US20050019736A1

US20050019736A1 - Demonstration device for flying sport devices

Info

Publication number: US20050019736A1
Application number: US10/492,339
Authority: US
Inventors: Christian Noll
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-10-19
Filing date: 2002-10-21
Publication date: 2005-01-27
Also published as: EP1465806A1; JP2005506162A; WO2003035473A1; DE10294837D2

Abstract

The invention relates to a demonstration device for powerless flying devices and, in particular, flying sport devices such as jumping skis (9) or parasails and for bird-human costumes (20, 23). The inventive device has the following features: a suspending device (11) for the individual(s), which holds the individual(s) in a position that would be assumed during an actual flight using the respective flying device, and; a support (30, 31, 32) that is connected to the suspending device in such a manner that the trajectory of the individual(s) located in the suspending device is essentially determined by the movement of the support and not by the flying device connected to the individual(s).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a demonstration device for powerless flying devices and in particular flying sports devices, such as e.g. jumping skis or parasails and for bird-human costumes etc.
Such devices can firstly assist in giving interested parties an impression a certain type of sport, which “feeling” this type of sport has.
Secondly, such equipment can be put to use at folk festivals, commercial events, in discos, on beaches, in ski jumping or other sporting events etc. This list is of course not exhaustive.

PRIOR ART

The attempt has been made to suspend a hang-glider with a suspension for example on a crane, so that the individual “applied” to the hang-glider floats as usual together with the glider. The suspension, which applies to the hang-glider, gives the individual a realistic sensation via the movement of a hang-glider, but for inexperienced individuals and for children in particular such a demonstration of a hang-glider is not without risk.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a demonstration device for powerless flying devices, which impart a realistic sensation of movement with this flying device, but which also is not at all dangerous for inexperienced individuals.
A solution according to the present invention to this task is specified in claim 1. Further developments of the invention are the object of the following two claims.
According to the present invention the demonstration device has a suspending device for the individual(s), which the individual(s) holds in a position, which would be assumed during an actual flight with the respective flying device, and a stand, connected to the suspending device, such that the trajectory of the individual(s) in the suspending device is determined substantially by the movement of the stand or the individual attached to the stand and not by the flying device attached to the individual(s). In this case the suspending device is not separated from the stand, so that the required safety is always present.
It has been surprisingly found that the individual(s) experiences an even more realistic sensation of flying if the suspending device is “applied” to the individual and not to the flying device. Above all, when compared to the above-mentioned known demonstration device the safety aspect is substantially higher, because the flight path relevant for safety is determined practically exclusively by the movement of the stand. Also, inexperienced movements made by the individuals in the suspending device cannot cause a dangerous situation. Yet it is possible to afford the individual(s) attached to the stand by means of suspending devices a certain clearance in movement, for example the individuals can describe tilting motions about their longitudinal axis.
The inventive process can be put to use for a wide range of flying sports devices, such as e.g. jumping skis, parasails, parachutes, hang-glider, light aircraft, but also for show effects, such as e.g. for bird-human costumes.
In a preferred further development the stand, which can be a crane for example and in particular a construction crane, is designed such that it allows at least an upwards motion of the individual(s) on the ground, preferably a horizontal motion with optionally an overriding vertical motion, and then allows the individual(s) to be set on the ground without separation between suspending device and stand—differently to bungee jumping, for example.
A particularly realistic sensation of movement is obtained by the stand or the crane additionally describing a rotary motion. The sensation of movement is improved even more if the suspending device is designed such that it allows a tilting motion of the individuals about their longitudinal and/or transverse axis, in particular by the intrinsic motion of the individual(s).
In place of a crane, however, it is also possible to utilise other stands, such as for example travelling cranes or crane trolleys or the like, such as are often available for example in factories. Furthermore, it is possible that the stand has one or more rope and steel ropes in particular, on which one or more elements move, to which the suspending devices are attached. These elements can be powered or can be moved by a pushing-off movement by the respective individual from a platform or the like.
In any case the inventive demonstration device can be utilised both at outdoors events and “indoors”, thus for example in discos or other halls.
It is also particularly preferable if a control device is provided for the stand, allowing execution of the individual movements of the suspending device as reaction to movements of the respective individual(s). This gives the respective individual the sensation that he is performing his movements by means of the flying device itself.
In addition, more than one suspending device can be attached to the stand, whereby the suspending devices in particular can be moved independently, i.e. relative to one another.
In a ski jump or ski flight demonstration preferably conventional jumping skis are used. Preferably in combination with a suit, dress or overalls worn by the respective individual, or by means of his own belt, the individual(s) is lifted up along with the skis by means of a steel rope or generally a suspension on a stand, such as a crane or a hoist, and then set down. In particular the skier himself can also be included in the suspension or attached thereto.
One or more individuals wearing birdman costumes can be attached to the stand, who make “fluttering movements”, and who move by corresponding movements of the suspending devices as if they were flying. Here it is particularly preferred if in each case several suspending devices are combined into one group, which are in each case attached to a “sub-stand”, whereby the individual sub-stands can move against one another, and the individuals attached to the respective sub-stands can likewise move optionally in their respective suspending devices relative to one another. This can give rise to the impression of a “mobile”.
The particular advantage to the inventive demonstration device is that the suspending device and/or wings, chutes or dragonfly wings and/or the stand can be used as advertising surfaces for sponsors or other firms (slogan: Red Bull gives you wings).
It is also possible, however, that more than two individuals are accommodated in each flying sports device.
By way of example with two individuals, jointly wearing a “birdman costume”, each individual can move one wing. The tail can be moved in addition by an individual or by a third individual.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAM

The invention will now be described hereinbelow by way of example without limiting the general inventive idea by means of embodiments and with reference to the diagram, to which reference is expressly made with respect to disclosing all details not explained in greater detail in the text, in which:
FIGS. 1 a and 1 b are a side elevation and perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention,
FIGS. 1 c and 1 d are a modification of the first embodiment in a side elevation and in a plan view,
FIG. 1 e is a further modification,
FIGS. 2 a and 2 b are a second embodiment of the invention in a plan view and a front elevation, and
FIG. 3 is a modification of the second embodiment for two individuals.

EXPLANATION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a demonstration device for jumping ski as first embodiment for a demonstration device for powerless flying devices.
The demonstration device has a suspending device, which in the illustrated embodiment holds an individual in a position, which this individual would assume during ski jumping or ski flight. For this, the suspending device has an approximately cylindrical part 1, designed such that it firmly encloses the upper body of a (not shown) individual. Openings in the part 1 for the arms are designed by reference numeral 2.2 and for the head are designated by reference numeral 3. On the basis of this design the (not shown) individual is held securely in part 1 and can move from the hips down, so that the legs can assume the typical position for ski jumpers.
Attached to the cylindrical part 1 at an angle of approximately 90° is a support 4, at the free end of which an eyelet 5 is provided for fastening to a stand, not illustrated here, which is connected to the suspending device such that the trajectory of the individual(s) in the suspending device is determined substantially by the movement of the stand and not by the jumping skis connected to the individual(s). The support 4 is attached approximately at the centre of gravity of the individual held in the suspending device.
In addition, an adjusting mechanism is provided, with which the incline of the cylindrical part 1 can be adjusted relative to the stand, not illustrated here. In the illustrated embodiment this adjustment mechanism has a rope pull 6, whereof one end is linked to part 1 approximately at shoulder height of the individual. The rope 6 is guided over the support 4 to an extension 1 of the part 1 and rolled a coil 7. The other end of the rope 6 is then clamped in a (belaying) clamp 8. The coil 7 is attached at the rear end of the jumping ski 9. An angle 10 can optionally serve this purpose, which is attached to both rear ski ends, so that at the same time it acts to stabilise the jumping ski 9. Also, provided on the underside of the part 1 is an eyelet 11, through which a rope 12 is guided, whereof the end is applied to both skis 9 in front of the binding, not illustrated.
By adjusting the length of the rope 6 at the same time the incidence of the jumping ski 9 relative to part 1 can be limited to a specific angle range.
Furthermore, a threaded rod 13, which passes through the ski 9, is provided to stabilise the V-position of the skis 9. The size of the V's can be adjusted by nuts, not shown here.
FIGS. 1 c and 1 d show a modification of the first embodiment, in which two profiles 14 are provided extending in the direction of the transverse axis of the cylindrical part 1, and which hold the support 4. A rail 15, in which a control element 16 is guided, connects the profiles 14, whereof the other end is linked to pivot displaceably in the vicinity of the free end of the support 4. With moving the element 16 in the rail 15 the incline of part 1 can be adjusted relative to the stand.
FIG. 1 e shows another embodiment, in which the suspending device is integrated into a jump suit. In this case identical or corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals. 30 designates a crane, 31 a crane jib and 32 designates a rope coil attached to the crane jib.
FIG. 2 shows in a plan view and a front elevation a second embodiment of the invention as a demonstration of “birdmen”. Here, identical parts, in particular the suspending device as in FIG. 1, are provided with the same reference numeral. Therefore, a separate description is dispensed with.
Attached to part 1 on both sides in each case is a wing 20 in the form of a bird wing or an insect wing, such as a dragonfly wing, each of which can be swivelled about an axis 21 parallel to the longitudinal axis of part 1. Attached to each wing 20 is a grip 22, such that the individual in the suspending device can execute a wing beat. A rubber rope 22 ensures that the respective wing 20 is reset downwards then upwards during a movement. An element, not shown, limits the wing movement in a downward direction. It is also possible to provide a triangular mounting, which prevents any tilting motion during the wing beat.
FIG. 3 shows a modification of the second embodiment, in which two suspending devices 1 are attached near one another for two individuals. Each of the individuals operates one wing. A tail 23 is also provided, which can be mobile, and is moved by one or both of the individuals.
The invention has been described hereinabove by means of embodiments. It is understood that a wide range of variations within the general inventive idea is possible. Therefore the use of the term “bird-human costume” does not mean that the costume must emulate a bird. The costume can also imitate insects, such as dragonflies, Biene Maja etc. or an aircraft.

Claims

1. A demonstration device for powerless flying devices and in particular flying sports devices, such as e.g. jumping skis or parasails and for bird-human costumes, having the following characteristics:

a suspending device for the individual(s), which the individual(s) holds in a position, which he would assume during actual flight with the respective flying device,

a stand, connected to the suspending device such that the trajectory of the individual(s) held in the suspending device is determined substantially by the movement of the stand and by the flying device attached to the individual(s).

2. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the stand is designed such that it allows an upwards movement of the individual(s) on the ground, a horizontal movement with optionally an overriding vertical movement, after which the individual(s) is set down on the ground without separation between suspending device and stand.

3. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the stand is a crane.

4. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the crane additionally executes a rotary motion.

5. The demonstration device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the suspending device is designed such that it allows a tilting motion of the individuals about their longitudinal and/or transverse axis.

6. The demonstration device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that a control mechanism is provided for the stand, which allows execution of the individual movements of the suspending device as reaction to movements of each individual(s).

7. The demonstration device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the suspending device is an approximately cylindrical part, designed such that it firmly encloses the upper body of an individual and allows movement of the individual from the hips down, and has a control mechanism with which the incline of the cylindrical part can be adjusted relative to the stand.

8. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that the cylindrical part has openings for the arms and head.

9. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 7 or 8, characterised in that a support, at the free end of which an eyelet is provided for fastening to the stand, is attached to the cylindrical part at an angle of approximately 90°.

10. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that two profiles holding the support are provided extending in the direction of the transverse axis of the cylindrical part.

11. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that the profiles are connected to a rail, in which an adjusting element is guided displaceably, whereof the other end is linked to pivot in the vicinity of the free end of the support.

12. The demonstration device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11, characterised in that the control mechanism has a rope pull.

13. The demonstration device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that with use as a ski jump demonstration device a device is provided, which limits the incidence of the jumping ski relative at the horizontal to a specific angle range.

14. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 13, characterised in that this device has a first rope, attached to both skis in front of the binding, and a second rope, attached to the ski ends.

15. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 14, characterised in that the length at least of the second rope can be adjusted.

16. The demonstration device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, characterised in that a device is provided to stabilise the V-position and/or the ski ends.

17. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 16, characterised in that the device for stabilising the V-position has a threaded rod and the device for stabilising the ski ends has a triangle.

18. The demonstration device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17, characterised in that two ski jumpers are attached to a common sub-stand, which is in turn attached to the actual stand.

19. The demonstration device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that when used for bird-human costumes etc. a wing, which can be swivelled about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the suspending device, is attached to the suspending device on both sides in each case, designed in the form of a bird wing, insect wing, aircraft wing etc.

20. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 19, characterised in that a grip or a loop is attached to each wing, so that the individual in the suspending device can execute a wing beat.

21. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 19 or 20, characterised in that an elastic element, such as e.g. a rubber rope is attached on each wing, which resets the wing during movement downwards then upwards.

22. The demonstration device as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21, characterised in that a stop, such as e.g. a steel rope, limits the wing movement in a downwards direction.

23. The demonstration device as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22, characterised in that a mobile tail is provided, which is designed in particular in the form of a bird or insect tail.

24. The demonstration device as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 23, characterised in that two individuals are accommodated in one “bird-human costume”, each of whom in each case operates one wing.

25. The demonstration device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24, characterised in that two or more suspending devices are attached to one stand.

26. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 25, characterised in that the suspending devices can be moved independently of one another at least in one direction.

27. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 26, characterised in that the suspending devices are arranged on the stand in the form of a mobile on sub-stands.