Hydrotherapy and exercise device with integrated lift and treadmill means

A hydrotherapy and exercise device is disclosed with integrated lift and treadmill means, having a tank for retaining fluid, treadmill means having driving means for rotating the treadmill and having at least one flexible linkage having two ends about which the linkage rotates, end lift means for lifting the treadmill and having at least two rigid supporting members pivotally connected at a pivot point wherein one end of the treadmill driving means rotates about the pivot point, and having remote control, electrically isolated microprocessor means for controlling the level of the treadmill, speed of the treadmill, flow rate of water and chemistry of the water in response to electrical information received from respective monitoring means.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of hydrotherapy devices. More particularly, this invention relates to a hydrotherapy device having an adjustable speed treadmill with special lift and treadmill moving means and having an integrated control system.

The instant invention is directed primarily for human use and as such requires special considerations. In particular it is desirable not only to lift the treadmill means within the tank so as to accommodate the various needs of the users, but also to provide an integrated moving means and control system. For example the apparatus for lifting the treadmill is preferably, and often, done by hydraulic means. However, because a hydraulic apparatus is normally located within the tank under the water, it is common for such systems, which leak, to easily contaminate the water supply via a leak or gasket deterioration. Further, the entry point of the moving means into the tank walls needs to be one that minimizes the risk of tank leakage at that point.

The instant invention utilizes means for lifting one end of the a treadmill in the tank. Whereas Leonaggeo discloses center scissor lift means, the instant invention utilizes a chain drive to lift the tank utilizing a single scissor lift means, and while doing so, utilizes the same pivot point of the single scissor assembly as a common belt and pulley type arrangement for providing the motivating force to run the treadmill as well. Consequently not only is the treadmill lifted from the end in a special single scissor arrangement, the treadmill moving means utilizes the same pivot points in conjunction therewith.

It is common in hydrotherapy systems to utilize jets. However, to control the rate of flow of water from the jets, rather than utilizing valves that open and close manually, an AC inverter means is used to run the pump so as to allow the pump to be run electronically and adjusted so that the output of the pump can be controlled electronically.

It is also an objective to monitor and control the water chemistry and to do so in combination with controlling other functions of the apparatus. An integrated control system is provided to control not only the water chemistry but the treadmill height, speed, jet functions and other functions of the apparatus and to do so in an integrated fashion with a computer so as to electrically isolate the person from the system and to further enable, with existing PC computers, the operator to do so utilizing commonly available infrared remote control units. The infrared remote control unit controls the computer which controls all functions of the apparatus described above.

It is further an object of the invention to provide safety features, including not only the isolation of the system's electrical or other control apparatus from the operator, but also provide compatible safety emergency switches.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a treadmill with adjustable impact absorption means so as to adjust the treadmill floor to provide various impact results to speed the recovery of the patient depending on the patient's needs. Impact adjustment means allow for softening the impact of the foot on the treadmill.

Consequently, it is an object of the invention to provide a hydrotherapy device having an adjustable speed treadmill with end lift means so as to easily access the lifting apparatus. It is further an object of the invention to provide an adjustable speed treadmill and to provide such an apparatus in a manner so as to maximize the cleanliness of the water and to do so in conjunction with the lifting means. It is a still further object of the invention to provide integrated monitoring and control means of the water chemistry and the treadmill movement as well as the jet movement, and to electronically control the water jet means so as to allow the operator to control the system from one computer and to alternatively control the system from a relatively inexpensive infrared remote. It is a further object of the invention, in conjunction with the other apparatus described and in conjunction with the other objects, to provide adjustable impact absorption means and emergency safety devices. It is further an object of the invention to do all of the above in an economically feasible manner and in a manner so as to minimize the possibility of leakage and the possibility of contaminating the water supply.

Other objects and features of the invention and the manner in which the invention achieves its purpose will be appreciated from the foregoing and the following description and the accompanying drawings which exemplify the invention, it being understood that changes may be made in the specific method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the essentials of the invention set forth in the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The invention is shown in the preferred mode in FIG.1. The tank2is shown holding water3at a water level line. The tank has a front end4and an opposing rear or back end5. The sidewall6has an opposing sidewall (not shown in order to disclose the interior elements and features). The treadmill8is shown atop a supporting platform10and has a treadmill belt12rotating about the treadmill ends14and16.

The treadmill is preferably fixed upon the platform10and moves up and down in the water as the platform is moved. The vertical movement of the platform is accomplished by attachment to the chain18at20. The chain rotates about the sprockets22and shaft24which itself is turned by chain26and sprocket28, which itself is turned by motor30. The motor30is an electric motor however other end lift means, other than the motor, chain and sprocket assembly as disclosed, including hydraulic or pneumatic and lift means, are envisioned for lifting the platform10at20.

Additional support for the platform is provided by rigid members32and34. These rigid members are pivotably joined at the center38. Member32has a fixed end nearest the rear of the tank at40and is pivotably connected as will be seen further in FIG.2. The opposing end of member32, also described herein as the distal end, is horizontally slidably attached to the platform at42. Rigid member34similarly has a fixed end at44pivotably attached to the platform10at the rear end of the platform10. The distal end of rigid member34is, like the distal end of rigid member32, horizontally slidably attached at46near the bottom and front of the tank.

This chain and sprocket assembly described and the two rigid members described also exist nearest the opposing wall6and is shown only in part as dotted portion36for clarification only. However it should be understood that while the invention works best with dual systems, the system can also work and is envisioned with a single system on one side or the other as shown or in the middle of the rear end wall. Further structural integrity is achieved with a dual system however.

The rotation of the conveyor treadmill about the pivot point16is accomplished by a series of flexible links comprised, in the preferred mode, of belts and pulleys however any similar type arrangement including chains and sprockets, grooved belts and grooved pulleys or other flexible link arrangement is envisioned. The first link is accomplished via belt48linking pulleys50and52at pivot points16and44respectively. Pulley52is shown attached to another pulley at44that comprises one end of a flexible link linked via belt54to opposing end50and pulley56. However, an alternative mode exists on the support system nearest the opposing wall6via shafts as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. Consequently the system in the latter instance is more easily balanced and accessible for replacement of belts. Transfers of energy from one side of the treadmill to the other and back are accomplished via the shaft shown inFIGS. 3 and 4.

Continuing with the mode of the invention shown inFIG. 1, a final flexible link is shown with belt58rotating about the pivot point56with the pulley60rotating about pivot point40. The shaft62connects the pulley60with the gear box or gear reducer64to the electric motor66via shaft65. Other mode of forces are envisioned for the electric motor66with electric motor gear box and shaft assembly62,64,65, and66.

Consequently, the motor ultimately turns the shaft60and through the three flexible links described, transfers energy to the pulley50thus turning the treadmill conveyor. All of the above is accomplished utilizing the same pivot points as created by the two rigid structure members combined. The motor66and the motor30are controlled by electrical signals at70and68respectively. The signal70controls the speed of the motor as does the signal68. Both signals at68and70are generated from the control microprocessor as shown in FIG.7.

It will also be seen that the water3penetrates the wall section between interior wall5and exterior end wall72and that the chain and sprocket assembly18,22, and17is inside the unit in the water and consequently water tight seals at22and17as well as at40are necessary. However the invention is designed in this manner so as to provide for apparatus that will most easily allow water tight seals through the enclosure. Moreover, the support structure (rigid members32and34) allow for least contamination of the water by the mechanical system. Other devices provide for hydraulic mechanisms inside the tank, an undesirable structure inasmuch as hydraulics allow for leaks of the fluid and in a therapeutic environment is unclean and entirely undesirable. Consequently the support structure and the lifting structure, are not unique in themselves but provide for a far more hygienic system.

The side view inFIG. 2shows the fixed point at which the rigid member32is fixed. Also the inside wall78is shown though as indicated earlier, the chain and sprocket mechanism80is normally immersed in water as shown by the water line82. The arcs84and86show the movement of the pivot points on the rigid members during the raising and lowering of the platform88. The dotted lines90and92show the position of the rigid members in a raised position when the platform would be located at94. The treadmill96is shown having pulley98rotating about the pivot point100as one end of a pulley in the fixed link connecting the opposing pulley102via link104.

FIG. 3shows the end view utilizing the fixed links and shaft discussed earlier. The treadmill motor106transfers its rotational energy via shaft108to the fixed link at110connected to the common pivot point at114as determined by the common axis112. The pivot point at114is the fixed end of the one rigid member nearest the rear end. The fixed end of the adjacent rigid member is shown at116. The opposing ends of the two rigid members are attached to rotating wheels117and115that slide horizontally in channels119and118. The shaft120is shown as a separate shaft from that shaft121; in practice the two shafts are in the same place. As similar to that discussed previously, the fixed end of the rigid member nearest the rear end in the opposing set of rigid member structures is shown at122. The fixed (but as before rotatable) end of the adjacent rigid member is located at124, rotating about the common axis125. The distal ends of the two respective rigid members likewise are attached to rotating wheels126and127in channels128and129.

The chain130is shown attached to a common rotating shaft131which also transfers energy to the opposite chain132. Support structures133are shown for structural support in the walls.

The flexible link via belt137attached to pulley138transfers energy to the shaft139which extends through the common pivot points of all four rigid members to the pulley140which consequently transfers rotational energy through the flexible link via belt141to the pulley142. That pulley then transfers rotational energy through the shaft143to the final flexible link via belt and pulley arrangement145to the pulley146which transfers rotational energy to the conveyor of the treadmill148.

The top view is shown inFIG. 4which likewise shows the system of belts and pulleys and flexible links as described in FIG.5.

FIGS. 5aand5bshow the treadmill and the belt direction along with a side view. The belt revolves around pivot point150which pivot point corresponds to the pivot point100in FIG.2and corresponds to the common pivot point of the pulley146in FIG.3. Also shown inFIG. 5bis the belt tensioning device assembly152which provides for adjustable means for providing tension in the conveyor153via adjustable spring loaded means.

The treadmill is shown inFIG. 6as160with handrailing162and164fixed to the sides of the treadmill.

In use, the treadmill operator controls the level and status of the system preferably before the user enters, utilizing the keyboard83and/or IR remote control77, shown inFIG. 7, to send the appropriate signals through the microprocessor system. Consequently the signals are sent to raise or lower the lift via contactor33, which is connected to the lift motor30at68. The status of the water quality is determined by the desired chemical sensing means and the appropriate signals sent to the appropriate desired chemical control means to adjust the water chemistry. Once the user is in the water, standing on the treadmill, it is then common to start the treadmill moving by sending the appropriate signal through the microprocessor system to the treadmill AC inverter which accordingly starts the treadmill moving. The speed of the treadmill is likewise monitored and shown on the microprocessor and appropriate adjusting signals are sent to speed up or slow down the treadmill. The user typically faces the front end. The jets170,172(and associated jets in the side wall6),174,175,176and178are turned on by controlling the water flow at180through the water pump, controlled by the AC inverter. By controlling the electric power to the pump, the amount of water pumped, consequently the flow rate, is controlled so that the water flows through fast or slow as desired.

During the use of the system, as the water chemistry and conditions change with the user in the water during exercise, the system automatically monitors them through the various sensing devices described and the user can monitor them as well on the monitor and change them utilizing the infrared remote control means. Likewise, if it is desirable in use to lower or raise the treadmill, simply pressing the appropriate buttons on the infrared remote control sends the appropriate electrical signals to control the motor30.

FIG. 7shows a control system for sensing and controlling the tank, water and treadmill system. The system has water sensing and control means, means for sensing and controlling other functions, as well as isolating the system from the individual the system and from the computer for safety and other reasons.

As shown, the system, in the preferred mode, senses the quality of the water through the pH sensor, the ORP (oxidation reduction potential) and the temperature through sensors21,23and25. Said sensors gather data converting it to analog electrical signals and send the signals to the input/output51. Likewise, the speed of the treadmill is monitored and controlled by AC invertor27, and the flow water through the jets is controlled by the pump AC invertor29. Both the treadmill AC invertor and the jet AC invertor send and receive, as opposed to just send, signals to and from the input/output51.

The emergency stop switch31is connected to the input/output49such that if the stop switch is pulled or operated, the signal is immediately sent to the system shutting down the system. The lift status may be monitored but in the preferred mode here, the lift contactor33is only a receiving device to receive signals from the input/output49. The sanitation/filter pump35also receives a control signal from the input/output49. The water level is controlled by solenoid valve39and receives a signal from the input/output49. The pH level is controlled by the solenoid valve41which receives a signal from its control signal from49. Likewise the bromine content is controlled via solenoid valve43which likewise receives its signal from input/output49. The water level is sensed via capacitive or other sensors37and sends its signals to the input/output49. The position of the lift is sensed using inductive sensors45and electrical signals are sent to input/output49. The jet air is controlled by solenoid valve47via signals from input/output49.

All of the electrical signals from the aforementioned sensors and devices21,23,25,27,29,31,33,35,37,39,41,43,45,47are electrical signals that can be either analog or data but in the preferred mode are shown either analog or data signals. Consequently input/output49is a digital device and input/output51is an analog device. The digital input/output devices are, in the preferred mode, optically isolated such that the electrical signals received are, internally, converted to electrical signals, transmitted as optical signals, received as optical signals and decoded and retransmitted to electrical signals at the outputs. The optical transmission operates in both directions in the input/output device. Optical here includes not only visual wavelength light but all lightwave frequencies visual, infrared, ultraviolet, or otherwise. Optical isolation in this manner, in an wet environment such as this, allows further safe isolation of the operator from the water and electrical power of the machinery, and also provides for more secure and certain communications free of outside electrical interference. Other electrical protection means are envisioned including magnetic. The analog input/output devices are, in the preferred mode, magnetically isolated such that the electrical signals received are internally electrically separated from the signals transmitted.

The input/output devices49and51send and receive signals through the input/output controller61via data paths53and55. The input/output controller is a microprocessor device itself although in the preferred mode it is shown connected to another microprocessor device63through link59. The system is set up so that63is a commonly available personal computer having storage means for storing the data received from the sensing devices, printing means91for analyzing data results of the system status, video monitor75for observing the system status, keyboard means83and infrared remote means73and77to communicate and control the microprocessor63(and ultimately the input/output controller61) via link79.79consequently is a non-hardwired connection so as to even further isolate the operator and provide freedom of movement in dealing with the user of the system and controlling the system. Fax/modem65allows control and maintenance of the system from still further remote sources via phone, network or other long distance means.

While there have been shown and described particular embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention or its equivalent, and, therefore, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.