Exercise treadmill for pulling and dragging action
An exercise treadmill of the type having an endless moveable surface looped around rollers or pulleys to form an upper run and a lower run, the movable surface being rotated when one of the rollers or pulleys is rotated, an exercise surface on for walking or running while exercising, and a weight resistance means for simulating the dragging or pulling of a load, wherein the endless movable surface moves in a direction simulating walking or running backwards.
This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/289,916 having a filing date of 30 Nov. 2005 entitled Exercise Treadmill For Pulling And Dragging Action, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Technical Field
This invention relates to the general technical field of exercise, physical fitness and physical therapy equipment and machines and to the more specific novel technical field of a mechanically, electrically and electronically operated reverse treadmill machine designed to simulate a dragging or pulling motion when operated by the user.
2. Prior Art
Exercise, physical fitness and physical therapy equipment and machines are available in various configurations and for various purposes, and are available for all of the major muscle groups. The majority of such equipment and machines, especially in the exercise field, concentrate either on an aerobic or anaerobic workout or on areas of the body such as the legs, the hips and lower torso, the chest and upper torso, the back, the shoulders and the arms.
Exercise treadmills are well known and are used for various purposes, including for walking or running aerobic-type exercises, and diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. For the known and common purposes, the person on the exercise treadmill normally can perform an exercise routine at a relatively steady and continuous level of physical activity or at a variable level of physical exercise including varying both the speed and incline of the treadmill during a single session.
Exercise treadmills typically have an endless running surface extending between and movable around rollers or pulleys at each end of the treadmill. The running surface generally is a relatively thin rubber-like material driven by a motor rotating one of the rollers or pulleys. The speed of the motor is adjustable by the user or by a computer program so that the level of exercise can be adjusted to simulate running or walking.
The belt typically is supported along its upper length between the rollers or pulleys by one of several well known designs in order to support the weight of the user. The most common approach is a deck or support surface beneath the belt, such as a plastic or metal panel, to provide the required support. A low-friction sheet or laminate, such as TEFLON® brand of synthetic resinous fluorine-containing polymers, can be provided on the deck surface (or indeed can be the material of construction of the deck surface) to reduce the friction between the deck surface and the belt.
Many current exercise treadmills, especially the middle to upper level of exercise treadmills, also have the ability to provide a variable incline to the treadmill.
The incline is accomplished in one of two manners—either the entire apparatus is inclined or just the walking and running surface is inclined. Further, the inclination can be accomplished by either manual or power driven inclination systems, and can be accomplished either at the command of the user or as part of a computerized exercise regimen programmed into the exercise treadmill. An inclination takes advantage of the fact that the exercise effort, or aerobic effect, can be varied with changes in inclination, requiring more exertion on the part of the user when the inclination is greater.
To the best of this inventor's knowledge, known exercise treadmills are structured to allow the user to walk or run in a forward direction, with the belt traveling in a direction that simulates walking or running forward; that is, the belt runs across the top of the deck in a front to back motion. Additionally, to the best of this inventor's knowledge, the inclination mechanisms in known exercise treadmills are structured to allow the user to walk or run in a level or uphill inclination; that is, the front of the deck can be level with the back of the deck or can be raised relative to the back of the deck to simulate an uphill inclination. Further, to the best of the inventor's knowledge, the hand rails and hand controls in known exercise treadmills are structured to complement simulated forward motion.
However, the inventor is unaware of any specific exercise treadmill that is structured to allow the user to comfortably simulate a dragging or pulling motion; that is, a backwards walking motion either on a level plane or uphill. Additionally, the inventor is unaware of any specific exercise treadmill that has an adjustable weight resistance against dragging or pulling so as to simulate dragging or pulling of a load. A simulated dragging or pulling motion can be useful for exercising and developing different groupings of muscles and for providing an aerobic workout. Thus it can be seen that an exercise treadmill simulating a dragging or pulling motion would be useful, novel and not obvious, and a significant improvement over the prior art. It is to such an exercise treadmill that the current invention is directed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is a new category of cardiovascular cross training device that addresses many needs not met with the current industry offering of treadmills, elliptical devices, stationary bicycles, and stepping devices. Backward walking is incorporated into the fitness and physical rehabilitation programs prescribed by many professional fitness trainers, physical therapists, sports medicine professionals and strength and conditioning professionals. Additionally, many athletes use weight loaded sled dragging (hand held horizontal load) to augment their lower body strength training as well as their overall aerobic and anaerobic conditioning programs. The present invention combines these features.
The muscle activity of the lower body is much greater in backward walking versus forward walking and the heart rate is elevated 30% to 35% higher over the same forward walking speed. Thus, a person can expend more energy in a shorter period of time walking backwards. Adding the additional load factor of a hand held horizontal resistance (dragging motion) and the energy expenditure and muscle loading to the lower body is increased. This increased energy output allows an individual to achieve and maintain their desired heart rate at a traction of the speed of any forward motion oriented exercise.
Further, the overall force of impact is reduced at a backward walk versus forward motion oriented exercises due to the reduced stride length, foot pattern contact and lower extremity kinematics pattern. The sheer force to the knees is reduced because the sheer force is reversed while walking backwards. Moreover, the range of motion of the knee joint is reduced to incorporating a nearly isometric pattern following contact compared to a more stressful eccentric loading. This can be very beneficial to the exercisers with knee joint injuries or those who experience knee pain during forward motion oriented exercises. Most knee joint injuries can even continue to heal during a backward walking training program. Hip joint stress is reduced during backward walking because the overall range of motion of the hip joint is reduced by incorporating greater hip flexation but much less hip extension.
During backward walking the hamstring muscles are stretched prior to activation and foot plant due to hip flexation. Given the prestretch, the load is not introduced until the weight bearing phase of the movement where the hamstring muscle is much more capable of accepting the load factors. Subsequently, it is more beneficial and less injury prone to add additional hand held horizontal resistance (dragging motion) to the ham string muscle in a backward walking motion. Therefore, during a backward dragging motion the user can achieve greater blood flow to and activation of the hamstring muscles at a slower walking speed than walking without the added load factor of the dragging motion.
The present invention is an exercise treadmill for simulating the dragging or pulling of an object on a level surface, up an incline or down a decline. The treadmill has a lower base housing the internal mechanical components, a pivot arm on which a hand controller is mounted, and a weight resistance means located within the lower base. In one embodiment, the weight resistance means can be operatively connected to the pivot arm via a cable. In another embodiment, the weight resistance means can be operatively connected to the pivot arm by lever, rods, or the like. In yet another embodiment, the weight resistance means can be operatively directly connected to the pivot arm. In still another embodiment, the weight resistance means can be directly attached to the pivot arm or to the connection between the pivot arm and the lower base. In another embodiment, the weight resistance means can be in operative communication with the pivot arm, yet not directly attached to or structurally connected to the pivot arm.
In operation, when a user steps onto the treadmill and grips the hand controller and starts belt moving, the user begins to walk or run in a simulated backwards direction relative to the hand controller, causing the user to pull on the hand controller. Alternatively, the treadmill may be set up to begin to move automatically at a speed and at an inclination according to a value entered from the hand controller. This pulling transfers to the pivot arm, as the hand controller is attached to the pivot arm, thus acting on the weight resistance means. As disclosed above, the action of the pivot arm on the weight resistance means can be by many means, such as cables, wires, rods, levers, or the like, directly or indirectly, and structurally attached or in cooperative communication.
The degree of weight resistance of the weight resistance means can be controlled by the user to simulate dragging or pulling a weight such that the exercise regimen is similar to walking or running backwards while dragging or pulling an object of a weight comparable to the setting of the weight resistance means. The higher the setting of the weight resistance means, the heavier the simulated object being pulled. In preferred embodiments, the weight resistance means can be an adjustable spring or hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, a spring with a known spring constant or a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder with a known resistance, a flexible rod with a known elastic modulus, or a frictional coupling with known coefficients of friction. Additional weight resistance means include direct current motors, direct current motors coupled with brake controllers, alternating current motors coupled with brake controllers, eddy current/electromagnetic resistance, and torsion springs directly connected to the pivot arm attachment site.
The invention also can be a combination of a conventional treadmill and the reverse dragging motion treadmill. To accomplish this, the hand controller and pivot arm can be set in a locked position for conventional treadmill operation and set in an unlocked position for reverse dragging operation. Further, the lower base housing the treadmill belt motor and the weight resistance means can be a relatively larger structure sitting under and supporting the invention or a relatively smaller structure from which the treadmill belt and platform extend. In the first instance, the elevation motor or means for raising and lowering the treadmill belt platform for incline and decline operation can be located within the lower base housing. In the second instance, the elevation motor or means can be located in a separate relatively smaller structure attached to the end of the treadmill platform opposite the end of the treadmill platform attached to the lower base housing.
Generally speaking, the internal mechanical components of the treadmill are similar to (or can be similar to or the same as) the internal mechanical components of known treadmills. The treadmill comprises an endless belt looped about rollers or pulleys so as to provide a platform on which the user can stand, walk and/or run. A deck below a portion of the belt supports the belt and the user. A belt motor cooperates with the belt and/or the rollers or pulleys to move the belt, thus creating a moving platform on which the user can walk or run for the exercise regimen. An incline motor cooperates with the platform, the deck, the rollers or pulleys or rear legs to incline the belt to simulate a hill.
These objects, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring now to the appended figures, the invention will be described in connection with representative preferred embodiments.
Projecting upwardly from base 12 is pivot arm 14 on which hand controller 16 is mounted. Pivot arm 14 can comprise one, two, or more pivot arm sections. As illustrated in
Hand controller 16 is mounted on the end of upper pivot arm 14A distal from lower pivot arm 14B, which also is proximal to user U when user U is in the correct position for operating the treadmill 10. Second mounting means 30 attaches hand controller 16 to upper pivot arm 14A and can be a static or motionless connection, with hand controller 16 rigidly connected to upper pivot arm 14A, or a dynamic or moving connection, with hand controller 16 movably connected to upper pivot arm 14A, such as in a two-dimensional pivoting or three-dimensional joystick configuration. The combination of pivot arm 14 and hand controller 16 provides user U with a means of support either during the entire exercise period or for an initial period until user U has assimilated himself or herself to the speed of the treadmill. The combination of first mounting means 28 and second mounting means 30 allows desired motion of pivot arm 14 and hand controller 16 relative to user U.
Alternatively, there can be two pivot arms 14, one for each hand of user U. If two pivot arms 14 are used, the controls on hand controller 16 can be on one or the other of pivot arms 14, or split between the two pivot arms 14. Further, the use of two independent pivot arms 14 can simulate the arm-swinging motion that normally occurs during walking or running, which may be advantageous to user U, or can be lined together.
Hand controller 16 can include electronic controls and information displays that typically are provided on exercise treadmills for purposes such as adjusting the speed and incline of treadmill 10, the time user U has been operating treadmill 10 and/or the time left in a set exercise regimen, user's U heart rate, the simulated load being dragged or pulled, on and off buttons, and an emergency off button, and other functions, as will be discussed later in connection with
In normal operation, user U will step onto belt 20 and grasp hand controller 16, positioning himself or herself generally centrally on belt 20 so as to face the hand controller 16. As belt 20 begins to move, as will be discussed later, user U will start a rearward walking or running motion towards the rear of treadmill 10, with belt 20 moving accordingly, such that user U will remain generally in the same position centrally on belt 20 as treadmill 10 is operating. Alternatively, treadmill 10 may be set up to begin to move automatically at a speed according to a value entered from hand controller 16. The pace of the walking or running motion may be increased or decreased depending upon the speed of belt 20. The speed of belt 20 can be controlled by the adjustment of the controls on hand controller 16, along with the adjustment of the inclination of treadmill 10 and other functions and features, as will be discussed later in connection with
The use of one or more pivot points such as first mounting means 28 and second mounting means 30 allows the various sections of pivot arm 14 to pivot relative to each other and to user U, resulting in a self-aligning feature. Further, as pivot arm 14 is pivotally attached to base 12, there is another degree of movement for event greater alignment of pivot arm 14 relative to user U. For example, as user U grasps hand controller 18, user U can move hand controller 18 upwards and downwards, and towards or away from user U, so as to place hand controller 18 in a position most comfortable to user U. Further, as the pivot points are freely pivotable, hand controller 18 in effect self-aligns to an appropriate position relative to user U simply upon being grasped by user U. The addition of additional pivot points, such as by making pivot arm 14 multi-sectional, can enhance this self-aligning feature.
As can be seen in
Alternatively, base 12 can comprise a single platform. In such a configuration, all of the above disclosed elements, namely the main support for treadmill 10, belt motor 40 (shown in
Specifically, as when user U steps on belt 20, belt 20 is pressed against deck 38 to support user U. Belt motor 40 cooperates with belt 20 and/or rollers or pulleys 36 to move belt 20. Incline motor 42 cooperates with belt platform 34, deck 38, rollers or pulleys 36 or rear legs 44 to incline belt 20. Weight resistance means 46 cooperates with pivot arm 14 via cable 18. Cable 18 can be of any structure, such as a rope, a chain, a belt; monofilaments, braided wires, and other suitable equivalents, that allow a transfer of force between pivot arm 14 and weight resistance means 46, and is not limited to a standard cable.
A representative drive assembly for belt 20 is schematically illustrated in
Rear roller or pulley 36B is rotatably mounted within base 12, such as on axle 50. Axles 48, 50 typically are secured to a frame portion of base. Front roller or pulley 36A and rear roller or pulley 36B are positioned substantially parallel to each other. Belt 20 is looped around rollers or pulleys 36 so as to allow belt 20 to move continuously about rollers or pulleys 36, thus forming upper run 20A and lower run 20B. User U steps on belt 20 during normal operation of treadmill 10, causing belt 20 to bend under the weight of user U. Belt 20 is supported for a portion of its length, and for a substantial portion of upper run 20A, between rollers or pulleys 36 by deck 38. To reduce friction between the underside of upper run 20A and the top surface of deck 38, a low friction material can be applied to the top surface of deck 38 or the underside of belt 20, or both. Alternatively, deck 38 can be constructed of a low friction material. Deck 38 preferably is rigidly secured within base 12 or belt platform 34. This configuration is known in the treadmill art.
In the illustrative example shown in
In the illustrative example shown in
The degree of weight resistance can be controlled by user U. In the lowest setting, it can be possible for user U to pull pivot arm 14 all the way to a stop (not shown) preventing pivot arm from moving any farther. At such a setting, user U would be simulating dragging or pulling little or no weight and the exercise regimen would be similar to walking or running backwards, and pivot arm 14 would provide user U with stability. In other settings, weight resistance means 46 can be set high enough to prevent user U from pulling pivot arm 14 all the way to the stop (not shown). At such settings, user U would be simulating dragging or pulling a weight and the exercise regimen would be similar to walking or running backwards while dragging or pulling an object of a weight comparable to the setting of the weight resistance means 46. The higher the setting of the weight resistance means 46, the heavier the simulated object being pulled. The degree of weight resistance chosen by user U is adjustable from controls on hand controller 16. With this arrangement, it is therefore possible to vary the weight resistance being dragged or pulled during the exercise regimen.
In preferred embodiments, weight resistance means 46 can be an adjustable spring or hydraulic cylinder, a spring with a known spring constant or a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder with a known resistance, a flexible rod with a known elastic modulus, or a frictional coupling with known coefficients of friction. Each of these elements is known in the art. As discussed later, the weight resistance means 46 can be of many different forms, known or future developed, preferably so long as weight resistance simulating dragging or pulling is provided.
however, the same discussion applies to pneumatic cylinders.
Other weight resistance means 46 include electromagnetic braking, eddy current mechanisms, direct and alternating current motors including coupled with brake controllers, weight stacks, resistance bands, spring-powered reels, pneumatic, air resistance, and water paddles. Each of these other weight resistance means 46 are known and can be adapted for this invention without undue experimentation. Further, other weight resistance means are suitable for use in this invention, including known and future developed weight resistance means.
A comparison of the position of pivot arm 14 in
Additional displays can include a mile display to display the simulated distance raveled by user U during the exercise regimen, a calorie display to display the current rate of user U calorie expenditure or the total calories expended by user U during the exercise regimen. Further, hand controller 16 can include an input key pad with which user U can communicate with a microprocessor that operates treadmill 10 so as to operate treadmill 10 as well as set the parameters for exercise regimens. Also included on hand controller is or can be on-off buttons, emergency stop button 100, increase buttons 102 to increase a parameter, decrease buttons 104 to decrease parameters, and other functional input devices. All of these are known in the treadmill art. Further, hand grips 106 also can comprise input means (not shown) for reading user's U heart rate, as is known in the art.
Treadmill 10 utilizes a known microprocessor (not shown) or other suitable electronic controller to control and operate the various features of the invention. For example, the speed of belt motor 40, and hence the speed of belt 20, is controlled by the microprocessor or other suitable electronic controller. Further, the inclination of belt 20 also is controlled by the microprocessor or other suitable electronic controller. Additionally connected to the microprocessor or other suitable electronic controller are the various display and other elements 90, 92, 94, 96, 98,100,102,104 (and others, if present) of the hand controller 16. For the sake of simplicity, the signals are transmitted to and from the microprocessor or other suitable electronic controller to the hand controller 16 displays 90, 92, 94, 96,98 (and others, if present), and are operatively connected to the switches 100,102,104 (and others, if present) and the specific elements, such as belt motor 40, incline motor 42, and weight resistance means 46. Again, the use of this type of microprocessor or other suitable electronic controller is well known in the treadmill art.
Now that the cable embodiment of the invention has been disclosed, various other embodiments of the invention will be disclosed in connection with
In the illustrative example shown in
In the illustrative examples shown in
The invention also can comprise additional optional features. For example, the invention can comprise a safety mechanism to prevent user U from speeding up the movement of belt 20 due to the weight resistance of the weight resistance means 46, and from speeding up the movement of belt 20 to a speed faster than what is shown on the hand controller 16 speed display 98. In other words, treadmill 10 can further comprise a means for preventing belt 20 from running out from under user U should either user U move too fast relative to belt 20 or belt 20 move too fast relative to user U. This also would help prevent the force of user's U foot plant from undesirably increasing the speed of belt 20. Clutches attached to belt 20 or axles 48, 50 can be used, among other known mechanisms. For another example, the step offs 22, 24, 26 optionally can be and preferably are of a substantial width to allow for a wider platform for user U to step onto or step off of treadmill 10. Side rails and kill switches also can be used. Heart rate monitors can be used, and the microprocessor, or other suitable electronic controllers, can be configured to allow for heart rate monitoring and for the adjustment of belt 20 speed and incline and the level of weight resistance to maintain a desired heart rate.
In stark contrast to known treadmills, the present invention accomplishes a different exercise regimen than an aerobic walking or running workout. Initially, belt travels in the opposite direction than the belt on known treadmills to provide the basis for the dragging or pulling motion. Further, the use of a weight resistance means 46 in combination with a walking or running motion in general and a backwards walking or running motion in particular provides a more complex exercise regimen. It has been found that the combination of walking or running backwards in conjunction with the simulation of dragging or pulling a load provides a useful aerobic and/or anaerobic work out and can strengthen various muscles and muscle groups, specifically leg muscles and the gluteus maximus and also possibly arm, chest, shoulder and back muscles.
Other alternatives and embodiments can comprise one or more of the following features. The treadmill drive motor assembly and incline assembly can be positioned at either end, or in the middle, of the base. The hand controller can be wireless and connected to the weight resistance means with a flexible connection, such as wire or polymer cable and, in such an alternative embodiment, the pivot arm would not be necessary. The pivot arm can pivot on the top portion of the lower base housing and extend into the lower base housing to connect to the weight resistance means, as in
While the invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth, but is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. An exercise treadmill of the type having an endless moveable surface looped around rollers or pulleys to form an upper run and a lower run, the movable surface being rotated when one of the rollers or pulleys is rotated, and an exercise surface for walking or running while exercising, comprising
- a) a weight resistance means for simulating the dragging or pulling of a load;
- b) a pivot arm operatively connected to the weight resistance means, wherein pivoting the pivot arm directly actuates the weight resistance means so as to provide weight resistance for the simulating the dragging or pulling of a load.
2. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight resistance means is variable for providing varying weight resistance.
3. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 2, wherein the weight resistance means is selected from the group consisting of springs, pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, flexible rods, friction members, rods, levers, electric motors, electric motors coupled with brake controllers, and eddy current/electromagnetic.
4. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 3, wherein the pivot arm extends generally upwards from the lower base and is attached to the lower base at a position in front of the endless movable surface.
5. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 4, wherein the pivot arm is pivotally attached to the lower base at a position below where the weight resistance means is operationally attached to the pivot arm.
6. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 4, wherein the pivot arm is pivotally attached to the lower base at a position approximately the same as where the weight resistance means is operationally attached to the pivot arm.
7. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 4, wherein the pivot arm is pivotally attached to the lower base at a position above where the weight resistance means is operationally attached to the pivot arm.
8. An exercise treadmill comprising:
- a) a lower base housing an endless moveable surface looped around rollers or pulleys to form an upper run and a lower run, the movable surface being rotated when one of the rollers or pulleys is rotated, and the upper run comprising an exercise surface for walking or running while exercising;
- b) a weight resistance means for simulating the dragging or pulling of a load; and
- c) a pivot arm operatively connected to the weight resistance means, wherein pivoting the pivot arm actuates the weight resistance means so as to provide weight resistance for the simulating the dragging or pulling of a load,
- wherein the endless movable surface moves in a direction simulating walking or running backwards,
- whereby operation of the treadmill simulates the dragging or pulling of a load.
9. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 8, wherein the weight resistance means is selected from the group consisting of springs, pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, flexible rods, friction members, rods, levers, electric motors, electric motors coupled with brake controllers and eddy current/electromagnetic.
10. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 9, wherein the weight resistance means is variable for providing varying weight resistance.
11. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 8, further comprising an inclination mechanism to permit inclination of the exercise surface to simulate an incline or decline.
12. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pivot arm is pivotable between a first at rest position and a second fully extended position and can be maintained at any position between the first at rest position and the second fully extended position.
13. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 8, further comprising at least one step off platform attached to or a part of the lower base to provide a surface that can be stepped onto before, during or after use of the treadmill.
14. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least one step off platform is attached to the side of the lower base.
15. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a rear safety arm attached to and extending generally upwards from the lower base at a position in back of the endless movable surface opposite the endless movable surface from the pivot arm.
16. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pivot arm is pivotally attached to the lower base at a position below where the weight resistance means is operationally attached to the pivot arm.
17. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pivot arm is pivotally attached to the lower base at a position approximately the same as where the weight resistance means is operationally attached to the pivot arm.
18. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pivot arm is pivotally attached to the lower base at a position above where the weight resistance means is operationally attached to the pivot arm.
19. An exercise treadmill comprising:
- a) a lower base housing an endless moveable surface looped around rollers or pulleys to form an upper run and a lower run, the movable surface being rotated when one of the rollers or pulleys is rotated, and the upper run comprising an exercise surface for walking or running while exercising;
- b) a weight resistance means for simulating the dragging or pulling of a load, wherein the weight resistance means is variable for providing varying weight resistance; and
- c) a pivot arm pivotally connected to the lower base and operatively connected to the weight resistance means, wherein pivoting the pivot arm actuates the weight resistance means so as to provide weight resistance for the simulating the dragging or pulling of a load,
- wherein the endless movable surface moves in a direction simulating walking or running backwards, whereby operation of the treadmill simulates the dragging or pulling of a load.
20. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 19, wherein the pivot arm is pivotally attached to the lower base at a position below where the weight resistance means is operationally attached to the pivot arm.
21. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 19, wherein the pivot arm is pivotally attached to the lower base at a position approximately the same as where the weight resistance means is operationally attached to the pivot arm.
22. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 19 wherein the pivot arm is pivotally attached to the lower base at a position above where the weight resistance means is operationally attached to the pivot arm.
23. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 19, further comprising an inclination mechanism to permit inclination of the exercise surface to simulate an incline or decline.
24. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 19, wherein the pivot arm is pivotable between a first at rest position and a second fully extended position and can be maintained at any position between the first at rest position and the second fully extended position.
25. An exercise treadmill comprising:
- a) a lower base housing an endless moveable surface looped around rollers or pulleys to form an upper run and a lower run, the movable surface being rotated when one of the rollers or pulleys is rotated, and the upper run comprising an exercise surface for walking or running while exercising;
- b) a weight resistance means for simulating the dragging or pulling of a load, wherein the weight resistance means is variable for providing varying weight resistance; and
- c) a pivot arm pivotally connected to the lower base and operatively connected to the weight resistance means, wherein pivoting the pivot arm actuates the weight resistance means so as to provide weight resistance for the simulating the dragging or pulling of a load,
- wherein the endless movable surface moves in a first direction simulating walking or running backwards, whereby operation of the treadmill simulates the dragging or pulling of a load and the endless movable surface moves in a second opposite direction for use of the exercise treadmill in a forward ambulatory mode.
26. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 25, wherein the pivot arm is pivotally attached to the lower base at a position below where the weight resistance means is operationally attached to the pivot arm.
27. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 25, wherein the pivot arm is pivotally attached to the lower base at a position approximately the same as where the weight resistance means is operationally attached to the pivot arm.
28. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 25 wherein the pivot arm is pivotally attached to the lower base at a position above where the weight resistance means is operationally attached to the pivot arm.
29. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 25, further comprising an inclination mechanism to permit inclination of the exercise surface to simulate an incline or decline.
30. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 25, wherein the pivot arm is pivotable between a first at rest position and a second fully extended position and can be maintained at any position between the first at rest position and the second fully extended position.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 20, 2006
Publication Date: May 31, 2007
Inventor: Joseph Ellis (Ocala, FL)
Application Number: 11/385,512
International Classification: A63B 22/02 (20060101);