WO1989002217A1

WO1989002217A1 - Powered treadmill

Info

Publication number: WO1989002217A1
Application number: PCT/AU1988/000350
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Herbert Douglas Lindsey
Original assignee: Lindsey William Herbert Dougla
Priority date: 1987-09-09
Filing date: 1988-09-09
Publication date: 1989-03-23

Abstract

An improved treadmill for exercising animals such as horses and stud cattle comprises a frame (11) having an endless belt (15) mounted longitudinally thereon. The treadmill (10) also includes side walls (16, 17) on either side of a flat operative portion on the upper side of the belt (15) on which the animal can be exercised, and drive means (40) for rotating the belt. The treadmill (10) is characterized in that elevating means (35, 36) are provided for selectively raising the front and rear ends of the frame such that the operative portion of the belt can be selectively inclined upwardly or downwardly. The elevating means (35, 36) may be operated by a single lever (39). The treadmill (10) incorporates a weighing mechanism comprising load cells (65) which enable the animal to be weighed while standing on the belt. The treadmill (10) also includes safety features such as a sudden stop mechanism (45), a gradual slowdown device (42), front unloading gate (25, 26), operator access door (27), padded front and rear chest bars (33, 30) and sprung floor.

Description

POWERED TREADMILL

The present invention relates to a treadmill. In particular, the invention is directed to a selectively tiltable treadmill, suitable for use for exercising animals such as racehorses and stud cattle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The use of treadmills for exercising horses and other animals is well known. Australian Patent Application No. 41138/85 and Petty Patent No. 541460 describe a treadmill comprising a frame, an endless belt mounted on said frame, and a pair of side walls on either side of the endless belt to constrain a horse or other animal exercising on the endless belt. The front end of the treadmill can be elevated to provide an upwardly inclined slope on the operative part of the endless belt. However, it has been found that the prior art treadmills do not provide all-round muscle exercising and conditioning of the animal being exercised. The prior art treadmills, in some circumstances, may also be unsafe for animal and/or trainer. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved treadmill for exercising an animal, which incorporates novel and advantageous features for all-round muscle exercising and conditioning of the animal.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a treadmill having improved safety features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one broad form the present invention provides an improved treadmill suitable for use in exercising animals such as horses and cattle, said treadmill comprising a frame, an endless belt mounted longitudinally on said frame and having an operative flat portion on which an animal can be exercised, drive means for rotating said endless belt, and elevating means for selectively raising the front and rear ends of said frame, whereby said operative portion of εaic belt can be selectively inclined upwardly or downwardly.

Unlike the prior art treadmill whose front end only could be raised to provide an upward slope, both front and rear ends of the improved treadmill of the present invention can be selectively raised to provide either upward or downward slopes on which the animal can be exercised. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that by exercising the animal on both the upward and downward slopes, more muscles are exercised for better all-round conditioning. In the preferred embodiment, the elevating means comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders at both the front and rear of the frame, the cylinders being driven by a hydraulic pump. Advantageously, the front and rear pairs of hydraulic rams are connected in a hydraulic circuit which enables the front and rear of the frame to be elevated with single lever operation. More specifically, the hydraulic cylinders in each pair are connected in series, the front and rear pairs of hydraulic cylinders being connected in parallel in reverse senses. Using a single lever to operate a hydraulic directional switch, the front cylinders can be extended while the rear cylinders are retracted, and vice versa.

Preferably, the improved treadmill of the present invention includes means for weighing the animal while mounted on the treadmill. In the preferred embodiment, the weighing means comprises a number of load cells interposed between a slider bed under the belt and the frame of the treadmill. Any suitable load cell can be used, for example, a load cell having an electrical strain gauge. The outputs of "the load cells are summed to provide an output representative of the weight of the animal. The measured weight is typically displayed on a digital display located adjacent to the operator position on the treadmill. Incorporation of a weight scale in the treadmill allows the animal to be easily weighed both before and after exercise.

Advantageously, the load cells include shock absorption means, such as rubber mounting bushes, for minimising fatigue on^" the load cells/strain gauges as well as to reduce concussion and impact injury to the animal being exercised.

The endless belt is mounted on rollers located at the front and rear of the frame. Side walls are provided or. either side of the belt to constrain the animal ΏOΓ. the operative portion of the belt. The treadmill of the preferred embodiment includes a number of optional features for added ease of operation and increased safety to the animal. For example, a padded chest bar is provided between the side walls at front of the frame at chest height. A padded rear safety bar is also provided between the side walls at the rear of the frame. The chest bar and rear safety bar define the forward and rear limits of travel of the animal on the treadmill and prevent the animal from going off the operative flat portion of the belt. Typically, both the chest bar and rear safety bar are hingedly connected to one side wall so that the bars can be simply pivoted flat against the side wall when not in use.

A hinged door or gate is provided between the front ends of the side walls to enable the animal to be unloaded from the front. This is particularly advantageous as certain animals are very reluctant to dismount backward through a rear door.

Typically, the treadmill is powered by an electric motor. However, a petrol or diesel motor can be used -in situations where an electrical power supply is not available. The motor is used to drive a hydraulic pump which, in turn, drives the belt rollers by hydrostatic transmission. In order to protect the animal against injury in the event of sudden power loss, the motor is provided with a flywheel so that the motor shaft will continue rotating after loss of power to the motor. The overrun provided by the flywheel will ensure that the drive to the pump will slow down in a gradual manner. The netf^'effect is that upon sudden loss of power to the motor the belt will slow down gradually to avoid injury to the animal .

In some cases, for example in the event that the animal falls down on the treadmill, it is desirable to provide a sudden stop to the belt. A dead stop switch is therefore provided in the vicinity of the operator position to disengage the motor and flywheel from the pump. Removal of drive from the pump will cause an immediate stop to the treadmill . Typically, an operating and observation platform is provided along the outside of one of the side walls, the operator position being located centrally of the platform.

The treadmill can be- operated at varying speeds from a slow walk to a fast gallop. The treadmill allows the animal to be exercised in a controlled manner from a young age which greatly assists bone growth and development. Feet and leg problems can be detected early, and corrected. The training programme can be varied to suit the age and type of animal being exercised. Furthermore, the exercise programme is not dependent upon weather, and the treadmill can be operated by a single operator.

In order that the improved treadmill of the present invention may be more fully understood and put into effect, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a side perspective view of the treadmill of the preferred embodiment in an upwardly inclined attitude,- Fig. 2 is a side perspective view of the treadmill of Fig. 1 in a downwardly inclined attitude;

Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of the treadmill of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view of the treadmill of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of the treadmill of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the drive means for the treadmill of Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is a hydraulic circuit diagram of the elevating means of the treadmill of Fig. 1;

Fig_. 8 is a side elevational view of the weighing means of the treadmill of Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 is an end elevational view of the weighing means of Fig. 8, and

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the weighing means of Fig. 8. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the treadmill 10 of the preferred embodiment comprises a frame 11 (partly obscured) having an endless belt 15 mounted on rollers 12, 13 located at the front and rear ends, respectively, of the frame 11.

Side walls 16, 17 are mounted on the frame on either side of the belt 15 so as to constrain an animal onto the flat operative portion of the belt 15. An elevated operating and observation platform 18 is provided adjacent a side wall 17, the platform 18 being provided with a handrail 21 for safety and convenience. A side screen member 14 is provided for aesthetic and safety reasons to conceal the elevating means, drive means and weighing means of the treadmill. Front ramp

20 and rear ramp 19 are provided at the front and rear ends of the treadmill to facilitate the mounting and dismounting from the belt 15.

Typically, a rear gate 28 is provided between the rear ends of side walls, 16, 17. The side walls 16, 17 may- have upper side rails 23 to constrain the head of the animal. Advantageously, the side walls 16, 17 are provided with padding 31 along their inside surfaces to protect the animal. Cushioned skirting members 34 can also be provided along the bottom inside surface of walls, 16, 17 over the lateral edges of belt 15. These measures serve to render the exercise area safe for the animal.

Unlike the prior art treadmill hereinbefore described, the treadmill of the preferred embodiment is provided with a front unloading facility which comprises a front gate in two parts 25, 26. The provision of a front unloading facility on the treadmill obviates the problem caused by the reluctance of some animals, such as horses, to dismount backwardly from the treadmill.

A padded chest bar 33 is hingedly mounted to the inside of side wall 16 adjacent the front of the treadmill. In use, the chest bar 33 is swung across the bridge between the side walls 16, 17. A rear safety bar 30 is also hingedly mounted to the inside of side wall 16. A link arm 29 s pivotally connected between the free end of rear safety bar 30 and the free end of gate 28 such that upon closure of gate 28, the padded rear safety bar 30 is swung across to automatically bridge the space between the side walls 16, 17. The padded chest bar 33 and rear safety bar 30 define the forward and rear limits of movements of the animal on the treadmill. Another advantageous feature of the treadmill is a front side door 27 which gives the operator quick and safe access to the work area within the side walls 16, 17.

The treadmill comprises elevating means for selectively raising the front and rear ends of the treadmill. In the preferred embodiment, the elevating means comprises four hydraulic cylinders interposed between the frame 11 and a sub-frame 24 which rests on the ground. Two hydraulic cylinders 35 are provided near the front of the frame 11 while the other two hydraulic cylinders 36 are located adjacent the rear end of the treadmill. By extending the front and rear cylinders 35, 36 respectively, the front and rear of the treadmill can be raised to provide both upwardly and downwardly inclined slopes on the belt 15. This enables a routine to be developed to exercise complimentary pairs -of muscles on the animal' s legs for better all-round conditioning.

An advantageous feature of the treadmill of the preferred embodiment is single lever operation of the elevating means. That is, the raising and lowering of the front and rear ends of the treadmill can be controlled by a single lever adjacent the operator position on the operating platform 18. Single lever operation is made possible by- connecting the hydraulic cylinders 35, 36 in a hydraulic circuit as shown in Fig. 7. Front hydraulic cylinders 35, which are located on either side of the belt 15, are connected in series so that the front of the treadmill will remain level as it is raised and lowered. Similarly the rear hydraulic cylinders 36 are connected in series. The front and rear hydraulic cylinders 35, 36 are connected in parallel, but in opposite senses, tc a hydraulic directional switch 47, controlled by lever 39. When the lever 39 is moved to a "FRONT" setting, pressurised fluid from the pump is directed through hydraulic line 37 to a first of the front hydraulic cylinders 35. As the piston in that first front cylinder moves down, the liquid below the piston is fed under pressure to the second front hydraulic cylinder. The fluid below the piston in the second front hydraulic cylinder is returned via the low pressure line 38. In this manner, the front of the treadmill 10 will be raised. Pressurised fluid will also be fed into the bottom of the rear cylinders 36 by a high pressure line 37A to retract the cylinders and lower the rear end of the treadmill 10 (if not already lowered) . When the lever 39 is pushed over to the "REAR" setting the hydraulic line 37 becomes a low pressure line and the front cylinders 35 will retract under the weight of the treadmill itself. Once the front of the treadmill has lowered under its own weight, more pressurised fluid will be fed through line 38 to the rear hydraulic cylinders 36 causing those hydraulic cylinders to extend and raise the rear of the treadmill. The single lever operation enables the treadmill to be raised and lowered safely and conveniently. Drive means for the treadmill 10 are located below frame 11 behind the side screen 14. Typically, the treadmill is powered by an electric motor 40. However, the treadmill may also be powered by an internal combustion engine, such as a petrol or diesel engine. As shown schematically in Fig. 6, an electric motor 40 is used to drive a hydraulic pump 43 which, in turn, drives the rollers 12, 13 of the endless belt by hydraulic transmission. The electric motor 40 also drives an auxiliary pump 44 for operating the hydraulic cylinders 35, 3^*6. A speed control mechanism (not shown) is provided between pump 43 and the rollers 12, 13 to enable the operator to vary the speed of the belt 15.

A flywheel 42 is mounted on the shaft of the electric motor 40 so that in the event of sudden loss of power to the electric motor 40, the flywheel 42 will keep the shaft rotating to drive the roller pump 43. In this manner, the belt 15 will slow down gradually thereby avoiding injury to the animal .

To enable the belt 15 to be stopped quickly when required, a disconnectable coupling 45 is provided between the flywheel 42 and the roller hydraulic pump 43. The disconnectable coupling 45 may be in the form of a clutch mechanism for example. Upon disconnection of the coupling 45, drive to the pump 43 will be removed. This, in turn, will stop hydrastatic drive to the belt rollers 12, 13.

The treadmill of the preferred embodiment also comprises weighing means which enables an animal to be weighed while standing on the treadmill, e.g. before and after exercise. The weighing means comprises a plurality of load cells which are interposed between the frame 11 and a slider bed 60 located under the belt 15. An example of the weighing means is shown in more detail in Figs. 8 to 10. The slider bed 60 is located under the operative part of the endless belt 15, which typically is a heavy duty rubber belt. A pair of angle iron sections 61, 62 extend longitudinally along each side edge of the slider plate 60. The angle iron sections 61, 62 provide outwardly extending flanges to the slider bed. Six load cells 65 are arranged between the flanges 61, 62 and a base plate 63 fastened to the frame -11 of the treadmill. The load cells 65 are spaced as shown in Fig. 10. Each load cell 65 is cantilever mounted on a respective block 66 fastened to the base plate 63. The flanges 61, 62 are mounted on the free ends of the load cells 65. Each load cell typically comprises an electrical strain gauge which measures deflection of the load cell arm 65 in response to the weight on the slider bed 60. The outputs of the electrical strain gauges are summed to provide a reading of the weight of the animal on the treadmill. This weight reading is conveniently displayed at the operator position on the operating platform 18.

To minimise concussion and shock injuries to the animal while exercising, shock absorbing means are provided between the load cells 65 and the slider plate 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the shock absorber means comprise rubber mountings or bushes 64 located between the flanges 61, 62 and the load cell arms 65. The sprung floor also minimises fatigue damage to the load cells caused, for example, by the galloping action of a horse on the treadmill. The foregoing describes only one embodiment of the invention, and modifications which are obvious to those skilled in the art may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. For example, while the illustrated embodiment is particularly suitable for horses it can also be used for other animals such as stud cattle and zoo animals.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An improved treadmill suitable for use in exercising animals such as horses and cattle, said treadmill comprising a frame, an endless belt mounted longitudinally on said frame and having an operative flat portion on which an animal can be exercised, drive means for rotating said endless belt, and elevating means for selectively raising the front and rear ends of said frame, whereby said operative portion of said belt can be selectively inclined upwardly or downwardly.

2. A treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elevating means comprises hydraulic cylinders located at or adjacent to the front and rear of said frame, said hydraulic cylinders being controlled by single lever operation.

3. A treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elevating means comprises a pair of series-connected hydraulic cylinders at or adjacent to the front of said frame and a pair of series connected hydraulic cylinders at or adjacent to the rear of said frame, the rear hydraulic cylinders being connected in parallel to the front hydraulic cylinders and in the reverse sense thereto, said front and rear hydraulic cylinders being connected to a hydraulic fluid directional control switch operable by a single lever.

4. A treadmill as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means for weighing the animal while mounted on the treadmill.

5. A treadmill as claimed in claim 4 wherein the weighing means comprises a plurality of load cells interposed between a slider bed under the belt and the frame of the treadmill.

6. A treadmill as claimed in claim 5, further comprising shock absorption means located between said slider bed and each load cell.

7. A treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein side walls are provided on either longitudinal side of the operative portion of said belt, further comprising padded barriers adapted to span between said side walls at or adjacent to the front and rear of the operative portion of said belt.

8. A treadmill as claimed in claim 7, further comprising hinged doors at the front and rear of said side walls .

9. A treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein said drive means comprises an electric motor connected to a hydraulic pump which, in turn, drives said belt by hydrostatic transmission, said motor having a flywheel thereon to provide gradually decreasing drive to said belt in the event of power failure to said motor.

10. A treadmill as claimed in claim 9, further comprising means for decoupling said hydraulic pump from said motor.

11. A treadmill as claimed in claim 7, further comprising an operator access door located in one of said side walls.