Physical Training and Activity Center for Children

Abstract

The present invention is a physical training device for a person and relates to developmental activity centers with treadmills. The physical training device includes a treadmill base, an activity center, and a control means. The invention has an optional stationary or portable feature and is more effective in permitting safe and controlled walking development. In addition, the physical training device includes a variety of stimulating devices that improves both physical skills and cognitive skills by use of the invention.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60 / 900,373, filed on Feb. 8, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not Applicable.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]This invention relates to physical training devices, and more particularly to a training device for teaching walking and providing physical therapy to those with muscular deficiencies.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]There are numerous devices in this field to promote toddler walking and learning development. However, many of them have a limited continuum of safe walking development, or simply do not meet all walking and learning developmental needs, Typical of these is traditional child activity centers (or entertainment devices) that have limited movement capability that provides the child upright walking support. The child activity centers have waist level trays and seats that all...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The present invention is a physical training device for a person and relates to developmental activity centers with treadmills. The physical training device includes a treadmill base, an activity center, and a control means. The invention has an optional stationary or portable feature and is more effective in permitting safe and controlled walking development. In addition, the physical training device includes a variety of stimulating devices that improves both physical skills (such as for persons with cerebral palsy, developmental delay, muscular dystrophy) and cognitive skills (such as for persons with Down syndrome, mental retardation, learning disabilities) by use of the invention.

[0017]In use, the person is placed into the seat of the activity center. The height adjustment means is adjusted so that the person's legs are positioned in contact with the treadmill belt and closely aligned in a forward walking position. When the invention is activated in either the “on” position or the manual position, the invention provides stepping reflex development and encourages learning, walking and development of longer stride lengths.

Problems solved by technology

However, despite the creation of different types of activity centers for children, these devices do not adequately meet the needs of children with physical and cognitive developmental limitations, especially walking and learning developmental needs.

However, such an activity center does not adequately stimulate the physical development of a child with muscular limitations.

Though these exercises are helpful to development, these devices do not teach a device that stimulates the important child development of continuous walking.

Such a device may be appropriate for a child with strong walking capabilities, but the Welsh, Jr. device is not appropriate for children with weak walking ability.

Having a child walking around a room is not always safe or convenient, especially when the goal is to provide structured walking development for children with developmental needs.

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