) (53) to the harness (40) or (52), signalling strips (51) arranged on the floor serving to guide visually impaired or blind persons, a device (46) including a sensor (47) triggering a sound signal (49) whereof the tone is different depending on the type of the obstacle (42) or (43), carriages (54) with inclined side panels (55) and (56) retaining the straps (53) secured to the fastening points (41) of the harnesses (52).

Description

Device allowing people, even disabled, to learn to practice, without falling or sinking, roller skating, skateboarding, ice skating, skiing, horse riding and swimming.

TECHNICAL AREA :

The present invention relates to a device enabling people to learn easily and without risk of falling from roller skating, skateboarding, ice skating, skiing on snow or on an artificial track and also learning to swim without risk of sinking.

Learning these disciplines often leads to falls, sometimes serious, especially in people of a certain age. Learning to swim often causes people to panic, especially when they know they are no longer able to walk.

The device according to the invention overcomes all these drawbacks. Its use has the advantage for the user to never fall or sink and thus to learn without having permanent anxiety. Therefore, the user will learn much faster and safely the practice of the chosen sport. PRIOR ART: Different ways of ensuring the safety of people in the course of learning certain sports already exist. In circus schools, students practicing aerobatics are equipped with a harness fitted with a ring. The instructor holds a long rope which passes through a pulley located at the top and in the middle of the track and this is hooked to the ring of the harness. When the student is at risk of falling from the horse, the instructor restrains him and the fall does not take place. Lifeguards hold the student in place with a pole at the end of which is installed a rope which is attached to the student's harness. To learn how to ride a bike, the solution that has been found for a very long time is to install a caster on each side of the rear wheel of the bike. At the beginning, the two rollers touch the ground and, little by little, they are raised until the user moves without holding onto one or the other of the rollers.

The device according to the invention makes it possible to put the pupil in total confidence and to make him progress in all security until he perfectly masters the technique and practice of the chosen discipline. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION:

The device according to the invention is the subject of numerous appended drawings which illustrate explicitly the whole design of said device which is mainly composed of the following basic elements: == Racks each comprising two posts placed vertically and supporting a crosspiece held on said posts. Each cross member is provided, below, with several hooking plates to hold the rails using locking flanges.

== Rails held under the sleepers by locking flanges, the profile of these rails allowing the maintenance and movement of trolleys on wheels.

== Horizontal spacers connecting the posts at the top and bottom and keeping them in a vertical position. == Bracing bars intended to stiffen the installation of the device. == Rolling carts to which the straps are hung to support people. == Straps adjustable in length and provided with an elastic part at the top, coming to be fixed on the wheeled carts, and a carabiner at the bottom coming to hang on the harness worn by people.

== Safety harnesses worn by people and provided with a ring allowing the attachment of the bottom of the strap by the carabiner.

== Low seats fitted at the front of the base with two hollow and inclined footprints so that the user can block his skates when getting up-

== Signaling strips fixed on the ground on each side of the runway center line.

== Obstacles such as: platforms with inclined planes or steps or stepping stones or unevenness.

== Sound signaling systems intended to inform visually impaired or blind people of the proximity and the configuration of an obstacle to be crossed. The device according to the invention may comprise one or more rails, the length of the crosspieces holding said rails being more or less long.

The device may include curved rails having more or less large radii and different lengths. These curved rails will be held under the sleepers in the same way as the straight rails, with locking flanges. Whether the rails are straight or curved, the supports will remain identical. This device makes it possible to set up a sinuous circuit with straight lines, left turns, right turns and along more or less large radii. The installation of such a device is somewhat similar to that of a multi-lane racing circuit for miniature remote control cars. The modular design of the device according to the invention allows each user (sports schools, leisure parks, rental companies, fairground ...), to be able to install a device from the smallest to the largest ranging, either: from a simple straight line, or a circular or oval circuit, or a large sinuous circuit.

The entire structure of the device according to the invention will preferably be of light design in order to be easily maneuverable and transportable. This light design will allow easy assembly and disassembly as are the scaffolding used in the building or certain fairground rides.

The device according to the invention can be placed directly on the inclined bottom of a swimming pool or on the irregular bottom of a body of water. In these cases, the support posts will be designed to be adjustable in length by any telescopic system with locking in the correct position. The device according to the invention can be installed on the edge of an ice rink without resting on the ice so as not to damage it. In this case, the carrier will have only one post and the cross will be self-supporting, the base of the post being firmly bolted to anchor rods. This same principle can be used for an installation at the edge of a ski slope on snow or on an artificial track or at the edge of any body of water or at the edge of a swimming pool.

The device according to the invention can be fitted on the top and on the sides with a rigid or breathable protection. This installation can be opaque or transparent, partially or completely in order to let more or less light through. The installation of this protection will have the effect of protecting against the weather the people using the device and also of being able to keep the heat emitted by the heating. This protective material, whether rigid or flexible, opaque or transparent, will be designed to be simple to manufacture and in such a way that it can be easily assembled and disassembled by persons without special qualifications in the matter. A lighting system of any design and more or less important can be installed all along the circuit using as fixing support the structure itself of the device according to the invention. This variant will be particularly useful for using the device at night outdoors on an unlit site. A heating system of any design and more or less important can be installed all along the circuit in its closed version. This installation may use as a fixing support the structure itself of the device according to the invention. This variant will be particularly useful for using the device in cold weather and outdoors.

The device according to the invention can be installed outdoors or inside a large room. In the latter case, the installation of the device will be reduced to its simplest expression since it will not include weather protection, lighting or heating. The device can be temporarily installed by simply being placed on the ground or installed more securely by fixing the base of the posts on anchor rods sealed in the ground. In either case, the device will always be removable at any time and recoverable without any damage. VARIANTS of various designs allowing the use of the device according to the invention are provided without however departing from the scope of the invention.

In certain places of the circuit and vertically of a rail, a platform of a certain length and height may be placed comprising a plane inclined at the entrance and another at the exit. In this case, the rail located above this platform will substantially match the shape of said platform. Thus, the student will remain permanently safe when crossing this obstacle.

Another version will consist of designing the platform not with two inclined planes but with a few identical steps at the entrance and at the exit. The length and height of this step platform will be substantially identical to the inclined platform. Therefore, the rail located above will be the same for either version.

In certain places of the circuit and vertically of a rail, a difference in length, depth and shape identical to the platform with inverted planes can be dug by considering it inverted. This drop can be designed with steps at the entrance and at the exit. In either of these cases, the rail located above this drop will be the same as that used in the two previous versions but it will be mounted upside down.

In certain places of the circuit and vertically of a rail, a springboard of a certain length and height can be placed. In this case, the rail above it will remain straight. However, this rail can take a certain shape depending on the length and height of the springboard.

Still without departing from the scope of the invention, it is possible to install on the circuit other forms of obstacles under rails which may be straight or curved according to the geometry of said obstacles. Visually impaired or blind people can use the device according to the invention and even overcome obstacles. In this case, an electronic sensor and audible signal system will be triggered when the no one will pass in front of or under said system which will be at a precise distance from the start of the obstacle, this distance being always the same regardless of the obstacle and on all circuits. Depending on the shape of the obstacle set up on the circuit, the buzzer will sound different and many say _¬ tinct informing the seer or not sighted subject of the exact configuration of said barrier.

This electronic sensor and sound signal system can be placed on the ground or at a certain height on a support or directly on top of the rail.

In order to allow visually impaired or blind people to circulate while staying well above the rail two signaling strips will be fixed on the ground, temporarily or permanently and by any suitable means allowing good support, on both sides from the axis of the runway and equidistant from this axis located vertical to the rail. The two signaling bands will always be parallel. The spacing between these two strips will depend on the height at which the rail is located. These signal strips will be similar to those found on the edge of certain roads and having the effect of vibrating the wheel of a car traveling on said signal strip. Any other process, mechanical, electrical or electronic, making it possible to emit a vibration or other signal to inform the person that his skate deviates from the center line of the runway may be installed. This or these same signaling systems can also be installed with the same spacing, on obstacles or unevenness. Some trolleys on casters can be motorized. They will be equipped with an electric motor operating on battery fixed on the trolley itself, or directly supplied by the rail which will, in this case, be equipped accordingly and in a traditional manner in the matter. An electrical cable from the trolley will descend to the level of the person's hands and will be fitted with a small manual control box. The use of this system will be addressed, among others, to people with disabilities. Another variant of the device according to the invention, and still without departing from the scope of the invention, consists in allowing the student to learn acrobatics and in particular somersaults forward or backward without risk of falling and therefore without any apprehension. . In this case, the student will wear a new harness with two attachment points, one on each side, and located above the person's center of gravity. Two straps of the same design as that used in the case of a single strap, but longer, will hang on the harness, each at one of the two attachment points of said harness. The top of each strap will hang on a trolley with tilting cheeks. The two carriages will each be installed on a different rail, these two rails being sufficiently spaced to allow the student to move between the two straps. If this system is used by visually impaired or blind people, the warning bands will also be installed on each side of the runway center line. USE OF THE INVENTION:

The device according to the invention allows its use for learning various sports or other disciplines.

For the first lessons, of roller skating for example, the student adjusts his strap so that it remains slightly taut, the elastic part still allowing a little movement down and on the sides. Thus, the student can in no case fall and he therefore feels in perfect safety. The more he masters the technique, the more slack he gives in the strap and, ultimately, he evolves without being held back, as if there were no strap, but during a fault, his fall is stopped at halfway and thus, he cannot be injured as would be the case without the use of the device according to the invention.

To learn to ski on snow or on an artificial piste using the device according to the invention, the time saved will be considerable for the student. Indeed, when the beginner student falls, it often takes a long time to get up and if the falls are frequent, it only spends very little time during his lesson learning to ski. The same is true for learning to ice skate.

Regarding the practice of skateboarding, the user can install a rope, or any other connecting means, of an appropriate length so as not to interfere with it, one end of which will be fixed to the skateboard and the other to a place such as a seatbelt or safety harness. This rope may include an elastic part. Thus, when the user loses his foot with his skateboard, he can easily recover it without having to unhook his strap. This same principle is used by surfers.

Regarding learning to swim, the student will be equipped with a harness reduced to its simplest expression and consisting, for example, of a simple flexible mini-vest not interfering with movement and on the back of which is attached a ring intended to be able to hang the strap. This strap, similar to that used for the roller skate, may however have a more flexible elastic part. The device according to the invention can also be used for learning equestrian sports. In this case, the horse will take the track located vertical to the rail, and in place of the signaling strips will be provided with small barriers, or other systems, forcing the horse to stay in the axis of the track, it that is to say under the rail and whatever the course of said track. The rider will wear a harness and will be held on the rail by a strap as in the case of learning to roller skate. The rail must be installed at a height sufficient for this type of use.

Another possibility of using the device according to the invention will allow learning, without risk of falling, equestrian aerobatics. In this case, the principle will be the same as that already explained and concerning the acrobatics made possible by using two straps attached to the trolleys with rollers each circulating on two different rails. To allow the user to settle in comfortably and without risk, there is a low, monobloc seat, of any design, provided at the front of its base with two hollow footprints with inclined bottom allowing the user to s sit down to put on your skates. The hollow footprints will allow the skates to be placed there so that they can stand up and prevent them from rolling. Therefore, the user can get up to hang the carabiner of the strap in the ring of his harness without risk of falling. The footprints will be a little longer than the largest existing skates. For a better immobilization, the bottom of the hollow impressions will be more or less inclined forward or backward. Once standing and his harness hooked to the strap, the user can take his skates out of hollow footprints and can start skating. At the start of the circuit and vertical to each rail, a seat will be placed on the ground.

The device according to the invention, as a whole or in part, can be judiciously used in many cases where it is a question of preventing people from falling during the learning of certain sports or various workouts. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES:

FIG.l is a front view of a rack. FIG.2 is a side elevation of a part of the device according to the invention. FIG.3 is a perspective view of a crosspiece. FIG.4 is a perspective view of a pole. FIG.5 is a detailed view of an assembly between two posts.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a rail with a locking flange above and a carriage below. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a locking flange. FIG.8 is a perspective view of a half carriage. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the assembly of two rails. FIG. 10 is a front view of a self-supporting support at the edge of a swimming pool. FIG. 11 is an elevation showing a curved rail located above a platform and a person equipped with a harness, supported by a strap.

FIG. 12 is an elevation showing a curved and inverted rail above a drop. FIG.13 is a perspective view of a seat. FIG.14 is a sectional view of a seat. FIG. 15 is a front view showing a system allowing acrobatics, an audible signal device and warning tapes. FIG.16 is a sectional view of a trolley on casters with different and inclined cheeks. EMBODIMENT:

The structure of the device according to the invention can be manufactured with various materials, but it will be preferable to make it entirely or partially in aluminum so that it is easy to handle during its manufacture and during assembly and disassembly in the field. This lightness will reduce the importance of packaging boxes and road, rail, sea or air transport costs.

With reference to the drawings and as shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus comprises supports each composed of two posts (5) and a crosspiece (1). FIG. 3 represents a crosspiece (1), which can be more or less long, composed of a rectangular tube (2) on which are welded two assembly plates (3) and three hooking plates (4) allowing bolt the clamps (15). The number of hanging plates (4) depends on the length of the crosspiece (1). FIG. 4 represents a post (5) composed of a support tube (6) at the bottom of which is welded a square plate (9). At the top and bottom of the carrier tube (6) are welded gussets (10) on which the tubes (13) & (14) are fixed. At the top of the support tube (6) is welded an assembly plate (7) used to hold the crosspiece (1) by bolting on the posts (5). A square (8) is welded to the top of the post (5) between the support tube (6) and the assembly plate (7). FIG. 5 represents an example of assembly between two posts (5). The tubes (13) & (14) are flattened at the two ends in the form of a pierced yoke allowing them to be bolted to the gussets (10). FIG. 6 shows, in section, a rail (11) held on the next rail by fishplates (12). On the top of the rail (11) is positioned a locking flange (15). At the bottom of the rail (11) is shown, still seen in section, a trolley on wheels (20). FIG. 7 shows in perspective a locking flange (15) composed of a perforated plate

(16) onto which a hooking plate is welded in the middle

(17) coming to be fixed by bolting on the hooking plates (4) of the crosspieces (1). The flange brackets (18) are bolted to the perforated plate (16) in order to be able to tighten the rail (11) firmly. FIG. 8 shows, in perspective, a half-trolley on wheels (20). The casters

(22) are held against the support cheek (21) by bolts (24). The support cheeks (21) can be designed to receive more than two rollers (22). The spacers

(23) keep the rollers (22) at a good distance from the support cheek (21). The hole (26) allows to hang the top of the strap (35). FIG. 9 shows in perspective an example of assembly by bolting of two rails (11) by fishplates (12). FIG. 10 represents a self-supporting support composed of a post (29) and a crosspiece (27). The post (29) is composed of a support tube (30) at the bottom of which is welded a large square plate (31) reinforced by brackets (32) welded between the support tube (30) and the large square plate (31) . At the top of the support tube (30) are welded an assembly plate (7) identical to that welded to the post (5) and a square (8) identical to that welded to the post (5). The post (29) is securely bolted to the anchor rods (33). The crosspiece (27), which can be more or less long, consists of a rectangular tube (28) on which are welded an assembly plate (3) identical to those welded on the crosspiece (1) and two plates d '' hooking (4) identical to those welded to the crossmember (1). The number of hooking plates (4) depends on the length of the crosspiece (27). On these attachment plates (4) are bolted the locking flanges (15), not shown in this FIG.10. FIG.11 shows a side view of a rail (34) located above a platform (42). The shape of the rail (34) is curved to substantially match the shape of the platform (42). The platform (42) is of any design but strong enough to withstand the forces to which it will be subjected. FIG.12 shows a side view of a rail (34) located above a drop (43). The shape of the rail (34) is the same as in the previous case but it is mounted upside down and the shape of the drop (.43) is substantially similar to that of the rail (34). FIG.11 shows, on the right, a side view of a person equipped with a harness (40) and supported by the strap (35). The harness (40) is preferably commercial equipment such as a site harness or the like. A hooking point (41), such as a ring strong enough to fulfill its function, should be located at the top of the harness and approximately at the level of the user's shoulder blades. The harness (40) may be a simple strap passing only under the armpits of the person, or a more sophisticated material taking the whole body of the person. The strap (35) forming a connection between the trolley on wheels (20) and the ring (41) of the harness (40) will preferably be composed of a flat strap (37), or other form, allowing it to be held securely the person. This strap (35) will comprise at the top an elastic part (36) constituted by a tension spring or a bungee cord or any other system allowing a more or less long elongation. This elastic part (36) will be hooked to the carriage (20) by any suitable means using the hole (26) of said carriage. This elastic part (36) will have the effect of making the start of falls flexible and of allowing the user some movements from the bottom up and on the sides. The length of the strap (37) will be easily adjustable by the user thanks to any system of buckle (38). The bottom of the strap (37) will be equipped with a sys tem _¬ attachment (39), with safety, hook or other type, easy to handle by the user. This attachment system (39) will be fixed to the attachment point (41) of the harness (40). The possible adjustment of the length of the strap (37) will allow the user to give more or less slack in the strap (35) according to the progress of his learning. FIG.13 shows a perspective view of a seat (44) provided with two indentations (45). The seat (44) will be in one piece, preferably made of polyester plastic, and strong enough to accommodate all people. At the front of the seat base (44), the two indentations (45) will have the inclined bottom and a length sufficient to receive the longest pads. FIG. 14 represents a view in longitudinal section of the seat (44) and showing the draft allowing good demoulding during manufacture and the possibility of stacking the seats (44) for transport and storage that is not very bulky. FIG. 15 represents, on the right, the sound signal device (46) comprising an electronic sensor (47) emitting a wave (48) making it possible to trigger the vibrator (49) when the person cuts the beam of the wave (48) passing through the field of said beam. The vibrator (49) will emit a sound (50) adjustable in power. The buzzer (49) may have an adjustment so that several different sounds can be programmed. The device (46) will preferably be in one piece and designed to be able to be fixed easily and by any suitable means on the rails (11) or (34). Always FIG. 15 are represented on the ground, signaling bands (51) which may consist, for example, of coarse abrasive bands having the effect of ensuring that the visually impaired or blind person can feel the difference rolling of one of its pads when it rolls on the signaling strip (51). The fixing on the ground or on the obstacles (42) or (43) of the signaling strips (51) can be done by any gluing system or other fixing means. Always FIG. 15 is represented, in the middle, a system allowing the person to be able perform acrobatics. In this case, the new harness (52) has two attachment points (41), one on each side of said harness (52) and located above the center of gravity of the person. The two new straps (53) are of the same design as the straps (35). Under the new wheeled carts (54) hang the tops of the new straps (53). FIG.16 shows a sectional view of the new trolley (54). The cheeks (55) & (56) are bent in a shape allowing their junction by the bolts (25). The hole (26) allows the attachment of the top of the new strap (53). The rollers (22) are the same as those mounted on the roller carriages (20). The cheeks (55) & (56) are folded upwards to support other rollers (22) held in the same way as those mounted on the roller carriages (20). Each cheek (55) & (56) can be equipped with more than four castors. The folding of the bottom of the cheeks (55) & (56) will have an inclination substantially identical to that of the new straps (53). The roller trolleys (20) can also be designed with casters at the top.

It is obvious that other modes of design and manufacturing are possible and can be envisaged while remaining within the reach of those skilled in the art and without thereby departing from the scope of the invention. INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION:

The device according to the invention is particularly intended for learning roller skating, skateboarding, ice skating, skiing on snow and on an artificial track, swimming and horse riding. The operation of the system is aimed, among other things, at sports schools, leisure parks, rental companies, fairgrounds.

The device according to the invention makes it possible to be mass produced without having to use special machines.

This device is modular and the simplicity of its assembly allows it to be marketed as an evolving KIT.

Claims

1 -. Device enabling able-bodied or disabled persons to learn to practice roller skating, skateboarding, ice skating, skiing on snow and on an artificial track, swimming, horse riding, characterized in that it comprises carriers (1) or (27) composed of posts (5) or (29) supporting crosspieces (2) or (28) under which rails (11) and (34) are maintained on which can move freely and in rolling trolleys (20) or (54) to which are hung the straps (35) or (53) connected to the harnesses (40) or (52), obstacles (42) or (43) arranged or arranged below the rails (11) or (34), seats (44) each provided with two hollow footprints (45) with inclined bottom allowing people to put on their skates and hook their strap (35) or (53) to the harness (40) or (52), signaling strips (51) placed on the ground and used to guide visually impaired or blind people, a device itif (46) comprising a sensor (47) triggering an audible signal (49) whose tone is different depending on the shape of the obstacle (42) or (43), carts (54) with cheeks (55) and (56) now inclined the straps (53) connected to the attachment points (41) of the harness (52).

2 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the posts (5) can be replaced by posts (29) holding a self-supporting crosspiece (28).

3 - Device according to claim 2 characterized in that the posts (5) or (29) can be telescopic with locking in the desired position.

4 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the rails (11) and (34) can be curved along more or less important radii.

5 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the rails (34) are curved by substantially matching the shape of the obstacles (42) and (43). 6 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the carriages (20) and (54) are in two parts held together by bolts (25) allowing them to be mounted directly on the rails (11) or (34).

7 - Device according to claim 6 characterized in that the carriages (20) or (54) are motorized and remote controlled.

8 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the straps (35) and (53) have an elastic part.

9 - Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a low seat (44) is provided with two hollow indentations (45) with an inclined bottom making it possible to maintain the pads.

10 - Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an audible signal triggered by the passage of the user is arranged at a certain distance from each obstacle (42) or (43).

11 - Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that signaling strips are arranged on the ground. 12 - Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the person uses two straps (53) each connected to a carriage (54) each carriage (54) rolling on a different set of rails (11) and (34) . 13 - Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a device (46) emits an audible signal (49) in different tone depending on the shape of the obstacle (42) or (43).