Abstract:
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.

Description:
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/884,546, filed Jun. 27, 1997, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/432,280, filed May 1, 1995, now abandoned. 

   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. 
   Hydrotherapy devices for tanks and treadmills are disclosed in such patents as Leonaggeo, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,766 and Keller, U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,088. 
   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&#39;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&#39;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 DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an overall perspective view of the invention shown without the front wall thereon. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the invention. 
       FIG. 3  is an end view of the invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a top view of the invention. 
       FIG. 5   a  is a top view of the treadmill alone. 
       FIG. 5   b  is a side view of the treadmill. 
       FIG. 6  is an end view of the treadmill as shown with the handrail attachments. 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram of the Control System for the Tank, Treadmill and Lift Apparatus. 
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart showing the sequential logic for one branch in the multitasking control system. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The invention is shown in the preferred mode in FIG.  1 . The tank  2  is shown holding water  3  at a water level line. The tank has a front end  4  and an opposing rear or back end  5 . The sidewall  6  has an opposing sidewall (not shown in order to disclose the interior elements and features). The treadmill  8  is shown atop a supporting platform  10  and has a treadmill belt  12  rotating about the treadmill ends  14  and  16 . 
   The treadmill is preferably fixed upon the platform  10  and moves up and down in the water as the platform is moved. The vertical movement of the platform is accomplished by attachment to the chain  18  at  20 . The chain rotates about the sprockets  22  and shaft  24  which itself is turned by chain  26  and sprocket  28 , which itself is turned by motor  30 . The motor  30  is 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 platform  10  at  20 . 
   Additional support for the platform is provided by rigid members  32  and  34 . These rigid members are pivotably joined at the center  38 . Member  32  has a fixed end nearest the rear of the tank at  40  and is pivotably connected as will be seen further in FIG.  2 . The opposing end of member  32 , also described herein as the distal end, is horizontally slidably attached to the platform at  42 . Rigid member  34  similarly has a fixed end at  44  pivotably attached to the platform  10  at the rear end of the platform  10 . The distal end of rigid member  34  is, like the distal end of rigid member  32 , horizontally slidably attached at  46  near the bottom and front of the tank. 
   This chain and sprocket assembly described and the two rigid members described also exist nearest the opposing wall  6  and is shown only in part as dotted portion  36  for 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 point  16  is 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 belt  48  linking pulleys  50  and  52  at pivot points  16  and  44  respectively. Pulley  52  is shown attached to another pulley at  44  that comprises one end of a flexible link linked via belt  54  to opposing end  50  and pulley  56 . However, an alternative mode exists on the support system nearest the opposing wall  6  via shafts as shown in  FIGS. 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 in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
   Continuing with the mode of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 , a final flexible link is shown with belt  58  rotating about the pivot point  56  with the pulley  60  rotating about pivot point  40 . The shaft  62  connects the pulley  60  with the gear box or gear reducer  64  to the electric motor  66  via shaft  65 . Other mode of forces are envisioned for the electric motor  66  with electric motor gear box and shaft assembly  62 ,  64 ,  65 , and  66 . 
   Consequently, the motor ultimately turns the shaft  60  and through the three flexible links described, transfers energy to the pulley  50  thus 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 motor  66  and the motor  30  are controlled by electrical signals at  70  and  68  respectively. The signal  70  controls the speed of the motor as does the signal  68 . Both signals at  68  and  70  are generated from the control microprocessor as shown in FIG.  7 . 
   It will also be seen that the water  3  penetrates the wall section between interior wall  5  and exterior end wall  72  and that the chain and sprocket assembly  18 ,  22 , and  17  is inside the unit in the water and consequently water tight seals at  22  and  17  as well as at  40  are 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 members  32  and  34 ) 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 in  FIG. 2  shows the fixed point at which the rigid member  32  is fixed. Also the inside wall  78  is shown though as indicated earlier, the chain and sprocket mechanism  80  is normally immersed in water as shown by the water line  82 . The arcs  84  and  86  show the movement of the pivot points on the rigid members during the raising and lowering of the platform  88 . The dotted lines  90  and  92  show the position of the rigid members in a raised position when the platform would be located at  94 . The treadmill  96  is shown having pulley  98  rotating about the pivot point  100  as one end of a pulley in the fixed link connecting the opposing pulley  102  via link  104 . 
     FIG. 3  shows the end view utilizing the fixed links and shaft discussed earlier. The treadmill motor  106  transfers its rotational energy via shaft  108  to the fixed link at  110  connected to the common pivot point at  114  as determined by the common axis  112 . The pivot point at  114  is the fixed end of the one rigid member nearest the rear end. The fixed end of the adjacent rigid member is shown at  116 . The opposing ends of the two rigid members are attached to rotating wheels  117  and  115  that slide horizontally in channels  119  and  118 . The shaft  120  is shown as a separate shaft from that shaft  121 ; 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 at  122 . The fixed (but as before rotatable) end of the adjacent rigid member is located at  124 , rotating about the common axis  125 . The distal ends of the two respective rigid members likewise are attached to rotating wheels  126  and  127  in channels  128  and  129 . 
   The chain  130  is shown attached to a common rotating shaft  131  which also transfers energy to the opposite chain  132 . Support structures  133  are shown for structural support in the walls. 
   The flexible link via belt  137  attached to pulley  138  transfers energy to the shaft  139  which extends through the common pivot points of all four rigid members to the pulley  140  which consequently transfers rotational energy through the flexible link via belt  141  to the pulley  142 . That pulley then transfers rotational energy through the shaft  143  to the final flexible link via belt and pulley arrangement  145  to the pulley  146  which transfers rotational energy to the conveyor of the treadmill  148 . 
   The top view is shown in  FIG. 4  which likewise shows the system of belts and pulleys and flexible links as described in FIG.  5 . 
     FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  show the treadmill and the belt direction along with a side view. The belt revolves around pivot point  150  which pivot point corresponds to the pivot point  100  in FIG.  2  and corresponds to the common pivot point of the pulley  146  in FIG.  3 . Also shown in  FIG. 5   b  is the belt tensioning device assembly  152  which provides for adjustable means for providing tension in the conveyor  153  via adjustable spring loaded means. 
   The treadmill is shown in  FIG. 6  as  160  with handrailing  162  and  164  fixed 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 keyboard  83  and/or IR remote control  77 , shown in  FIG. 7 , to send the appropriate signals through the microprocessor system. Consequently the signals are sent to raise or lower the lift via contactor  33 , which is connected to the lift motor  30  at  68 . 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 jets  170 ,  172  (and associated jets in the side wall  6 ),  174 ,  175 ,  176  and  178  are turned on by controlling the water flow at  180  through 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 motor  30 . 
     FIG. 7  shows 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 sensors  21 ,  23  and  25 . Said sensors gather data converting it to analog electrical signals and send the signals to the input/output  51 . Likewise, the speed of the treadmill is monitored and controlled by AC invertor  27 , and the flow water through the jets is controlled by the pump AC invertor  29 . Both the treadmill AC invertor and the jet AC invertor send and receive, as opposed to just send, signals to and from the input/output  51 . 
   The emergency stop switch  31  is connected to the input/output  49  such 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 contactor  33  is only a receiving device to receive signals from the input/output  49 . The sanitation/filter pump  35  also receives a control signal from the input/output  49 . The water level is controlled by solenoid valve  39  and receives a signal from the input/output  49 . The pH level is controlled by the solenoid valve  41  which receives a signal from its control signal from  49 . Likewise the bromine content is controlled via solenoid valve  43  which likewise receives its signal from input/output  49 . The water level is sensed via capacitive or other sensors  37  and sends its signals to the input/output  49 . The position of the lift is sensed using inductive sensors  45  and electrical signals are sent to input/output  49 . The jet air is controlled by solenoid valve  47  via signals from input/output  49 . 
   All of the electrical signals from the aforementioned sensors and devices  21 ,  23 ,  25 ,  27 ,  29 ,  31 ,  33 ,  35 ,  37 ,  39 ,  41 ,  43 ,  45 ,  47  are electrical signals that can be either analog or data but in the preferred mode are shown either analog or data signals. Consequently input/output  49  is a digital device and input/output  51  is 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 devices  49  and  51  send and receive signals through the input/output controller  61  via data paths  53  and  55 . The input/output controller is a microprocessor device itself although in the preferred mode it is shown connected to another microprocessor device  63  through link  59 . The system is set up so that  63  is a commonly available personal computer having storage means for storing the data received from the sensing devices, printing means  91  for analyzing data results of the system status, video monitor  75  for observing the system status, keyboard means  83  and infrared remote means  73  and  77  to communicate and control the microprocessor  63  (and ultimately the input/output controller  61 ) via link  79 .  79  consequently 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/modem  65  allows 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.