Mobile Skating Aid Apparatus

Abstract

A mobile skating aid apparatus for supporting a skater stationed inside and, optionally, an attendant stationed outside of the apparatus at the rear to push from behind and monitor the skater. The apparatus comprises support members for the skater to grasp for support and to propel and steer the apparatus, a horizontally-positioned stabilizing beam which the skater straddles in order to provide a seat for the skater to sit upon in situations where the skater loses footing and which transforms into a more comfortable bench for resting or for changing footwear. At least one gliding or rolling element is also provided to enable the apparatus to move along a surface. The apparatus may also further comprise side rails which serve both to stabilize the apparatus and to further protect the skater against falls as well as collisions.

1 . An apparatus for providing support for a skater, said apparatus comprising;
 at least two support members, at least one of which the skater can grasp for support;   a stabilizing beam for connecting said at least two support members which the skater can straddle when using the apparatus; and   at least one gliding or rolling element connected to each of said at least two support members to allow movement of the apparatus.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the height and width of the at least two support members are independently adjustable. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said stabilizing beam is releasably connected to said at least two support members. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said stabilizing beam can rotate with respect to the at least two support members from a skating position, whereby the plane of said stabilizing beam is substantially perpendicular to the surface in which the apparatus is being operated, to a resting position, whereby the plane of said stabilizing beam is substantially parallel to the surface in which the apparatus is being operated. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the length of said stabilizing beam is adjustable. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one side rail that interconnects said at least two support members for increasing the structural integrity of the apparatus. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the length of the at least one side rail is adjustable. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one side rail is fully detachable from the at least two support members. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein one end of said at least one side rail is pivotably attached and dimensioned to be stored inside one of the support members. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising slots vertically and horizontally arranged on said at least two support members to receive the ends of said stabilizing beam, said one or more side rails, or a combination of both of these. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a base to which the at least two support members are attached thereto. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the base comprises a keel that is dimensioned to span the distance between the at least two support members. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the keel is rotatable along its longitudinal axis from a vertical position, whereby the plane of said stabilizing beam is substantially perpendicular to the surface in which the apparatus is being operated, to a foot rest position, whereby the plane of said stabilizing beam is substantially parallel to the surface in which the apparatus is being operated. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein said support members are foldable upon the base to facilitate transport and storage of the apparatus when not in use. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising wheels attached to at least one of the support members or to the base to facilitate transportation of the apparatus to and from a desired location for use. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a seat element attached to said stabilizing beam. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising at least three support members and at least two stabilizing beams. 
     
     
         18 . A method of assembling the apparatus of  claim 11  comprising the steps of:
 a. positioning the at least two support members vertically with respect to the base; 
 b. attaching the stabilizing beam to the at least two support members; and 
 c. fastening the at least one side rail to the at least two support members. 
 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the at least two support members hinged to the base and rotated into their vertical orientation. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the step of positioning comprises inserting the at least two support members into the base.