Abstract:
The present invention  10  discloses a computerized treadmill  24  for dogs or other animals  12  wherein the treadmill is enclosed within transparent structural walls  16  having a door  28  hingedly  30  attached thereto to allow the dog to enter and exit for exercise. An overhead adjustable bar  18  is included for attaching a lease  38  thereto. A control console  20  is provided to allow the user  22  to set the parameters for the dog&#39;s  12  exercise session.

Description:
DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT 
   This document is subject to Disclosure Document no. 522149, dated Nov. 25, 2002. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to exercise devices for animals and, more specifically, to a computerized treadmill for dogs wherein the treadmill is enclosed within transparent structural walls having a door hingedly attached thereto to allow the dog to enter and exit for exercise. An overhead adjustable bar is included for attaching a leash thereto. A control console is provided to allow the user to set the parameters for the dogs exercise session 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   There are other exercise devices for animals. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 5,277,150 issued to J. Rhodes on Jan. 11, 1994. 
   A patent was issued to R. L. Golden et al. on Jun. 14, 1994 as U.S. Pat. No. Des. 347,912. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,603 was issued to H. V. Felger on Feb. 19, 2002. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,277,150 
   Inventor: John Rhodes 
   Issued: Jan. 11, 1994 
   An exercise assembly adapted to build endurance in dogs by allowing them to maintain a continuous running mode. A support frame serves to movably support a treadmill and a treadway mounted thereon wherein a plurality of independent, spaced apart roller assemblies support and allow the continuous linear movement of the closed configuration treadmill. The dog, running on the treadmill is prompted to continue his running motion by attempting to reach a bait animal maintained in a bait cage out of the reach of the dog being exercised. 
   U.S. Pat. No. Des. 347,912 
   Inventor: Rhonda L. Golden et al. 
   Issued: Jun. 14, 1994 
   The ornamental design for a dog treadmill, as shown and described. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,603 
   Inventor: H, Victor Felger 
   Issued: Feb. 19, 2002 
   Fegler disclosed an apparatus for use in exercising a dog or other animal on a treadmill. For some applications the apparatus may be releasably secured to the treadmill. For other applications the apparatus may be permanently attached to the treadmill. The apparatus preferably includes first and second generally U-shaped frame members with a pair of side members attached thereto and extending therebetween. One or more rings are provided as part of the apparatus for use in positioning the dog or other animal at a desired location on the treadmill. A system may also be provided for local and/or remote recording, monitoring and evaluation of exercises performed by the dog or other animal. 
   While these animal exercise devices may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. 
   SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
   The present invention discloses a computerized treadmill for dogs or other animals wherein the treadmill is enclosed within transparent structural walls having a door hingedly attached thereto to allow the dog to enter and exit for exercise. An overhead adjustable bar is included for attaching a lease thereto. A control console is provided to allow the user to set the parameters for the dog&#39;s exercise session. 
   A primary object of the present invention is to provide an exercise treadmill for dogs. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise treadmill for dogs having a computerized control console to allow the user to customize the parameters for the dog&#39;s exercise session. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise treadmill for dogs including a transparent structure enclosing the sides thereof with an entry door. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise treadmill for dogs that allows a dog to get proper exercise when the owner doesn&#39;t have the time, energy or space to allow the dog to run and play. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise treadmill for dogs including an adjustable, overhead arm for attaching a leash to. 
   Still another of the present invention is to provide an exercise treadmill for dogs that is simple and easy to use. 
   Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise treadmill for dogs that is inexpensive to manufacture and operate. 
   Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
   The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
   The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an illustrative view of the dog treadmill of the present invention in use. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the dog treadmill of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is an illustrative view of the dog treadmill of the present invention in use. 
       FIG. 4  is an illustrative view of the dog treadmill of the present invention in use. 
       FIG. 5  is a detailed view of the computerized control panel of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the dog treadmill of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the dog treadmill of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a detailed view of the overhead arm of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the dog treadmill of the present invention. 
   

   LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
   With regard to reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings.
       10  present invention     12  dog     14  frame     16  side of frame     18  arm     20  control panel     22  owner user     24  treadmill     26  front of frame     28  door     30  hinge     32  latch     34  storage area     36  pin     38  leash     40  swivel ring     42  motor     44  power cord     46  ball bearing roller     48  cover     50  harness     52  conveyor belt     54  pulley     56  computer     58  wiring     60  outer sleeve     62  inner arm     64  apertures     66  aperture     68  snap hook     70  ventilation apertures   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments since practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For a definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to the appended claims. 
   Turning to  FIG. 1 , shown therein is an illustrative view of the dog treadmill of the present invention  10  in use. The present invention  10  discloses a treadmill apparatus for use in exercising a dog  12  having a frame member  14  with a pair of side members  16  or enclosures attached thereto and extending therebetween, an open front member, an entrance area opposing the front portion and having a door hingedly attached to the frame member with a latch member for securing the door in a closed position. An adjustable overhead arm  18  provides an attachment ring as part of the apparatus for use in positioning the dog  12  or other animal at a desired location on the treadmill. A computerized control panel  20  allows the dog&#39;s owner  22  to set parameters for the exercise session. 
   Turning to  FIG. 2 , shown therein is a perspective view of the dog treadmill  24  of the present invention  10 . The present invention  10  discloses a treadmill  24  apparatus for use in exercising a dog having a frame member  14  with a pair of side members  16  or enclosures attached thereto and extending therebetween, an open front member  26  an entrance area opposing the front portion and having a door  26  hingedly  30  attached to the frame member with a latch  32  for securing the closure of the door. An adjustable overhead arm  18  with pin  36  provides means for positioning the dog at a desired location on the treadmill  24  using lash  38  with swivel ring  40 . A computerized control panel  20  allows the dog&#39;s owner to set parameters for the exercise session. Storage area  34  is provided to the right and left side of the control panel  20  for the storage of the animal&#39;s exercising schedules. Treadmill  24  has an electrical 110-120 VAC motor  42 , with power cord  44 , ball bearing roller  46  and cover  48  for the motor and bearing. 
   Turning to  FIG. 3 , shown therein is an illustrative view of the dog treadmill of the present invention  10 . The present invention  10  is a treadmill  24  apparatus for use in exercising a dog  12  having an overhead adjustable arm  18  providing an attachment ring  40  as part of the apparatus for use in positioning the dog at a desired location on the treadmill. A swivel ring  40  attaches a leash  38  to a harness  50  suited on the dog  12  prior to the activation of the treadmill  24 . A computerized control  20  panel allows the dog&#39;s owner to set parameters for the exercise session. Other previously disclosed elements are also shown. 
   Turning to  FIG. 4 , shown therein is an illustrative view of the dog treadmill of the present invention  10  in use. Shown is the present invention  10  being a treadmill  24  apparatus for use in exercising a dog  12  having a frame member  14  with a pair of side members  16  or enclosures attached thereto and extending therebetween, an open front member  26  an entrance area having a door  28  hingedly  30  attached to the frame member with a latch  32  to secure the door in a closed position. An adjustable overhead arm  18  provides an attachment ring  40  as part of the apparatus for use in positioning the dog  12  at a desired location on the treadmill  24 . The dog  12  is suited with a harness  50  and attached by a leash  38  to the overhead arm  18  prior to the activation of the apparatus. A computerized control panel  20  allows the dog&#39;s owner to set parameters for the exercise session. Other previously disclosed elements are also shown. 
   Turning to  FIG. 5 , shown therein is a detailed view of the computerized control panel  20  of the present invention. Shown is the control panel  20  of the present invention a computerized control panel that allows the dog&#39;s owner to set parameters for the exercise session. Storage areas  34  are also shown. 
   Turning to  FIG. 6 , shown therein is a sectional view of the dog treadmill  24  of the present invention. Shown is a sectional view of the present invention, having an electric 115 ac volt motor  42 , pulley  54  and conveyer belt  52  and ball bearing rollers  46 . A computerized control panel allows the dog&#39;s owner to set parameters for the exercise session. Also shown are the frame  14 , cover  48  and power cord  44 . 
   Turning to  FIG. 7 , shown therein is an illustrated view of the dog treadmill of the present invention  10 . Shown is a view of the present invention  10  having an electric 115 AC volt motor  42 , pulley  54  and conveyer belt or moving treadmill surface  52  and ball bearing rollers  46 . A computerized control panel  20  with computer  56  therein with wiring  58  allows the dog&#39;s owner to set parameters for the exercise session. Other previously disclosed elements are also shown. 
   Turning to  FIG. 8 , shown therein is a detailed view of the overhead arm  18  of the present invention. Shown is the overhead bar  18  comprised of an outer sleeve  60  and an extendable retractable inner member  62  having a plurality of apertures  64 , therein. The outer sleeve  60  has an aperture  66  positioned on the distal end that is selectively aligned with one of the apertures  64  on the inner member  62  whereupon a provided pin  36  is inserted to fix the selected positioning of the swivel ring  40  located at the distal end of the inner member. The swivel ring  40  provides a point of attachment for the animal&#39;s leash  38  using a snap hook  68  and relative position of the animal on the treadmill. 
   Turning to  FIG. 9 , shown therein is a perspective view of the dog treadmill of the present invention  10 . Shown is the present invention  10  being a treadmill  24  apparatus for use in exercising a dog having a frame member  14  with a pair of side members  16  or enclosures having a plurality of apertures  70  therein and extending therebetween, an open front member  26  an entrance area having a door  28  hingedly  30  attached to the frame member with a latch  32  to secure the door in a closed position. An adjustable overhead arm  18  provides an attachment ring  40  as part of the apparatus for use in positioning the dog at a desired location on the treadmill  24 . The dog is suited with a harness and attached by a leash to the overhead arm  18  prior to the activation of the apparatus. Other previously disclosed elements are also shown.