Patent Description:
In general, the present invention relates to exercising or physical training apparatuses, specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements, and for recreative purposes, in particular for indoor use.

A treadmill is an apparatus for physical activity, generally for walking or running, while staying in a same location.

Treadmills were originally introduced before the development of powered machines, to harness the power of animals or humans to do work; often a mill was operated by a person or animal treading steps of a treadwheel, to grind grain. In more recent times, treadmills are no longer used to harness power, but as exercise machines for running or walking.

The treadmill machine provides a moving surface of a wide conveyor belt, typically driven by an electric motor or a flywheel.

In a treadmill, while the user stands on the belt, the latter moves to the rear thus requiring the user to walk or run at a speed matching that of the belt. The rate at which the belt moves is the rate of walking or running of the user, and can be controlled accordingly.

Among the users of treadmills today, there are medical facilities (hospitals, rehabilitation centers, medical and physiotherapy clinics, institutes of higher education), sports clubs, orthopedic shoe shops, running shops, training centers, gyms, universities, NASA, test facilities and training rooms of police, firemen and army, and even home users.

Known treadmills have the disadvantage of having a belt surface which is hard to access by the user, since there is a height gap between the running surface of the belt and the floor level, upon which the treadmill rests.

Therefore, certain users such as people undergoing physiotherapy, people with physical disabilities or elders, may find it hard to access known types of treadmills.

Moreover, known treadmills can be dangerous as the user may fall off the step of the running surface.

<CIT> describes a treadmill having an exercise deck, and a tread belt disposed on the exercise deck. <CIT> discloses a circular running machine which enables a user to smoothly make a jogging or walking exercise without receiving any electric power, and which can be used semi-perpetually without trouble.

Document <CIT>) relates to a battery for poultry and other livestock, with an endless belt conveyer which passes beneath cage floors to receive droppings. From opposite ends the droppings fall on to a conveyer belt or into a wheeled bin or a conduit provided with flushing means. Document <CIT>) relates to a poultry battery of the type composed of tiers of cages from which droppings are removed by an endless conveyer belt passing beneath the cages. A belt is associated with each double tier of cages, the belt being formed of chains to which are attached a plurality of plates, guide members being' provided for tilting the plates, so that the same surface of each plate is always uppermost during the travel of the belt beneath the upper and lower tiers of cages. It is an objective of the present invention to solve drawbacks of the prior art.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for physical activity which is improved with respect to treadmills of the prior art.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for physical activity, wherein accessibility of the belt surface is improved.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for physical activity which improves safety for a user thereof.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for physical activity which offers added operational features.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by an apparatus for physical activity according to features set out in the appended claims, which are an integral part of the present description. An idea underlying the present invention is to provide an apparatus for physical activity, comprising: a frame; a plurality of rollers rotatably connected to the frame; a belt mounted on the plurality of rollers and revolving to define moving belt surfaces; the moving belt surfaces comprise an activity belt surface being configured for physical activity of at least one user and delimited by a side of the frame, and a return belt surface being configured for revolving said belt in a never-ending loop; the return belt surface is elevated with respect to said activity belt surface.

Better access to the activity belt surface is achieved by having an elevated return surface. Also, advantageously, the risk of falling from the activity belt surface is reduced, thereby improving safety. Moreover, advantageously, the configuration of apparatus for physical activity according to the invention allows further features to be easily integrated, and provides for innovative modes of use.

According to a preferred embodiment, the frame defines an elevated loop structure, so that the return belt surface runs above the activity belt surface. Advantageously, the configuration according to the invention is more effective in providing the user with an of apparatus for physical activity, which can be carried out while standing in a fixed location, for example indoor.

According to a preferred embodiment, the activity belt surface remains substantially on a floor level. Advantageously, access to the activity belt surface and safety of use are further improved.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, and from the dependent claims which define further advantageous features of the invention.

The invention will be now described with reference to the annexed drawings, provided as non-limiting examples of preferred embodiments, wherein:.

In the various drawings, the same reference numerals will designate the same or equivalent elements.

<FIG> illustrates an apparatus <NUM> for physical activity according to a first exemplificative embodiment of the invention.

The apparatus <NUM> comprises a frame <NUM> which defines an enclosed space for a user, as it will be further described.

In the context of the present invention, the term "user" defines a human user, being an adult or younger person, who performs any kind of physical activity which can be performed by a human user on a flat surface, such as walking, running or the like.

The apparatus <NUM> further comprises a revolving belt <NUM> which defines moving surfaces, including an activity belt surface <NUM> which is configured for moving, so that the user can do physical activity while remaining at a location substantially fixed with respect to the frame <NUM>.

The activity belt surface <NUM> is delimited by a side of the frame <NUM>, in particular by a bottom side thereof.

As it can be seen, the activity belt surface <NUM> is substantially on a floor level, so that it can be easily accessed by a user.

It is to be understood that the surface indicated in the present description as "floor", can be any surface upon which the apparatus <NUM> rests; in that sense, the floor can be any ground of an outside environment, or any level of a building.

It is also to be understood that the size of the apparatus <NUM> can be varied according to the desired application or space constraints.

<FIG> illustrates the apparatus <NUM> for physical activity, partly disassembled so that some aesthetic and/or functional covers are removed, in order to make below elements clearly visible.

In particular, it is made visible the whole loop of the belt <NUM> which defines a moving belt surface, preferably elevated around the inner part of the apparatus <NUM> and configured for access of the user.

The belt <NUM> comprises a return belt surface <NUM>, defined by two vertical tracts and an upper horizontal tract. In other words, the return belt surface <NUM> is delimited by one or more top side(s) of the frame <NUM>.

The return belt surface <NUM> is configured for cooperating with the activity belt surface <NUM>. In particular, the return belt surface <NUM> is configured for revolving the belt <NUM> in a never-ending loop.

The apparatus <NUM> comprises a plurality of rollers <NUM>, <NUM> which are rotatably connected to the frame <NUM>, so that the belt <NUM> mounted thereon can revolve and develop the moving belt surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> already described.

The return belt surface <NUM> is elevated with respect to the activity belt surface <NUM>. As a consequence, the activity belt surface <NUM> has a reduced height gap with the floor level, or is substantially on a floor level, so that it can be easily accessed by a user. Moreover, the activity belt surface <NUM> provides for an activity area of the revolving belt <NUM> which is safer to use, reducing risks of falling or tripping.

The frame <NUM> is configured to define an elevated loop structure, so that the return belt surface <NUM> runs above the activity belt surface <NUM>.

Therefore, the apparatus <NUM> allows a user standing on the activity belt surface <NUM> to walk or run thereon, while the belt <NUM> revolves in a never-ending manner along the path of the return belt surface <NUM>.

In other words, the apparatus <NUM> is configured so that a user standing inside can walk or run on the belt <NUM>, while remaining at a location substantially fixed with respect to the frame <NUM>. For this reason, the apparatus of the present invention is particularly suited for indoor activity.

In a variant, not shown, the return belt surface <NUM> would still be elevated with respect to the activity belt surface <NUM> for providing the belt loop, but would run on the side of the user, by means of an appropriate bend in the trajectory of the belt; in this case, the return belt surface <NUM> would not run above the activity belt surface <NUM>, but would run aside thereof. In this variant as well, the activity belt surface can remain substantially at floor level, with the described advantages.

In another variant, not shown, the belt would develop in a loop like a Möbius strip. In this another variant, the belt made as a Möbius strip could last longer because its entire surface area would get the same amount of wear.

<FIG> illustrates the apparatus <NUM> for physical activity, upon which a user <NUM> runs.

The apparatus <NUM> comprises the elevated loop structure, in particular defined by the frame <NUM>, which is sized so as to allow the user <NUM> to stand on the activity belt surface <NUM>, while remaining below the return belt surface <NUM>.

The activity belt surface <NUM> represents, for the user <NUM>, a tract of moving belt wherein the user <NUM> can do physical activity, such as walking or running, or even bicycling with the bicycle's wheels moving against the belt surface.

Moreover, the apparatus <NUM> could be sized such that more than one user occupies the available activity belt surface. For example, two or more users moving in a same direction could do physical activity on the belt, for example running or walking together in a same direction.

As visible, the activity belt surface <NUM> is substantially on a floor level, so that it can be easily accessed by the user <NUM>. Moreover, the user <NUM> can be assisted by a medical operator which stands aside the activity belt surface <NUM>, substantially on the same level of the user <NUM>; this is particularly advantageous when the user <NUM> is undergoing assisted physiotherapy.

In fact, the activity belt surface <NUM> can appear like a regular carpet or floor element, but still exhibits the features of a moving belt as above described.

<FIG> further illustrates some internal elements of the apparatus <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> comprises a plurality of rollers <NUM> and <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment, the rollers <NUM> are associated to the frame <NUM> to provide the overall loop structure for the belt <NUM>, while the rollers <NUM> provide further support to the elevated loop structure thereby avoiding slacking of the belt.

The apparatus <NUM> further comprises at least one motor associated to a driving roller <NUM>; the motor is adapted for driving the belt to a suitable speed for physical activity of the user. In particular, there could be more than one motor, directly coupled and/or coupled by means of a transmission, to one or more driving roller(s). The motor is preferably electric, and powered by an inverter.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus <NUM> further comprises a tensioning system for varying the tension of the belt <NUM> and optimizing functioning thereof.

In the depicted embodiment, the tensioning system comprises a displaceable roller <NUM> which is adapted for being moved in vertical direction. By moving the roller <NUM>, the length of the never-ending loop of the belt <NUM> can be varied, thereby varying and regulating the tension of the belt <NUM>. The tensioning system can also include a displaceable element associated to one of the rollers <NUM>. Other tensioning systems can be used.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus <NUM> further comprises steerable members which are provided for varying the inclination of at least one roller <NUM>, in order to provide centering of the belt <NUM> for stable operation. The centering system can also include a steerable element associated to one of the rollers <NUM>. Other centering systems can be used.

The belt <NUM> is supported by the frame, which is omitted in <FIG> for improving visibility of other elements. In that, it can be understood that the term "frame" is to be construed as any structure capable of supporting the plurality of rollers in order to define the elevated loop structure. Therefore, the "frame" can be constituted of one or more frame elements, connected or separated, as far as they are suitably constrained so as to properly support the rollers <NUM>. In an example, the frame could be made in more than one piece, also cooperating with an external structure such as one or more wall(s).

The belt <NUM> can slide directly on the floor, if the roughness of the floor so allows. Further systems for reducing friction can be used, as it will be further described.

In a preferred embodiment, the belt <NUM> comprises a suitable flexible material band, which can be a polymeric material or a net-like structure.

In another embodiment, the belt comprises a plurality of interjoined track plates, such as a "caterpillar belt". In this case, each one of the track plates can comprise respective sliding elements, such as small rollers or sleds or the like, to reduce friction with the floor surface.

In general, the apparatus <NUM> can include a cleaning system for cleaning the belt from dirt which may accumulate thereon.

<FIG> illustrates a further view of the apparatus <NUM> for physical activity, which comprises a mechanical safety <NUM>. The mechanical safety <NUM> comprises an element such as a strip or wire which, when impacted, causes the belt <NUM> to stop so that the user cannot get tangled in the revolving belt. This safety system is preferably complemented by further safety systems based on a detection system.

<FIG> illustrates the operation of the apparatus for physical activity <NUM>. The apparatus <NUM> comprises a detection system <NUM> for detecting the position of the user on the activity belt surface <NUM>. Preferably, the detection system <NUM> is based on radar, infrared or laser technologies. In alternative or in addition, the detection system could comprise physical sensors, arranged under the belt surface, preferably in a sliding table as it will be described.

The detection system <NUM> detects the position of the user, both for safety and operation control. In a preferred embodiment, the detection system <NUM> can cooperate with an active element associated to the user, such as a wearable device which is adapted for positional detection.

<FIG> further illustrates the operation of the apparatus <NUM> for physical activity. The user <NUM> can move on the active belt surface <NUM> while being supported by a harness system <NUM> which is preferably capable of translating in horizontal direction, being connected to the frame <NUM>. The harness system <NUM> could also be connected at a fixed location of the frame <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> and the harness system <NUM> are configured for supporting the weight of the user <NUM>, and provide an aid for people with limited physical abilities.

<FIG> further illustrates the operation of the apparatus <NUM> for physical activity.

As described, the detection system <NUM> is configured for detecting the position of at least one user on the belt. Preferably, the revolving speed of the belt can be controlled depending on the detected position of the user.

Moreover, it is noted that the belt <NUM> can revolve in both directions, according to the moving direction of the user on the activity surface <NUM>, thereby improving flexibility of use. In the present description, any reference to "front" or "back" shall be considered in relation to the direction faced by the user, and the current revolving direction of the belt <NUM>.

If the user is at an appropriate position in the middle of the activity belt surface <NUM>, the revolving speed of the belt is maintained. If the user is at a position closer to the front wall of the apparatus <NUM>, the revolving speed of the belt is increased so that the user can move faster. If the user is at a position closer to the back wall of the apparatus <NUM>, the revolving speed of the belt is decreased so as to match the speed of the user. If the user is at a position dangerously close to the back wall of the apparatus, the revolving speed of the belt is limited or the belt is stopped, for safety purposes.

In a general mode of operation, the user can enter the activity belt surface when the belt is at a standstill. The user can select a working program which is then executed. The user starts running or walking, and the belt gradually accelerates with controlled revolution speed. The user remains in the middle of the activity belt surface, in normal conditions. When the user wants to stop, the user can spread the arms to signal its intention to the apparatus's control, or can stop running and be dragged to a stop zone in automatic manner, or simply walk out of the activity belt surface.

<FIG> illustrates a further view of the apparatus <NUM> for physical activity which comprises a display <NUM>. Preferably, the display <NUM> is a flat screen TV. In a variant, a projecting apparatus pointing toward one or more flat surface(s) of the apparatus <NUM> can be used.

In general, the apparatus <NUM> comprises a multimedia system which is adapted for providing the at least one user with an enhanced sensory experience. In particular, the multimedia system can provide images and/or sounds which give the impression of moving in an outside environment.

The multimedia system can further enhance the user's experience, for example by providing appropriate simulation for recreational purposes, for example for dancing, and even for dancing in pair with another user. In particular the apparatus <NUM> is configured, by using the detection system for detecting the position of the user, for controlling the belt in both directions, also in a stepwise manner, in order to maintain the user(s) at a predefined location on the activity surface, while dancing.

The multimedia system can further provide an aid for the simulation of certain games; for example, the multimedia system can emulate walking on a golf course, wherein the apparatus is preferably associated to a golf shooting simulator so that the user can even shoot virtual golf balls.

The multimedia system can also offer statistics and indications for training purposes.

The multimedia system can also play multimedia content which is unrelated to the movement of the belt, for example playing music or a movie.

In general, the multimedia system includes at least the display <NUM>, which remains visible from the activity belt surface.

The apparatus <NUM> further comprises suitable control interfaces, such as a touchscreen and/or vocal commands. The apparatus <NUM> can be integrated with a system for detecting vital statistics of the user, for improving training or medical applications.

In an embodiment, the apparatus <NUM> can include further gesture controls, which can detect position and gestures of a user in order to change the revolution speed or direction of the belt, also in a step-wise manner.

As mentioned, the belt <NUM> can slide on an appropriate system for reducing friction thereof. To this extent, the apparatus <NUM> further comprises a sliding table which is configured for supporting a bottom side of the activity belt surface <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a first embodiment of a sliding table 211a, which reduces friction of the belt at its activity belt surface <NUM>. Friction is reduced by employing appropriate materials, lubricants, or by means of an air cushion.

In general, the sliding table 211a can be made of Teflon or of suitable plastic materials or of suitable metals and alloys, such as Inox steel.

Preferably, a damping layer (not shown) can be interposed between the sliding table 211a and the activity belt surface <NUM>, so that impact shocks of the user's feet can be reduced. The damping effect can be provided by the belt itself, if the latter is made of suitable material and having appropriate thickness.

<FIG> illustrates a second embodiment of a sliding table 211b, which in addition to the features illustrated for the sliding table 211a, also comprises lateral ramp sections <NUM> which is configured for improving access for the user, to the activity belt surface <NUM>. Preferably, the sliding table 211b also provides a centering effect on the activity belt surface <NUM>, during revolving thereof.

<FIG> illustrates a third embodiment of a sliding table 211c, which in addition to the features illustrated for the sliding table 211b, also comprises a protruding cover element <NUM> connected to each lateral ramp section <NUM>, which partly overlap with the activity belt surface thus reducing risk of body parts, objects or dirt penetrating below the revolving belt.

<FIG> illustrates a second embodiment of an apparatus <NUM> for physical activity according to the invention.

The apparatus <NUM> comprises a frame <NUM> which is substantially trapezoidal, mounting a plurality of rollers <NUM> upon which the belt is mounted in a never-ending loop, as already described.

The return belt surface <NUM>, once again, is elevated with respect to the activity belt surface <NUM>, thereby realizing an activity belt surface <NUM> with improved accessibility.

The tensioning system of apparatus <NUM> provides for a divarication of the lateral frame elements of the frame <NUM>, to increase the length of the trapezoid base thereby increasing the belt's tension.

The apparatus <NUM> is compact and adapted for a home use.

<FIG> illustrates a third embodiment of an apparatus <NUM> for physical activity according to the invention.

The apparatus <NUM> comprises a frame <NUM> which is substantially arch-shaped, mounting a plurality of rollers <NUM>, <NUM> upon which the belt is mounted in a never-ending loop, as already described.

The tensioning system of apparatus <NUM> provides for one or more displaceable rollers which increase the length of the belt's path thereby increasing the belt's tension, as already described. For particularly long belts, a tensioning system as the one described with reference to <FIG> may be used as well.

The apparatus <NUM> is compact and lightweight.

In general, if so desired, it is possible to insert appropriate accessories below the activity belt surface <NUM>, in order to vary inclination and/or tactile properties thereof.

Preferably, the belt <NUM> can be decorated with color patterns or images, also for making the belt resemble a natural surface or the actual room's floor.

In general, certain features described in connection with one specific embodiment, can be also applied to other embodiments herein described.

The apparatus for physical activity according to the present invention allows for a better access to the activity belt surface. Also, the risk of falling from the activity belt surface is reduced.

The apparatus for physical activity according to the present invention allows for improved modes of operation and functionalities.

The apparatus for physical activity according to the present invention can be more easily integrated within an environment, especially in household applications.

The apparatus for physical activity according to the present invention can be effectively used in physical rehabilitation centers, gyms, ships or confined spaces wherein people would benefit from walking, offices, private homes.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other variants may become apparent to those skilled in the art who consider the present description.

For example, several overall configurations of the apparatus, other than the ones presented here, can be designed depending on the requirements.

According to a further aspect which is not claimed, the apparatus comprising a revolving belt could be applied to transportation of goods or people, in that it comprises a moving belt which is in particular driven by a motor.

According to this further aspect, the present invention relates to a belt apparatus <NUM> comprising: a frame <NUM>; a plurality of rollers <NUM>, <NUM> rotatably connected to said frame <NUM>; a belt <NUM> mounted on said plurality of rollers <NUM>, <NUM> and revolving to define moving belt surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, the belt <NUM> comprising: a transport belt surface <NUM> delimited by a side of said frame <NUM>; a return belt surface <NUM> being configured for revolving said belt <NUM> in a never-ending loop; said return belt surface <NUM> is elevated with respect to said transport belt surface <NUM>.

Therefore, the activity belt surface previously described can be effectively used as a transport surface, thereby defining a conveyor belt for transportation of goods or people.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for physical activity, comprising:
a frame (<NUM>);
a plurality of rollers (<NUM>, <NUM>) rotatably connected to said frame (<NUM>);
a belt (<NUM>) mounted on said plurality of rollers (<NUM>, <NUM>) and revolving to define moving belt surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
- an activity belt surface (<NUM>) being configured for physical activity of at least one user (<NUM>, <NUM>) and delimited by a side of said frame (<NUM>) wherein said at least one user (<NUM>, <NUM>) is a human user;
- a return belt surface (<NUM>) being configured for revolving said belt (<NUM>) in a never-ending loop;
characterized in that said return belt surface (<NUM>) is elevated with respect to said activity belt surface (<NUM>).