Convertible Training Aid for Multi-Stage Development of a Skater

Abstract

A convertible training aid for multi-stage development of a skater is disclosed. The training aid includes a frame with front, back, and opposing sides. The frame has an upper frame that surrounds the skater, a lower frame, and a plurality of support posts. Each of the opposing sides of the frame comprises a front side portion and a back side portion. The front side portion is detachably coupled to the back side portion. A seat is detachably suspended from the frame and disposed at a position below the upper frame. The seat has an adjustable height. The first stage training aid described above can be converted into a second stage training aid by removing the seat from the frame and removing the back of the frame and the back side portions of the opposing sides of the frame from the front of the frame and the front side portions of the opposing sides of the frame.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A convertible training aid for multi-stage development of a skater comprising:
 a first stage training aid comprising a frame having front, back, and opposing sides, the frame having an upper frame adapted to entirely surround a skater and provide support to the skater's hands, a lower frame spaced apart from the upper frame, and a plurality of support posts coupled at one end to the upper frame and at a second end to the lower frame,   each of the opposing sides of the frame comprises a front side portion and a back side portion, the front side portion being detachably coupled to the back side portion,   a seat detachably suspended from the frame and disposed in a position below the upper frame; the seat being adapted to catch a skater in the event of a fall and having an adjustable height between the upper frame and the lower frame,   wherein the first stage training aid is converted to a second stage training aid by detaching the seat from the frame and uncoupling the back of the frame and the back side portions of the opposing sides of the frame from the front of the frame and the front side portions of the opposing sides of the frame, creating a generally “U” or “C” shaped second stage training aid.   
     
     
         2 . The training aid of  claim 1  further comprising a handle detachably coupled to the frame. 
     
     
         3 . The training aid of  claim 2 , wherein the handle is coupled to the upper frame. 
     
     
         4 . The training aid of  claim 2 , wherein the handle is coupled to the lower frame. 
     
     
         5 . The training aid of  claim 1 , wherein the seat is a harness seat. 
     
     
         6 . The training aid of  claim 1 , wherein the seat includes means of securing a skater to the seat. 
     
     
         7 . The training aid of  claim 1 , wherein the front side portion and the back side portion of the opposing sides of the frame are detachably couplable at the upper frame. 
     
     
         8 . The training aid of  claim 1 , wherein the upper frame comprises two generally U shaped portions detachably coupled at their ends to form a generally square or rectangular upper frame. 
     
     
         9 . The training aid of  claim 1 , wherein the upper frame comprises two generally C shaped portions detachably coupled at their ends to form a generally circular or oval upper frame. 
     
     
         10 . The training aid of  claim 1 , wherein the lower frame comprises two generally U shaped portions detachably coupled at their ends to form a generally square or rectangular lower frame. 
     
     
         11 . The training aid of  claim 1 , wherein the lower frame comprises two generally C shaped portions detachably coupled at their ends to form a generally circular or oval lower frame. 
     
     
         12 . The training aid of  claim 1 , wherein the lower frame comprises a generally U shaped front portion and a generally straight back portion substantially perpendicular to the U shaped front portion. 
     
     
         13 . The training aid of  claim 1 , wherein a lower frame is adapted to move freely about the skating surface. 
     
     
         14 . The training aid of  claim 11 , wherein a lower frame rests on the skating surface. 
     
     
         15 . The training aid of  claim 1 , wherein a lower frame comprises casters for roller skating applications.