US20030130095A1 - Aquatic treadmill with reversible orientations - Google Patents
Aquatic treadmill with reversible orientations Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030130095A1 US20030130095A1 US10/288,949 US28894902A US2003130095A1 US 20030130095 A1 US20030130095 A1 US 20030130095A1 US 28894902 A US28894902 A US 28894902A US 2003130095 A1 US2003130095 A1 US 2003130095A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- treadmill
- frame
- handrail
- rollers
- belt
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills
- A63B22/0285—Physical characteristics of the belt, e.g. material, surface, indicia
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/008—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters
- A63B21/0084—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters by moving the surrounding water
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills
- A63B22/0235—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills driven by a motor
- A63B22/0242—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills driven by a motor with speed variation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/0057—Means for physically limiting movements of body parts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills
- A63B2022/0278—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills with reversible direction of the running surface
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/02—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00 for large-room or outdoor sporting games
- A63B71/023—Supports, e.g. poles
- A63B2071/025—Supports, e.g. poles on rollers or wheels
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B2071/0694—Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/15—Arrangements for force transmissions
- A63B21/157—Ratchet-wheel links; Overrunning clutches; One-way clutches
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
- A63B21/4033—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms
- A63B21/4035—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms for operation by hand
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4041—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof characterised by the movements of the interface
- A63B21/4047—Pivoting movement
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0002—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms
- A63B22/001—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms by simultaneously exercising arms and legs, e.g. diagonally in anti-phase
- A63B22/0012—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms by simultaneously exercising arms and legs, e.g. diagonally in anti-phase the exercises for arms and legs being functionally independent
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/09—Adjustable dimensions
- A63B2225/093—Height
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/60—Apparatus used in water
Definitions
- the present invention relates to personal exercise equipment and, more particularly, to aquatic treadmills.
- an aquatic treadmill comprises a frame, rollers, and a belt.
- the rollers are rotatably connected to the frame.
- the belt is movably connected to the rollers, so that the belt is movable in at least one direction relative to the frame.
- the belt forms at least two walkway areas arranged so that the treadmill is reversibly orientable relative to a seating surface on which the treadmill is seated.
- One of the at least two walkway areas is accessible when the treadmill is in a first orientation, and another of the at least two walkway areas is accessible when the treadmill has a reverse orientation from the first orientation.
- FIGS. 1 A- 1 B are respectively a side and rear elevation view of a treadmill incorporating features of the present invention
- FIGS. 2 A- 2 D respectively are a side elevation, plan, partial plan, and partial front elevation views of the treadmill with the casing removed for clarity;
- FIGS. 3 A- 3 C respectively are another side elevation, plan, and partial plan views of the treadmill with additional features removed for clarity;
- FIG. 4A is an elevation view of a front carrier of the frame of the treadmill
- FIG. 4B is an elevation view of a rear carrier of the frame of the treadmill
- FIG. 5 is a plan view of a platen of the treadmill;
- FIG. 6A is an elevation of a roller assembly end cap of the treadmill and
- FIG. 6B is an elevation of another end cap of another roller assembly;
- FIG. 7A is a partial elevation of a frame of the treadmill in accordance with another embodiment
- FIG. 7B is an elevation of a gear box of the treadmill.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a treadmill in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 there is shown an exploded perspective view of an aquatic treadmill 10 incorporating features of the present invention.
- the present invention will be described with reference to the single embodiment shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments.
- any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.
- the treadmill 10 generally comprises a frame 12 , rollers 14 , platen 18 and treadmill belt 16 .
- the treadmill 10 also includes an outer casing 20 and handrail 22 .
- the rollers 14 and platen 18 are mounted to the frame 12 .
- the treadmill belt 16 is supported by the rollers 14 and platen 18 to provide the treadmill with walkway areas 24 , 26 on both top and bottom of the treadmill 10 .
- the casing 20 is also mounted to the frame 12 and has seating surfaces 28 , 30 on opposite sides to allow the treadmill 10 to be seated with either top or bottom on the pool seating surface P. This allows a user to use either walkway area 24 , 26 of the treadmill as desired.
- the handrail 22 is removably mounted to the frame 12 , and may be mounted to extend from either the top or bottom of the treadmill.
- the walkway areas 24 , 26 of the treadmill are inclined relative to the horizontal seating surface P on which the treadmill is seated (as well as the axis of symmetry X of the treadmill 10 ). To advantageously allow a user to remain planted on the belt when using either walkway area 24 , 26 for underwater exercises as will be described in greater detail below.
- FIGS. 2 A- 2 D are respectively a side elevation view, a top plan view, a partial plan view, and a partial front end elevation view of the treadmill 10 with the casing sections removed for clarity.
- the frame 12 generally comprises side plate assemblies 32 , 33 and tie members 34 , 36 .
- the side plate assemblies are seen best in FIGS. 3 A- 3 C which respectively show an elevation, top plan view and partial plan view of the treadmill with features further removed for clarity.
- Side plate assemblies 32 , 33 are similar except as otherwise indicated below and will be described specifically with respect to side plate assembly 32 .
- Side plate assembly 32 generally includes wall section 38 , front carrier 40 and rear carrier 42 .
- the wall section 38 is seen best in FIGS. 3A, 3C.
- the wall section 38 in this embodiment may be a one piece member made of corrosion resistant sheet metal, such as for example 316L-series stainless steel.
- the side wall of the frame may be made from any other suitable material including plastic or composite materials.
- the side wall section 38 has a generally tapered shape with generally circular shaped front and rear end sections 38 F, 38 R.
- the front end section has holes 44 formed therein to aid in elevation of air from the treadmill during submergence and for water drainage when raising the treadmill from water as will be described further below.
- the rear end section 38 R has a slotted hole 46 substantially aligned with axis X. This slot 46 allows for floating movement of the rear roller relative to the frame as will be further described.
- Wall section 38 also has top and bottom flanges 38 T, 38 B protruding outwards from the center wall portion 38 W of the section.
- wall section 38 has a general channel cross-section formed by center wall 38 W and top and bottom flanges 38 T, 38 B.
- the wall section may have any other suitable cross-section.
- the wall section may be an assembly of sections.
- the front end section (similar to section 38 F) may be mechanically attached by fasteners or rivets, or by bonding to the rest of the wall section.
- the front end section 38 F may be provided with a central bore 45 for mounting the front roller to the side wall section 38 .
- U-shaped slots are formed into the center wall portion 38 W of the wall section 38 as seen best in FIG.
- the opening of the U-shaped slots is in the top flange 38 T or wall section 38 .
- the embodiment in FIGS. 3 A- 3 C is shown as having 14 U-shaped slots 52 , though in alternate embodiments the number of slots may vary as desired.
- the top flange 38 T has notches 49 A- 49 C formed in its outer edge. Similar notches are formed into the outer edge of the bottom flange 38 B.
- the notches 49 A- 49 C in the top and bottom flanges are used for positioning and locking the front and rear carriers 40 , 42 to the wall section 38 . In alternate embodiments, more or fewer locating notches may be formed into the flanges of the wall section as desired.
- the center wall portion 38 W may also include mounting holes 48 , 50 for cross tubes which will be described further below.
- the front carrier 40 may also be a sheet metal member made from 314L stainless steel or other suitable material.
- the front carrier has a generally circular section 40 C and a tab section 40 T extending therefrom.
- the circular section 40 C is generally similar in size and shape to the front end section 38 F of the wall section 38 .
- Holes 40 H are formed into section 40 C similar in shape to the holes 44 in front end section 38 F.
- the carrier also has a center clearance hole 40 S.
- the sheet metal of the front carrier is bent to provide inward flanges 40F1-40F3. As seen in FIG. 4A flanges 40F1 and 40F2 are located top and bottom of the circular section 40 C.
- Flange 40F3 is located at the front.
- the flanges 40F1-40F3 have a width that generally complements the width of the outward flanges 38 T, 38 B of the wall section 38 .
- the upper and lower flanges are generally inclined relative to axis or symmetry X.
- Fastener holes 40 B are provided in each flange 40F1, 40F2 (four holes 40 B are shown in the embodiment for example purposes) for mounting feet 28 , 30 to the front carrier.
- the tab portion 40 T has a generally tapered shape conforming to the corresponding area of wall section 38 where the tab portion 40 T is mounted.
- Top portion 40 T has locating detents 40L1, 40L2 along the upper and lower edges conforming to notches 49 A in the flanges 38 T, 38 B or wall section 38 (see FIGS. 3A and, 4 A).
- Fastener holes 40 M (in this embodiment four holes 40 M are shown for example purposes) are provided for mounting fasteners (not shown) used to fasten front carrier 40 to the wall section 38 .
- the rear carrier 42 may be a sheet metal member made from 314L stainless steel or other suitable material.
- the rear carrier has rear section 42 R and a tab section 42 T extending there from.
- the rear section 42 R has a slotted hole 42 S similar to slot 46 in the rear end portion 38 R or wall section 38 .
- the rear section 42 R is provided with inward flanges 42F1-42F4. The flange width compliments that of flanges 38 T, 38 B of the wall section, thereby allowing the rear section 42 R of the carrier 42 to be seated against the face of this rear end portion 38 R of the wall section 38 .
- Upper and lower flanges 42F1, 42F2 are symmetrically inclined with respect to axis or symmetry X.
- Fastener holes 42 B are located in the flanges 42F1, 42F2 (three holes are shown in each flange for example purposes) allowing the feet 28 , 30 to be fastened to the flanges of the rear carrier.
- Tab portion 42 T of the rear carrier is sized to conform to the tapered space between flanges 38 T, 38 B in the corresponding area of wall section 38 where the rear carrier is mounted (see FIG. 3A).
- Tab portion 42 T has locating detents 42L1, 42L2 along upper and lower edges conforming to notches 49 B, 49 C formed in the outer edge of flanges 38 T, 38 B or wall section 38 .
- a mounting hole 42 H may be provided in the tab portion 42 T for inserting a cross member of the frame.
- the front and rear carriers 40 , 42 may be attached to the wall section 38 by welding, brazing or otherwise bonding the respective flanges 40F1-40F3, 42F1-42F4 of the front and rear carriers to the corresponding faces of the front and rear portions 38 F, 38 R of this wall section. Positioning of the front and rear carriers 40 , 42 on the wall section 38 prior to attachment is aided by the interface between locating detents 40L1-40L2 of the front carrier, and detents 42L1-42L2 of the rear carrier with the corresponding notches 49 A, 49 B, 49 C in the flanges 38 T, 38 B (see FIG. 3A).
- the front carrier may be removably mounted to the wall section 38 with fasteners such as bolts or screws inserted through holes 40 M.
- spacers may be placed between the center wall 38 C and this section 40 T of the front carrier to prevent undesired deflection during fastener torquing of the tab section 42 T and center wall 38 C.
- the front carrier 40 may be removably mounted to the wall section 38 in the case where the treadmill 10 is provided with a speed regulator as will be described further below.
- the frame 12 includes tie members that connect the side wall assemblies 32 , 33 to each other and help to provide the frame with a substantially rigid box shape.
- the tie members are cross tubes 34 , 36 , though any other suitable type of tie member may be used.
- the cross tubes 34 , 36 in this embodiment are cylindrical though they may have any suitable cross-section.
- the tubes 34 , 36 are respectively inserted through holes 48 , 50 in the center wall portion 38 C of the wall assemblies (see. FIG. 3A).
- the rear cross tube 36 may extend through the hole 42 H in the rear carrier 42 (see FIG. 4B).
- Cross tubes 34 , 36 may be welded, brazed or bonded by any suitable means to the center wall portion 38 C of the wall assemblies thereby securing the opposing wall assemblies 32 , 33 to each other.
- Platen 18 Additional rigidity may be provided to the frame 12 by platen 18 .
- An elevation view of the platen 18 is shown in FIG. 5.
- Platen 18 in this embodiment is a flat member made of corrosion resistant sheet metal or plastic sheet.
- the platen may have a generally square or rectangular shape.
- the platen is sufficiently wide to extent at least to the outer edges of flanges 38 B of the side wall assemblies 32 , 33 .
- the platen has a row or fastening holes 18 F along the outer edges 180 . Similar holes (not shown) are drilled into the bottom flanges 38 B of the wall assemblies.
- the length of the platen is sized to provide a suitable walkway area on the treadmill. Longitudinal locating slots 18 S are formed into the platen.
- the platen may have any suitable number or shape of locating features allowing stiffeners to be interlocked with the platen.
- FIG. 3A when installed the platen 18 is disposed against the bottom surfaces of flange 38 B of the side wall assemblies 32 , 33 (see also FIG. 3B). Accordingly, the installed platen 18 is positioned by the tapered section of the side wall assemblies at an incline relative to the axis or symmetry X of the treadmill. The angle of inclination a (see FIG.
- 3A may be established as desired up to 10° or more, though in the embodiment the angle a is depicted at about 7°.
- One edge 50 B of the keel plates has locating detents 50 D conforming to the size and location of locating slots 18 S (see FIG. 5) in the platen.
- the keel plates 50 have cutouts 50 A, 50 C for cross tubes 34 , 36 . Cutouts 50 A 50 C compliment the size and location of the corresponding cross tubes 34 , 36 allowing the keel plates 50 to be seated against the cross tubes when the platen 18 with the keel plates 50 thereon is mounted to the frame 12 .
- the platen 18 and keel plate assembly may be mounted to the frame by riveting or otherwise fastening the platen 18 to the flanges 38 B of the side wall assemblies 32 , 33 .
- the rollers 14 generally comprises front roller assembly 52 , rear roller assembly 54 and platform rollers assemblies 56 .
- the front roller assembly 52 is located at the front of the treadmill and the rear roller assembly 54 is at the rear of the treadmill.
- the front roller assembly 52 , and rear roller assembly 54 provide the opposing supports on which the treadmill belt 16 travels.
- the platform roller assemblies 56 are disposed between the front and rear roller assemblies 52 , 54 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B to provide one of the treadmill walkway areas 24 .
- the front roller assembly 52 generally comprises tube 52 T and end caps 58 .
- the tube 52 T may be made of suitable plastic or composite materials with properties that will not degrade with long term immersion in chlorinated pool water.
- the tube may also be made of corrosion resistant metal or any other suitable material if desired.
- the diameter and wall thickness of the tube may also be as desired, though in this embodiment the tube has an outer diameter of about 8 . 05 inches and a wall thickness of about 0.065 inches for example purposes.
- the exterior surface of the tube 52 T may be provided with suitable roughness (such as by ribbing or scarifying) if desired to provide improved contact with the treadmill belt 16 .
- FIG. 6A shows an elevation view of an end cap 58 .
- the end caps 58 at opposite ends of tube 52 are substantially the same.
- Each end cap 58 comprises outer ring 58 R, hub 58 H, and spokes 58 S connecting the hub to the outer ring.
- the outer ring 58 R may be sized to form an interference fit with tube 52 T.
- the outer ring 58 R has an outward radial flange 58 F at one end as seen in FIG. 3B.
- the radial flange 58 F acts as a stop when inserting the end cap 58 into tube 52 .
- radial flange 58 F extends sufficiently outwards so that it forms in combination with the radial flange 58 F of the opposing end a guide channel 52 G for the treadmill belt.
- the outer edge 58 E of the radial flange 58 F is radiused to remove sharp edges from the proximity of a user's feet when using the treadmill.
- the hub 58 H or the front end cap 58 has a bore 580 for a bushing 59 (see FIG. 3B).
- the bore 580 has a hexagonal shape, though in alternate embodiments the bore may have any suitable shape with locking facets to prevent the bushing from rotating inside the bore.
- Spokes 59 S allow air to escape the roller assembly readily when the treadmill is being submerged, and allow water to drain readily when the treadmill is taken out of water.
- a shaft 60 is located inside the front roller assembly 52 .
- Shaft 60 may be a cylindrical rod made of corrosion resistant metal or any other suitable material.
- the shaft 60 may be placed inside the roller through the bore 580 in the hub or the end cap.
- Bushings 59 may then be inserted into the respective bores of the end caps to axially secure the roller assembly 52 onto shaft 60 .
- the bushings 59 allow the roller assembly to rotate freely on the shaft 60 .
- the bushing 59 may be made from any suitable material such as for example DelrinTM with 12-14% PTFE.
- the front roller assembly is mounted onto frame 12 by inserting shaft 60 through mounting holes 40 B (see FIGS. 3 A- 3 B) in the front end sections of the side wall assemblies 32 , 33 .
- the end portions of the shaft 60 are sized to form an interference fit with the mounting bores 40 B of the side wall assembly 32 , 33 thereby fixing the shaft in the frame 12 of the treadmill.
- Spindle portions 60 S of the shaft extend outwards from the side wall assemblies (see FIG. 2B) allowing accessories to be mounted to the treadmill as will be described further below.
- the rear roller assembly 54 is generally similar to the front roller assembly 52 comprising tube 54 T and end caps 62 at opposite ends of the tube 54 T.
- Tube 54 T is smaller in diameter than the tube 52 T of the front roller assembly.
- the size difference between the front roller tube 52 T and the rear roller tube is established as desired to provide the treadmill belt 16 with the desired incline angle a (see FIG. 2A) in walkway area 24 of the treadmill.
- the rear roller tube has an outer diameter of about 4.06 inches, resulting in an incline angle a of about 70 as noted before.
- End caps 62 an elevation view of which is shown in FIG. 6B, have ring section 62 R, hub 62 H and spokes 62 S.
- the ring section 62 R is flanged with outward radial flange 62 F.
- the outer edge 62 E of the radial flange 62 F is rounded to remove sharp edges from the user's feet.
- the ring section 62 R may have outer raised ribs or gussets 62 G (see FIG. 3B) to increase the interference between the ring section and tube 54 T when the end caps 62 are inserted into the tube (similar ribs may be provided on the ring sections 58 R of the front end caps).
- the hub 62 H may have a bore 620 shaped to rotationally fix a bushing 63 therein. In this embodiment the bore 620 is hexagonal as is bushing 63 .
- Bushing 63 is generally similar to bushing 59 described before. As seen in FIG. 3B, when the end caps 62 are installed in tube 54 T, the radial flanges 62 F of the opposing end caps 62 form a belt guide channel 54 G at the rear roller assembly 54 .
- a shaft 66 is located inside the roller tube 54 T of the rear roller assembly as shown in FIG. 2B.
- the shaft 66 is generally similar to shaft 60 described before.
- Shaft 60 is positioned inside the roller assembly 54 by bushings 63 located in the end caps. The bushings 63 allow the roller assembly to rotate freely about the shaft 66 .
- the end portions 66 S of shaft 66 are placed in slotted holes 46 and 42 S respectively of the wall section 38 and rear carrier 42 of the frame side wall sections 32 , 33 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C.
- the end portions 66 S may be provided with flattened surfaces conforming to the flat edges of slots 46 , 42 S or may have a linear bushing (not shown) mounted thereon with flat sliding surfaces. This prevents the shaft from rotating within slots 46 , 42 S while being allowed to slide linearly with in the slot.
- springs 70 are disposed against the end portions 66 S or shaft 66 to bias the rear roller assembly 54 toward the rear of the treadmill. This maintains a preload tension on the treadmill belt 16 in order to take up slack during use.
- the spring 70 is a coil spring which is biased between the rear cross tube 36 of frame 12 and the end portion 66 S of the shaft 66 .
- roller 56 In this embodiment there are fourteen platform rollers 56 . In alternate embodiments there may be any desired number of platform rollers. All platform rollers 56 are substantially the same, and will be described below with reference to an exemplary roller. Roller 56 generally comprises tube 56 T, and end caps 72 located at opposite ends of the tube. Tube 56 T may have any desired diameter to provide an appropriate walkway area. In this embodiment, tube 56 T has an outer diameter of about 1.5 inches, though as noted before any suitable size tube may be used. The tube material may be the same as the material for the tubes 52 T, 54 T of the front and rear roller assemblies noted before. The tube 56 T is shown more clearly in FIGS. 3 A- 3 B where the end caps 72 have been removed for clarity.
- the end caps 72 are substantially the same and similar to the end caps 58 , 62 of the front and rear roller assemblies.
- the platform roller end caps 72 have an outer ring section 72 R, a hub 72 H and spokes 72 S extending in between.
- the outer ring section 72 R is sized to form an interference fit with tube 56 T.
- External ribs or gussets similar to ribs 62 G (see FIG. 3B) on the front and rear end caps 58 , 62 may be located on the ring section 72 R to enhance the interference between end cap 72 and tube 56 T.
- the hub 72 H has a bore for pin 80 which is fixedly mounted therein.
- the pin 80 rotatably secure each platform roller to bushings 82 on the frame 12 as shown in FIGS.
- the spokes 72 S in the end cap 72 allow the end cap to have large openings in a manner similar to end caps 58 , 62 or the front and rear roller assemblies to provide for ready evacuation of air from the roller 56 during submergence and for water drainage from the platform roller when the treadmill is taken out of water.
- the bushings 82 holding the platform rollers 56 in the frame 12 are best seen in FIGS. 2A and 2C.
- the bushings 82 similar to the other bushings in this embodiment are made of DelrinTM with 12-14% PTFE though any suitable material may be used. In this embodiment bushings 82 are configured in a twin bushing molding with two side by side bushings 82 A, 82 B as seen in FIG. 2C.
- the twin bushing configuration facilitates installation of the bushings on the frame 12 , though in alternate embodiments each individual bushing may be individually mounted to the frame.
- Bushings 82 A, 82 B are sized to be admitted into U-shaped holes 51 in the upper edge of wall section 38 (see FIGS. 3A and 3C).
- the bushings 82 A, 82 B are inserted into holes 51 through the opening in the flange 38 T.
- the retaining member 82 R of the twin bushing molding tying the bushing 82 A, 82 B is positioned on the inside surface of wall section 38 C thereby capturing the twin bushing in the wall section 38 C. As seen in FIG.
- the twin bushings 82 located by U-shaped holes 51 , are inclined at angle a relative to the axis of symmetry X of the treadmill 10 . Accordingly, when mounted to the frame, the platform rollers 56 are arranged sequentially along the inclination of the twin bushings. Thus, the treadmill belt 16 resting on the platform rollers 56 in the walkway area 24 formed by platform rollers 56 , is also inclined at angle a relative to axis X.
- treadmill belt 16 is mounted over the front and rear roller assemblies 52 , 54 .
- Platform rollers 56 support the belt in walkway areas 24
- platen 18 supports the belt in walkway area 26 .
- the rollers 52 , 54 , 56 as well as the support surface of the platen 18 allow the belt 16 to rotate freely in either clockwise or counter clockwise directions.
- the treadmill may be positioned with the platen side down (as shown in FIG. 2A) to allow a user to walk on walkway area 24 , or may be positioned with the platform roller side down (inverted from the position shown in FIG. 2A) to allow the user to walk on walkway area 26 .
- belt rotation when the user is walking or running on walkway area 26 is opposite to belt rotation when walking/running on walkway area 24 .
- the guide channels 52 G, 54 G formed by the radial flanges of the front and rear roller assemblies maintain the position of the belt 16 when moving, preventing it from drifting laterally.
- the axial bias on the rear roller assembly 54 from springs 70 help eliminate any slack in the belt during use.
- one of the side wall assemblies 32 , 33 may have a wall section 38 ′ with a removable front end portion 102 as shown in FIG. 7A.
- Wall section 38 ′ in this embodiment is substantially similar to wall section 38 described before and shown in FIGS. 3 A- 3 C except as otherwise noted. Similar features are similarly numbered.
- the wall section 38 ′ has a front edge 38 F′ located substantially proximate the front end of flanges 38 T′, 38 B′.
- the front end section 102 may be mechanically connected with suitable fasteners (not shown) inserted through fastener holes 102 M (see FIG.
- the end section 102 has a bore 40 B′ for shaft 60 (see FIG. 2B).
- the fastener holes 102 M are aligned with the fastener holes 40 M in the front carrier 40 (see FIG. 4A) allowing section 102 and carrier 40 to be mounted as a unit, using the same fasteners, to the wall section 38 ′.
- a speed regulator 110 may be optionally connected to the front roller assembly 52 .
- the speed regulator generally comprises a momentum or fly wheel 112 and a gear box 114 linking the momentum wheel 112 to the front roller assembly 52 and hence to the belt 16 .
- An elevation view of the gear box assembly 112 is shown in FIG. 7B.
- the gear box frame may advantageously be formed by the front carrier 40 and removable front end section 102 described before.
- a hole 104 may be formed in end section 102 to allow installation of a shouldered through bushing 122 .
- Through bushing 122 has a hole for mounting a pinion shaft 124 there through.
- the pinion shaft may have two gears 116 , 118 fixedly mounted thereto.
- Pinion gear 116 is mounted at an inner end of the shaft, and step up gear 118 is mounted at the outer end of the shaft.
- the pinion gear 116 is positioned to engage a drive gear 114 mounted to the front roller assembly 62 .
- the step up gear 118 is positioned to engage idler gear 120 on the momentum wheel.
- the gears 114 , 116 , 118 120 of the gear box drive train are sized to provide a 4:1 step up ratio between the front roller 52 and momentum wheel.
- the momentum wheel 112 and idler gear 120 may be formed as an integral unit or may be connected mechanically.
- the momentum wheel 112 and idler gear 120 are seated on the spindle 60 S or shaft 60 (see FIG. 2B) and are free to rotate about spindle 60 S.
- the momentum wheel 112 may be formed from any suitable material to provide a desired mass moment or inertia to the wheel.
- the momentum wheel 112 may, further include fan blades 112 , angled with respect to the axis or shaft 60 , or aligned with respect to the axie axis, which provide a dynamic resistance to movement of the front roller assembly.
- the speed regulator 110 may be removably mounted as a unit to the frame 112 and front roller assembly. Prior to mounting of the speed regulator 110 to the frame, the drive gear 114 may be affixed to the end cap 58 of front roller assembly 52 as shown in FIG. 2D.
- the speed regulator may further include a radial impeller 130 if desired, which may be optionally coupled to the fly wheel 112 as shown in FIG. 2B.
- the radial impeller 130 is sized to be housed within the casing cover 20 R mounted on the frame as shown in FIG. 3B.
- the casing 20 of the treadmill include to opposing covers 20 L, 20 R.
- Each cover 20 L, 20 R is a substantially hollow shell, made of suitable composite material, sized to cover the side wall section 32 , 33 of the treadmill frame.
- the front and rear ends of the covers 20 L, 2 OR are rounded so that when viewed from the side, the front and rear roller assemblies are hidden behind the cover profile.
- each cover has a generally annular or torroidal shaped section 20 V which defines a center opening 20 D and an inner annular channel 20 C around the opening.
- Impeller 130 is positioned proximate torroid section 20 V so that the section substantially forms a volute around the rim of the impeller 130 .
- the impeller 130 may be oriented to draw or suction water through the tube 52 T of the front roller assembly.
- the position of the impeller 130 proximate the end cap of the roller assembly 52 allows the flow through the tube to be channeled to the impeller.
- the roller tube 52 T, and gear box assembly 112 form a conduit 132 to the impeller 130 .
- the water is directed outward from the impeller 130 into section 20 C of the cover 20 R and out through a suitable exhaust port (not shown) in the cover.
- a hair screen 21 D may be mounted over the hole 200 in the covers 20 R, 20 C (see FIG. 1A).
- the covers 20 R, 20 L has openings to allow feet 28 , 30 to be mounted to Frame 12 .
- Feet 28 , 30 are shown best in FIG. 2A.
- Feet 2 B are mounted to one side of the frame 12
- feet 30 are mounted on the opposite side.
- the feet of the unit are non-skid, of significant surface area, and generally elliptical to prevent “peel”. They are externally removable and easily replaceable with feet of different heights to permit additional options with respect to inclining the unit.
- the handrail 22 generally comprises rail tube 22 T, rail Stop 22 S, padding 22 P and knob 22 K.
- the rail tube may be a one piece member made from any suitable corrosion resistant tubing.
- Rail stop 22 S is a sleeve sized to be placed over tube 22 T.
- the rail stop has a tapered section allowing the rail stop to be self centering when positioned into the handrail receiver 300 in the frame 12 to be described further below.
- the rail stop 22 S may be fixed to tube 22 T by mechanical fastening or bonding.
- the knob 22 K is mounted to the bottom of the handrail 22 .
- the knob 22 K prevents inadvertent removal of the handrail from the receiver 300 .
- the knob 22 K is mechanically fastened to the rail tube 22 T with a screw (not shown).
- An insert 22 I is fixed inside the tube 22 T as shown in FIG. 2A to allow engagement of the knob fastening screw.
- the padding 22 P is positioned over the grip portion of the handrail.
- the outer surface of the padding on the grip is provided with a suitable reflective surface to provide a visual indication at the water surface S of the handrail.
- the frame 12 includes handrail receiver 300 .
- the handrail receiver includes similar but opposite sections 300 L, 300 R on the side wall sections of the frame. One exemplary section 300 R will be described.
- Section 300 R of the receiver includes a receiving tube 304 supported from the side wall section 38 by support brackets 302 as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D.
- the receiving tube 304 is open at both ends so that the handrail may be mounted on either side of the treadmill.
- the handrail rail stop 22 S cooperates with the opening of the receiver 304 to self center the handrail in the receiver when inserted.
- the knob 22 K may be fastened to the bottom of the handrail locking the handrail in the receiver as shown in FIG. 2A.
- Treadmill 10 A is substantially similar to the treadmill of the previously described embodiments. Treadmill 10 A is also provided with a pair of articulated swim poles 400 .
- Each pole 400 comprises a connection section 402 , vertical section 404 , intermediate link, and upper section 408 .
- Upper section 408 may include a rotatable hand grip 410 .
- Link 406 pivotally connects section 408 to vertical section 404 .
- Section 402 allows the vertical section to rotate relative to the frame in the direction indicated by arrow R in FIG. 8.
- Paddle 412 , or other assistance surfaces may be mounted to this section 404 .
- the paddle 412 may be raised or lowered, and may be rotated to coincide with the direction of motion of the swim pole 400 .
- the swim pole 400 is an aquatic equivalent to a ski pole in that one handgrip 410 is in each of the user's hands and the user establishes an alternating cadence with these while walking on the treadmill 10 A.
- the alternating action of the poles may be linked to the walkway belt mechanically, or as in the current embodiment the action of the poles is independent of the movement of the belt.
- the user is free to move his arms from the typically “head high” upper portion of the swing to the behind the buttocks arc.
- the handgrips 410 are rotatably attached to the upper end of the first section of the swim pole.
- the lower end of the upper section of the swim pole is hinged to the lower section of the swim pole. This lower section always remains below water.
- the upper section of the swim pole is used to “drive” the lower section (containing the paddle) back and forth through the water.
- the paddle 412 on the lower section 404 can be removed (limiting the resistance to that of the pole alone), fixed (such that the resistance is bidirectional), hinged (such that the resistance is unidirectional), sliding (such that it can be lowered, thereby reducing the effective resistance via improving the mechanical advantage the user has) or linked (such that the motion can be varied to advantage via a linkage).
- the upper section 408 of the swim pole can be folded and snapped to the lower section 404 of the swim pole such that the envelope of the product, when not in use, is not significantly increased with this feature.
- the lower sections of the swim poles contain a stop provision such that if the user stores them or drops them they do not fall to the bottom of the pool.
- the treadmill 10 , 10 A of the present invention provides significant advantages over conventional treadmills.
- the build-in incline of the unit is a key advantage in aquatic use. It is actually more difficult to walk on horizontal beltway in the water, as it causes one to “hunch over” to combat the effects of buoyancy on the body.
- the hollow rollers permit their use as tubes. This affords the advantages of more neutral buoyancy (as the tubes fill with water, damping (as the water must be “churned” in use), and conduiting, (as in the case of now permitting the impeller to fall within the confines of the unit's enclosure the water enters on one side of the unit and exhausts on the other).
- the external shape of the unit is completely compatible with vinyl liners/sand bottom pools, which would otherwise be damaged by a product with sharp outside corners. This is particularly true during placement and removal of the unit from the pool. This advantage extends to the user, in that contact with bare feet without injury is probable.
- the unit's shape is longitudinally symmetrical (in the plane of the axles) but more significantly “invertible”, allowing the roller supported beltway configuration as well as the platen supported mode.
- the roller supported beltway is relatively frictionless.
- the vast majority of the effort (on the part of the user) is expended in overcoming the resistance of the water and is “bi-directional” in nature. When the platen mode is elected, the exercise more closely resembles the “primarily forward thrust” nature of a self-powered land based unit.
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Abstract
An aquatic treadmill comprises a frame, rollers, and a belt. The rollers are rotatably connected to the frame. The belt is movably connected to the rollers. The belt is movable in at least one direction relative to the frame. The belt forms at least two walkway areas arranged so that the treadmill is reversibly orientable relative to a seating surface on which the treadmill is seated. One of the at least two walkway areas is accessible when the treadmill is in a first orientation, and another of the at least walkway areas is accessible when the treadmill has a reverse orientation from the first orientation.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/338,960, filed Nov. 5, 2001, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to personal exercise equipment and, more particularly, to aquatic treadmills.
- 2. Prior Art
- The advantages of therapeutic exercises with the body partially immersed in water compared to similar exercises on land have long been recognized. For example, the water medium by virtue of its higher density (relative to air) provides a buoyant effect to immersed body parts, and by virtue of its viscosity provides a damping effect to underwater motions performed when exercising. These effects combined to reduce undesired loads especially impact on the joints and the spine. Moreover, the higher density and viscosity of water provide increased resistance to exercise movements increasing muscle load at lower movement speeds thereby improving the workout rate. Nevertheless, the conventional approach to exercise equipment for underwater exercises had generally been to merely immerse exercise equipment developed for use out of water with little or no modifications. One example of this approach is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,892 which provides an underwater treadmill device with a driver roller and an idler roller engaging opposite ends of a treadmill belt. A hydraulic motor, positioned out of water imparts rotary motion to the drive roller. Another example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,604 which provides an aquatic treadmill apparatus made up of a treadmill belt trained over a drive roller and take-up roller, a fluid drive motor and a flywheel are coupled to a common drive shaft driven by a power source outside of the water. U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,961 discloses still another example of a conventional aquatic exercise equipment that includes a plurality of exercise services. A review of the aforementioned examples will reveal very little difference between conventional under water exercise equipment and land or out of water exercise equipment counterparts. Aside from the obvious corrosion concerns of the underwater environment, conventional underwater exercise equipment does not appear to take advantage of or make concessions to the effects of the underwater environment on moving devices as well as on the body of the user. Also, conventional underwater equipment appears to have been developed with commercial use in mind, of being located in commercial exercise facilities, clubs or spas. As such, the conventional underwater exercise equipment appears best suited for hard bottom pools which are likely to be found in such facilities rather than the sand bottom pools ordinarily found at private residences. Other underwater exercise apparatus are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,123,641 and 5,437,588. The underwater exercise apparatus of the present invention overcomes the problem of the conventional apparatus as will be described in general detail below.
- In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an aquatic treadmill is provided. The treadmill comprises a frame, rollers, and a belt. The rollers are rotatably connected to the frame. The belt is movably connected to the rollers, so that the belt is movable in at least one direction relative to the frame. The belt forms at least two walkway areas arranged so that the treadmill is reversibly orientable relative to a seating surface on which the treadmill is seated. One of the at least two walkway areas is accessible when the treadmill is in a first orientation, and another of the at least two walkway areas is accessible when the treadmill has a reverse orientation from the first orientation.
- The foregoing aspects and other features of the present invention are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
- FIGS.1A-1B are respectively a side and rear elevation view of a treadmill incorporating features of the present invention;
- FIGS.2A-2D respectively are a side elevation, plan, partial plan, and partial front elevation views of the treadmill with the casing removed for clarity;
- FIGS.3A-3C respectively are another side elevation, plan, and partial plan views of the treadmill with additional features removed for clarity;
- FIG. 4A is an elevation view of a front carrier of the frame of the treadmill;
- FIG. 4B is an elevation view of a rear carrier of the frame of the treadmill;
- FIG. 5 is a plan view of a platen of the treadmill; FIG. 6A is an elevation of a roller assembly end cap of the treadmill and FIG. 6B is an elevation of another end cap of another roller assembly;
- FIG. 7A is a partial elevation of a frame of the treadmill in accordance with another embodiment;
- FIG. 7B is an elevation of a gear box of the treadmill; and
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a treadmill in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an exploded perspective view of an
aquatic treadmill 10 incorporating features of the present invention. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the single embodiment shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used. - Still referring to FIGS.1A-1B, the
treadmill 10 generally comprises aframe 12,rollers 14,platen 18 andtreadmill belt 16. Thetreadmill 10 also includes anouter casing 20 andhandrail 22. Therollers 14 andplaten 18 are mounted to theframe 12. Thetreadmill belt 16 is supported by therollers 14 andplaten 18 to provide the treadmill withwalkway areas treadmill 10. Thecasing 20, is also mounted to theframe 12 and hasseating surfaces treadmill 10 to be seated with either top or bottom on the pool seating surface P. This allows a user to use eitherwalkway area handrail 22 is removably mounted to theframe 12, and may be mounted to extend from either the top or bottom of the treadmill. Thewalkway areas walkway area - FIGS.2A-2D are respectively a side elevation view, a top plan view, a partial plan view, and a partial front end elevation view of the
treadmill 10 with the casing sections removed for clarity. In this embodiment theframe 12 generally comprisesside plate assemblies tie members Side plate assemblies side plate assembly 32.Side plate assembly 32 generally includeswall section 38,front carrier 40 andrear carrier 42. Thewall section 38 is seen best in FIGS. 3A, 3C. Thewall section 38 in this embodiment may be a one piece member made of corrosion resistant sheet metal, such as for example 316L-series stainless steel. In alternate embodiments, the side wall of the frame may be made from any other suitable material including plastic or composite materials. As seen in FIG. 3A, theside wall section 38 has a generally tapered shape with generally circular shaped front and rear end sections 38F, 38R. The front end section hasholes 44 formed therein to aid in elevation of air from the treadmill during submergence and for water drainage when raising the treadmill from water as will be described further below. The rear end section 38R has a slottedhole 46 substantially aligned with axis X. Thisslot 46 allows for floating movement of the rear roller relative to the frame as will be further described.Wall section 38 also has top andbottom flanges 38T, 38B protruding outwards from the center wall portion 38W of the section. Thuswall section 38 has a general channel cross-section formed by center wall 38W and top andbottom flanges 38T, 38B. In alternate embodiments, the wall section may have any other suitable cross-section. In other alternate embodiments, the wall section may be an assembly of sections. For example, the front end section (similar to section 38F) may be mechanically attached by fasteners or rivets, or by bonding to the rest of the wall section. The front end section 38F may be provided with acentral bore 45 for mounting the front roller to theside wall section 38. U-shaped slots are formed into the center wall portion 38W of thewall section 38 as seen best in FIG. 3A. The opening of the U-shaped slots is in thetop flange 38T orwall section 38. The embodiment in FIGS. 3A-3C is shown as having 14U-shaped slots 52, though in alternate embodiments the number of slots may vary as desired. Thetop flange 38T has notches 49A-49C formed in its outer edge. Similar notches are formed into the outer edge of the bottom flange 38B. The notches 49A-49C in the top and bottom flanges are used for positioning and locking the front andrear carriers wall section 38. In alternate embodiments, more or fewer locating notches may be formed into the flanges of the wall section as desired. The center wall portion 38W may also include mountingholes - Referring now to FIG. 4A, there is shown an elevation view of the
front carrier 40. Thefront carrier 40 may also be a sheet metal member made from 314L stainless steel or other suitable material. The front carrier has a generally circular section 40C and a tab section 40T extending therefrom. The circular section 40C is generally similar in size and shape to the front end section 38F of thewall section 38. Holes 40H are formed into section 40C similar in shape to theholes 44 in front end section 38F. The carrier also has a center clearance hole 40S. The sheet metal of the front carrier is bent to provide inward flanges 40F1-40F3. As seen in FIG. 4A flanges 40F1 and 40F2 are located top and bottom of the circular section 40C. Flange 40F3 is located at the front. The flanges 40F1-40F3 have a width that generally complements the width of theoutward flanges 38T, 38B of thewall section 38. The upper and lower flanges are generally inclined relative to axis or symmetry X. Fastener holes 40B are provided in each flange 40F1, 40F2 (four holes 40B are shown in the embodiment for example purposes) for mountingfeet wall section 38 where the tab portion 40T is mounted. Top portion 40T has locating detents 40L1, 40L2 along the upper and lower edges conforming to notches 49A in theflanges 38T, 38B or wall section 38 (see FIGS. 3A and, 4A). Fastener holes 40M (in this embodiment four holes 40M are shown for example purposes) are provided for mounting fasteners (not shown) used to fastenfront carrier 40 to thewall section 38. - Referring now to FIG. 4B, there is shown an elevation view of the
rear carrier 42. Therear carrier 42 may be a sheet metal member made from 314L stainless steel or other suitable material. The rear carrier has rear section 42R and atab section 42T extending there from. The rear section 42R has a slotted hole 42S similar to slot 46 in the rear end portion 38R orwall section 38. The rear section 42R is provided with inward flanges 42F1-42F4. The flange width compliments that offlanges 38T, 38B of the wall section, thereby allowing the rear section 42R of thecarrier 42 to be seated against the face of this rear end portion 38R of thewall section 38. Upper and lower flanges 42F1, 42F2 are symmetrically inclined with respect to axis or symmetry X. Fastener holes 42B are located in the flanges 42F1, 42F2 (three holes are shown in each flange for example purposes) allowing thefeet Tab portion 42T of the rear carrier is sized to conform to the tapered space betweenflanges 38T, 38B in the corresponding area ofwall section 38 where the rear carrier is mounted (see FIG. 3A).Tab portion 42T has locating detents 42L1, 42L2 along upper and lower edges conforming to notches 49B, 49C formed in the outer edge offlanges 38T, 38B orwall section 38. A mounting hole 42H may be provided in thetab portion 42T for inserting a cross member of the frame. The front andrear carriers wall section 38 by welding, brazing or otherwise bonding the respective flanges 40F1-40F3, 42F1-42F4 of the front and rear carriers to the corresponding faces of the front and rear portions 38F, 38R of this wall section. Positioning of the front andrear carriers wall section 38 prior to attachment is aided by the interface between locating detents 40L1-40L2 of the front carrier, and detents 42L1-42L2 of the rear carrier with the corresponding notches 49A, 49B, 49C in theflanges 38T, 38B (see FIG. 3A). If desired, the front carrier may be removably mounted to thewall section 38 with fasteners such as bolts or screws inserted through holes 40M. In this case spacers (not shown) may be placed between the center wall 38C and this section 40T of the front carrier to prevent undesired deflection during fastener torquing of thetab section 42T and center wall 38C. Thefront carrier 40 may be removably mounted to thewall section 38 in the case where thetreadmill 10 is provided with a speed regulator as will be described further below. - As noted before, the
frame 12 includes tie members that connect theside wall assemblies cross tubes cross tubes tubes holes rear cross tube 36 may extend through the hole 42H in the rear carrier 42 (see FIG. 4B).Cross tubes wall assemblies - Additional rigidity may be provided to the
frame 12 byplaten 18. An elevation view of theplaten 18 is shown in FIG. 5.Platen 18 in this embodiment is a flat member made of corrosion resistant sheet metal or plastic sheet. The platen may have a generally square or rectangular shape. The platen is sufficiently wide to extent at least to the outer edges of flanges 38B of theside wall assemblies platen 18 as will be further described. In alternate embodiments, the platen may have any suitable number or shape of locating features allowing stiffeners to be interlocked with the platen. As seen in FIG. 3A, when installed theplaten 18 is disposed against the bottom surfaces of flange 38B of theside wall assemblies 32, 33 (see also FIG. 3B). Accordingly, the installedplaten 18 is positioned by the tapered section of the side wall assemblies at an incline relative to the axis or symmetry X of the treadmill. The angle of inclination a (see FIG. 3A) may be established as desired up to 10° or more, though in the embodiment the angle a is depicted at about 7°. As can be realized from FIG. 3A, it may be desirable to install theplaten 18 to theframe 12 with thekeel plates 50 previously mounted to theplaten 18. Only onekeel plate 50 is visible in FIG. 3A, though as noted before, theplaten 18 has two rows of locating holes 18S for mounting keel plates to the platen. In alternate embodiments, any suitable number of keel plates may be used including only one keel plate positioned generally along the center line of the platen. As seen in FIG. 3A,keel plates 50 extend substantially to the length ofplaten 18. One edge 50B of the keel plates has locatingdetents 50D conforming to the size and location of locating slots 18S (see FIG. 5) in the platen. At the opposite edge 50T, thekeel plates 50 havecutouts 50A, 50C forcross tubes Cutouts 50A 50C compliment the size and location of thecorresponding cross tubes keel plates 50 to be seated against the cross tubes when theplaten 18 with thekeel plates 50 thereon is mounted to theframe 12. This significantly increases the stiffness of theplaten 18 resulting in little deflection when walked on, the keel plates may be secured to the platen by spot welding, brazing or any other suitable attachment means. As noted before, theplaten 18 and keel plate assembly may be mounted to the frame by riveting or otherwise fastening theplaten 18 to the flanges 38B of theside wall assemblies - Referring now again to FIGS.2A-2D, the
rollers 14 generally comprisesfront roller assembly 52,rear roller assembly 54 andplatform rollers assemblies 56. As seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, thefront roller assembly 52 is located at the front of the treadmill and therear roller assembly 54 is at the rear of the treadmill. Thefront roller assembly 52, andrear roller assembly 54 provide the opposing supports on which thetreadmill belt 16 travels. Theplatform roller assemblies 56 are disposed between the front andrear roller assemblies treadmill walkway areas 24. Referring also to FIG. 3B, thefront roller assembly 52 generally comprises tube 52T andend caps 58. The tube 52T may be made of suitable plastic or composite materials with properties that will not degrade with long term immersion in chlorinated pool water. The tube may also be made of corrosion resistant metal or any other suitable material if desired. The diameter and wall thickness of the tube may also be as desired, though in this embodiment the tube has an outer diameter of about 8.05 inches and a wall thickness of about 0.065 inches for example purposes. The exterior surface of the tube 52T may be provided with suitable roughness (such as by ribbing or scarifying) if desired to provide improved contact with thetreadmill belt 16. FIG. 6A shows an elevation view of anend cap 58. The end caps 58 at opposite ends oftube 52 are substantially the same. Eachend cap 58 comprises outer ring 58R, hub 58H, and spokes 58S connecting the hub to the outer ring. The outer ring 58R may be sized to form an interference fit with tube 52T. The outer ring 58R has an outward radial flange 58F at one end as seen in FIG. 3B. The radial flange 58F acts as a stop when inserting theend cap 58 intotube 52. In addition, radial flange 58F extends sufficiently outwards so that it forms in combination with the radial flange 58F of the opposing end a guide channel 52G for the treadmill belt. The outer edge 58E of the radial flange 58F is radiused to remove sharp edges from the proximity of a user's feet when using the treadmill. As seen in FIG. 6A, the hub 58H or thefront end cap 58 has abore 580 for a bushing 59 (see FIG. 3B). In this embodiment, thebore 580 has a hexagonal shape, though in alternate embodiments the bore may have any suitable shape with locking facets to prevent the bushing from rotating inside the bore. Spokes 59S allow air to escape the roller assembly readily when the treadmill is being submerged, and allow water to drain readily when the treadmill is taken out of water. As seen in FIG. 2B, ashaft 60 is located inside thefront roller assembly 52.Shaft 60 may be a cylindrical rod made of corrosion resistant metal or any other suitable material. Theshaft 60 may be placed inside the roller through thebore 580 in the hub or the end cap.Bushings 59 may then be inserted into the respective bores of the end caps to axially secure theroller assembly 52 ontoshaft 60. Thebushings 59 allow the roller assembly to rotate freely on theshaft 60. Accordingly, thebushing 59 may be made from any suitable material such as for example Delrin™ with 12-14% PTFE. The front roller assembly is mounted ontoframe 12 by insertingshaft 60 through mounting holes 40B (see FIGS. 3A-3B) in the front end sections of theside wall assemblies shaft 60 are sized to form an interference fit with the mounting bores 40B of theside wall assembly frame 12 of the treadmill. Spindle portions 60S of the shaft extend outwards from the side wall assemblies (see FIG. 2B) allowing accessories to be mounted to the treadmill as will be described further below. - The
rear roller assembly 54 is generally similar to thefront roller assembly 52 comprising tube 54T andend caps 62 at opposite ends of the tube 54T. Tube 54T is smaller in diameter than the tube 52T of the front roller assembly. The size difference between the front roller tube 52T and the rear roller tube is established as desired to provide thetreadmill belt 16 with the desired incline angle a (see FIG. 2A) inwalkway area 24 of the treadmill. In this embodiment, the rear roller tube has an outer diameter of about 4.06 inches, resulting in an incline angle a of about 70 as noted before. End caps 62, an elevation view of which is shown in FIG. 6B, have ring section 62R, hub 62H and spokes 62S. The ring section 62R is flanged with outward radial flange 62F. The outer edge 62E of the radial flange 62F is rounded to remove sharp edges from the user's feet. The ring section 62R may have outer raised ribs or gussets 62G (see FIG. 3B) to increase the interference between the ring section and tube 54T when the end caps 62 are inserted into the tube (similar ribs may be provided on the ring sections 58R of the front end caps). The hub 62H may have abore 620 shaped to rotationally fix abushing 63 therein. In this embodiment thebore 620 is hexagonal as is bushing 63.Bushing 63 is generally similar tobushing 59 described before. As seen in FIG. 3B, when the end caps 62 are installed in tube 54T, the radial flanges 62F of theopposing end caps 62 form a belt guide channel 54G at therear roller assembly 54. Ashaft 66 is located inside the roller tube 54T of the rear roller assembly as shown in FIG. 2B. Theshaft 66 is generally similar toshaft 60 described before.Shaft 60 is positioned inside theroller assembly 54 bybushings 63 located in the end caps. Thebushings 63 allow the roller assembly to rotate freely about theshaft 66. The end portions 66S ofshaft 66 are placed in slottedholes 46 and 42S respectively of thewall section 38 andrear carrier 42 of the frameside wall sections slots 46, 42S or may have a linear bushing (not shown) mounted thereon with flat sliding surfaces. This prevents the shaft from rotating withinslots 46, 42S while being allowed to slide linearly with in the slot. As seen best in FIGS. 2A and 2C springs 70 (only one spring is visible in FIGS. 2A and 2C) are disposed against the end portions 66S orshaft 66 to bias therear roller assembly 54 toward the rear of the treadmill. This maintains a preload tension on thetreadmill belt 16 in order to take up slack during use. In this embodiment, thespring 70 is a coil spring which is biased between therear cross tube 36 offrame 12 and the end portion 66S of theshaft 66. - Referring still to FIG. 2B, in this embodiment there are fourteen
platform rollers 56. In alternate embodiments there may be any desired number of platform rollers. Allplatform rollers 56 are substantially the same, and will be described below with reference to an exemplary roller.Roller 56 generally comprises tube 56T, and endcaps 72 located at opposite ends of the tube. Tube 56T may have any desired diameter to provide an appropriate walkway area. In this embodiment, tube 56T has an outer diameter of about 1.5 inches, though as noted before any suitable size tube may be used. The tube material may be the same as the material for the tubes 52T, 54T of the front and rear roller assemblies noted before. The tube 56T is shown more clearly in FIGS. 3A-3B where the end caps 72 have been removed for clarity. The end caps 72 are substantially the same and similar to the end caps 58, 62 of the front and rear roller assemblies. Thus, the platform roller end caps 72 have an outer ring section 72R, a hub 72H and spokes 72S extending in between. The outer ring section 72R is sized to form an interference fit with tube 56T. External ribs or gussets similar to ribs 62G (see FIG. 3B) on the front and rear end caps 58, 62 may be located on the ring section 72R to enhance the interference betweenend cap 72 and tube 56T. The hub 72H has a bore forpin 80 which is fixedly mounted therein. Thepin 80 rotatably secure each platform roller tobushings 82 on theframe 12 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C. The spokes 72S in theend cap 72 allow the end cap to have large openings in a manner similar to endcaps roller 56 during submergence and for water drainage from the platform roller when the treadmill is taken out of water. Thebushings 82 holding theplatform rollers 56 in theframe 12 are best seen in FIGS. 2A and 2C. Thebushings 82 similar to the other bushings in this embodiment are made of Delrin™ with 12-14% PTFE though any suitable material may be used. In this embodiment bushings 82 are configured in a twin bushing molding with two side by side bushings 82A, 82B as seen in FIG. 2C. The twin bushing configuration facilitates installation of the bushings on theframe 12, though in alternate embodiments each individual bushing may be individually mounted to the frame. Bushings 82A, 82B are sized to be admitted into U-shaped holes 51 in the upper edge of wall section 38 (see FIGS. 3A and 3C). The bushings 82A, 82B are inserted into holes 51 through the opening in theflange 38T. The retaining member 82R of the twin bushing molding tying the bushing 82A, 82B is positioned on the inside surface of wall section 38C thereby capturing the twin bushing in the wall section 38C. As seen in FIG. 2A, thetwin bushings 82, located by U-shaped holes 51, are inclined at angle a relative to the axis of symmetry X of thetreadmill 10. Accordingly, when mounted to the frame, theplatform rollers 56 are arranged sequentially along the inclination of the twin bushings. Thus, thetreadmill belt 16 resting on theplatform rollers 56 in thewalkway area 24 formed byplatform rollers 56, is also inclined at angle a relative to axis X. - As seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B,
treadmill belt 16 is mounted over the front andrear roller assemblies Platform rollers 56 support the belt inwalkway areas 24, andplaten 18 supports the belt inwalkway area 26. Therollers platen 18 allow thebelt 16 to rotate freely in either clockwise or counter clockwise directions. As can be realized the treadmill may be positioned with the platen side down (as shown in FIG. 2A) to allow a user to walk onwalkway area 24, or may be positioned with the platform roller side down (inverted from the position shown in FIG. 2A) to allow the user to walk onwalkway area 26. As can be realized belt rotation when the user is walking or running onwalkway area 26 is opposite to belt rotation when walking/running onwalkway area 24. The guide channels 52G, 54G formed by the radial flanges of the front and rear roller assemblies maintain the position of thebelt 16 when moving, preventing it from drifting laterally. The axial bias on therear roller assembly 54 fromsprings 70 help eliminate any slack in the belt during use. - Installation and removal of the belt from the treadmill may be facilitated by removing the
front roller assembly 52 from theframe 12. Accordingly, in another embodiment, one of theside wall assemblies wall section 38′ with a removablefront end portion 102 as shown in FIG. 7A.Wall section 38′ in this embodiment is substantially similar towall section 38 described before and shown in FIGS. 3A-3C except as otherwise noted. Similar features are similarly numbered. In this embodiment, thewall section 38′ has a front edge 38F′ located substantially proximate the front end offlanges 38T′, 38B′. Thefront end section 102 may be mechanically connected with suitable fasteners (not shown) inserted throughfastener holes 102M (see FIG. 7A) to the center portion 38C′ of thewall section 38. Theend section 102 has a bore 40B′ for shaft 60 (see FIG. 2B). The fastener holes 102M are aligned with the fastener holes 40M in the front carrier 40 (see FIG. 4A) allowingsection 102 andcarrier 40 to be mounted as a unit, using the same fasteners, to thewall section 38′. - If desired, a
speed regulator 110 may be optionally connected to thefront roller assembly 52. In this embodiment, the speed regulator generally comprises a momentum or flywheel 112 and agear box 114 linking themomentum wheel 112 to thefront roller assembly 52 and hence to thebelt 16. An elevation view of thegear box assembly 112 is shown in FIG. 7B. The gear box frame may advantageously be formed by thefront carrier 40 and removablefront end section 102 described before. As seen in FIG. 7A, ahole 104 may be formed inend section 102 to allow installation of a shouldered throughbushing 122. Throughbushing 122 has a hole for mounting apinion shaft 124 there through. The pinion shaft may have twogears Pinion gear 116 is mounted at an inner end of the shaft, and step upgear 118 is mounted at the outer end of the shaft. Thepinion gear 116 is positioned to engage adrive gear 114 mounted to thefront roller assembly 62. The step upgear 118 is positioned to engage idler gear 120 on the momentum wheel. Thegears front roller 52 and momentum wheel. Themomentum wheel 112 and idler gear 120 may be formed as an integral unit or may be connected mechanically. Themomentum wheel 112 and idler gear 120 are seated on the spindle 60S or shaft 60 (see FIG. 2B) and are free to rotate about spindle 60S. Themomentum wheel 112 may be formed from any suitable material to provide a desired mass moment or inertia to the wheel. Themomentum wheel 112 may, further includefan blades 112, angled with respect to the axis orshaft 60, or aligned with respect to the axie axis, which provide a dynamic resistance to movement of the front roller assembly. As noted before, thespeed regulator 110 may be removably mounted as a unit to theframe 112 and front roller assembly. Prior to mounting of thespeed regulator 110 to the frame, thedrive gear 114 may be affixed to theend cap 58 offront roller assembly 52 as shown in FIG. 2D. - The speed regulator may further include a
radial impeller 130 if desired, which may be optionally coupled to thefly wheel 112 as shown in FIG. 2B. Theradial impeller 130 is sized to be housed within the casing cover 20R mounted on the frame as shown in FIG. 3B. Referring also to FIG. 1A, thecasing 20 of the treadmill include to opposing covers 20L, 20R. Each cover 20L, 20R is a substantially hollow shell, made of suitable composite material, sized to cover theside wall section Impeller 130 is positioned proximate torroid section 20V so that the section substantially forms a volute around the rim of theimpeller 130. Theimpeller 130 may be oriented to draw or suction water through the tube 52T of the front roller assembly. The position of theimpeller 130 proximate the end cap of theroller assembly 52 allows the flow through the tube to be channeled to the impeller. The roller tube 52T, andgear box assembly 112 form a conduit 132 to theimpeller 130. The water is directed outward from theimpeller 130 into section 20C of the cover 20R and out through a suitable exhaust port (not shown) in the cover. A hair screen 21D may be mounted over thehole 200 in the covers 20R, 20C (see FIG. 1A). - The covers20R, 20L has openings to allow
feet Frame 12.Feet frame 12, andfeet 30 are mounted on the opposite side. The feet of the unit are non-skid, of significant surface area, and generally elliptical to prevent “peel”. They are externally removable and easily replaceable with feet of different heights to permit additional options with respect to inclining the unit. - Referring now to FIGS.1A-1B, 2A and 2D, the
handrail 22 generally comprisesrail tube 22T, rail Stop 22S, padding 22P and knob 22K. The rail tube may be a one piece member made from any suitable corrosion resistant tubing. Rail stop 22S is a sleeve sized to be placed overtube 22T. The rail stop has a tapered section allowing the rail stop to be self centering when positioned into thehandrail receiver 300 in theframe 12 to be described further below. The rail stop 22S may be fixed totube 22T by mechanical fastening or bonding. The knob 22K is mounted to the bottom of thehandrail 22. The knob 22K prevents inadvertent removal of the handrail from thereceiver 300. The knob 22K is mechanically fastened to therail tube 22T with a screw (not shown). An insert 22I is fixed inside thetube 22T as shown in FIG. 2A to allow engagement of the knob fastening screw. The padding 22P is positioned over the grip portion of the handrail. The outer surface of the padding on the grip is provided with a suitable reflective surface to provide a visual indication at the water surface S of the handrail. Theframe 12 includeshandrail receiver 300. The handrail receiver includes similar but opposite sections 300L, 300R on the side wall sections of the frame. One exemplary section 300R will be described. Section 300R of the receiver includes a receivingtube 304 supported from theside wall section 38 bysupport brackets 302 as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D. The receivingtube 304 is open at both ends so that the handrail may be mounted on either side of the treadmill. The handrail rail stop 22S cooperates with the opening of thereceiver 304 to self center the handrail in the receiver when inserted. After insertion into thereceiver 300, the knob 22K may be fastened to the bottom of the handrail locking the handrail in the receiver as shown in FIG. 2A. - Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a perspective view of the treadmill in accordance with another embodiment.
Treadmill 10A is substantially similar to the treadmill of the previously described embodiments.Treadmill 10A is also provided with a pair of articulatedswim poles 400. Eachpole 400 comprises aconnection section 402,vertical section 404, intermediate link, and upper section 408. Upper section 408 may include a rotatable hand grip 410.Link 406 pivotally connects section 408 tovertical section 404.Section 402 allows the vertical section to rotate relative to the frame in the direction indicated by arrow R in FIG. 8.Paddle 412, or other assistance surfaces may be mounted to thissection 404. Thepaddle 412 may be raised or lowered, and may be rotated to coincide with the direction of motion of theswim pole 400. Theswim pole 400 is an aquatic equivalent to a ski pole in that one handgrip 410 is in each of the user's hands and the user establishes an alternating cadence with these while walking on thetreadmill 10A. The alternating action of the poles may be linked to the walkway belt mechanically, or as in the current embodiment the action of the poles is independent of the movement of the belt. The user is free to move his arms from the typically “head high” upper portion of the swing to the behind the buttocks arc. The handgrips 410 are rotatably attached to the upper end of the first section of the swim pole. The lower end of the upper section of the swim pole is hinged to the lower section of the swim pole. This lower section always remains below water. In effect, the upper section of the swim pole is used to “drive” the lower section (containing the paddle) back and forth through the water. Thepaddle 412 on thelower section 404 can be removed (limiting the resistance to that of the pole alone), fixed (such that the resistance is bidirectional), hinged (such that the resistance is unidirectional), sliding (such that it can be lowered, thereby reducing the effective resistance via improving the mechanical advantage the user has) or linked (such that the motion can be varied to advantage via a linkage). - The upper section408 of the swim pole can be folded and snapped to the
lower section 404 of the swim pole such that the envelope of the product, when not in use, is not significantly increased with this feature. The lower sections of the swim poles contain a stop provision such that if the user stores them or drops them they do not fall to the bottom of the pool. - The
treadmill - It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (33)
1. An aquatic treadmill comprising:
a frame;
rollers rotatably connected to the frame; and
a belt movably connected to the rollers so that the belt is movable in at least one direction relative to the frame, the belt forming at least two walkway areas arranged so that the treadmill is reversibly orientable relative to a seating surface on which the treadmill is seated wherein one of the at least two walkway areas is accessible when the treadmill is in a first orientation and another of the at least two walkway areas is accessible when the treadmill has a reverse orientation from the first orientation.
2. The treadmill according to claim 1 , further comprising a handrail removably mounted to the frame, and wherein the handrail is mountable in a first handrail orientation corresponding to the first orientation of the treadmill, and in a second handrail orientation corresponding to the reverse orientation of the treadmill.
3. The treadmill according to claim 1 , further comprising a handrail removably mounted to the frame, the frame having a handrail mount disposed so that the handrail can be mounted to the frame to extend on opposite sides of the treadmill.
4. The treadmill according to claim 3 , wherein the handrail has a padded grip on a portion of the handrail, a portion of the padded grip being provided with an outer surface providing a visual indication along a water free surface of the presence of the grip when the grip is located at the water free surface.
5. The treadmill according to claim 3 , wherein the frame has a handrail receiving passage for receiving a mounting portion of the handrail therein, the handrail receiving passage having openings for inserting the mounting portion of the handrail at opposite ends of the handrail receiving passage.
6. The treadmill according to claim 5 , wherein the handrail has a stop which engages one of the openings to the handrail receiving passage to locate and lock the handrail to the frame.
7. The treadmill according to claim 1 , further comprising support feet removably mounted to the frame, the support feet having a predetermined shape for seating on a sand bottom pool without damage to the pool bottom.
8. The treadmill according to claim 7 , wherein the support feet include a first set mounted to one side of the frame, and a second set mounted to another side of the frame opposite the one side, the treadmill being supported on the first set when the treadmill is in the first orientation, and being supported on the second set when the treadmill is in the reverse orientation.
9. The treadmill according to claim 1 , wherein the rollers include platform rollers supporting the belt to provide a first of the two walkway areas formed by the belt.
10. The treadmill according to claim 1 , further comprising a platen mounted to the frame, the platen supporting a region of the belt to provide a second of the two walkway areas formed by the belt.
11. The treadmill according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the two walkway areas is disposed at an incline relative to a horizontal axis.
12. The treadmill according to claim 1 , further comprising a speed regulator assembly removably connected to at least one of the rollers.
13. The treadmill according to claim 12 , wherein the speed regulator assembly comprises an inertial regulator connector to the at least one of the rollers via a transmission.
14. The treadmill according to claim 13 , wherein the inertial regulator comprises a flywheel, and wherein the transmission comprises a torque converter providing a predetermined step-up ratio between the at least one of the rollers and the flywheel.
15. The treadmill according to claim 12 , wherein the speed regulator assembly comprises a dynamic load section.
16. The treadmill according to claim 15 , wherein the dynamic load section is connected to the flywheel of the speed regulator assembly, and wherein the dynamic load section comprises a hydraulic impeller that is a radial impeller.
17. The treadmill according to claim 15 , wherein the dynamic load section is adapted to provide a dynamic load to belt rotation when the belt is rotated in either direction.
18. The treadmill according to claim 16 , further comprising a housing mounted to the frame, the hydraulic impeller being located inside a conduit formed within the housing.
19. The treadmill according to claim 18 , wherein the conduit extends through at least one of the rollers.
20. The treadmill according to claim 14 , wherein the speed regulator assembly comprises a fan, the fan providing a dynamic load to belt rotation when the treadmill is used out of water.
21. The treadmill according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the rollers is hollow with openings at opposite ends for allowing fluid drainage from the at least one roller.
22. An aquatic treadmill comprising;
a frame;
rollers rotatably connected to the frame;
a platen connected to the frame;
a loop belt movably connected to the rollers so that the loop belt is movable in at least one direction relative to the frame, the loop belt being disposed over the rollers to provide a first walkway area of the treadmill, and being disposed over the platen to provide a second walkway area of the treadmill; and
support feet mounted to the frame for supporting the treadmill on a seating surface, the support feet comprising a first set of feet mounted on one side of the frame, and a second set of feet mounted an opposite side of the frame from the one side, wherein when the treadmill is seated on the first set of feet the first walkway area is accessible and when the treadmill is seated on the second set of feet the second walkway area is accessible.
23. The treadmill according to claim 22 , wherein the support feet are removably mounted to the frame, and each support foot of the support feet has a shape for seating on a sand bottom pool without damage to the pool bottom.
24. The treadmill according to claim 22 , further comprising a speed regulator assembly connected to the frame for regulating a speed of the loop belt.
25. The treadmill according to claim 24 , wherein the speed regulator assembly is adapted to regulate the speed of the loop belt when the treadmill is used in water and when the treadmill is used outside the water.
26. The treadmill according to claim 24 , wherein the speed regulator assembly comprises a hydraulic impeller connected to at least one of the rollers.
27. The treadmill according to claim 26 , further comprising a housing mounted to the frame and surrounding at least part of the frame, wherein the speed regulator assembly is located inside the housing, a portion of the housing being formed to define a volute around the hydraulic impeller.
28. The treadmill according to claim 24 , wherein the torque converter assembly comprises a momentum storage device connected to at least one of the rollers by a torque converter.
29. The treadmill according to claim 28 , wherein the momentum storage device is a momentum wheel.
30. The treadmill according to claim 22 , further comprising a handrail, the frame having handrail mount adapted to allow the handrail to be mounted to the frame in reverse orientations.
31. The treadmill according to claim 22 , wherein both the first walkway area and the second walkway area are inclined relative to a horizontal axis.
32. An aquatic treadmill comprising:
a frame;
rollers rotatably mounted to the frame; and
a loop belt movably connected to the rollers so that the loop belt is movable in at least one direction relative to the frame, the loop belt being disposed over opposing end rollers having different diameters so that the loop belt has at least one walkway area surface at an incline relative to a horizontal axis.
33. The treadmill according to claim 32 , wherein the walkway area surface is inclined at a predetermined angle for providing a reduction in reaction forces from the walkway area surface against a user urging the user to liftoff the walkway area surface when using the treadmill.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/288,949 US20030130095A1 (en) | 2001-11-05 | 2002-11-05 | Aquatic treadmill with reversible orientations |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US33896001P | 2001-11-05 | 2001-11-05 | |
US10/288,949 US20030130095A1 (en) | 2001-11-05 | 2002-11-05 | Aquatic treadmill with reversible orientations |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20030130095A1 true US20030130095A1 (en) | 2003-07-10 |
Family
ID=26965351
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/288,949 Abandoned US20030130095A1 (en) | 2001-11-05 | 2002-11-05 | Aquatic treadmill with reversible orientations |
Country Status (1)
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US (1) | US20030130095A1 (en) |
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US20060019783A1 (en) * | 2004-07-22 | 2006-01-26 | Hoag Frederick J | Deckless treadmill system |
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US20190314674A1 (en) * | 2018-04-13 | 2019-10-17 | Yi-Tzu Chen | Treadmill |
USD944902S1 (en) * | 2020-10-28 | 2022-03-01 | Yongkang Bonita Import & Export Co., Ltd | Walking treadmill |
USD947298S1 (en) * | 2019-01-23 | 2022-03-29 | Xiamen Renhe Sports Equipment Co., Ltd. | Treadmill |
CN116099164A (en) * | 2023-03-13 | 2023-05-12 | 浙江荣顺科技有限公司 | Body-building running machine |
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US20060019783A1 (en) * | 2004-07-22 | 2006-01-26 | Hoag Frederick J | Deckless treadmill system |
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US10632339B2 (en) * | 2018-04-13 | 2020-04-28 | Yi-Tzu Chen | Treadmill |
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