Patent Abstract:
A treadmill apparatus comprising a rigid member movably supported overhead of a user wherein the rigid member has guiding arrangement for guiding a handle of the rigid member through a path having a vertical component, and wherein said handle has a biasing arrangement for biasing the handle toward an upper end of the path.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    Disclosed herein is subject matter that is entitled to the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/779,656, filed 6 Mar. 2006. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The following invention pertains to exercise equipment, and more specifically to treadmill apparatus which enables the user to exercise the upper body while simultaneously reducing the level of exercise exertion of the lower body. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The apparatus herein described enables a treadmill user to grasp a rigid member, such as a bar, and exert a force in a generally downward direction, thus exercising bicep, clavicle, deltoid, pectoralis, brachialis, brachioradialis, and other body muscles. The rigid member (bar) may be restrained to some degree in the transverse and longitudinal directions with respect to the treadmill, wherein the longitudinal direction corresponds with the front/rear, and transverse corresponds to a side to side direction. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    One of the benefits in utilizing the present invention while simultaneously walking on a treadmill is that the user would be able to have a direct influence on, or effect a change, in the portions of the body that the user wishes to exercise. Furthermore, the user is enabled to reduce spine weight and fatigue at the lower body while the upper body is anxious to exert itself. In such a manner, the constraints imposed at the handle bar allow, for example, the user to grasp said bar, perform a “lat pull-down”, or some form of a lat pull-down, with or without the handle bar(s) being in motion. The dynamics thus available enable the user to perform a wide variety of exercises new in the art. Additionally, an inherent advantage, particularly when walking on a moving surface, is that while grasping the hand grips the user has an instant non visual sense of the user&#39;s relative position upon the treadmill belted region, primarily with regard to lateral restraints imposed on said bar. Also to be noted is that the right and left portions of the body may be exercised dependently or independently. For example, a user with an injured foot, ankle, or leg would nevertheless be able to exercise on a treadmill because of the potential to reduce weight at all, or at a specific region, of the lower body, whereas with prior art such a user had only limited types of exercise equipment suitable to use when in such a physical condition. 
         [0005]    The prior art does not disclose the novel features of the invention disclosed herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment shown with a user and a typical treadmill. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the first embodiment shown with a user and a typical treadmill. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is another perspective view of the first embodiment, however the user and the treadmill is omitted. The reader will note that the present invention may be used without a treadmill. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the first embodiment shown with a user and a typical treadmill. 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the first embodiment shown with a user and a typical treadmill. 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a back view of the first embodiment shown without a user, and without a typical treadmill. 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a zoomed fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the mechanism of the first embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a second embodiment shown with a user and a typical treadmill. 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is another perspective view of the second embodiment shown with a typical treadmill. 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a third embodiment shown with a user and a typical treadmill. 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  is another perspective view of the third embodiment shown with a typical treadmill. 
           [0017]      FIG. 12  is another perspective view of the third embodiment shown with a user and a typical treadmill. 
           [0018]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a fourth third embodiment shown with a user and a typical treadmill. 
           [0019]      FIG. 14  is another perspective view of the fourth embodiment shown with a user and a typical treadmill. 
           [0020]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]    Referring to the figures, and first to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 7 , the apparatus is shown being used in conjunction with treadmill  50 . Right and left frame portions  1   10  of this first embodiment may be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of treadmill widths available on the market today. Specifically, this embodiment is designed to accommodate treadmills that range in widths from 30-44 inches wide (W 100  shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0024]    While walking on the treadmill, the operable interface with the user occurs at handgrips which are normally biased up or alternatively fixedly secured, such that the user may reach up to head level or above, and subsequently grasp and pull either of the hand grips and exert downward force at the handgrip in a manner which in some respects may provide for the exercise activity known as lat pull-downs. However, because of the optional independent, right versus left action possible, and furthermore because motion may also be initiated at the hand grips themselves, the analogy of “lat pull-down” form of exercise is not entirely accurate. More will be discussed about this later. 
         [0025]    Continuing with  FIG. 1 , handgrips  170  are secured to handle bar  160 , and upon loosening knob  159 , the handle bar  171  will telescope in or out of handle bar receiver tube  150  when making adjustments to accommodate the different sizes of users and/or longitudinal dimensions of treadmills. Handle bar receiver tube  150  is secured to socket  160 , wherein socket  160  is rotatably connected to the machine frame stanchion  180  about axis D 100  at bearing pairs  165  and  166 , and wherein socket  160  is connected to resistance element(s) of this embodiment. In order to accommodate different heights of users, or alternatively to define a particular form of exercise, an adjustment of circumferential nature is provided between said handle bar receiver tube  150  and said socket  160 . In order to facilitate such adjustment, threaded bolt having knob  158  may be loosened, followed by lifting spring  163  ( FIG. 7 ) loaded pin  155  radially outward, adjusting handle bar receiver tube  150  by moving hand grip in a circumferential direction relative to axis D 100 , allowing spring loaded pin  155  to bias radially inward and lock said receiver tube  150  to said socket  160 , and then finally tightening knob  158 . Socket  160  has internal splines, or in this instance, a female square receiver tube which cooperates with a smaller male square tube of rocker  140  in a telescoping manner while the exercise machine is set up and adjusted to accommodate different treadmill widths. Tightening of hex bolts  169  fixes the machine width constant. Rocker  140  is rigidly connected to said male square tube as a weldment, or other means, such that transmission of force from the user may be transmitted to the resistance element, or in this instance, weight member  120 . 
         [0026]    In this embodiment, intermediate between said rocker  140  and said weight member  120  is connector member  130 . An upper distal end of connector member  130  is rotatably connected to rocker  140  about axis C 100 ; and a lower distal end of connector member  130  is rotatably connected to weight member  120  about axis B 100 . Weight member  120  is rotatably connected to the machine frame  110  about axis A 100 , wherein weight member  120  is normally down at rest against stop pad  122 . Shocks are optional and in this embodiment allow controlled ascent of the handlebars. This speed of ascent of the handgrips  170  may be constant velocity damper control or force dependent damper control. Continuing now, a lower end of shock  125  is rotatably connected to the machine frame  110  at axis F 100 , and an upper end of shock  122  is rotatably connected to said weight member  120  at axis E 100 . Generally, the weight member will seldom be required to have an angular range of motion beyond 40 degrees, which corresponds coincidentally to approximately 40 inches of hand grip  170  travel. Typically, 10 inches or so of hand grip  170  motion perhaps is all that is most commonly desirable. Continuing now, the transverse distance between right and left weight member  120  is determined when the machine is set up and the frame  110  width is established. In addition to the telescopic relationship which exists for this purpose between socket  160  and rocker  140 , telescopic elements  112  and  182  also exist to permit adjustment of the machine frame width. 
         [0027]    While exercising in the independent mode, interesting forms of exercise are possible of an asymmetrical nature. Additionally, while exercising in the dependent mode, completely different forms of exercise are possible, including those which involve the user lifting one&#39;s self off of the treadmill belted surface. In order to switch to dependent mode, the user aligns both right and left female square receiver tubes  162  and  161  respectively, of sockets  160 , and inserts synchronization lock key  195 . In this embodiment, the weight load may be modified by changing the weight stack  115 . The amount of weight present at each side of the machine corresponds approximately to a one to one ratio (1:1) with the upward resistive force present at the hand grips  170 . For example, if 200 pounds are installed in each weight basket, a 400 pound user could perform a lat pull-down without the weight member  120  being lifted. Continuing now, when changing individual weight plates, retaining pins  117  and  118  may be withdrawn and reinserted in this process. If the user intends to use the full range of motion, employment of the retaining pins is suggested, if however the user only intends to use approximately 10 inches of hand grip motion, then the retaining pins  117  and  118  are not necessary. Other variations in weight load securement may be suitable and in some instances preferable. Also to be considered is to provide means to limit the range of motion of the hand grips  170  upon contact with un-illustrated stops and the like. In this regard, the range of motion of the hand grips  170  may be reduced to zero. 
         [0028]    Directing attention now to the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , the mechanism is shown situated proximate treadmill  50  and having a central weight load  215  which exerts resistance to a dependent form of hand grip  270  motion. Handle bar  270  is adjusted telescopically relative to handle bar receiving member  250 , wherein handle bar  250  is rotatably secured to machine frame  210  about axis A 200 . Rocker  251  is rigidly connected to handle bar  250 . Pulleys  220  are rotatably connected to the machine frame  210  about axes B 200  and C 200 . A first end of cable  216  is connected to said weight load  215 , and a second end of said cable  216  is connected to a lower distal end of said rocker  251  at connection  217 . Intermediate said cable  216  ends said cable  216  is routed around said pulleys  220 . Adjustment of handle bar  250  relative to rocker  251  is accomplished upon removal, adjustment, and subsequent insertion of pin  234  into holes  233  of holey yoke  230 , wherein said pin  234  engages both said handle bar  250  and said holey yoke  230 . 
         [0029]    Referring now to the third embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 11 , and  FIG. 12 , a mechanism is shown which allows the user to alter the position of the handle bar  360  pivot axis B 300 . Frame  310  rigidly secures stanchion  312 , wherein adjustable support member  340  may be pivoted about axis A 300 , and subsequently locked in place with unillustrated elements. Resistance to motion of hand grips  370  is provided by torsion springs  376 . The magnitude of the resisting torsion spring  376  may be adjusted as desired by using a spanner wrench, for example, at spring hub  372 , and locking said hub with hex nut  374 . In order to accommodate different treadmills  50  and/or different user leverage against said torsion spring  376 , handle bar  360  may be telescoped in or out of handle bar receiver member  350  upon loosening, adjusting, and subsequently tightening lock bolt  359 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 10 , the handgrips are generally constrained to travel vertically. Referring to  FIG. 11 , the handgrips are constrained to travel both longitudinally and vertically. Referring to  FIG. 12 , the adjustable support members  340  have been established in a non parallel relationship, and thus the hand grips  370  are independent and also able to move in distinct circumferential arcs when viewed from the machine side, thus exhibiting additional characteristics of asymmetrical operation. 
         [0030]    Direction attention now to the fourth embodiment shown in  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 , treadmill  51  has display console secured at tubular member  52 . Stanchion  412  is rigidly secured to frame  410 . An upper portion of said stanchion  412  rigidly secures horizontal grab bar  471  and cross beam  460 . Sway bar  469  is pivotally secured to cross beam  460  about axis B 400 . Handle bar  470  is rotatably secured to sway bar  469  about axis A 400 . Typically, when the user grasps and manipulates handle bar  470  during treadmill activity, the dual axes of A 400  and B 400  perform in combination to simulate geometry which exhibits characteristics in which the user would sense the presence of qualities of caster. Caster is a design condition that serves to cause the handle bar  470  to want to track straight rearward as longitudinal rearward forces are exerted against said handle bar  470 . In the event this effect is desired to be enhanced such that downward vertical forces at the handle bar  470  also tend to cause transverse self centering of axis A 400  relative to the treadmill  51  belted walking surface, then an inclined kingpin may be introduced wherein either or both axes A 400  and B 400  are non vertical, and generally inclined upwardly and rearwardly. This aspect, as noted earlier, gives the user a sense of being centrally located on the treadmill belt, while still having the flexibility of performing a wide variety of upper body exercises. Additionally, having a vertical axis that cooperates with a central region of the handle bar  470  enables the user to change direction readily by initiating a 180 degree spin, and walk backward for example, while grasping said handle bar  470 , if it is desired to exercise a different combination of lower body muscles. 
         [0031]    Directing attention now to a fifth embodiment shown  FIG. 15 , frame  512  rigidly secures stanchion  514 . Vertical extension  513  may be adjusted in height and secured when using a combination of un-illustrated pin(s) and hole(s). Alternatively, a simple coil compression spring, a gas spring, or a spring damper  515  having a lower end connected at pin  531  and an upper end connected to pin  532 , may be employed such that vertical movement of vertical extension  513  is possible while being biased upwardly. Boom  511  is rigidly attached to vertical extension  513 . Handle bar  570  is rotatably connected to boom  511  about axis A 500 . Axis A 500  may be vertically orientated, or may be inclined upwardly and rearwardly in order to introduce the inherent advantages discussed earlier of a self centering handle bar  570 . Furthermore, the handle bar  570  may be optionally configured in a circuitous route such that the effect of an inclined axis A 500  is thereby amplified. 
         [0032]    Referring now to the sixth embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , a collapsible treadmill apparatus is shown which may be readily stored into a low profile during periods of inactivity. Frame  612  rotatably secures side props  620  about axis A 600 . Upper distal ends of said side props  620  are rotatably connected to adjustable stanchion  645  at axis B 600 . The adjustable stanchion  645  has a lower distal boss  660  which engages any one of a plurality of angular slots  650  while establishing the preferred height of handle bar  670 . When collapsed for storage, said bosses  660  are disengaged from said slots  650 , and the stanchion  645  is collapsed parallel against frame  612 . 
         [0033]    Referring finally now to a seventh embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , frame  712  rotatably secures a lower distal end of prop  720  about axis A 700 , and an upper distal end of prop  720  is rotatably secured to adjustable stanchion  745  about axis B 700 . When adjusting the handle bar  770  for height, rotation of knob  785  causes boss  760  to move fore and aft along linear race  790 . With the threaded means illustrated, a threaded swivel joint having an axis coincident with axis C 700  cooperates with said boss  760  and said linear race  790  while adjusting or collapsing the mechanism for operation or storage. 
         [0034]    In conclusion, a few general comments are in order and may pertain to one or more embodiments of this invention: 
         [0035]    1 Portions of the machine, such as any pivot joint (or joint connected to the machine frame), and/or any cable pulley, may be moved as desired in any direction in order to allow the operator to alter the specific exercise. 
         [0036]    2 Remote control electric and/or mechanical actuators may be utilized such as solenoids, servo motors, and/or hydraulic and/or pneumatic components, elastic bands, or other means without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, a user interface device may be mounted at the console, and a switch provided within reach of a person applying force against the handle bar. Additionally, the user may make the exercise arm strokes longer or shorter, at different resistance levels, simply by communicating with a circuit, or pushing a button or effecting a switch. In this instance, the hand grips or handle bar of this treadmill apparatus may exhibit programmable and/or interactive force and motion characteristics with the user. 
         [0037]    3 In the embodiments which provide movable hand grips or handle bars and wherein pivotal members are present, a remote flywheel may connected to such movable members for purpose of inertia by means of sprag or one-way clutches and the like, in order to provide a cyclic rhythm of the users arm motion. Alternatively, an electric motor may or may not be used in substitution to, or in conjunction with said movable members. 
         [0038]    4 The user may face any direction and may use this mechanism with or without a treadmill, or while on other categories of exercise equipment machines such as skiers or elliptical machines. 
         [0039]    Thus, improved mechanisms are shown which provides the operator with motion and force characteristics new in the art. While preferred embodiments of these inventions have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0