Roller skis have already been proposed, which possess skis provided with two rollers and serve for the simulation of classical cross country skiing technique. Whereas in the case of cross country skiing the resistance to forward thrust by the skier is obtained by using wax, scales or pieces of fur, a roller ski is prevented from sliding backward with the aid of a freewheel on at least roller from rotation in reverse. This renders possible the application of a forward thrust practically without loss of energy.

On the other hand there are scooters which have two wheels and a lower running board, on which the user places one foot. This leads to a limping gait, which is to be avoided.

The European patent publication 0 304 585 discloses a sporting device in the form of a skateboard, which at the front possesses means for causing tipping or steering movement. However this sporting device may not be steered precisely. It is hard to coordinate the distribution of weight necessary for steering and simultaneously actuating the means for putting the device at a slant.

The German patent publication 2.454,976 A1 discloses an apparatus for imitating skiing movements, which comprises an endless belt or an endless chain, which runs over at least two rollers rotatably mounted in a frame, a pair of belts or chains being provided for transmission the movement of the feet of the skier. Furthermore the French patent publication 2,536,665 discloses a training device, which possesses a frame in which two foot rest means are mounted for longitudinal sliding motion. The frame is placed stationarily on the ground. Finally the US patent discloses a device, which makes simulated cross country skiing possible. Two elongated platform means are provided, which respectively serve as a rest for one foot of the user. The platform means are provided with rollers or wheels contacting the ground and the frame, on which the platform means are mounted, furthermore possesses two skiing poles, which may be set at an angle together with the platform means.

One object of the invention is consequently to provide a training device. which renders possible simulation of cross country skiing and may be safely steered.

The invention thus provides a simply designed and readily operated piece of fitness equipment which is distinguished by a compact structure and renders possible a dynamic sliding or gliding movement. In this respect customary balance problems occurring with conventional training devices are avoided. Furthermore there is no longer the problem of having to put on and take off boots for using the training device. The user simply gets onto the two tread means of the training device and at the same time takes hold of the steering column. By reciprocating the tread means he gets under way, while at the same time he is able to steer in the right direction of travel with the steering column.

It is preferred for the steering means to have a steering tube in which the steering column is fitted, the steering column being connected at the bottom with at least one wheel.

It is preferred for the tread means to be movably mounted on rails, the steering tube being connected with the rails. The rails are more particularly straight. It is in this manner that a simple and low-friction operation of the tread means is ensured.

The rails are preferably connected together by a transverse beam, the steering tube being mounted on a front transverse beam. It is in this manner that a substantially rectangular frame is created, which endows the training device with the necessary strength.

Means are provided, which render possible an oblique setting of the tread means for taking corner. This means that it is possible to take dynamic bends with the tread means, and the user, standing at an angle.

In a first embodiment there is a provision for setting the treads boards such that the transverse beam is articulatingly connected with the rails. This means that the frame may be slid and caused to perform a scissors movement n the form of a parallelogram. This ensures that the two tread means together with the associated rollers have the same slant.

The tread means are preferably pivotally mounted on the rails. Accordingly the tread means may be set at an angle without obliquely setting the tread means. The rail may for example have the form of a tube or a rod and the tread means are arranged thereon in a longitudinally sliding and pivotal fashion.

In an alternative embodiment the rails are designed integrally in the form of a beam, which possesses oppositely placed rail parts, in which slides connected with the tread means slide. Accordingly there is an economy in material. The preferably centrally arranged beam carries slide-supported tread means which are arranged on its oppositely placed (i. e. turned away from each other) side faces in the manner of booms. This means that furthermore the problem of oblique setting on taking turns or bends is simplified, since merely one beam must be set obliquely.

The tread means are preferably respectively each connected by connecting means with the rollers, one slide being mounted on one connecting means in a sliding fashion. It is in this manner that it is possible for the slide to be displaced on the connecting means, for example for the purpose of obliquely setting of the beam and of the tread means. It is more particularly preferred for spring means to be attached between the slide and the roller holder or, respectively, between the tread means and the slide in order to ensure the necessary resilience.

The steering column, in a further embodiment of the invention, connected with two spaced wheels. Accordingly a higher degree of resistance to tipping of the training device in the front portion may be ensured.

It is preferred for the two wheels to be arranged generally with the same spacing apart as the tread means. This leads to a reliable support on four wheels.

It is preferred for each tread means to be provided with two rollers, at least one roller only being able to be rotated in one direction. Thus at least one roller of each pair of rollers is provided with a freewheel, which possesses a means for preventing backward rotation. It is in this manner that it is possible for the user to comfortably push himself or herself along.

It is preferred for a wheel holder with an additional wheel to be secured to a rear transverse beam or to a rear end of a beam. Accordingly it is possible to provide a secure support for the rail or, respectively, rails in the rear region. The rail or, respectively, rails are effectively supported between the two wheels.

It is preferred for the two wheels to be aligned with one another. This means that the device is kept under full control when moving forwards.

It is preferred for the transverse beam or the beam or, respectively, the wheel holder to be connected by a rod with the steering column. This means that there is an additional longitudinal stiffening of the training device.

In this embodiment it is preferred for the rods to have a two-part design and for the two rod parts to be articulated together or to slide into each other telescopically. This leads for example to a detachable and folding connection so that the training device may be folded up.

A rod with a bearing, more especially a ball bearing, is attached to the steering means. Accordingly the steering motion of the steering column is not interfered with.

The roller holder is more particularly connected directly with the tread means. In this embodiment a direct connection between the roller holder and the tread means is provided in order to shift the center of gravity of the device downward.

The roller holder preferably possesses a boom, which is attached to a holder. The boom is more especially designed in the form of a bar and the holder is more particularly designed like a platform. This means that the boom can be secured in the transverse direction on the roller holder.

It is preferred, furthermore, for the holder to possess two guide rods, which run in plain or roller bearings, the plain or roller bearings being attached to a slide, which runs on a rail. Accordingly the height and the slope of the rail can be modified according to the position in a bend or turn.

In a further embodiment the tread means are respectively provided with telescoping means, same carrying the tread means. The telescoping means are pivoted to and extend from the tread means laterally upward toward the steering means. During the longitudinally directed movement of the tread means the telescoping rods are withdrawn and the angle of slope is modified.

The telescoping means are terminally connected with each other or, respectively, with the steering column or with the steering means. This leads to a sufficiently precise guidance of the tread means, the entire training device being able to be folded up owing to the articulation of the attachment.

Preferably at least one tread means is provided with a brake able to be operated by the foot and possesses a brake pad, which is intended for engagement with a roller or, respectively, the ground.

In a preferred embodiment one tread board of the tread means is pivotally mounted and the brake pad is brought into contact with a roller by setting the tread board obliquely.

It is preferred for abutments to be attached on the front and on the rear end of each rail, such abutments limiting the travel of the tread means and preventing the tread means from coming out of engagement.

In a preferred embodiment the tread means are connected with pivotally mounted holding members, which are pivotally mounted on slides, the slides running in rails.

Further advantages, features and possibilities of application of the present invention will be seen from the following description of several preferred embodiment in connection with the drawing.

Figure 1 is a perspective elevation of a training device in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 shows a lateral view of the training device of figure 1 together with the user.

Figure 3a shows a rear view of a training device in accordance with the invention with the transverse beams coupled up.

Figure 3b shows a rear view of the embodiment of figure 3a with the tread means set obliquely.

Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the training device in accordance with the invention with a center beam.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view as in figure 4 with some parts broken away.

Figure 6 shows a cross section taken through the embodiment of figure 4 with the tread means set obliquely.

Figure 7 diagrammatically shows a further form of embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the tread means of figure 7 in more detail.

Figures 9 and 10 show a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 11 shows further embodiment of the invention.

The training device illustrated in the figures will be seen from figures 1 through 3b to comprise two mutually spaced rails 2 and 4 of stainless steel or aluminum, which are terminally connected by two transverse beams 6 and 8, also of stainless steel. Accordingly a rectangular frame is formed. On the rails 2 and 4 roller bearing mounted tread means 24 and 26 are attached for sliding motion. The bearing means may take the form of an anti- friction bearing, that is to say a roller bearing or a ball bearing, or may be in the form of a simple plain axial bearing. The tread means have a tread board for the foot of a user and if necessary an attachment means for the foot. The tread means 24 is connected with two rollers 20 and 22. The tread means 26 is connected with two rollers 16 and 18. The rollers serve to engage the floor and to support the training device thereon and they are able to move on rails 2 and 4. In lieu of rollers it would also be possible to consider having wheels. as for example pneumatic tired wheels.

On the front transverse beam 8 a steering tube 10 is attached in a vertical setting. A steering column 12, provided with an upper handle bar is fitted in the steering tube. At its bottom end the steering column has a wheel holder with a wheel 14 mounted thereon by means of an axle. Such wheel serves to support and steer the device. Instead of the wheel a roller could be provided as an alternative.

In the setting depicted in figure 2 the user stands on both tread means 24 and 26. By alternating movement of the feet the user is able to move the device while simultaneously holding the steering column 12. For a more sporting manner of use the user may put on cross country skiing shoes which fit in cross country skiing bindings. The tread means possess tread board, which are provided with foot loops for holding boots or shoes of the user. Each tread means 24 and 26 is connected with a brake means, which may be operated by the user's foot.

In the embodiment of the invention of figure 3 a two transverse beams 6 and 6'and furthermore 8 and 8'are provided between the rails 2 and 4, which are connected with same in an articulating fashion. It is in this manner that there is the possibility of adopting the oblique setting of the training device for taking corners or bends.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the training device of the invention with an integral beam 38, which on opposite side faces has rail parts 40 and 42. This means that less material is required than in the embodiments of figures 1 through 3b. In the axially elongated rail parts 40 and 42 slides are received. of which for the sake of simplification only one slide 36 will be described, which runs in the rail part 42. The slide 36 possesses a tabular slide means, which is connected with a rod-like holder 34. In the holder 34 a recess is provided, in which a rod-like or tubular connecting means 30 of the holder runs. The connecting means 30 connects the tread means 26 with the roller holder for the rollers 16 and 18. When taking a corner there is a displacement of the holder 34 along the connecting means 30, that is to say downward on the one connecting means and upward on the other connecting means. This leads to an oblique setting of the tread means and of the beam, as depicted in figure 6. It is preferred, as illustrated in figure 5. for the slide 36 together with its holder 34 to be borne on two connecting means 30 and 32 and held against slanting. The two connecting means 30 and 32 are fixedly connected with the upper tread means 26.

Furthermore they are fixedly connected at their lower end with the roller holder 28. Again at least one roller of each pair of rollers is provided with a freewheel, i. e. means to prevent backward running, in order to render it possible for the user to move himself forward by pushing against the ground. Finally a brake (not illustrated) is provided which renders possible braking of the tread means.

Figures 7 and 8 show a further embodiment of the invention. Since the operation of the tread means in the longitudinal direction also leads to a load being put on the rails, in a special embodiment a wheel holder 68 is provided for terminal support of the rails, such wheel holder being attached either directly to the rear end of a rail 62 or on a transversely placed transverse beam 6 (see figure 1). The wheel holder 60 bears a rear wheel 44, which is aligned with the front wheel 14. This ensures that the training device of the invention runs forward straight. Moreover the wheel 14 is at the same level as the wheel 14. It is possible to ensure that both wheels are set at such a height that the rollers 16 and 18 of the tread means contact the ground substantially without putting any load on the rail.

For further increasing the rigidity of the frame the wheel holder 66 or, respectively, the transverse beam 6 or, respectively, the rear end of the rail 62 is connected with an arrangement of rods 46 and 48, which at other ends thereof are connected with the steering column 12. The arrangement comprises two rod parts 46 and 48, which articulate together in order to provide a folding arrangement. The top part 48 is attached to the steering column 12 by the intermediary of a ball bearing 50. This ensures satisfactory control with the steering column 12. In order to provide a folding arrangement the rods 46 and 48 are hinged inward at their joint. Furthermore the steering column 12 or, respectively, the steering tube 10 or, respectively, the rail 62 is adapted for folding in order to fold up the entire device. As an alternative the rod parts 46 and 48 telescope into each other.

Figure 8 shows part of the arrangement of figure 7 in more detail with the tread means 26. The tread means 26 is attached directly on the roller holder 28 without any intermediate parts. On the roller holder 28 a rod-like boom 54 is mounted in the transverse direction, such boom 54 terminally ending in a tabular holder 56. The holder 56 for its part bears two rods 58 and 58'. These guide rods 58 and 58'slide in plain or roller bearings 60 and 60', the plain or roller bearings 60 and 60'being attached to a slide 64. The slide 64 runs on the rail 62. In this arrangement horizontal alignment is ensured because the rails 62 are terminally supported by the wheels 14 and 44. The height in the horizontal position is so selected that the guide rods 58 and 58'have their middle portion running on plain or roller bearings 60 and 60'. When taking a corner the guide rods 58 and 58'are able to move upward and, respectively, downward in the bearings, while the slide 64 assumes a slanting position in accordance with the form of the corner. This ensures that the training device make take a corner in a simple manner devoid of complexities.

As an alternative to the employment of two or more rolls it is possible to provide only a single roller per tread means, there then being sufficient stability provided by the suspension of the tread means. The rail 62 may be designed in the form of a double rail in a manner similar to figure 4 with an integral beam, if an integral beam is preferred. In this case the arrangement of figure 8 is combined with the arrangement of figure 4 and on either side of the middle beam 38 a respective slide 64 is arranged, which is able to slide longitudinally.

In a further embodiment depicted in figures 9 and 10 the tread means 24 and 26 do not run in rails. Instead the roller bearing mounted tread means 24 and 26 are terminally connected with telescoping means. Of these only the telescoping means are described for the sake of simplification, which are connected with the tread means 26. At the rear end of the tread means 26 a telescoping rod 72 is pivoted, which runs in a telescoping cylinder 70.

At the front end of the tread means 26 a telescoping rod 76 is pivotally hinged, which runs in a telescoping cylinder 74. The two telescoping cylinders 70 and 74 and the telescoping cylinders corresponding to them, which are secured to the other tread means 24, are either connected with one another or with the steering column 12 so that a satisfactory straight ahead running of the tread means in the longitudinal direction is ensured. In figure 10 the training device of figure 9 is illustrated in the folded up state. For this purpose the joints are able to be taken apart.

Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of the training device in accordance with the invention. The front part is similar to a commercially available scooter with a steering column 78 on whose upper end a handle bar 82 is secured. The steering column 78 fits in a steering tube 80 and at its other end is connected with a fork 84, in which a wheel 86 is held. The steering tube is connected with a support strut 88, which at its end is connected with a hinge for folding up the device. A support rail 90 is connected with the hinge, such rail 90 extending along a certain distance. At its end remote from the wheel 86 the support rail 90 is connected with a support means which is designed in the form of a support holder 104 with a wheel 106 attached thereto. On either side of the support rail 90 a respective rail is provided for receiving a sliding rail 92 and, respectively, 108. These sliding rods 92 and 108 run in the longitudinal direction of the support rail 90 in the rails. The sliding rods 92 and 108 are for their part fitted with rails for receiving slides 94 and, respectively, 110 in a sliding manner. It is in this manner that the slides 94 and 110 can slide on the sliding rods 92 and 108 and the latter may slide in the rails of the support rail 90. Accordingly it is possible to provide for an extension of the guidance of the vehicle 110 past the end of the support rail 90 in the rear direction. This is useful to provide for the simulation of particularly long strides in cross country skiing. As an alternative arrangement (not illustrated) the slides 94 and 110 are directly mounted in the rails of the support rail 90, the sliding rods being omitted. This means that the assembly and manufacture are simplified.

Additionally there is a provision such that the support rail is mounted in a holder in a sliding fashion with the possibility of setting it at the desired length with a toggle linkage and a screw.

Two spaced out, rod-like holding members 96 and 98 and, respectively, 112 and 114 are pivotally attached to the slides 94 and 110. The holding members have their other ends attached to a wheel holder 100 and, respectively, 116, which bears a wheel 102 and, respectively, 118 for engagement with the ground. The holding members 96 and 98 and, respectively, 112 and 114 are pivotally attached for securing same to the wheel holder 100 and, respectively, 116 so that the support rail 90 may be set obliquely and the wheels may be lifted and lowered by pivoting the holding members 96 and 98 and, respectively, 112 and 114. It is in this manner that an oblique setting of the device is rendered readily possible for taking corners and, respectively, for allowing unevenness of ground. Each wheel holder 100 and, respectively, 116 possesses a brake means (not illustrated). For this purpose the tread board of each wheel holder is mounted for pivotal movement about the longitudinal direction. A brake pad is connected with the tread board at the rear end, such pad coming into engagement with one of the wheels 102 and 118 when the tread board assumes an oblique position. Thus each wheel holder or, respectively, each tread means can be braked by lifting the foot.

The training device in accordance with the invention distinguishes over the prior art because it may be used without a binding, no skiing poles are necessary and braking is readily possible. Furthermore it is unnecessary to put on and take off any boots. Owing to the convenient steering system there are no balance problems. Substantially higher speeds are possible owing to the symmetrical arrangement and the resulting symmetrical movement of the user.