Mark Overmyer

US Patent:

45161100, May 7, 1985

Filed:

Aug 9, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/406136

Inventors:

Mark Overmyer - Rockford IL

International Classification:

G08B 2300
G08B 2100
A63B 6918

US Classification:

340323R

Abstract:

A ski stress signaling device comprising a pair of strain gauges mounted on the top surface of each of a pair of skis with one strain gauge in front of the boot and the other strain gauge behind the boot. Each pair of strain gauges is connected by electrical conductor wires to a bridge circuit. The magnitude and polarity of the voltage output of the bridge circuit is determined by the amount of strain measured at the tops of the skis by the four gauges. The amplified output of the bridge circuit is used by a pair of LED (light emitting diode) drivers to control the illumination of two pluralities of LEDs mounted around the periphery of a pair of goggles worn by the skier. When a skier leans forward causing compressive stress to be applied to the fronts of his skis one or more of the LEDs in one of the goggles is illuminated, with the number of illuminated LEDs being proportional to the magnitude of the stress difference between the fronts of the skis and the backs of the skis resulting from the forward pitch of the skier. When a skier leans backwards the resulting stress imbalance produces a like signal in the other goggle. A skier is able to observe with his peripheral vision which, if any, LEDs are illuminated and adjust his position on his skis to produce a desired stress imbalance, such as may be required for making a turn, or to eliminate an undesired stress imbalance, all without taking his eyes off the ski path.