FIELD OF THE INVENTION
One or more implementations relate generally to exercise equipment, and more specifically to an upper body exercise extension for treadmills.
BACKGROUND
Exercise equipment for home and professional use is a growing industry with many competing products. Treadmills are among the oldest and most popular items of exercise equipment and are widely used in gyms and homes. In general a treadmill is a relatively large piece of equipment for walking or running in place and has a wide conveyer belt driven by an electric motor or a flywheels that provides a moving platform that requires the user to walk or run at a matching speed. Treadmills may include hand rails to provide balance as well as a console that allows the user to select operating parameters such as belt speed, exercise time, resistance, inclination, and other such parameters. Because of their design treadmills are very limited in the types of exercises that can be performed—namely, walking or running in place. Though these activities can help cardiovascular conditioning, they generally do not provide a muscle-building or particularly intense workout. In a comprehensive fitness regimen or environment, therefore, a treadmill is usually just a small part of the total equipment that is used. However, in terms of size and cost, it can be one of the larger and more expensive items of equipment. Given the exercise platform made available by a treadmill, it would be useful to incorporate additional exercise devices to extend the functionality and range of exercises beyond just the low-intensity lower body exercises currently provided.
What is needed therefore is a treadmill that provides or incorporates a greater range of exercises, such as upper body exercises.
What is further needed is a device that retrofits to existing treadmills to provide additional exercise range to treadmills without requiring excessive cost and reconfiguration of existing machinery.
The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions.
SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS
Embodiments are generally directed to an exercise device that extends a treadmill beyond a walking/running platform to provide upper body exercises. The treadmill extender for providing a structure for performing upper-body exercises in conjunction with walking or running on a treadmill, comprising a base section configured to be fastened securely against an underside of the treadmill, two or more posts configured to fit securely between the base section and the underside of the treadmill, wherein the posts include feet that are movable up and down to fix immovably fix the base relative to a running platform of the treadmill, attachment means for attaching to or more cords to the base for providing resistance to the user when performing the upper-body exercises, and adjustment means for moving the posts to accommodate a width of the treadmill. The treadmill extender can be used with a variety of different exercise regimens to increase running speed, running power, and upper and lower body strength. Running speed and power is increased running or jogging on the treadmill while simultaneously performing upper body exercises. Muscle and body coordination is also improved by doing both upper and body exercises at once. Upper body strength is increased by performing exercises with bands/cords or other attachments that attach to fixed hooks or attachment points positioned at different points around the extender base.
Any of the embodiments described herein may be used alone or together with one another in any combination. The one or more implementations encompassed within this specification may also include embodiments that are only partially mentioned or alluded to or are not mentioned or alluded to at all in this brief summary or in the abstract. Although various embodiments may have been motivated by various deficiencies with the prior art, which may be discussed or alluded to in one or more places in the specification, the embodiments do not necessarily address any of these deficiencies. In other words, different embodiments may address different deficiencies that may be discussed in the specification. Some embodiments may only partially address some deficiencies or just one deficiency that may be discussed in the specification, and some embodiments may not address any of these deficiencies.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following drawings like reference numbers are used to refer to like elements. Although the following figures depict various examples, the one or more implementations are not limited to the examples depicted in the figures.
FIG. 1 illustrates a treadmill extender used in conjunction with a standard treadmill under certain embodiments.
FIG. 2 illustrates a treadmill extender structure for fitment to or against the underside of a treadmill, under an embodiment.
FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration of a treadmill extender, under an embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a close up image of the treadmill extender of FIG. 3 showing the connection points for resistance cords, under an embodiment.
FIG. 5 illustrates a treadmill extender with cords and associated handles attached, under an embodiment.
FIG. 6 illustrates a configuration of handles for use with the treadmill extender, under an embodiment.
FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which resistance is provided by a linkage to the treadmill extender base, under an embodiment.
FIG. 8 illustrates a clamp-on treadmill extender according to an embodiment.
FIG. 9 illustrates installation of a clamp-on treadmill of FIG. 8 under an embodiment.
FIG. 10 illustrates a clamp-on treadmill extender under an alternative embodiment.
FIG. 11 illustrates a clamp-on structure under another alternative embodiment.
FIG. 12A illustrates a side view of a clamp-on structure with an attachment ring for attaching to an exercise cord, under an embodiment
FIG. 12B illustrates a top view of the clamp-on structure of claim 12A.
FIG. 13A illustrates a series of levers that are attached to a treadmill base and in an up position, under an embodiment.
FIG. 13B illustrates the series of levers of FIG. 13A in a down position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments are directed to a structure that extends a treadmill beyond just a platform to walk or run on. A standard treadmill generally consists of a large wide conveyer belt stretched between two shafts. The belt may have some degree of flex or be used with cushioning or damping elements that provide shock absorption for the user. One of the shafts may be driven by an electric motor that turns the running belt of the treadmill. The user sets the speed of the belt rotation and walks or runs to match the speed. Passive treadmills do not have a drive motor, but instead provide resistance against which the user walks or runs to move the belt while staying in place. Treadmills may be designed and configured slightly differently for applications ranging from medical use (e.g., stress tests, low-intensity cardiovascular conditioning, etc.), recreational exercise (walking, jogging) to intense athletic exercise (running, sprinting, uphill running, etc.). Treadmills may be provided with inclination adjustment means to provide some slope (up or down) to the running surface to increase or decrease the apparent resistance of the treadmill. Handrails, harnesses or belts may be provided to help the user stay upright on the moving belt. As a platform upon which lower body exercises are performed (i.e., walking/jogging/running), a treadmill provides a large and secure base. Embodiments are directed to a structure that can be retrofit or used in conjunction with a treadmill to extend the treadmill to provide a platform upon which upper body exercises (e.g., arm and torso) can also be performed along with the usual walking and jogging activities.
FIG. 1 illustrates a treadmill extender used in conjunction with a standard treadmill under certain embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1, a user 102 is jogging on the running surface 106 of treadmill 104. The running surface 106 generally comprises a wide belt that has a width and length that can accommodate the user 102 running or walking in place. A console 108 may be provided on the front portion of treadmill 104 to provide a hand gripping surface for stability and/or to provide access to user controls such as on/off, belt speed, inclination, resistance, and so on. Embodiments are directed to a structure 110 that is fixedly placed underneath a bottom surface of the treadmill running platform 106 and that provides one or more connection points 109 that allow for the attachment of cords, straps, belts, poles, or other similar elements that have or are connected to handles 114 that the user 102 can grasp to perform certain upper body exercises while walking or running on the treadmill 104.
The cord 112 and handle 114 element can be configured to allow the user to perform a variety of different exercises using built in elasticity of the cord 112 or attached weights or any similar resistance providing mechanism to provide load against which the user must work. Examples of exercises that can be performed using the treadmill extender system include: Lateral Raises, Arm Curls, Shoulder Press, Bend-Over Flys, Tricep Extensions, Front Shoulder Raises, Wrist Curls, Reverse Wrist Curls, Should Shrugs, Chest Flys, and others. The listed exercise regimen is meant only to be illustrative of an example regimen, and many different exercises can be performed using the treadmill extender. The exercises can be performed as single exercises such as working a single muscle or muscle group, or as combination exercises such as Curls/Shoulder Press or Front/Side Shoulder Raises, for example. The treadmill extender generally provides a way to improve upper body muscle tone and strength while walking or jogging on a treadmill.
In an embodiment, the structure 110 of the treadmill extender comprises a structure with two adjustable arms that provide a secure fit to the base of the treadmill. FIG. 2 illustrates a treadmill extender structure for fitment to or against the underside of a treadmill, under an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the treadmill extender 200 comprises a rectangular base structure 202 that provides a platform for attaching cords or bands using attachment hooks or rings 212 that may be directly bolted or connected to the base 202 or connected through pins or posts 210. A pair of posts 206 attached to feet 208 serve to press against the bottom of the treadmill to secure or fix the base 202 relative to the treadmill platform. The posts 206 are adjustable in height so that the feet 208 can be moved up or down relative to the base to provide a secure fitment of the base 202 relative to the treadmill platform. The up/down adjustment of the feet 208 on the post 206 may be provided by a telescoping post arrangement that has holes and pins to raise or lower the feet. Alternatively, a threaded arrangement may be used that allows the feet to be screwed onto the post 206 and moved upwardly or downwardly, similar to a nut on a bolt. The feet 208 are selected to be of a material such as hard rubber, wood, or plastic, that provides a secure and strong platform to provide a compressive surface between the treadmill platform and the base 202. In an embodiment, the base 202 is placed on the floor and the feet 208 are raised on the posts 206 until the feet compress against the underside of the treadmill platform. The feet are tightened against the underside of the treadmill platform until the base cannot move along the floor relative to the treadmill. A protective material (e.g., plastic or rubber) may be placed on the underside of the base 202 to protect the floor and provide additional grip. In an alternative embodiment, the structure 200 may be configured such that the feet 208 are placed on the floor and the base 202 is adjusted and fit upward against the underside of the treadmill platform until it cannot move relative to the treadmill. In this embodiment, the feet 208 are configured to be of a size and shape appropriate to stand on the floor and hold the base 202 up against the treadmill.
For the embodiment of FIG. 2, the structure is adjustable to fit the width of the treadmill. The posts 206 can be moved inward or outward from the center of the base 202 using holes 204 or other similar mechanisms, such as notches. Alternatively, a threaded arrangement may be used to allows the posts to be screwed onto the base 202 and moved inwardly or outwardly, similar to a nut on a bolt.
The base 202 may be made of any appropriate material such as wood, steel, aluminum, hard plastic, and so on. It may be round, elliptical, square, or rectangular in cross-section. The actual configuration and shape of the base may vary depending on the type of treadmill and/or operating environment that is used.
In an embodiment, the post 206 and foot 208 structure comprises a jackscrew structure that is a type of jack that is operated or configured by turning a leadscrew. Alternatively, a pin and hole or other similar telescoping arrangement may be used.
FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration of a treadmill extender, under an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, a base 302 (made of wood) has a series of holes through which posts 304 can be attached, through bolts, screws, pegs, or similar attachment means. The holes in the base 302 are provided in a number and spacing that allows the posts to be moved inwardly or outwardly at a distance that accommodates most popular treadmills. For example the base may be between four to six feet in length to accommodate a typical treadmill width of three to five feet wide, and the holes may be arranged as a series of eight two twelve holes spaced an inch apart to allow flexible width arrangement of the posts. Various different size and width adjustment configurations may be provided depending on the types of treadmills that the extender 200 is used with. For the embodiment of FIG. 3, the posts 304 are perforated with a number of holes. The feet 308 comprise rubber bases placed on a peg with matching holes. The peg is inserted into the post and the appropriate holes are lined up and a pin is used to secure the peg within the post at the appropriate height.
For the embodiment of FIG. 2, connection points 212 are provided to attach resistive cords or bands that allow the user to perform upper body exercises. The connection points may include two rings or hooks on each side of the structure to allow attachment to the cords or bands. Such rings or hooks may be implemented through integrated hook/ring and bolts or hook/ring and screws, depending on the material used for the base 202. Alternatively, the hooks or rings 212 may be standalone elements that are connected to the base 202 through separate posts or pins 210. FIG. 4 is a close up image of the treadmill extender of FIG. 3 showing the connection points for resistance cords, under an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, base 402 has a set of rings 406 and 408 provided on either side of the base. One set of rings 408 may protrude from the edge of the base, and another set 406 may protrude from a top surface of the base, as shown. Embodiments are not so limited and any practical number and placement of rings may be used. Alternatively, instead of rings (as shown), hooks or threaded posts that provide adequate attachment to cords may be used. The rings are placed and arranged such that they provide clearance from the treadmill sides when cords are attached and held by the user, as shown in FIG. 1. Thus, they may be closely coupled to the base, as shown in FIG. 4, or extended through additional pins or posts to protrude further away from the base, if necessary.
The rings provide the basis of attaching the base to resistance cords that are used by the user to perform certain upper body exercises. FIG. 5 illustrates a treadmill extender with cords and associated handles attached, under an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, two cords 506 and associated handles 508 are attached to base 502 through certain attachment rings 504. The cords 506 may be implemented as elastic cords (e.g., Bungee type cords), belts, rubber bands, or any other elastic rope that provides resistance to pulling. Alternatively, the cord may be implemented as a rigid or semi-rigid pole or post that provides resistance to pushing. Any appropriate structure that provides some degree of resistance that forces the user to exert a force and perform work to exercise his or her upper body is appropriate.
FIG. 5 also shows an embodiment in which the posts 510 are adjustable up and down through a telescoping or jackscrew type arrangement instead of a hole and pin arrangement, as shown in FIG. 3. Furthermore, as shown above, fitment of the treadmill extender is provided by a jackscrew type friction fit against and between the floor and platform of the treadmill. Alternatively, the extender base may be configured to be attached to the bottom of the treadmill platform, such as through clamps, bolts or similar attachment means.
The handles 508 may be of any size, shape and configuration appropriate to allow the user to grasp and pull the cord 506, or push the pole if pushing resistance is provided. In an embodiment, the handle incorporate controls or settings that change the resistance of the upper body workout system. FIG. 6 illustrates a configuration of handles for use with the treadmill extender, under an embodiment. For this embodiment, the handle 602 is provided in a kettlebell shape, though other similar shapes may also be used. An opening 604 at the bottom of the handle allows the cord 606 to be tightened or loosened. A turn lever 610 can be used to tighten or loosen the cord, and holes or notches 612 in the handle can be used to secure the turn lever. The turn lever 610 may be configured to flip in and out and secure against the holes or notches 612 through an appropriate angle or mating element. The cord 606 can comprise an elastic cord (or equivalent) that attaches to the connecting point loops/hooks through a plastic or metal hook 608. The handle 602 may be made of plastic or any appropriate material.
In an alternative embodiment, the handle may comprise or incorporate a weight or weights that itself provides resistance to user movement. In this manner, the handle itself provides all or at least part of the resistance that can be used for the upper body exercises.
In a further alternative embodiment, the resistance maybe provided through a hinged or flexible yet resistive attachment point. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which resistance is provided by a linkage to the treadmill extender base, under an embodiment. In this embodiment the cord 506 is implemented as a rigid structure, and resistance is provided by the linkage between the base and the pole handle. As shown in FIG. 7, the base 702 is connected to the connection ring 706 through a linkage element 704. This may be a hard rubber or nylon element that provides some degree of flexibility but resistance to pulling or pushing against the ring 706 through an attached pole or rigid rope. Any appropriate material or configuration, such as through a friction hinge, pulleys, or similar components may be used.
The treadmill extender described and illustrated with reference to FIGS. 2-5 illustrate embodiments in which a single bar or structure runs under the width of the treadmill platform and is secured by means of a pressure or friction fit between the floor and the treadmill platform. In an alternative embodiment, the treadmill extender may comprise a unit that clamps on to the sides of the treadmill platform or treadmill base. FIG. 8 illustrates a clamp-on treadmill extender according to an example embodiment. Structure 800 is one side of the clamp-on treadmill extender and has an upper portion 802 and a lower portion 804 that are slidably attachable to each other to provide a height adjustment for space 801 that accommodates the side of the treadmill base. The upper and lower portions can be moved up or down in relation to one another depending on the thickness of the treadmill base and can be fixed by way of a hole and pin 811 or a slide lock mechanism, or any other appropriate telescoping mechanism. The bottom of the treadmill base is placed against the bottom portion 804 and a screw fastener 806 is provided through the upper portion so that the clamp-on structure 800 can be tightened against the treadmill base. One or more hooks 808, or the equivalent, can be provided for cord attachment, such as from the side of the clamp-on structure or the top (e.g., next to the screw fastener 806). The screw fastener 806 can be embodied in a rotating screw assembly with a bottom flange 810 that is pressed against the treadmill base. Alternatively it may be embodied as a spring or any appropriate element that provides a clamping force against the treadmill base.
The clamp-on structure 800 of FIG. 8 is one side of a pair of attachments for the treadmill extender. FIG. 9 illustrates installation of a clamp-on treadmill of FIG. 8 under an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, left and right side clamp-on structures 902 and 904 are clamped on to the base 906 of a treadmill. The size and dimensions of the clamp-on structure is selected to provide enough clearance to allow clamping on to the base 906 without interfering or rubbing against the treadmill belt 908 or walking surface. The clamp-on structure allows the cord attachment 910 to be moved in virtually any position along the length of the treadmill base. In addition, any number of clamp-on structures can be used and installed depending on the number of cord attachment hooks are needed or desired. For example, two clamp-on attachments may be provided on each side of the base with a degree of separation that allows different attached cords to provide workouts to different positions or muscle groups, or one set of attachments can have rigid poles attached while the other set has cords attached, and so on.
FIG. 10 illustrates a clamp-on structure under an alternative embodiment. As shown in the perspective diagram of FIG. 10, which represents a left side clamp, the clamp structure 1002 comprises a lower pad surface 1004 that presses against the bottom of the side of the treadmill platform, and an upper pad surface 1006 that presses down against the top of the side of the treadmill platform. A screw fastener 1008, or similar compression device, is used to press the top pad 1006 down tight to the treadmill platform so that the structure 1002 is fixed securely to the platform. The structure also includes a cross brace 1010 that contains a hole 1012 or similar anchoring point for attachment of the cord. As shown in FIG. 10, when the screw fastener 1008 is turned in the appropriate direction, the upper plate 1014 slides downward on the rails 1016 to tighten the grip on the platform, and vice-versa. The same type of clamp 1002 is provided for the other side of the treadmill so that the two cords can be provided on either side of the treadmill. Any appropriate size and material of the clamp pads may be selected, such as rubber, plastic, nylon, wood, and so on of a between one and three inches in diameter, for example, depending on the size and configuration of the treadmill.
The structure of the treadmill clamp may have slidable components of any appropriate shape and size to claim the cord attachment to the treadmill platform or base. The rails of FIG. 10 are substantially square or rectangular in cross section, but they could also be round or oblong. FIG. 11 illustrates a clamp-on structure under another alternative embodiment. As shown in the perspective diagram of FIG. 11, which represents a right side clamp, the clamp structure 1102 comprises the upper and lower pad surfaces 1104 and 1106 that press against the bottom and top sides of the treadmill platform when the screw fastener 1108 is turned in the appropriate direction. The rails 1110 upon which the upper platform 1112 slides are substantially round or oblong in cross section. The structure 1102 also includes a cross brace 1114 that contains a hole 1115 or similar anchoring point for attachment of the cord through a hook or eyelet type attachment point that may be screwed into the hole, or through which a hook on the end of the attachment cord can be hooked. For the embodiment of FIG. 11, and similar embodiments, the cross brace 1114 may be moved up or down relative to the treadmill base. Turnscrews 116 fix the cross brace 1114 against each of the rails and allows the cross brace to be moved up and down on the rails so that the position of the hole can be height adjusted on the treadmill. The same type of clamp 1102 is provided for the other side of the treadmill so that the two cords can be provided on either side of the treadmill.
For the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, a hole (e.g., hole 1012) is provided in a cross-member that is placed between or couples together the rails of the clamp structure. The hole may serve as a direct attachment point for an exercise cord, such as a bungee cord that has a hook on one end, or it may be an attachment point to screw or slide in a ring, hook, or eyelet type bolt that can hook onto the exercise cord. FIG. 12 is a side view of a clamp-on structure 1202 that includes such a hook attachment. As shown in FIG. 12, clamp structure includes two slidable components 1208 and 1209 that slide on rail 1209 when the screw 1204 is closed or opened. When closed, pads 1212 and 1214 clamp against the edge of the treadmill platform 1230. A hook or ring 1220 is screwed into a cross member disposed between the rails 1209. The distance of the hook from the platform 1230 is determined by the length of the shaft 1222 affixing the ring to the cross member, and may be changed as the ring is screwed into or out of the cross member. Different length or type rings may be provided depending on the type of cord used or the type of exercises that are performed. The screw handle 1204 that clamps the clamp arms 1208 and 1210 may be of any appropriate size and shape to facilitate easy grabbing and turning, and may be attached to a screw portion through a collar 1206 that has a set screw or other fixing means.
FIG. 12B is a top view of the clamp-on structure of FIG. 12A. This top view shows the ring 1220 attached through bolt or shaft 1222 to the cross member 1216, which runs between the rails 1209. In a further alternative embodiment, the ring 1220 may be attached directly to the top clamp arm 1208 instead of the cross-member 1216. In yet a further alternative, the ring 1220 may be attached directly to the bottom clamp arm 1210.
In an embodiment, a series of anchor points for the cord can be provided at various points of the treadmill base. FIG. 13A illustrates a series of levers that are attached to a treadmill base, under an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13A, the treadmill 1300 has a platform or base portion 1302 upon which the rolling treadmill belt 1304 is placed. The handrail and control portion are not shown for clarity. The levers 1308 are attached to the side 1306 of the platform in a manner that allows them to be deployed up or down. FIG. 13B illustrates the series of levers of FIG. 13A in a down position. The levers 1308 may be attached to the side through a pivot or rotating bolt, or similar attachment means. Each lever comprises a rigid pin attached to a ring which allows for attachment to the cord. Any number of levers may be provided on either side of the treadmill base 1302. The different positions allow for cords to be attached at different locations of the treadmill for symmetric or asymmetric exercises.
As described and shown, the treadmill extender can be used with a variety of different exercise regimens to increase running speed, running power, and upper and lower body strength. Running speed and power is increased running or jogging on the treadmill while simultaneously performing upper body exercises. Muscle and body coordination is also improved by doing both upper and body exercises at once. Upper body strength is increased by performing exercises with bands/cords or other attachments that attach to fixed hooks or attachment points positioned at different points around the extender base. The hooks can be positioned around the front, back and sides of the base. The treadmill provides a heavy platform that provides resistance for certain exercises when using cord and/or handle accessories. It also provides the basis to perform lower body exercises while the cords are used to perform upper body exercises (simultaneously, if desired). Various attachments, such as pull bars, weighted handles, pulleys, and so on can be used in conjunction with the treadmill extender.
The treadmill extender described herein allows virtually any treadmill to be converted into a piece of equipment that can easily be used to perform upper body exercises in conjunction with the usual walking or jogging. It securely fits against the treadmill and does not require any additional retrofit or modification to the treadmill. It is modular and easily transportable for use with different treadmills.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “hereunder,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the word “or” is used in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list.
While one or more implementations have been described by way of example and in terms of the specific embodiments, it is to be understood that one or more implementations are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements as would be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Patent Application
20160287929
