Surface-modified exercise belt for a treadmill

Abstract

An exercise belt for a treadmill is provided having a modified surface that simulates natural ground terrain for the purpose of strengthening the muscles of the exerciser's ankles. The modified surface is produced by regions of variable effective thickness which may be protrusions or attached pads of varied shape, thickness, hardness and spacing. In another aspect, a kit is provided having a large number of pads of varied shape, thickness and hardness adhesively attachable to the belt.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to exercise machines, and more particularly concerns treadmill machines having a modified exercise surface that simulates natural ground terrain.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]Exercise treadmills in widespread use enable exercise-conscious persons to simulate a controlled walking, running, or jogging exercise program indoors with a minimum amount of space. The speed of exercise, the duration of the exercise period, and the work expended may be readily controlled by regulating the speed and inclination of the treadmill belt, and the length of the exercise period.[0005]Typically, an exercise treadmill includes an endless belt entrained around a pair of spaced-apart rollers, with one of the rollers being driven at a predetermined speed such that the upper reach of the belt moves from a front to rear direction. In order for the user to remain stationary relative to a handlebar or the frame...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]In one embodiment, the regions of variable effective thickness are provided by a series of protrusions disposed along the length and width of the belt. The size, shape and distribution of the protrusions can be variable and disposed in a random or uniform pattern. The elevation of such protrusions and their inclination with respect to the surface of the belt should be adequate to induce reasonable but not excessive inclination of the exerciser's ankle, so as to safely strengthen the associated leg muscles.

[0013]In addition to said height and inclination of the elevated regions, the deformability of the elevated regions under the load imparted on them by the foot of the person using the treadmill is low, causing tilting of the ankle. It is preferred that the protrusions have some deformability under load in order to avoid hard impact upon the bottom of the foot of the exercising person. Consequently, it is desired to have some flatness or curvature to the tip, that is highest point, of the elevated regions in order to prevent any sharp pointed object like experience to the foot of the person walking or running on the treadmill. The person may be wearing shoes or may be bare foot while using the treadmill.

[0015]Said elevated regions can be integral with the belt, having been produced during the manufacture thereof as by a molding operation. Alternatively, pads of varied thickness, compressibility and shape can be bonded in varied spacings to said exterior surface. The belt can be of uniform thickness, having a flat surface wherein the valley areas are filled with material having lower hardness than the hardness of the elevated regions. Such construction simulates the effect of traversing upon uneven ground, and strengthens the involved ankle muscles.

Problems solved by technology

In addition to said height and inclination of the elevated regions, the deformability of the elevated regions under the load imparted on them by the foot of the person using the treadmill is low, causing tilting of the ankle.

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