Exercise devices – Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof – Treadmill for foot travel
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-09
2001-09-11
Richman, Glenn E. (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof
Treadmill for foot travel
C482S051000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06287240
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment and, more particularly, to a variable resistance treadmill that simulates the resistance of pushing and pulling large objects such as an automobile or a blocking sled.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the related art, there are many designs for treadmills. Treadmills are a popular way that exercise enthusiasts can enjoy a vigorous cardiovascular workout that one would normally get from jogging or running without having to leave the home or gym. Typically, a continuous loop belt made from high strength rubber is supported between two rotating spindles supported by a frame to provide a surface where an exerciser may walk, jog, or run. Many schemes exist where the resistance of the rotating belt is varied according to the users desire to give an optimum workout. Many treadmills now have modern electronics to control the resistance as well as monitoring performance data on the user such as equivalent distance run, speed, time, and even the heart rate of the user. Some treadmills are even motorized to give the user a constant speed workout. However, this significantly reduces the amount of work required by the user to keep the belt turning.
The present invention provides the constant speed workout of a motorized treadmill by utilizing conventional weight lifting plates or other fixed mass placed on the ends of one of the rotating shafts to act as a flywheel. The user can adjust the mass moment of inertia of the belt by selecting plates or other fixed mass of differing weight. A mechanism is placed around the shafts to control the rolling resistance of the belt. Conventional treadmills also are limited in the type of exercise that may be done on them. The present invention also simulates the rolling resistance of objects such as an automobile and pushing/sliding resistance as one would experience in pushing a blocking sled or pulling (sprinting) a sliding weight such as a tractor tire. This gives an exerciser additional workout options not available on conventional treadmills. The present invention is mostly designed from conventional, off-the-shelf materials lending to low cost and ease of construction.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related:
U.S. Pat. No.
Inventor
Issue Date
5,595,556
Daleabout et al.
January 21, 1997
5,282,776
Daleabout et al.
February 1, 1994
5,527,245
Daleabout et al.
June 18, 1996
5,318,491
Houston
June 7, 1994
5,000,440
Lynch
March 19, 1991
4,687,195
Potts
August 18, 1987
4,151,988
Nabinger
May 1, 1979
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved treadmill design.
It is a main feature of the present invention to provide such a treadmill that will provide the simulation of both a rolling resistance and a moving mass inertia, simultaneously.
It is another feature of the present invention to provide an improved workout for overall body and leg strength.
It is another feature of the present invention to provide an improved workout for increased cardiovascular endurance.
It is yet another feature of the present invention to be easy to use and require no specialized training.
It is still yet another feature of the present invention to simulate the pushing and pulling of a varied rolling resistance.
It is another feature of the present invention to provide for overall body/leg strength and cardiovascular endurance without the present, better, and optimal body posture.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a Variable Resistance Treadmill
5
for simultaneously simulating a rolling and sliding resistance, and a moving inertia is provided comprised of a textured tread, frame, two spindles, friction resistance system, push rail, a pull rail, a push board/push surface and conventional Olympic weight training plates or other fixed mass. The Variable Resistance Treadmill
5
will include electronic feedback to monitor the performance of the moving tread as well as electronic variation of the friction resistance.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5860894 (1999-01-01), Dalebout et al.
Corrigan Michael J.
Gugliotta John D.
Richman Glenn E.
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