| The running training machine -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
The running training machineRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, User Manipulated Force Resisting Apparatus, Component Thereof, Or Accessory Therefor, Utilizing Resilient Force Resistance, And User Supplied Counter Force, Attached To UserThe running training machine description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060199711, The running training machine. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] Impact on joints due to running is a major problem for those trying to keep fit that have had knee or ankle problems, are overweight or degenerative problems. Yet running is the exercise we are most evolved to suit. We love to be able to run. [0002] To take advantage of climatic protection of indoors, treadmills are extremely popular. However, like outdoor running surfaces, treadmills do not eleviate the impact problems and many people cannot use treadmills as a consequence. [0003] The propriosensis difficulties due the moving floor also mean treadmills unnerve some people and can be dangerous when the user has injuries or physical limitations. [0004] The invention aims to substantially reduce the impact while still offering a natural running gait so that many more people can enjoy running. BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0005] The invention uses a spring system to offer an upward force vector to reduce the effective impact weight of the user. By lifting the body up during running, the invention makes it easier for the user to run and reduces the strike impact. [0006] The invention also acts to bring the user back to their initial position after each step so that there is no need for a moving conveyor belt, like used in a treadmill, to keep the user in a central position on the machine while the user is running on the machine. [0007] Optionally coupled with a suitable running ramp, that can offer cushioning and/or rebounding properties, the invention allows the user to be able to enjoy a natural running gait while feeling like they have enhanced running abilities (which are being provided by the invention). DRAWINGS DESCRIPTION [0008] The FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show the basic apparatus in action. In these embodiments, the user has put the embodiment of the Band around their midsection and is running on an embodiment of an angled Ramp. The Ramp does not have a moving belt as does a treadmill. It is a virtually a stationary floor under the runner. [0009] In these embodiments shown in the figures, it can be seen that the Band is acting to lift the user up and the ramp provides a more suitable running surface than the ground. The ramp may also have cushioning and rebounding effects to make the running more comfortable and easier. [0010] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of an apparatus for holding the Band up by using a door and its frame as the support. [0011] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment for attaching a strip of artificial or natural rubber sheeting in a manner that can be connected to a chain or belt so that keeps the strip of rubber sheeting stays flat and does not roll. The eyelet or hook in this figure can be used to attach the band to a supporting frame. [0012] As can be seen in FIG. 6 a frame can be made so multiple bands can be connected to top bar for multiple users to run side by side. Multiple Ramps can be positioned below the top bar and maybe held in position with use of the Frame's base. [0013] In some embodiments of this multi user frame, the top bar (to which the bands can be connected) can be positioned not quite at the rear of the Frame so that if the Frame is placed against a wall that the top bar will be away from the wall. The advantage of this is to provide extra room behind the user so their legs will not touch the wall when the band is being used when very short (for the purposes of increasing the lift that the band gives to the user and to further lighten the user to make it easier for the user to run.) [0014] To achieve optimal use of the invention's advantages there are relationships between the various dimensions of the frame. The combination of lengths and angles that describe the different frames is always so that the frame causes the embodiment of the Band (that is connected to that frame) to be used so that the midpoint of the Band is below the horizontal level of where the Band is connected to the frame. The figures display some combinations of measurements for the frames so that good performance is achieved. It can be seen in the figures that the midpoints of the embodiments of the Band displayed are below the attachment point of the band to the frame. This is so there is always an upwards vector lightening the effective running weight of the user when they are on the machine. [0015] As can be seen in FIG. 2, an embodiment of a Band may include rubber and springs and non-stretch materials as well. The connecting device to a supporting frame in this embodiment in FIG. 2 includes a chain. [0016] In this embodiment, the adjusting for different user height/technique etc. is being done by clips and straps. It may also be done also with belts or many other strap length adjusting methods and materials. [0017] In FIG. 2, the embodiment of the optional Second band is shown in elastic but it can include any stretching material including rubber, natural or synthetic. [0018] FIG. 2 also shows how the Ramp or Running board maybe orientated parallel to the direction of running. So it is longer in the direction of running. This particular embodiment has rubber bands connected to the Ramp at each end to give extra rebound to the board. A variety of spring mechanisms in the ramp can work equally as well. [0019] The Ramp may also be made of sprung metal, in part or in full to achieve the rebound characteristics desired. [0020] The spring systems used in the Ramp can be any type of spring. They may also include leaf springs as shown in FIGS. 7 (a), (b) and (c). DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0021] The surprising feature of this invention is that a user achieves a natural running gait without a moving floor. When describing the invention to even those very experienced in the art, the achievement of a natural-running machine without a moving floor is always argued with. Nonetheless, the invention does achieve this. If the design of the invention was obvious then it is unlikely health clubs would continue spending fortunes on treadmills with maintenance of motors and replacement of expensive belts plus electricity and in many cases costing themselves a profitable business. The need is there for less costly machines. And many other experts are working in the area continually to produce better machines because competition among fitness machine suppliers is fierce (as we know from many years in this industry). So if the invention was obvious to these experts, it is logical to expect that the product would have been created. However, some novel steps have been taken through an understanding of some of the latest research in biomechanics of the running gait and how the moving body interacts with the ground surface beneath it. Continue reading about The running training machine... Full patent description for The running training machine Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this The running training machine patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like The running training machine or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Portable exercise apparatus Next Patent Application: Carriage for a collapsible reformer exercise apparatus Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the The running training machine patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.30732 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Medical: Surgery , Surgery(2) , Surgery(3) , Drug , Drug(2) , Prosthesis , Dentistry 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
