U.S. patent application number 13/958490 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-06 for adjustably sloped simulated walking or exercise surface having multiple handles at multiple heights or positions.
The applicant listed for this patent is Stuart Miles Goldman. Invention is credited to Stuart Miles Goldman.
Application Number | 20140038788 13/958490 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50026040 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140038788 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goldman; Stuart Miles |
February 6, 2014 |
ADJUSTABLY SLOPED SIMULATED WALKING OR EXERCISE SURFACE HAVING
MULTIPLE HANDLES AT MULTIPLE HEIGHTS OR POSITIONS
Abstract
Briefly, adjustably sloped simulated walking or exercise
surfaces having multiple handles at multiple heights or positions
are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Goldman; Stuart Miles;
(Baltimore, MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Goldman; Stuart Miles |
Baltimore |
MD |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50026040 |
Appl. No.: |
13/958490 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61785861 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
|
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|
61679193 |
Aug 3, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/02 20130101;
A63B 71/0054 20130101; A63B 69/0057 20130101; A63B 22/0046
20130101; A63B 2071/0072 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/54 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/02 20060101
A63B022/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a device including one or more handles,
said device capable of simulating exercise over various types of
terrain, said device further capable of positional management of
handle height so as to induce flexion of a spine of a device user
during use of said device.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more handles
comprise multiple handles at multiple heights concurrently.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the multiple handles at
multiple heights concurrently also comprise multiple handles at
multiple heights and multiple positions concurrently.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the multiple handles at
multiple heights concurrently comprise a set of handles and wherein
the handles in a set of handles are in a fixed relative position
where individual handles are offset in a staggered arrangement with
at least the handle portion of separate handles being substantially
parallel.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the multiple handles at
multiple heights concurrently comprise a front traverse set of
handles.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the multiple handles at
multiple heights concurrently comprise a side set of handles.
7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the set of handles comprise: a
front traverse set of handles; and further comprising a side set of
handles wherein the handles in the side set of handles are in a
fixed relative position where individual handles are offset in a
staggered arrangement with at least the handle portion of separate
handles being substantially parallel.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said device capable of
simulating exercise over various types of terrain is capable of
simulating walking over various types of terrain.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a type of terrain comprises
inclined terrain.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said device comprises a
treadmill.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, where said device is capable of
positional management of handle height so as to induce flexion of a
spine of a device user for a user having spinal stenosis and/or
other conditions.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, where said device is capable of
positional management of handle height for users of varying
heights.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said flexion comprises
lumbo-sacral flexion.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said positional management
of handle height comprises positioning and height of said one or
more handles for a device user having spinal stenosis and/or other
conditions so as to induce optimal spine position.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said positional management
of handle height comprises positioning and height of said one or
more handles for a device user having spinal stenosis and/or other
conditions so as to induce optimal spine and body position.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said positional management of
handle height includes said device capable of adjusting height and
position of said one or more handles as the amount of inclination
of said terrain changes.
17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said positional management
of handle height comprises positioning and height of said one or
more handles for a device user having spinal stenosis and/or other
conditions so as to induce at least functional spine position.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said positional management
of handle height comprises positioning and height of said one or
more handles for a device user having spinal stenosis and/or other
conditions so as to induce at least functional spine and body
position.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said device comprises an
exercise device that has been retrofitted to be capable of position
management of handle height so as to induce flexion of a spine of a
device user during use of said device.
20. An apparatus comprising: a set of one or more handles to
retrofit a device; wherein said device is capable of simulating
exercise over various types of terrain, said set of handles being
capable of positional management of handle height so as to induce
flexion of a spine of a device user during use of said device.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the one or more handles
comprise multiple handles at multiple heights concurrently.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the multiple handles at
multiple heights concurrently also comprise multiple handles at
multiple heights and multiple positions concurrently.
23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the multiple handles at
multiple heights concurrently comprise a set of handles and wherein
the handles in a set of handles are in a fixed relative position
where individual handles are offset in a staggered arrangement with
at least the handle portion of separate handles being substantially
parallel.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the multiple handles at
multiple heights concurrently comprise a front traverse set of
handles.
25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the multiple handles at
multiple heights concurrently comprise a side set of handles.
26. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the set of handles comprise:
a front traverse set of handles; and further comprising a side set
of handles wherein the handles in the side set of handles are in a
fixed relative position where individual handles are offset in a
staggered arrangement with at least the handle portion of separate
handles being substantially parallel.
27. The apparatus of claim 20, where said device is capable of
positional management of handle height so as to induce flexion of a
spine of a device user for a user having spinal stenosis and/or
other conditions.
28. The apparatus of claim 20, where said device is capable of
positional management of handle height for users of varying
heights.
29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said flexion comprises
lumbo-sacral flexion.
30. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said positional management
of handle height comprises positioning and height of said one or
more handles for a device user having spinal stenosis and/or other
conditions so as to induce optimal spine position.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said positional management
of handle height comprises positioning and height of said one or
more handles for a device user having spinal stenosis and/or other
conditions so as to induce optimal spine and body position.
32. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said positional management
of handle height comprises positioning and height of said one or
more handles for a device user having spinal stenosis and/or other
conditions so as to induce at least functional spine position.
33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein said positional management
of handle height comprises positioning and height of said one or
more handles for a device user having spinal stenosis and/or other
conditions so as to induce at least functional spine and body
position.
34. A method comprising: exercising on a treadmill while holding
selected handles, wherein position management of height of the
selected handles induces flexion of a spine of a device user during
use of said device.
35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the one or more handles
comprise multiple handles at multiple heights concurrently.
36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the multiple handles at
multiple heights concurrently also comprise multiple handles at
multiple heights and multiple positions concurrently.
37. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the multiple handles at
multiple heights concurrently comprise a set of handles and wherein
the handles in a set of handles are in a fixed relative position
where individual handles are offset in a staggered arrangement with
at least the handle portion of separate handles being substantially
parallel.
38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the multiple handles at
multiple heights concurrently comprise a front traverse set of
handles.
39. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the multiple handles at
multiple heights concurrently comprise a side set of handles.
40. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the set of handles comprise:
a front traverse set of handles; and further comprising a side set
of handles wherein the handles in the side set of handles are in a
fixed relative position where individual handles are offset in a
staggered arrangement with at least the handle portion of separate
handles being substantially parallel.
41. The apparatus of claim 34, where said device is capable of
positional management of handle height so as to induce flexion of a
spine of a device user for a user having spinal stenosis and/or
other conditions.
42. The apparatus of claim 34, where said device is capable of
positional management of handle height for users of varying
heights.
43. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said flexion comprises
lumbo-sacral flexion.
44. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said positional management
of handle height comprises positioning and height of said one or
more handles for a device user having spinal stenosis and/or other
conditions so as to induce optimal spine position.
45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein said positional management
of handle height comprises positioning and height of said one or
more handles for a device user having spinal stenosis and/or other
conditions so as to induce optimal spine and body position.
46. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said positional management
of handle height comprises positioning and height of said one or
more handles for a device user having spinal stenosis and/or other
conditions so as to induce at least functional spine position.
47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said positional management
of handle height comprises positioning and height of said one or
more handles for a device user having spinal stenosis and/or other
conditions so as to induce at least functional spine and body
position.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application is related to provisional patent
application Ser. No. 61/785,861, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, by
Goldman, titled "ADJUSTABLY SLOPED SIMULATED WALKING OR EXERCISE
SURFACE HAVING MULTIPLE HANDLES AT MULTIPLE HEIGHTS OR POSITIONS,"
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety and assigned to
the assignee of presently claimed subject matter.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] This disclosure relates to handles and/or handrails
incorporated into exercise equipment, such as a treadmill.
Specifically, it relates to the positions and height of the handles
that is made available to provide support, at multiple heights and
positions, to optimize support available for users of the
treadmill, for whom specific individual spine or body position is
helpful to allow successful use of the exercise equipment. This
includes but is not limited to individuals with Spinal Stenosis, or
Pseudostenosis, or related or unrelated orthopedic, arthritis, or
medical conditions.
[0004] 2. Information
[0005] A treadmill is an exercise machine for running or walking
while staying in one place. The machine provides a moving platform
with a wide conveyor belt and an electric motor or a flywheel. A
manual treadmill allows motion without a motor. Conveyor belt moves
to the rear, allowing a person to walk or run. The rate at which
the user moves is the rate of walking or running. The speed of
running and walking may be controlled, as may the angle of
inclination of the supportive platform and belt of the
treadmill.
[0006] The treadmill is used for several purposes, including but
not limited to exercise, rehabilitation, and diagnostic testing in
patients with suspected cardiovascular problems, and other uses
that may be determined by need or interest of individuals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS AND PICTURES
[0007] Claimed subject matter is particularly pointed out and
distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification.
However, both as to organization and/or method of operation,
together with objects, features, and/or advantages thereof, claimed
subject matter may best be understood by reference to the following
detailed description if read with the accompanying drawings and
explanations in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a picture from 2013 article, of patient 4'10'',
with pediatric folding walker set at 26 inches.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a picture from attached 2013 article, of patient
5'11 inches and kyphosis needing a walker at 32 inches for
functional improvement.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a picture from attached 2013 article, of patient
with walker handles too high for comfort, inducing shoulder and arm
pain with use.
[0011] FIG. 4 shows a Sammons Preston 562835 SportsArt T652M
Treadmill, with handrail extension (Source:
http://www.sportsartamerica.com/saf/commercial/treadmills/t611.asp)
[0012] FIG. 5 shows an orbiter treadmill (Source:
http://orbitertreadmill.com/pro-sports.html)
[0013] FIG. 6 shows two views demonstrating mechanisms to maintain
the spine in proper position by adjusting the arms in matters not
conducive to long-term comfort or benefit.
[0014] FIG. 7: A side view of a "tread lower side handle"
embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 8: Top views of a "tread lower side handle"
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 9: A view from the front of the "tread Lower side
handle" embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 10: A side view of a "tread lower side handles"
embodiment superimposed upon an image of a treadmill, that
demonstrates the position and functional advantage of this
embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 11: A frontal view of a framed embodiment of a "tread
lower transverse front handle"
[0019] FIG. 12: A side view of a "tread lower transverse front
handle" embodiment
[0020] FIG. 13: A side view of the Tread Lower transverse front
handle" modification superimposed upon an image of a treadmill,
that demonstrates the position and functional advantage of this
embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 14: A side view of "tread lower transverse front
handle" embodiment that has been rotated to a different
position,
[0022] FIG. 15: A frontal view of "tread lower transverse front
handle" superimposed upon an image of a treadmill, that
demonstrates the position and functional advantage of this
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Reference is made in the following detailed description to
accompanying drawings, which formed a part hereof, wherein like
numerals may designated like parts throughout to indicate
corresponding and or analogous components. It will be appreciated
that components illustrated in the figures have not necessarily
been drawn to scale, such as poor simplicity and/or clarity of the
illustration. For example, dimensions of some component may be
exaggerated relative to other components. Further, it is to be
understood that other embodiments may be utilized. Furthermore,
structural and/or other changes may be made without departing from
the claimed subject matter. It should also be noted that
direction's and/or references, for example, up, down, top, bottom,
and so on, may be used to facilitate discussion of drawings and/or
are not intended to restrict application of cling and subject
matter. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be
taken to limit claimed subjects matter and/or equivalent.
[0024] References throughout this specification to "one example",
one feature," "one embodiment," "an example," "a feature," "an
implementation," or "an embodiment," means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the feature, example, or embodiment, is included in at least one
feature, example, or embodiment of claims subject matter. Thus,
appearances of the phrase "in one example," "an example," "in the
one that implementation," "an implementation," "an embodiment," or
"in one embodiment" in various places throughout the specification
are not necessarily all referring to the same feature, example, or
embodiment. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may
be combined in one or more examples, features, or embodiment. The
term "user" and "individual" may be used interchangeably herein.
The term "spinal stenosis" as used herein, may include any known
and/or suspected condition involving the lumbosacral spine, or one
or more adjacent structures, in which changing lumbosacral flexion
and/or extension may affect spinal nerve compression and/or
position of any spinal structure, potentially resulting in local,
nerve induced, and/or other symptoms. The term "arthritis" as used
herein and may include any known and/or suspected condition
involving damage, pain, and/or inflammation of one or more joints
of the body, such as shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and so forth.
Spinal Stenosis, or PseudoStenosis, as defined in the 2013 Journal
of the American Podiatric Medical Association article attached, are
often the cause of symptoms otherwise identified as poor
circulation, arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, and others. For
this reason, the benefit of the treadmill modification in providing
clinical relief is not limited to patients diagnosed with Spinal
Stenosis, and this application, though focused on benefit to
individuals with spinal stenosis, is also meant to seek patent for
these modification that can be helpful for any patient with related
or possible related walking difficulty, with or without recognized
overlap of symptoms with Spinal Stenosis.
[0025] Individuals with Spinal Stenosis or Pseudostenosis (and
other orthopedic, neurologic or other medical conditions) are often
unable to use a treadmill because of symptoms similar to those
experienced by these individuals during standard walking
activities. Spinal Stenosis is defined as a condition in which
narrowed structures in the lumbar spine cause clinical symptoms.
These include localized back pain, neurogenic claudication symptoms
in the legs, or neurogenic positional pedal neuritis symptoms in
the feet, and other presentations of discomfort that may involve
the back, hips, thighs, knees, legs, ankles, and/or feet, causing
symptoms, including a limitation of ability to walk, or stand, or
find a comfortable position, and may result in increased body
strain affecting other organ systems.
[0026] Pseudostenosis is defined as a condition in which
dysfunction of the lower extremities affects the function of the
spine, producing either spine or lower extremity symptoms similar
to Spinal Stenosis, which may be in the presence or absence of
structural Spinal Stenosis. Lower extremity pathology that may
cause pseudostenosis includes, but is not limited to, uneven limb
length, flat feet, arthritis, and others. Pseudostenosis, as is
defined in this application, was first published in an article in
the March 2013 issue of the Journal of the American Podiatric
Medical Association. That article is included with the
application.
[0027] Both Spinal Stenosis and Pseudostenosis induced symptoms may
be reduced or eliminated by optimizing spine position.
Specifically, flexion may open up both the central canal and/or
lateral foramen of the spine, reduce both local arthritic symptoms,
and those symptoms caused by nerve compression or irritation.
[0028] Other orthopedic, neurologic or medical conditions can also
cause symptoms affected by standing and walking. They may be
present in the presence or absence of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis or
Pseudostenosis. For the purpose of identification of people that
may be helped by having the structural support of this application,
the term "Spinal Stenosis" as used in this application should be
understood to include individuals with either Lumbar Spinal
Stenosis, and/or Pseudostenosis, and the term "other conditions"
should be understood to include other orthopedic, neurologic, or
medical conditions with symptoms that may be exacerbated by
walking, standing, or using exercise equipment such as a
treadmill.
[0029] Individuals with Spinal Stenosis have been reported to have
dramatically increased walking capability by using a walker whose
handles had been set at a level which induces lumbo-sacral flexion
in that individual. Literature (published in medical, diabetes, and
podiatry journals by the applicant of this application) has
reported that an exact or near exact handle height is often
necessary for optimal improvement to occur, and that handle height
must be measured or set for the individual, and cannot be
accurately extrapolated from the individual's height. The reason
for clinical improvement is the recognized anatomic phenomena that
flexion of the spine increases the diameter of the spine and its
lateral components, and that extension narrows these structures. In
that Spinal Stenosis by definition involves narrowing of these
structures, flexion induced opening may alter the symptoms caused
by this condition. The need for specific handle height is based
upon many factors including the height of the individual, but also
affected by the relative proportion of the height of the legs to
the overall height of the individual, length of the arms, the
changes in proportion that may have occurred with diminished height
seen frequently with age, the amount of lumbo-sacral flexion needed
to induce adequate opening of the central canal and lateral foramen
whose compression can induce symptoms, and other factors. The
multiple factors that may affect the individual's need for specific
handle height prevent the ability to predict height of handle
needed for an individual based solely upon the individual's height.
It is essential for positional management that the position of the
handle induces the needed lumbar position while the arms are held
extended, and with the person in a comfortable position, not
leaning too far forward. Leaning too far forward is often not
comfortable for individuals. Leaning forward but with the arms
flexed often causes an uncomfortable or tired feeling of the arms
and shoulder. Discomfort may be enough to induce the person to
stand straighter, eliminating benefit of the positional management.
This explanation of why appropriate handle height is essential for
success with presents why exact or near exact handle height is
needed for optimal improvement with a walker.
[0030] Concept of need for specific walker handle height to induce
lumbosacral flexion has been termed "positional management", and
was reported initially in medical, diabetes, and podiatry
literature solely by the application of this patent application.
This was first published in May of 2003 in an article of the
Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, which is
included with this application. The specific terms of the current
protocol components of positional management, including Positional
History, Positional Testing, and Positional Therapy, were first
published in Diabetes, in an abstract in 2005, solely by the
applicant of this patent application, and then further disseminated
in a full journal article in the Journal of Family Practice in
2008, which is included with this application. Greater clarity of
the details is presented in a full journal article in the Journal
of the American Podiatry Association, March 2013, which is included
with this application.
[0031] Walkers currently commercially generally have mechanisms
available to be adjustable to the multiple heights. This may allow
adjustment to provide optimal positioning for patients with spinal
stenosis or other related or unrelated conditions Retrospective
review of 250 patients of the author of this application of
successfully treated with positional management for spinal stenosis
with use of a walker identified that each had been fitted with
walker handle height that was between 35 and 26 inches off the
ground (unpublished data). Different brands or models of walkers
have different handle height range. Different types have different
height range, such as a "pediatric" or "junior" walker having lower
handle height ranges than standard models. Pictures demonstrating
different walker models, and set at different heights as required
by the individuals using them, follow, with descriptions
attached.
[0032] Currently art, including commercially available treadmills,
does not include apparatus needed to easily or optimally address
the need for varied or multiple handle positions of different
heights, to satisfy the needs of individuals, such as those with
spinal stenosis or other conditions, who require specific body or
spine position for optimal comfort during exercise. Some variations
of available treadmills include a slanted front handle, slanted
side handle, or extended handle/handrail. Pictures demonstrating
different treadmills with handrail variations follow.
[0033] The treadmills of FIGS. 4 and 5 and similar existing
treadmills have a sloped handle that presents a lower position for
handle placement than standard treadmills. This does not interfere
with this set of claims as the sloped handles on these models and
other similar treadmills with sloped handles do not provide all the
benefits of the apparatus presented in this claim. It may also be
noted that the handles being available for people with spinal
stenosis or other conditions does not appear to be of concern in
the presented art, as this potential benefit and the height
variation of the handrail sections is not mentioned in on line
advertisements of the two companies who produce these
treadmills.
[0034] Regarding the SportsArt treadmill of FIG. 4, though the long
handrail extension has lower handle height, there are several
factors that interfere with optimal function for many people with
spinal stenosis and other conditions. They include the
following:
[0035] a. For shorter people or some who need to flex aggressively
to use this handle, which extends to the back portion of the
treadmill, the user must be in the back portion of the treadmill,
and away from the treadmill controls.
[0036] b. For shorter people or some who need to flex aggressively
to use this handle, depending on the handle height required, the
position chosen can put the user close to the back of the treadmill
which may restrict the space available for normal stride length,
for walking or running.
[0037] c. For shorter people or some who need to flex aggressively
to use this handle, depending on the handle height required, and
the amount of flexion needed, the feet may be too far back on the
treadmill for them to be able to stay on the treadmill and use the
positional management position of having arms extended straight,
with the spine adequately flexed, and the arm position being
extended comfortably close to the body. This will result in two
potential changes in position, each of which can eliminate the
benefit of positional management.
[0038] a. The individual could either keep their elbows bent and
walk further forward on the treadmill, and lose the benefit of
optimal positioning for spinal stenosis.
[0039] b. They could also extend the elbows straight, but keep the
hands so far forward that it is a more strained and problematic
position, putting extra mechanical stress on their upper arms and
shoulders.
[0040] d. The handle extension descends and is no longer coplanar
with the supporting surface of the treadmill. In that many people
with this condition already use a walker that has handles parallel
to the supporting surface of the ground, handles parallel to the
supporting surface of the treadmill is a more familiar position
that they have experience and confidence with, an important
consideration for people with limitation associated with Spinal
Stenosis or other conditions. This downward angle of the handle
induces a different leaning position, and may require the arms to
be further forward, so that the user is not leaning primarily down
but leaning significantly forward (into) on the handles. A similar
angulation can be induced in a standard folding walker by setting
the back legs at a lower level. Many people find the position of
leaning forward (into) on the handles uncomfortable and refuse this
handle position. Extrapolation suggests that this position may also
be less comfortable for many people using the treadmill. In that
for some people the angle of 90 degrees from the arm and hand to
the handle is comfortable, use of the handle in a downward slope
requires either leaning in to it, which may be uncomfortable, or to
have the elbows bent in a manner which allows the arms to angle
forward. This second position may cause arm and shoulder discomfort
and expends energy. It eliminates the value of having arms
straight, elbows locked, and leaning down, for spinal stenosis
patients, as has been described in greatest detail in the March
2013 JAPMA article attached.
[0041] e. These problems are all resolved with use of the apparatus
claimed, as is described below.
[0042] Regarding the Orbiter treadmill of FIG. 5, there are factors
that interfere with optimal function for many people with spinal
stenosis and other conditions. This has an oblique downward
directed handle. This would strongly force a leaning forward
position for anyone needing to keep arms straight as is recommended
using the positional approach for spinal stenosis and related
conditions. This is often an uncomfortable position for people,
especially those who medical or arthritic pathology such as Spinal
Stenosis and other conditions. In addition, those who lean into the
supporting handle, would be close to the back (or off) the
supportive surface. In addition, those who bend the elbows, lose
benefit of positional management. These problems are resolved with
use of the apparatus claimed, as is described below.
[0043] Regarding the oblique front handle available on some
treadmill models, this provides a variation of heights, but is
limited to a small range of available heights.
[0044] A treadmill is an exercise machine for running or walking
while staying in one place, that may be used for several purposes.
The supporting handle of the treadmill may be on the side, or in
the front, and may be used by some individuals to maintain body
position while walking or running. The term handle refers to a grip
or the like specifically design for holding and/or clasping by one
or more hands during use of the treadmill. Uses of the treadmill
include but are not limited to:
[0045] a. Exercise for individuals without related medical
conditions, such as for conditioning or weight loss.
[0046] b. Rehabilitation for individuals with a wide variety of
medical problems who attempt to overcome problems with
deconditioning caused by the medical problems.
[0047] c. Diagnostic testing in patients with suspected
cardiovascular problems, via the treadmill stress test.
[0048] d. Others as determined by need or interest of
individuals.
[0049] Individuals with symptomatic spinal stenosis have been
reported for many years in literature written by the applicant, to
improve walking and reduce symptoms by using external support such
as a walker, that facilitates attaining and maintaining a position
of comfortable lumbosacral flexion to reduce or eliminate the pain
and walking limitation that frequently is seen in patients with
spinal stenosis. See the accompanying articles, published between
2003 and 2013, that describe this benefit in walking capability as
well as overall symptoms. It is stressed in each article that
specific walker height is essential to obtain optimal improvement
for many patients. As reported with greatest detail in the 2013
article, individuals with Spinal Stenosis can respond to imperfect
lumbosacral support in different manners. If the support induces
the optimal spine position, there is usually an increase in
comfortable walking, and reduction or elimination of either
symptoms or exacerbation of other symptoms associated with spinal
stenosis.
[0050] An explanation of the possible responses to non optimal
handle height is provided to support the value of having optimal
handle height. This set of observations is extrapolated from
successful management of individuals, with walker use. If handle
support height is too high, it is common that individuals do not
obtain the optimal flexion position to reduce symptoms emanating
from or through the spine with Spinal Stenosis. This pattern is
commonly seen in individuals who do not walk better with a walker
in which the handles are too high, just as many individuals do not
walk better with a treadmill as the handle height is too high to
induce or facilitate comfortable lumbar flexion. As reported in the
accompanying articles, this applicant has seen dramatic improvement
in walking capability and pain level of patients following
adjustment of a walker to an optimal height, usually one in which
slight lumbosacral flexion was induced. Nevertheless, individuals
can still obtain the benefit of appropriately flexed lumbo-sacral
position by two compensatory behaviors, which are labeled as sub
optimal. An individual may flex the arms while leaning forward, in
a way that induces flexion, but often causes shoulder and arm
strain and/or tiredness or pain in individuals, and may induce
shortness of breath in individuals with a reduced functional
capacity. This can be counterproductive to individuals using a
treadmill to improve their cardiovascular status. Another way to
compensate for handle height that is too high is to flex at the
spine, keep the arms straight as is optimal, but hold the walker or
other support very far forward in front of the individual. This can
also cause arm, shoulder or torso discomfort, and often induces a
feeling of chasing the support device, as it is too far in front.
Many people report this is uncomfortable, and note immediate
improvement when the handle support is placed at a more appropriate
height. The lack of optimal improvement in so many patients with a
too high walker handle height supports the observation that these
two compensation maneuvers are intrinsically less comfortable.
These two compensation behaviors are shown above in FIG. 4. If the
handle height is too low, the individual may either hold the handle
lightly with the tips of the fingers to reduce flexion but in a way
that does not provide stable support, or hold the handles and thus
cause excess flexion, which may result painful symptoms.
[0051] This application embodies apparatus built in to a treadmill,
with variations of handle position and height that may be used in
treadmills or other exercise equipment, that are unique in that by
design they allow multiple concurrent handle positions at different
heights, that provide multiple heights for both side handles and
front transverse handles, to provide support for body positioning
to accommodate the needs of individuals with spinal stenosis or
other medical conditions. This apparatus and variations claimed do
so by having multiple handle heights, all in the front section of
the treadmill where handles traditionally are and whereby use
allows the user easy access to controls. With the many handle
heights available, the user may choose the handle height that is
most comfortable for their physical needs, leaning with the arms
straight, and allow the ability to change height easily, and thus
self adjust when desired, with having no need to modify the
treadmill device in any way.
[0052] This application also embodies apparatus that serves as a
treadmill handle modification that can be retrofit to existing
treadmills, to be attached temporarily or permanently, to
supplement or replace functional use of either side handles and/or
front transverse handles, to allow multiple handle heights, so as
to provide optimal handle heights to accommodate individuals with
spinal stenosis or other medical conditions. It does so by having
multiple handle heights, all in the front section of the treadmill
where handles traditionally are, so that an individual may choose
the handle height that is instinctively most comfortable, and self
adjust when desired, with having no need to modify the treadmill
device in any way. Good support height is always made
available.
[0053] The number of handle heights available is enhanced by
including not only bends in the handle, as is demonstrated, but
also by having 2 or more handles, which are accessible to the user
because they are staggered in a manner that allows access to the
lower handles without being blocked by the higher handles. The
higher handles on both side and front apparatus are further away
from the center of the body of the user, allowing access to lower
handles without interference from higher handles. In that the term
handle may refer to a specific section of a handle bar, throughout
this application the term "bar" shall refer to the structure within
any manifestation or embodiment of this apparatus that may comprise
the physical structure that serves as a handle.
[0054] The design of the front handles (referred to as "Tread Lower
Transverse Front Handle" demonstrated by art submitted includes a
40 degree downward slant from the middle section, to both allow
comfort of the hand on the handle, but which also allows greater
variability in hand height on each handle. This positioning may or
may not be optimal, but will be functional. The selection of this
position does not exclude from this application any other shape or
bend or angle of the multiple bars. In addition, the center portion
of the bar may be small, for example 2 inches, to allow greater
room on each side bar, or could be wider, for example, 10 inches
wide to give users the option of using the totally transverse
section for support. The representative embodiment is not meant to
limit the claim of this application, which should include all
variations of shape and apportionment of size of sections.
[0055] The design of the side handles (referred to as Tread Lower
Side Handle" as shown allows three different handle heights per
bar, which may be a single bar bent, or 3 handle sections attached,
with each handle being parallel to the supporting surface of the
treadmill. This positioning is felt to be optimal, but the
selection of this position does not exclude from this application
any other shape, or bend within a single bar, or angle of the
multiple or individual handle sections to the supporting surface.
The design of the "Tread Lower Side Handle" shows two staggered
bars, with handle heights at 2 inches apart. Alternative
embodiment, not shown, could be having three staggered handles,
with height differential at 1.5 inches apart. Alternative
embodiment, not shown, could have two or three or more straight
handles at different heights, angled downwards and backwards at a
specific angle such as but not necessarily 25 degrees, that would
be staggered to allow concomitant access. Demonstrated art does not
in any way exclude from this application any variation in the
shape, or specific number of handles, or height differential
between handles.
[0056] A primary advantage of these modifications is to allow
individuals to walk with the hands holding the handles, and the
arms straight, inducing and maintain the spine or other body part
in an optimal sagittal plane position. A secondary advantage is a
solution to a separate but related problem. Individuals with
stenosis often report an increase in symptoms and difficulty
walking and they find that symptoms return when they walk up hill
with a walker, even if the walker has been set at the optimal
handle height for that person. They walker handles are then
positioned higher relative to the person, as the walker is higher
on an incline. Depending on how sensitive the individual is to
spine induced symptoms, they may experience such symptoms quickly
when the spine position induced by the walker is altered to a more
extended position. In order to maintain optimal spine position, the
individual may flex their elbows and or shoulders. This maneuver
may be taxing physically, because of increase demands on arm and
shoulder muscle function, and may also cause shortness of breath in
individuals with a diminished cardiovascular capacity, as is
reported in the 2013 article attached. This problem is relieved by
the presence of multiple handle heights, so that when walking on
the treadmill in an incline manner, as is used for exercise, the
person can choose a lower handle height to improve spine position,
with no adjustment needed for treadmill device in any way.
[0057] It is observed that individuals with symptomatic spinal
stenosis often intrinsically sense the proper height of handle, and
will gravitate to that height if there are no factors inducing them
to reject this handle height. For this reason, having all handle
heights available at all times allows the individual to select
handle height based upon physical comfort, without assistance of
medical professional, exercise assistant, or caregiver. It is not
possible to predict the optimal height for an individual person, as
many factors that influence optimal height, including but not
limited to, the height of the individual, the length of the arms,
the proportion of height of the legs to the overall height of the
individual, the amount of kyphosis present, arthritis with
limitation of motion of the elbows or shoulder, and the amount of
lumbosacral flexion necessary to induce adequate opening of the
central spinal canal or lateral foramen, and other factors. In
other instances, appropriate height of the handles may be
influenced by symptoms and positioning limitation of the elbows,
hips, knees, shoulders, and/or neck, for example. There may even be
different optimal handle heights for the two arms. Having the many
different handle heights available allows the patient to select
that which is most comfortable, to change if desired, and to
experiment, without need to adjust the treadmill. It is also known
that spinal stenosis symptoms are often inconsistent, so that
symptoms may be present and require a certain spine position on one
day, but not be present requiring that spine position on another
day. Finally, in that the treadmill may be used by more than one
individual that have different optimal handle heights required,
even if in a private domicile, having the multiple handle heights
all available without needed adjustment, is advantageous. For these
and other reasons, having multiple handles available concurrently
facilitates compliance with use of the optimal handle height.
[0058] Claimed matter is not limited in scope to the illustrated
embodiments or implementations. That shown and described are
individual representations, but all variants of the handles that
include the advantages of the presented scenarios are claimed. For
example, the angle of the bend, the size or shape of the bar, the
covering or lack of covering on the support bar, the length of the
individual handle sections of the bar, the number of offset bars in
the embodiment, the distance between the offset bars, the distance
between each height of each handle section, and all other
variations of this structure are included in this claim.
[0059] The illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10 is
a labeled as "tread lower side handle" and is a replacement for the
single height side bar standard on most treadmills, whether that
bar is extended, or slanted. In this embodiment, there are six
handle heights concurrently available. Each handle is 5 inches
long, and 1.5 inches in diameter. There is a two inch difference
between height of each handle, measured from the center of the
handle, so that, for example, the handles may be set at 36, 34, 32,
30, 28, and 26 inches above the supporting surface of the
treadmill. In this embodiment there is a six inch space between the
higher and lower adjacent handles. The higher handle is offset
three inches, outside the bottom handle, to allow easy access to
the lower handle. Poles or other supporting apparatus secure the
top handle section of "tread lower side handle" to the lower handle
section, and secure it to some stable part of the frame or other
section of the treadmill. In this embodiment, the handle sections
are all coplanar to the walking surface, so that the handles are in
position similar to the rollator or folding walker the individual
may be familiar with and use.
[0060] A variation of this or other embodiments would be to add
mechanization that would automatically adjust the handle position
when the angle of inclination of the treadmill walking surface is
altered. Another variation to this or other embodiments would be to
connect the bars supporting the handle sections to the base, so
that maintaining a parallel position to the supporting surface
would occur as altering the walking surface and it's supporting
structure could also alter the handle section.
[0061] The illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14 and
15 are labeled as "Tread Lower Transverse Front Handle" and is a
replacement for the single front bar standard on many treadmills.
This is accurately described as a single bar even though the
oblique angle present in some bars allow some variation in hand
height position supported. However, this variation in hand position
is limited to a few inches, and does not support the great
variation in handle height needed to provide optimal position
support for the wide range of spinal stenosis patients.
[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 13,
14, and 15, there are 5 handles concurrently available. In a single
embodiment, the highest position may be 42 inches in height, which
is the height of the handle of many grocery carts. The demonstrated
embodiment has bars have a transverse section to separate right and
left, and then the bars extend outward and downward by 40 degrees,
giving multiple handle height positions for each bar. Each bar is
1.5 inches in diameter, and there are 4 inches of space in height
between the center of each bar. Each bar is offset, backwards being
towards the back of the treadmill, with 3 inch difference between
the center of the two adjacent bars, resulting in 1.5 inch
posterior offset, and 2.5 inch difference vertical offset. Poles or
other apparatus secures the top handles to the lower handles, and
secures it to some part of the frame of the treadmill. It may be
understood that the oblique section of this bar may allow handle
positioning of approximately but not exactly 2 inches below the
transverse section. This allows this embodiment to have a range of
18 inches of different height of hand positions. The 18 inch total
variation in handle height allows a wide range of handle people of
different heights and spine position needs to have support without
excessively leaning forward. The handles are in the front half of
the treadmill, so there is not shifting of shorter users backwards
toward the back of the treadmill. Depending on the amount of
separation between heights of the bars in other embodiments, there
may be more or less staggering of the bars necessary for
comfort.
[0063] Either "Tread Lower Side Handle" or "Tread Lower Front
Transverse Handle" may be designed as units that can "retro fit" to
existing treadmill using standard mechanisms including clamps, and
thus provide the advantage of optimizing body position and
facilitating exercise, without need for new capital purchase.
Attachment could be either permanent attachment, or temporary and
removable attachment, using commonly available art.
[0064] Both "Tread Lower Side Handle" and Tread Lower Front
Transverse Handle embodiments may be place on a single treadmill
unit or style, either built in, or available for "retro fit". This
would maximize the options of hand placement for any user.
Detailed Explanation of Figures
[0065] FIG. 6 shows two views demonstrating the mechanisms to
maintain the spine in proper position, by adjusting the arms in
manners not conducive to long term comfort or benefit for
individuals who would benefit from specific positions, are
demonstrated on a standard treadmill by an individual who is
5'3''.
[0066] FIG. 7 is a side views of a "tread lower side handle"
modification. In this embodiment, there are six handle heights
concurrently available for users of a treadmill. Each handle is 5
inches long, and 1.5 inches in diameter. There is a 2 inch height
position difference for each handle so that handles may be set, for
example, at 36, 34, 32, 30, 38, and 26 inches above the treadmill
walking surface. The top handle section, with three handles, is
offset 3 inches outside the bottom handle to allow easy access to
lower handle. This is not seen from this angle, but is seen in
following figures. Poles or other apparatuses secures the top
handle section, which is offset, to the bottom section, in both the
front (square dots) and in the back (round dots). This embodiment
demonstrates by the dotted line potential attachment to forward
structures in the frame of body of the treadmill.
[0067] FIG. 8 is a Top view of the "tread lower side handle"
modification that includes 6 handles with 6 heights, and is meant
to be viewed and understood with FIG. 7. As in FIG. 7 a above with
multi colored handles, the front handle is the top one, black, 2
inches lower is striped, and two inches lower is oblique pattern.
For this embodiment, the outside black Is meant to be set at 36
inches, outside striped is 34, outside oblique is 32, inside black
is 30, inside striped is 28, inside oblique is 26 The outside upper
handle is offset 3 inches on the outside, away from the center of
the treadmill. In this embodiment representation, attachments of
outside handle to inside handle are demonstrate by square dots in
front and by round dots in back.
[0068] FIG. 9 is a view from position of the front of the treadmill
demonstrating position of the "tread lower side handle"
modification that includes 6 handles at 6 heights. Each circle
represents a different handle height with three on outside top
handle section, and three on Inside bottom handle section. This
version shows oblique bar securing two handle sections, with dotted
bar in front attaching height 36 to 30, and dashed line in back
Attaching handle height 32 to 26. Poles then secure bottom handle
section to the base of the treadmill. Looking from a position from
the front of the treadmill, this section is on the right, with the
top handle being on the outside, and farther to the right.
[0069] FIG. 10 is a side view of commercially available treadmill
that has an embodiment of "tread lower side handle" modification
shown in a way that demonstrates its position and purpose. Shown is
this handle on the left side only of the treadmill, while function
would have the modifications on both sides of treadmill. The top
three handles are on the outside bar, and the lower three handles
are on the inside bar. The photograph showing a treadmill exercise
machine illustrates environmental structure and forms no part of
the claimed design.
[0070] FIG. 11 is a view of an embodiment of the frame of "tread
lower transverse front handle". This shows the establishment of
multiple heights with this device. Shown is the frame of the
apparatus and the 5 bars that provide the handles. Each bar is 1.5
inches diameter. There are 4 inches of space between tops of
adjacent bars. Center section provides 10 inches of bar that may be
used as a handle. The oblique section of each bar allows additional
height selection positions for each bar that is approximately 2
inches below the transverse bar. The bars are offset three inches,
from the center of the bars, to allow access to lower bars without
interference from higher bars, though this cannot be seen from this
perspective. Structure to attach this frame to the body of the
treadmill is not shown, as this is not unique to this apparatus,
and may be built in or retrospectively attached in many ways. There
are five handles. Due to the availability of use of the oblique
portion of the bar as a handle position, the lower hand position is
18 inches below the top handle position.
[0071] FIG. 12 is a side view of "tread lower transverse front
handle" modification. This shows the height variations of the
center bars, being 4 inches from top to top of bar, and the offset
positioning of the bars, being 3 inches offset or staggered, from
front to front of bar. Each bar is 1.5 inches in diameter. There
are 5 handles, and the offset positioning places the farthest
posterior handle 12 inches behind the hightest. Due to the
availability of use of the oblique portion of the bar as a handle
position, the lower hand position is 18 iches below to top handle
position.
[0072] FIG. 13 a is a view from the side of a treadmill that has
the "Tread Lower Transverse Front Handle" modification in place in
a way that demonstrates its position and purpose. The photograph
showing a treadmill exercise machine illustrates environmental
structure and forms no part of the claimed design.
[0073] FIG. 14 shows an embodiment in which "tread lower transverse
front handle" is not in a fixed position, but rather has been
rotated into a different position. In this position, only the
central bars would be available for use, while the apparatus is in
this position. The photograph showing a treadmill exercise machine
illustrates environmental structure and forms no part of the
claimed design.
[0074] FIG. 15 shows the tread lower transverse front handle
modification that is attached to treadmill and shows position of
use. The photograph showing a treadmill exercise machine
illustrates environmental structure and forms no part of the
claimed design.
[0075] 4. Advantages
[0076] The apparatus claimed, which includes multiple handle
heights concurrently available, which in an advantageous embodiment
would include all handles being coplanar to the supportive surface
of the treadmill, overcomes the problems presented in the following
manners.
[0077] a. The user, even if short or requiring extensive flexion,
is further forward and thus not far from treadmill controls.
[0078] b. The user, even if short or requiring extensive flexion,
is farther forward, and thus not in a position of being close to
the back of the treadmill that might cause change in stride.
[0079] c. The user, even if short or requiring extensive flexion,
is farther forward, and thus not in a position of being close to
the back of the treadmill that might induce not using the
positional protocol of arms being straight and close to the body,
that provides the clinical benefit of positional management.
[0080] d. The user, even if short or requiring extensive flexion,
is able to use the positional protocol of having arms straight and
leaning either forward or downward on to the handles, based upon
choice.
[0081] e. The user is able to have the coplanar handle (on the
Tread Lower Side Handle version) be parallel to the supporting
surface, which is a known and comfortable position for many people,
as compared to being forced to use an unfamiliar angulated handle
position that may not be comfortable for some people.
[0082] f. Those using the "tread lower transverse front handle"
have the hands in front of them in a manner similar to the handle
of a grocery cart, but many handle heights to choose from.
[0083] g. In contrast to having handles available which are
adjustable, as the handles of a walker, having multiple handles
available concurrently facilitates ease of use when more than one
person may use the equipment, as there is no need to adjust.
Seeking the proper height on a walker often requires time consuming
adjustment. The benefits of positional management are not readily
known, but often self evident to patients when they have the choice
of handle selection. Having the walker handles available for a user
to self select is easiest, and may facilitate proper use. By
facilitating proper use, it may also facilitate greater use. In
that many treadmills, used either at private homes, or exercise
areas such as gyms, or medical facilities that do stress tests,
have multiple users, need for adjustment between users would
potentially be an impediment. Therefore, concurrent availability of
the many handle positions is an advantage.
* * * * *
References