Patent Application
20050009669
The present invention generally relates to exercise devices, such as treadmills. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise device for providing resistive training for a user of a manually-operated treadmill.
The use of treadmills for walking, jogging and running purposes is well-known. Oftentimes, the treadmills are motorized such that the user can select a speed or pre-programmed course for the exercise regiment. The motor of the treadmill then moves the belt, or running surface, to the appropriate speed matching that selected by the user. The user must then walk, jog, or run at this speed so as to remain generally stationary on the treadmill. To alter the speed of the belt, the user must push the appropriate buttons on the controlling console.
Some of the drawbacks of a traditional motorized treadmill include the need to alter the speeds and programming of the treadmill during use, which can be difficult while running at a fast pace. Moreover, there is no resistance, other than inclining the running surface, in traditional treadmills.
It is known that providing resistance to a runner cannot only increase the cardio aspect of the workout, but also serve to strengthen muscles which improve performance and strength. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,601 to Frappier discloses a leg muscle training device wherein leg bindings secured above and below the knee are connected to a stretchable tether which is held by a trainer. As the athlete runs in place or on a treadmill, the trainer pulls on the tether to create a desired degree of resistance. It has been found that this apparatus is particularly useful for sprinters or other athletes involved with sprint running. However, the Frappier training device and method requires a personal trainer to be utilized and has a fairly cumbersome set-up.
Accordingly, there is a continuing need for an exercise device which provides resistive training for a user of a manually-operated treadmill and which does not require the assistance of another individual but provides the benefits of resistive training. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.
The present invention resides in an exercise device for providing resistive training for a user of a manually-operated treadmill. In one embodiment, the treadmill comprises a support structure including parallel rails and a leading roller rotatably attached to the rails at one end of the support structure, and a trailing roller rotatably attached to the rails at an opposite end of the support structure. A continuous belt track extends between the rollers so as to be manually rotated by the user as he or she walks or runs on the treadmill.
A harness is coupled to an object fixed relative to the treadmill, such as an object in close proximity to the treadmill, or directly attached to the treadmill itself. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a rearstanchion extends generally perpendicular to the support structure at a rear end thereof. The harness is defined by an elongated member having opposed ends adapted for engagement together around a waist of a user of the treadmill. One or more resistance bands, comprised of a resiliently flexible material, have a first end coupled to the harness, and a second end coupled to the stanchion or object in close proximity to the treadmill. Thus, as the user of the treadmill attempts to advance, resistance to forward movement of the user is experienced.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:
As shown in the accompanying drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention resides in an exercise device, generally referred to by the reference number 10, which is designed to provide resistive training to the user.
With reference now to
Preferably, the treadmill 12 is not motorized such that the user must manually activate and move the belt 26 as the user walks or runs. This enables the user to have much more control over the speed of the belt 26 while also providing a degree of resistance training as compared to motorized treadmills. It is contemplated by the present invention that the deck, or walking supporting surface including the belt 26, could be raised above horizontal for training and resistance purposes. Any means known in the art could be utilized for such purposes, including a motorized lift assembly, or a manual lift assembly including hinges and brackets and the like. In this way, the leading roller 22 could be elevated with respect to the trailing roller 24 to simulate walking or running on hills.
In a particularly preferred form of the invention, a stanchion 28 extends upwardly from a rear end of the treadmill 12. The stanchion 28 is generally U-shaped and inverted such that the free ends thereof are attached to the rear of the treadmill 12. The stanchion 28 provides a convenient location to secure a harness 30. As shown in
With continuing reference to
With reference now to
With reference now to
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exercise device of the present invention allows a user 42 thereof to improve his or her cardio vascular system as well as strengthen muscles during a workout using the device 10. The device 10 accommodates individual users 42 of different capabilities and strengths as the harness 30 can be adjusted and the resistance from the resistance bands 40 can be adjusted as well. The user 42 can perform such exercises and workouts alone without the need of a trainer.
Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.
