A device which can be manufactured in multiple embodiments which makes it possible to break down and practice separately the steps involved in various ski techniques that require sliding the skis sideways into the snow as is required for a hockey stop, christies, and other common skiing manuevers. One embodiment of the invention contains a suspended overhead beam and a harness for holding the skier that is pivotally and slidably engaged with the overhead beam. This guides the direction of the skier while traversing the slope. To effectively learn skiing techniques requiring the sideways sliding of the skis such as the hockey stop, a skier is suspended in the air and makes first contact with the ski surface in sliding postion. In this manner, the skier learns the feel of the slide, one of the ending steps, prior to earlier steps. By breaking down the skill and learning the last steps first, learning and confidence is facilitated.
A movement aid suitable for use by disabled persons comprises a track, a trolley moveable along the track, a handle suspended from the trolley and a braking system for controlling and stopping movement of the trolley along the track.
A preferred embodiment alarm device for use with fall protection equipment includes an elongating member, an alarm, an activation member, and a connecting member. The elongating member has a first end and a second end and extends in length as the first end and the second end are pulled in different directions. The alarm is operatively connected to the first end of the elongating member, and the activation member is releasably connected to the alarm. The activation member activates the alarm when disconnected from the alarm. The connecting member interconnects the activation member and the second end of the elongating member, and the activation member becomes disconnected from the alarm when the elongating member is extended in length as the first end and the second end are pulled in different directions thereby activating the alarm when the elongating member is extended.
A snowboard teaching and recreational device by which an instructor may direct the movement, weight shift and control the center of gravity of the pupil. The device preferably uses two parallel tubes as a support frame, with two crossbars secured to the support frame and spaced handle grips on each crossbar. The instructor grasps one end of the support frame while the pupil grasps the opposite end, thereby allowing the instructor to direct the weight shift and movements of the pupil through use of the said device.
A snowboard training device is provided which allows a an instructor to direct the movement of a snowboard trainee from a reasonable distance. The snowboard training device includes an inner member suitable for attaching firmly to the mid-section of the trainee, a rigid outer member disposed spaced apart from the mid-section of the trainee, and at least one connecting member which acts to fixedly attach the inner member to the outer member in a horizontal disposition. The snowboard training device further includes an elliptical hoop or other rigid device fixedly attached to a harness worn by the snowboard trainee and which extends horizontally about the mid-section of the trainee at a distance that allows an instructor to direct the movement of the trainee while the snowboard trainee is snowboarding on a snow slope.
An apparatus for unloading a user's body weight during physical activity comprising: a frame; a pair of straight springs pivotably extending from an upper portion of the frame and having distal ends spaced apart from each other; and a fluid-operated lift system for raising the distal ends of the straight springs to provide a lifting force for the user.
