Abstract:
An improved treadmill comprises at track mechanism wherein the rotational speed of the tread belt is automatically controlled to suit the physical condition of the user, and a slope adjusting mechanism is associated with the track mechanism to enable the track mechanism to operate at a slope. The treadmill further comprises a controller having a microprocessor formed therein for inputting control data, processing and recording operation status data, and outputting/displaying those stored data. There are ports of sensors to collect various exercise data such as speed, distance, slope, pulse rate, duration, etc. The controller then enables the treadmill to operate in accordance with a predetermined sequence of functions and to adapt to the condition of the user, while at the same time the controller stores/displays exercise data, such as the pulse rate, pace, number of steps taken, heat dissipated, etc.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a treadmill, particularly to one capable of automatically choosing different operation modes and displaying the physical condition of the user during its use. 
     We know proper physical exercise may improve metabolism and enhances blood circulation. People need physical exercise to remain healthy. However, in our modern daily life, most people do not have much time for outdoor physical exercise. Also, many people can or will not perform serious physical exercise outdoors because of factors such as their occupation, personality or physical obstacles such as having had a stroke. 
     Recently, treadmills for people to walk or run on have become increasingly popular. The principal advantage of a treadmill is that it is handy for indoor physical exercise. However, conventional treadmills have several disadvantages. The most commonly used treadmill has only a rotatable tread belt for the user to stand upon and walk or run on. Because the speed of rotation of the tread belt is not adjustable, users do not have the same feeling as running outdoors. In addition, the flat tread belt is not like real ground which usually has bumps and slopes. Furthermore, conventional treadmills do not have any means for recording the physical state of the user or a display to let the user know his own physical condition so that he will not overexert himself. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The main object of the present invention is to provide an improved treadmill, especially an automatic one, which contains various features that conventional treadmills do not have. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a treadmill which can be used for ordinary running exercise and also for the purpose of orthopedic training. 
     An important feature of the present invention is a supersonic detecting apparatus to sense and determine the position of the user and to generate an output signal to automatically control the rotating speed of the tread belt for the safety of the user. 
     Another feature of the treadmill according to the present invention is the adoption of a microprocessor for controlling the period of operation, angle and change of slope of the pave belt and also for displaying aspects of the physical condition of the user, such as his pulse rate. 
     A further feature of the treadmill according to the present invention is to provide a controller for receiving reference data of the user such as his age, weight, an identification code, etc. By using the controller, the user can set the operation mode of the treadmill and also have recorded and displayed all his exercise data. 
     To these objects, the treadmill of the present invention comprises a track means having a rotation driving means to rotate a tread belt on the track means and a slope adjusting means to adjust the slope of the track means, a controller connected to the track means for input of reference data and generation of control signals for operation mode, speed and slope adjustment, and a microprocessor having stored therein a predetermined program for processing data input to the controller, generating output data and storing useful physical condition data concerning the user. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other objects, advantages and features of the treadmill according to the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the treadmill according to the present invention; 
     FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are illustrative front, top and right side views of the treadmill according to the present invention, showing the slope adjusting mechanism for the track; 
     FIG. 3 is an illustrative elevation view showing the detection of the position of the user by the ultrasonic device; 
     FIG. 4 is a flow chart for the speed control system program; 
     FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of the height adjusting means of the handrails; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a linked set of a pulse rate detector and a detector of the number of steps taken; 
     FIG. 7 is a structural diagram of the functions of the treadmill according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is an elevation diagram of a front panel of the controller of the treadmill according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the program for the overall control system of the treadmill; 
     FIG. 10 is a flow chart for the program of setting of the operation mode; 
     FIG. 11 is a flow chart for clearing the memory data program; 
     FIG. 12 is a flow chart for the program of repeating the operation; 
     FIG. 13 is a flow chart for the exercise data setting program; 
     FIG. 14 is a flow chart for the displaying memory data program; 
     FIGS. 15-1 to 15-8 are flow charts for the programs of monitors for exercise distance, exercise duration, number of steps, pace, heat dissipated, slope, speed, and pulse rate respectively; 
     FIG. 16 is a flow chart for the program of interruption of the operation; 
     FIG. 17 is a flow chart for the program of termination of the operation of the treadmill; 
     FIG. 18 is a flow chart for the program of selecting monitor items; 
     FIG. 19 is a flow chart for the slope adjustment program; and 
     FIG. 20 is a flow chart for the starting operation program. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIG. 1, which shows a perspective view of a treadmill of the present invention, the treadmill consists substantially of a track means 1, a slope adjusting means 2, a controller 3 and handrails 4. 
     Still referring to FIG. 1 but with reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the track means 1 consists of an outer casing 11 with a tread belt 12 installed in the middle portion thereof. There are series of fitting holes 111 formed on the outer casing 11 for the installation of the handrails 4 and also for adjusting the distance between the two opposing handrails 4. A front stand 13 is connected to the belt 12 of the track means 1 for the user&#39;s convenience in getting on and off the tread belt. 
     Referring now particularly to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the track driving means 14 consists of a motor 141 connected by a rotation member 15 to a belt. The rotation member 15 is substantially in the shape of an elongated cylinder which will hold and stretch the belt 12 in cooperation with a second rotation member 16. There is a platform 17 beneath the belt 12 for supporting the weight of the user. A photo counter 18 is provided near the motor 141 for detecting the total distance the belt 12 has rotated. The distance data will be input to the controller 3. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2C, the slope adjusting means 2 consists of a vertical casing 211 with a reversible motor 21 installed therein. There is a gear 29 on the shaft of the motor 21 coupled to a passive gear 28 which is fixed on a horizontal axle 22. There are a pair of gears 23 at the opposite ends of the axle 22. The gears 23 are coupled to two racks 24, each of which has a bore fitted into a support 25. Two bearings 212 are sleeved on axle 22 and connected onto the vertical casing 211. Also on the casing 211 are provided a plurality of limit switches 27 along and beside the racks 24. Each limit switch 27 represents a certain predetermined slope of the track means 1. 
     In operation, when motor 21 starts to rotate in a direction A, the axle 22 together with the gears 23 thereon will rotate in the direction B through the coupling of gear 29 and passive gear 28. The casing 211 will then rise by pivoting about support 112 to a certain sloped condition as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2A. When the desired slope is reached, then the limit switch 271 representing that slope is touched and pressed by the protrusion 241 on the racks 24. Then the motor 21 will stop, and the track means 1 will remain at that slope. There is further provided a photo counter 26 close to the axle 22 for detecting the slope data and inputting the data to the controller 3. 
     Referring to FIG. 3, which is an illustrative view of the treadmill, the chest portion of the user will receive and reflect the wave transmitted by the ultrasonic device 34 on the controller 3. If the running speed of the user is faster than the speed of the belt 12, for example, if the user is at the A position Da&lt;D, the controller 3 will accelerate the speed of the belt 12 each time by a certain speed unit. On the contrary, if the running speed of the user is slower than the speed of the belt 12, i.e. Db&gt;D, the controller 3 will automatically slow down the belt speed. 
     A microprocessor preprogrammed with software is provided within the controller 3. The various programs for different functions will be described hereinafter. Now, referring to FIG. 4, the particular flow chart is detailed for the speed controlling program. It is easily understood by the flow chart how the speed of the belt is accelerated or decelerated. 
     Referring now to FIG. 5 with reference to FIG. 1, on handrail 4 is formed height adjusting means 41. The handrail 4 actually consists of an inner tube 414 and an outer tube 415 clamped by a nut 411. There is a grip 413 on the outer tube 415 touching the tapered portion 412 of the nut 411. When the nut 411 is turned loose, the grip 413 on the outer tube 415 is released due to its flexibility. Thus, the inner tube 414 and outer tube 415 may be moved relative to each other to adjust the height of the handrail 4. After the desired height is reached, one can turn tight the nut 411 for a tight fit between the inner and outer tubes. Referring particularly to FIG. 1, there are safety membrane switches 42 formed on the handrail 4. The user must grip the safety switches 42 to start operation of the treadmill. This serves as a safety guard for the user, especially in therapy. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, which shows a perspective view of the pulse rate detector and the detector of the number of steps taken, the pulse rate detector 71 is clamped to any fingertip, preferably, the thumb, to sense the pulse, and the detector 72 is hung on the user&#39;s body for sensing the number of steps taken. Both detectors are linked together through electric wires 73 and 74 and connected to the controller 3 by an adapter 75. 
     Referring to FIG. 7, which shows a structural diagram of the functions of the treadmill, the central processing unit or microprocessor 80 is connected to different control means such as setting/display panel 33 for setting and displaying data. By track driving means 81 and slope adjusting means 82, the functions of track belt rotation control and slope control will be executed. The data sensed by slope counter 82 (26), distance counter 84 (18) and ultrasonic detecting device 87 (34) serves as reference for controlling the slope and the speed. Collecting the data sensed by the distance counter 84 (18) and the counter of the number of steps taken 85 (72), the microprocessor 80 can store or display data concerning distance, the number of steps taken and the pace. With the pulse rate detector 86 (71), the pulse rate data also may be collected and processed by the microprocessor 80. The functions that microprocessor 80 can perform are briefly listed in FIG. 7, but a detailed list of possible functions can be found in Table 1. Those functions operable before starting the track rotation operation are listed in Table 2. Functions operable during track rotation are listed in Table 3. Functions operable during interruption of the rotation are listed in Table 4, and possible functions of the treadmill are listed in Table 5. 
     Referring to FIG. 8, which shows the diagram of the front panel of the controller 3 of the treadmill, there is a name plate 331, a belt speed meter 332 and display panel 333 on the upper portion. The display panel 333 further consists of a display 334 for displaying the number of steps, pace, heat dissipated and slope, a display 335 for distance and time, and a display 336 for pulse rate. The middle portion of the panel 33 has a set of input and control keys 342 on the right and lights together with specifications on the left. There is a warning signal light group 337, operation status lights group 338, data input lights group 339, slope indication lights group 340 and memory data display lights group 341 shown on the controller panel 33. There are other buttons for power, ON, OFF, control button 344 for START, and INTERRUPTION, and TERMINATION buttons shown on the bottom portion of the panel 33. 
     When the user wants to exercise on the treadmill, he must first touch &#34;the operation mode&#34; button and choose the operation mode displayed desired from the operation status lights group 338. Then, he must push the input key 342 for inputting all the necessary exercise data such as an identification code, weight, age, distance to be covered, period of exercise, speed, etc., indicated in the data input lights group 339. After data are input, the user then pushes the START button, causing the treadmill to start operation in accordance with the pre-stored reference data, and as the treadmill operates the microprocessor 80 will continue to perform all the functions possible, such as adjusting speed/slope, generating warning signals, displaying exercise data, etc. 
     There are programs for different functions stored in the microprocessor 80 which are listed in Table 5, and the flow charts for these programs are shown respectively in FIG. 9 through FIG. 20. The functions and their associated programs/flow charts are quite self-explanatory and thus will not be detailed further. However, it is to be understood and noted that further possible functions can still be very easily developed and added to the treadmill of the present invention. 
     The treadmill of the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of a preferred embodiment; it is to be noted that changes, improvements, and modifications can still be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     
                       TABLE 1______________________________________List of possible functions of the treadmill______________________________________1.  Selection of exercise or therapeutic function2.  Selection among functions of distance covered, duration of    exercise or program mode3.  Selection among functions of number of steps taken, pace,    heat dissipated or slope adjustment4.  Setting operation data function5.  Repeating operation function6.  Displaying memory data function7.  Clearing memory of data function8.  Slopes adjustment9.  Starting operation function10. Interrupting operation function11. Terminating operation function12. Searching forward for data in memory13. Searching backward for data in memory14. Monitoring exercise data function______________________________________ 
    
     
                       TABLE 2______________________________________List of functions performable before startingrotation operation______________________________________1.  Selection of exercise or therapeutic function2.  Selection among functions of distance covered, duration of    exercise or program mode3.  Selection among functions of number of steps taken, pace,    heat dissipated or slope adjustment4.  Setting operation data function5.  Repeating operation function6.  Displaying memory data function7.  Clearing memory of data function8.  Slopes adjustment9.  Starting operation function10. Searching forward for data in memory11. Searching backward for data in memory______________________________________ 
    
     
                       TABLE 3______________________________________List of functions performable during rotation operation______________________________________  1.  Interrupting operation function  2.  Terminating operation function  3.  Monitoring exercise data function______________________________________ 
    
     
                       TABLE 4______________________________________List of functions performable during interruption______________________________________1.   Selection among functions of number of steps taken, pace,heat dissipated or slope adjustment2.   Displaying memory data function3.   Searching forward for data in memory4.   Search backward for data in memory5.   Slopes adjustment6.   Starting operation function7.   Terminating operation function______________________________________ 
    
     
                       TABLE 5______________________________________Software Modes of Treadmill______________________________________1.       System starting condition setting mode2.       Periphery data inputting mode3.       Operation modes selecting mode4.       Monitor items selecting mode5.       Exercise data setting mode6.       Permission for starting mode7.       Exercise repeating mode8.       Memory data displaying mode9.       Memory data clearing mode10.      Slope adjusting mode11.      Data backward-searching mode12.      Data forward-searching mode13.      Operation starting mode14.      Operation interruption mode15.      Operation termination mode16.      Exercise data monitoring mode17.      Periphery data outputting mode18.      Exercise duration interrupting mode______________________________________