U.S. patent application number 11/515488 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-15 for treadmill with uneven nonuniform surface.
Invention is credited to Scott Lucas.
Application Number | 20070060451 11/515488 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37856042 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070060451 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lucas; Scott |
March 15, 2007 |
Treadmill with uneven nonuniform surface
Abstract
The present invention discloses a dynamic massaging device
coupled to an exercise apparatus. This unique system allows users
to increase the amount of physical activity in their daily lives
while simultaneously stimulating the natural ability of the body to
heal itself through induced relaxation and decreased stress. The
device provides for an adjustable walking surface. The walking
surface contains a belt or mat which in turn support a variety of
small protruding elements from the surface. Both the belt and
protruding elements on the belt are adjustable to provide different
walking environments. The purpose of the belt and various
mechanisms located on the belt are ultimately to change the
location of the protruding elements over time. The purpose of the
protruding elements are to cause a depression in some part of the
body, particularly the feet. These elements are adjustable in that
they can be changed between sessions of use or during sessions of
use to provide varied sensations.
Inventors: |
Lucas; Scott; (Corona del
Mar, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OC PATENT, P.C;ATTN: MATT MUSHET, ESQ
6332 ROYAL GROVE
HUNTINGTON BEACH
CA
92648
US
|
Family ID: |
37856042 |
Appl. No.: |
11/515488 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60716263 |
Sep 12, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 7/001 20130101;
A63B 21/0054 20151001; A63B 22/02 20130101; A61H 2201/1695
20130101; A61H 2203/0406 20130101; A63B 22/0285 20130101; A63B
2225/62 20130101; A61H 2201/1261 20130101; A61H 2201/1284 20130101;
A63B 22/0023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/054 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/02 20060101
A63B022/02 |
Claims
1. A walking platform designed to replicate a cobblestone walking
path comprising: a structural frame; a pair of rollers hinged at
opposite ends of the structural frame; a belt, the belt capable of
revolving around the pair of rollers; and an outer surface of the
belt comprising a plurality of protrusions.
2. The walking platform of claim 1, one end of the structural frame
capable of being elevated to form a pitch from zero to sixty
degrees in relation to ground.
3. The walking platform of claim 1, wherein the pair of rollers are
driven manually or mechanically by a power source that is internal
or external.
4. The walking platform of claim 1, wherein the belt contacts with
or contains a vibrating mechanism.
5. The walking platform of claim 1, wherein the belt contains
multiple distinct areas, each of the distinct areas capable of
independently moving in different directions, possibly
contradictory to each other.
6. The walking platform of claim 1, wherein the belt further
comprises a layer of nonsolid material, which may be directly
adjacent to the outer surface.
7. The walking platform of claim 1, wherein the protrusions of the
outer surface are caused by propulsion of nonsolid material.
8. The walking platform of claim 1, wherein the protrusions of the
outer surface being regular or irregular in size and shape and
shore.
9. The walking platform of claim 1, wherein the protrusions of the
outer surface being constructed wholly or partially of at least one
of the following materials: metal, stone, tile, cement, brick,
mineral, plastic, rubber, fiber, gas or liquid.
10. The walking platform of claim 1, wherein the protrusions of the
outer surface are randomized in location or arranged in a
premeditated pattern.
11. The walking platform of claim 1, wherein the protrusions of the
outer surface are capable of changing size through swelling,
inflation or mechanical differentiation.
12. A massaging device comprising: a structural frame; the frame
having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a
platform connecting the first end and the second end of the
structural frame; a cobblestone mat adjustably mounted between the
first end and the second end of the structural frame; and a means
for attaching the cobblestone mat to the frame.
13. The massaging device of claim 12, wherein the means for
attaching the cobblestone mat to the frame is a pair of rollers,
one roller located at each end of the structural frame.
14. The massaging device of claim 12, wherein the cobblestone mat
is divided into multiple distinct areas, each of the distinct areas
capable of independently moving in different directions, possibly
contradictory to each other.
15. The massaging device of claim 13, wherein the cobblestone mat
contacts with or contains a vibrating mechanism.
16. The method of utilizing the massaging device of claim 12, the
method comprising: selecting an anatomical area to contact with the
mat; positioning the selected anatomical area in contact with the
mat; actuating the mat; and sensing the effects of the mat on the
selected anatomical area.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the selected anatomical area
comprises at least one of the following: digit, limb, hand, foot,
head, buttock, back or abdomen.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the selected anatomical area is
the foot, further comprising the step of commencing ambulation once
the foot has been positioned on the massaging device.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the ambulation may occur in a
forward, backward or sideways direction.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the actuating is accomplished
manually or mechanically by a power source that is internal or
external.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
111(b) and the filing date of provisional application 60/1716, 263,
entitled TREADMILL FOR WALKING WITH SIMULATED COBBLESTONE TREADMILL
BELT, filed Sep. 12, 2005.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of health care.
More specifically, the invention relates to the technical field of
reflexology and massaging induced by ambulatory movement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification
should in no way be considered an admission that such prior art is
widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the
field.
[0004] The growing segment of the aging Baby Boomer generation will
likely develop an increased number of health problems relating to
declining physical function and stability. Many of these problems
can be prevented or eased by participation in regular physical
activity; however, impediments in our busy daily lives can prohibit
this activity from occurring. Unfortunately, optimal exercise
prescriptions and tools for aging adults are not yet well
established. Many conventional exercise programs such as aerobics
or weight training also become overly physically challenging,
costly and inconvenient. Thus, there remains a need to develop
simple and readily accessible exercise tools and programs that will
reduce chronic health problems and diseases associated with aging
by simply increasing the amount of physical movement people
experience.
[0005] Mounting research suggests that regular physical activity or
exercise by aging adults is associated with numerous health
benefits including improved muscle function, improved balance,
improved joint mobility and a reduction in blood pressure and
stress. Increased research is being directed at new alternative
forms of low impact exercise that appear to have very promising
results. One of these forms of exercise is cobblestone walking.
Tremendously popular in China and other Asian countries,
cobblestone walking has been associated with greater health
benefits for centuries. The individual benefits of walking combined
with the accupressural stimulation of the feet and the
strengthening of the small support muscles of the foot by walking
on uneven surfaces all coincide to contribute to this achieved
improvement in overall health.
[0006] Although, it has only been recently that medical research
has begun to quantitatively prove the health benefits of
cobblestone walking. In a landmark paper from the Oregon Research
Institute, Drs. Lee, Fisher, and Harmer concluded, "Cobblestone mat
walking improved physical function and reduced blood pressure to a
greater extent than conventional walking in older adults.
Additional benefits of this walking program included improved
health related quality of life. This new physical activity may
provide a therapeutic and health enhancing exercise alternatives
for older adults." (Journal of American Geriatric Society,
2005).
[0007] As the benefits of cobblestone walking are becoming more
clear, there is one problem that confronts older adults who wish to
pursue this type of low-impact exercise program. There are very few
cobblestone walking paths available in western-cultured societies.
While widespread in Asia, these paths are rare in Europe and
virtually nonexistent in the United States. Cobblestone mats, such
as those used in the O.R.I. study, provide limited access, but are
also too short in length to provide any sustained, continuous
exercise program.
[0008] One idea that has been disclosed, which suffers from one or
more obvious drawbacks, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,859 to
Yeh ("'859"). '859 discloses a treadmill having a massaging device
underneath it. The drawback is that the massaging device in '859 is
composed of a static system of knobs that are attached to an
immobile structural support. This causes any user with a particular
length stride to come in contact with the same knobs on the same
part of the foot with every step. Thus, '859 completely denies the
benefits associated with cobblestone walking and explained by
reflexology theory.
[0009] Another idea stemming from Patent Application No.
2005/0059912 to Ishiguro et al. ("'912") suggests a massaging
device for the feet. It contains many elements capable of massaging
both top and bottom of the foot to improve blood circulation.
However, '912 fails to provide a simple apparatus by necessitating
the use of various drive shafts and drive mechanisms. Utilizing
these mechanisms also destroys one benefit of the presently
disclosed invention which is allowing the user to provide the power
to the system while simultaneously increasing strength and
cardiovascular health.
[0010] The solution to this problem of decreased physical activity,
which is the subject matter of the present application, is simply
to provide more access to a continuous and continuously changing
ambulatory device. The following disclosure having the benefit of
those skilled in the art achieves such a desired result while
providing the additional benefits associated with cobblestone
walking.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present disclosure provides for a dynamic massaging
device coupled to an exercise apparatus. This unique system allows
users to increase the amount of physical activity in their daily
lives while simultaneously stimulating the body's natural ability
to heal itself through induced relaxation and decreased stress.
[0012] More specifically, the present disclosure provides for an
adjustable walking surface. The walking surface contains a belt or
mat which in turn contains a variety of small protruding elements
from the surface. Similar to a treadmill, the walking surface can
be elevated to produce an angled platform. Both the belt and
protruding elements on the belt can be adjustable or completely
removable to provide different walking environments for the user.
The purpose of the belt and various mechanisms located on the belt
are ultimately to change the location of the protruding elements
over time while the purpose of the protruding elements are to cause
a depression in some part of a body, particularly the feet. These
elements are adjustable in that they can be changed between
sessions of use or during sessions of use, due to swelling or
inflation to provide varied sensations. The various methods of
altering the protruding elements will be more clearly explained in
the following disclosure. All parts to the disclosed device may
optionally be individually powered.
[0013] These and other objectives of the claimed invention will no
doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after
reading the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a treadmill of the
prior art.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a treadmill of the prior
art.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a cobblestone walking mat
of the prior art.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the preferred embodiment of
the outer surface of the belt of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of the
outer surface of the belt of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of yet another
embodiment of the outer surface of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of the belt and protrusions of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the preferred embodiment
of the belt and protrusions of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of the
belt and protrusions of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 11 diagrams a flowchart of the preferred method of
using the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] Referring first to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a treadmill
of the prior art is illustrated. Treadmill 10 includes structural
support 12 for platform 14 and revolving belt 16. Belt 16 revolves
around a pair of rollers 18 located at the front and back of
structural support 12. Belt 16 contains either none or a very small
amount of tread which may come in contact with the feet of a user.
As shown by FIG. 1, treadmill 10 does not contain any protruding
elements from belt 16.
[0026] Now referring to FIG. 2, a top view of a treadmill of the
prior art is illustrated. Treadmill 10 includes structural support
12 for platform 14 and revolving belt 16. The pair of rollers 18
are required in order for belt 16 to revolve adequately and
treadmill 10 to operate sufficiently.
[0027] Now referring to FIG. 3, a top view of a cobblestone walking
mat of the prior art is illustrated. Walking mat 32 is usually made
of a plastic, rubber or vinyl material and contains a random
assortment of imitation rocks 34, which are shown by the smaller
shaded regions in FIG. 3. One of the disadvantages with walking mat
32, such as the one illustrated, is the possibility of tearing.
Another disadvantage of walking mat 32, such as the one
illustrated, is the finite length which only allows for a limited
amount of walking space. Still, another disadvantage of walking mat
32, such as the one illustrated, is the static nature and static
positioning of rocks 34. These disadvantages are eliminated by the
belt presently disclosed as shown in FIGS. 4-12 and having the
benefit of those skilled in the art.
[0028] Now referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Treadmill 40
comprises structural frame 41, handles 42, pair of rollers 43, belt
44, outer surface 45 of belt 44, a number of various protrusions
46-48 and platform 49. In one embodiment, treadmill 40 may also
include power source 10. Power source 10 may be one or a
combination of one or more electric motor, battery pack, solar
powered paneling, or electrical cord and may be physically located
on treadmill 40 or located at some remote site (not shown). In
another embodiment, treadmill 40 may be powered by the movement of
belt 44, itself. In yet another embodiment, treadmill 40 may be
powered manually. Power distribution may be activated by switch
located on treadmill 40 or a remote control or movement of belt
44.
[0029] Again referring to FIG. 4, structural frame 41 may in one
embodiment form an L-shape by extending parallel to the ground
along platform 49 and then jutting vertically upward at one end. In
this embodiment, structural frame 41 may comprise handles 42 along
the vertical portion. The vertical and horizontal portions may be
permanently fixed or hinged about an axis point to allow the
vertical portion and handles 42 to move back and forth either
independently or in concert. The vertical portion of structural
frame 41 may consist of a plurality of members or no members at
all. The horizontal portion of structural frame 41 may be used to
connect platform 49 and rollers 43. It may also be elevate at one
end in order to create an angle with the ground plane from zero to
ninety degrees. Similar to the vertical portion, in one embodiment,
the horizontal portion may also be completely absent.
[0030] Still referring to FIG. 4, in the preferred embodiment, belt
44 revolves around rollers 43 in a single direction. The tension of
belt 44 is great enough to keep belt 44 in place and firmly mounted
around rollers 43. In another embodiment belt 44 is divided into
strips which independently revolve around rollers 43 which are
capable of rotating in several alternate directions. In yet another
embodiment of the present invention, belt 44 does not revolve
around rollers 43, but instead, slides back and forth on a single
or multiple tracks.
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 4, belt 44 comprises outer surface 45
which in the preferred embodiment is studded with a variety of
protruding elements, or protrusions 46-48. Protrusions 46-48 may be
formed by an extension of outer surface 45, itself or be formed by
separate elements attached to outer surface 45. In the preferred
embodiment, protrusions 46-48 consist of randomly shaped elements
movably affixed to outer surface 45 and grouped haphazardly in
relation to one another. Any one protrusion, 47 may be comprised of
almost any type of material such as metal, stone, tile, cement,
brick, mineral, plastic, rubber, fiber, gas, liquid or some
composition of these materials. However, in another embodiment of
the present invention, the consistency and grouping of protrusions
46-48 may appear more regular, as more clearly illustrated in FIGS.
8 and 9.
[0032] Now referring to FIG. 5, a top view of the preferred
embodiment of the outer surface of the belt of the present
invention is illustrated. Outer surface 45 is shown studded with
various protrusions 46-48. The patches of protrusions 46-48, shown
in FIG. 5, merely serve as samples of any possible configuration of
pattern of protrusions 46-48. In the preferred embodiment, any
sample patch of protrusions 46-48 will contain protrusions 46-48 of
varying height, width, density, shape and shore. However, in the
preferred embodiment, the pattern of these protrusions 46-48 will
be somewhat regular in terms of distance between protrusions 46-48.
In another embodiment, the pattern of protrusions 46-48 could
appear more sporadic, possibly even containing areas where outer
surface 45 appears bald. In yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the height, width, density, shape or shore of
protrusions 46-48 will appear more regular. Outer surface 45 might
even contain any one particular protrusion 46 repeated throughout
any pattern over entire outer surface 45.
[0033] Now referring to FIG. 6, a top view of another embodiment of
the outer surface of the present invention is illustrated. Groups
of protrusions 46-48 are shown in distinct areas or tracks. These
distinct areas correspond with divisions in outer surface 45. The
divisions are created so that not all protrusions 46-48 move in
unison or even in the same direction. It is possible for
protrusions 46-48 on adjacent tracks to move independently and even
contradictory to each other. The tracks may simply slide back and
forth against each other or continually revolve in an elliptical
motion as if located on a belt. This system allows for a
continually changing combination of protrusions 46-48 to come in
contact with the user of the device (not shown). Direction arrows
are shown in FIG. 6 to indicate various exemplary directions of
movement of distinct areas or tracks of outer surface 45 and any
particular protrusion 46 located on that track.
[0034] Now referring to FIG. 7, a perspective view of yet another
embodiment of the outer surface of the belt of the present
invention is illustrated. Protrusions 46-48 of varying shape are
shown floating in fluid layer 70. Fluid layer 70 may be located
above or contained within outer surface 45 of belt 44. In the
system of this device, protrusions 46-48 are given a broader range
of motion and are not locked into place. Similar to the system of
the device described in FIG. 6, this system also allows for a
continually changing combination of protrusions 46-48 to come in
contact with the user of the device (not shown). Direction arrows
are shown in FIG. 7 to indicate various exemplary directions of
movement of any one protrusion 46. Movement may be caused by
external contact with outer surface 45, a propulsion or hydraulic
device located within belt 44 or even the collision of protrusions
46-48 into each other.
[0035] Now referring to FIG. 8, a perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of the belt and protrusions of the present invention is
illustrated. Outer surface 45 of belt 44 is shown studded with
various protrusions 46-48. In this preferred embodiment, belt 44 is
shown as one continuous looping segment but in other embodiments
belt 44 could be divided into multiple segments. The ends of belt
44 are capable of revolving around a roller or pulley. Protrusions
46-48 remain adjustable fixed to belt 44, while it revolves. In
order to accomplish revolution, protrusions 46-48 could be spaced
differently on outer surface 45, the size of each could be
diminished, the material used to construct each could be altered,
surface contact with outer surface 45 could be altered or thin
vertical slits could be made in each protrusion 46-48 to facilitate
bending.
[0036] Now referring to FIG. 9, a side view of the preferred
embodiment of the belt and protrusions of the present invention is
illustrated. Belt 44, with its top-most layer, outer surface 45,
form the contact surface between the disclosed invention and user
of the device (not shown). In this preferred embodiment, the
varying heights and shapes of protrusions 46-48 becomes more easily
apparent. One protrusion 46 might have sharper edges than another
protrusion 48. One protrusion 48 might be smaller in height or
width than another protrusion 46. Still, one protrusion 47 might be
constructed of less dense material or under less pressure than
another protrusion 46. Varying density or pressure of protrusions
46-48 is important for the device to be used at different speeds.
While belt 44 is moving at higher speeds, it remains important for
protrusions to be under less pressure or constructed of less dense
material. As described in previous figures, these different
properties have the ability to change while the device is in use.
In another embodiment of the present invention, belt 44 or
protrusions 46-48 are removable or adjustable to alter the
properties of the presently disclosed device for specific uses.
[0037] Now referring to FIG. 10, a side view of another embodiment
of the belt and protrusions of the present invention is
illustrated. Belt 44, with its top-most layer, outer surface 45,
form the contact surface between the disclosed invention and user
of the device (not shown). Belt 44 may also come in contact with or
contain a vibrating mechanism, capable of vibrating either outer
surface 45 or protrusions 46-48. In this alternate embodiment, the
varying heights and shapes of protrusions 46-48 are shown in
conjunction with the different possible patterns, previously
illustrated in FIG. 5. Spacing between protrusions 46-48 may
increase or decrease in length to reveal more or less of outer
surface 45. As described of FIG. 9, these various patterns may be
removable or adjustable to alter the properties of the presently
disclosed device for specific uses.
[0038] Now referring to FIG. 11, a flowchart diagramming the
preferred method of using the present invention is shown. The mat
referred to and described in FIG. 11 could also be substituted for
the belt illustrated and described in previous figures. In process
block 100, the action of selecting an anatomical area to contact
with the mat is commenced. The user of this device could include a
human, a pet, or any object that requires a massaging effect. The
selected area could include almost any part of the body such as the
digits, limbs, hands, feet, head, buttock, back or abdomen.
Although, it is suggested that the most beneficial effects will be
achieved with a person while ambulating on the device. In process
block 102, the action of positioning the selected anatomical area
in contact with the mat is performed. Next, in process block 104,
actuating the mat occurs. This step causes movement of the belt or
protrusions of the presently disclosed device either manually or
mechanically. After movement of the belt, mat, or protrusions
occurs, decision block 106 is reached. Decision block 106 queries
whether the selected anatomical area is the feet. An affirmative
response to the query causes the path in FIG. 11 to continue to
process block 108. Process block 108 calls for commencing
ambulation. Alternatively, a negative response to the query posed
in decision block 106 bypasses process block 108 and concludes at
process block 110. Finally, process block 110 provides the result
of sensing the effects of a plurality of protrusions. These effects
could include decreased stress, improved circulation, improved
immunological response, relaxation of muscles, strengthened skin
tone or other benefits associated with the art of reflexology.
[0039] The spirit of the present disclosure provides a breadth and
scope that includes all variations of constructing the disclosed
machinery and all methods of using the same. Any variation on the
theme and specific embodiments of accomplishing the same that are
not described herein would be considered equivalent and under the
scope of the present disclosure.
* * * * *