HYDROTHERAPY TREADMILL

Abstract

The invention provides a hydrotherapy treadmill. The treadmill comprises a treadmill main body including a treadmill belt, submerged in a water body, mounted on a support rack having a first and a second longitudinal side rails; a base frame configured to mount the support rack and the treadmill belt; and a first roller and a second roller rotatably mounted on the support rack and positioned between and substantially perpendicular to said first and second longitudinal side rails. The treadmill belt is an endless belt mounted around and extending between said first roller and the second roller for rotation therewith. The hydrotherapy treadmill further comprises a transmission system comprising an electrically powered hydraulic pump, wherein the electrically powered hydraulic pump rotates a hydraulic motor of the treadmill belt via a hydraulic input hose and a hydraulic output hose connected to the treadmill main body; and the hydraulic pump is powered by plugging, into a 120-volt power supply, a cord of a portable power unit mounted on a rolling cart.

Claims

1. A hydrotherapy treadmill, said treadmill comprising: a) a treadmill main body including a treadmill belt, submerged in a water body, mounted on a support rack having a first and a second longitudinal side rails; b) a base frame configured to mount the support rack and the treadmill belt; c) a first roller and a second roller rotatably mounted on the support rack and positioned between and substantially perpendicular to said first and second longitudinal side rails, wherein the treadmill belt is an endless belt mounted around and extending between the first roller and the second roller for rotation therewith; d) a transmission system comprising: i) an electrically powered hydraulic pump, wherein the electrically powered hydraulic pump rotates a hydraulic motor of the treadmill belt via a hydraulic input hose and a hydraulic output hose connected to the treadmill main body; and ii) wherein the hydraulic pump is powered by plugging, into a 120-volt power supply, a cord of a portable power unit mounted on a rolling cart.

2. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body of the treadmill is configured to fold into a portable configuration.

3. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein a front portion of the base frame comprises at least two wheels configured to maneuver the hydrotherapy treadmill.

4. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, comprises a plurality of cavities in the treadmill belt and the base frame, wherein the plurality of cavities accommodates a plurality of closed cell foam pieces configured to increase the buoyancy of the treadmill main body.

5. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, comprises a plurality of watertight cavities in the treadmill belt and the base frame configured to increase the buoyancy of the treadmill main body.

6. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, comprises a tether having the hydraulic input hose and the hydraulic output hose connected to the treadmill main body and a sensor cable connected to a processor configured to measure the speed of a user running on the hydrotherapy treadmill.

7. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 5, wherein the length of the tether ranges between 20-60 feet.

8. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor cable at one end comprises a hall effect sensor in communication with a ring having a magnetic outer shell that is fixed to a rotating shaft of the hydraulic motor of the treadmill belt.

9. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor cable at one end comprises an inductive sensor in communication with a ring having a magnetic outer shell that is fixed to a rotating shaft of the hydraulic motor of the treadmill belt.

10. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic motor is positioned inside a waterproof enclosure.

11. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic motor is made of non-corrosive materials selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, Aluminum, polypropylene and plastic.

12. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first roller and the second roller rotatably mounted on the support rack are movably connected with a gear arrangement of the hydraulic motor configured to rotate the treadmill belt.

13. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydrotherapy treadmill comprises means for supporting the tether in a coiled up state to hang from the hand rail during transport and storage.

14. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body of the treadmill has a footprint of 32 inches46 inches.

15. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rolling cart of the portable power unit comprises a plurality of casters and a handle to maneuver the rolling cart.

16. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rolling cart of the portable power unit comprises a hydraulic fluid reservoir for the hydraulic pump.

17. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic pump is a hydraulic vane pump.

18. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body of the treadmill comprises a plurality of control buttons and safety stop buttons for the user running on the hydrotherapy treadmill.

19. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the treadmill is operated using a plurality of pneumatic air switches and tubing at the treadmill main body.

20. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the treadmill is operated using a blue wireless controller at the treadmill main body.

21. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, comprises a safety feature configured to prevent the hydraulic motor being turned on, if either of the hydraulic input hose and the hydraulic output hose are not connected.

22. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, comprises a sound insulation means configured to decrease noise levels, wherein the sound insulation means is positioned inside the power pack enclosure.

23. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, comprises a plurality of rubber isolators positioned at the mounting points of the hydraulic pump to the base frame to decrease noise levels.

24. The hydrotherapy treadmill as claimed in claim 1, comprises a plurality of switches positioned inside a waterproof enclosure, wherein the plurality of switches are powered by a small battery and are in communication with a control unit via Bluetooth signals.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Having thus described the subject matter of the present invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of the physical layout of the hydrotherapy treadmill in the pool, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of an enclosure of a hydraulic motor of the hydrotherapy treadmill, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic internal view of the hydraulic motor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic view of a sensor mounted on a ring with a magnetic outer shell fixed to the rotating shaft, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic back view of the hydraulic motor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic view of the portable power unit mounted on a rolling cart, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 5B illustrates a schematic cross sectional view of the portable power unit mounted on a rolling cart, and

[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of the folded hydrotherapy treadmill, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The subject matter of the present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The subject matter of the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the subject matter of the present invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that the subject matter of the present invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0043] The term some as used herein is to be understood as none or one or more than one or all. Accordingly, the terms none, one, more than one, more than one, but not all or all would all fall under the definition of some. The term some embodiments may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features. It does not in any way limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0045] More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to includes, comprises, has, consists, and grammatical variants thereof do not specify an exact limitation or restriction and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and furthermore must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with the limiting language must comprise or needs to include.

[0046] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, either way, it may still be referred to as one or more features or one or more elements or at least one feature or at least one element. Furthermore, the use of the terms one or more or at least one feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language such as there needs to be one or more. or one or more element is required.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skills in the art.

[0048] Reference is made herein to some embodiments. It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfill the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

[0049] The present invention provides an improved hydrotherapy treadmill which is submerged inside a pool. The treadmill of the present invention is compact and is provided with a folding provision. There is gearing going from a smaller at the motor to larger at the drive roller, allowing the treadmill to meet torque requirements at a slower speed, using less power and allowing the use of a 120-V power supply.

[0050] Further, the disclosed treadmill is compatible with 120 V power supply where the power unit of the treadmill is placed on a rolling cart which can be easily moved from one location to another at the pool's deck. Hence, it can be easily moved to a place having 120 V power supply. The rolling cart carrying the power unit is in operable communication with the main body of the treadmill via a hydraulic input and output hose.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the treadmill is configured to fold into a portable configuration and a front portion of the base frame comprises at least two wheels configured to maneuver the hydrotherapy treadmill around the pool area.

[0052] The tether is disconnected at the power unit up on the pool deck, coiled up and hangs from the hand rail.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention, the treadmill comprises a plurality of cavities in the treadmill belt and the base frame. The plurality of cavities accommodates a plurality of closed-cell foam pieces configured to increase the buoyancy of the treadmill's main body. The increased buoyancy of the main body of the hydrotherapy treadmill assists in moving out the treadmill out of the water body.

[0054] In an another embodiment, the comprises a plurality of watertight cavities in the treadmill belt and the base frame configured to increase the buoyancy of the treadmill main body.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, the treadmill comprises a tether having the hydraulic input and output hose connected to the treadmill's main body and a sensor cable connected to a processor configured to measure the speed of a user running on the hydrotherapy treadmill. The length of the tether ranges between 20-60 feet. The tether can be coiled up and supported on the treadmill main body. In an example, the sensor is a Hall effect sensor or an inductive sensor. A Hall effect sensor (or simply Hall sensor) is a type of sensor which detects the presence and magnitude of a magnetic field using the Hall effect. The output voltage of a Hall sensor is directly proportional to the strength of the field. Further, the inductive sensor consists of a bar magnet with a soft magnetic pole pin supporting an induction coil with two connections. Every time a ferromagnetic ring gear turns past this sensor, it generates a voltage in the coil which is directly proportional to the periodic variation in the magnetic flux. These sensors help in calculating the speed of the treadmill belt.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor cable at one end comprises a hall effect sensor or an inductive sensor in communication with a ring having a magnetic outer shell that is fixed to a rotating shaft of the hydraulic motor of the treadmill belt.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, the hydraulic motor is positioned inside a waterproof enclosure. Further, the first and second rollers are rotatably mounted on the support rack and are movably connected with a gear arrangement of the hydraulic motor configured to rotate the treadmill belt. There is provided a gear with a smaller diameter at the hydraulic motor shaft and a gear having a larger diameter on a driven roller. The gear ratio can be adjusted by using smaller and larger gears to achieve different torque/speed ratios.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the treadmill has a footprint of 3246. In the folded state, it consumes lesser space as compared to the conventional hydrotherapy treadmills. This facilitates in the easy storage of the treadmill.

[0059] In an embodiment of the present invention, the rolling cart of the portable power unit comprises a plurality of casters and a handle to maneuver the rolling cart around the pool area.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present invention, the rolling cart of the portable power unit comprises a hydraulic fluid reservoir for the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump is a hydraulic vane pump.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the treadmill comprises a plurality of control buttons and safety stop buttons for operating the treadmill speed using pneumatic tubes coupled to the tether, traveling back to the air actuating switches in the control unit.

[0062] In one embodiment, the switches at the treadmill are in a waterproof enclosure, powered by a small battery and communicate with the control unit via Bluetooth signals.

[0063] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of the physical layout of the hydrotherapy treadmill in the pool. This figure shows the hydrotherapy treadmill 100 placed inside a water body 170. The hydrotherapy treadmill 100 is having a treadmill main body including a treadmill belt 160, submerged in the water body 170, mounted on a support rack having first and second longitudinal side rails 150. Further, the figure shows a base frame configured to mount the support rack and the treadmill belt 160. The first and second rollers (not shown in figure) are rotatably mounted on the support rack and positioned between and substantially perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal side rails. The treadmill belt 160 is an endless belt mounted around and extends between said first and second rollers for rotation therewith. Further, FIG. 1 shows a transmission system which comprises an electrically powered hydraulic pump 130, wherein the electrically powered hydraulic pump 130 rotates a hydraulic motor 180 of the treadmill belt 160 via a hydraulic input and output hose 120 connected to the treadmill main body at one end. The hydraulic pump 130 is powered by plugging, into a 120-volt power supply, a cord of a portable power unit mounted on a rolling cart 140.

[0064] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of an enclosure of a hydraulic motor 180 of the hydrotherapy treadmill 100. It shows a waterproof enclosure 210 of the hydraulic motor 180. Further, it shows the hydraulic pump 130 in communication with a drive shaft 220 which is sealed by a shaft seal 230. The figure also shows a hydraulic input and output hose 120 connected to the treadmill's main body at one end and a speed. Also, there is provided a sensor cable 110 connected to a processor configured to measure the speed of a user running on the hydrotherapy treadmill 100. In an example, the sensor cable is connected to a hall effect sensor or an inductive sensor.

[0065] In one embodiment, the hydraulic motor is constructed of non-corrosive materials such as stainless steel, Aluminum, polypropylene and plastic and does not require a waterproof enclosure.

[0066] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic view of the hydraulic motor 180. It shows a gearing going from a smaller 330 at the hydraulic motor 180 to larger 320 at the drive roller, allowing the treadmill to meet torque requirements at a slower speed, using less power and allowing the use of a 120-V power supply.

[0067] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic view of the sensor 310 mounted on a ring with a magnetic outer shell fixed to the rotating shaft. The sensor 310 mounted on the ring fixed to the rotating shaft measures the speed of the treadmill belt 160, and communicates the same to a user interface. In one embodiment, the sensor 310 is packaged in its own waterproof enclosure. In an example, the sensor 310 is a hall effect sensor or an inductive sensor.

[0068] In an example, the hall effect sensor or the inductive sensor is connected to a 4-5 Volt power supply interfacing with an Arduino board housed in a portable power unit that is mounted on a rolling cart. The power would come from the Arduino board and travel through a cable tethered to the hoses and returns with the signal from the sensor. The Arduino board is in communication with an user interface electronic device, e.g., a laptop. The Arduino board may be customized anytime as per the requirement.

[0069] In an example, there is provided a hydraulic flow meter which is positioned outside the hydraulic piping. The hydraulic flow meter comprises a transmitter configured to provide output to an interface, wherein the interface could be an Arduino board which is in communication with an user interface electronic device, e.g., laptop.

[0070] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of an enclosure of a hydraulic motor 180. The hydraulic motor 108 provides the torque that is required to drive the treadmill rollers and move the surface of the treadmill belt 160 at a desired speed. The hydraulic motor 180 is powered by a hydraulic pump 130, which is typically housed up and out of the pool to avoid proximity to the water for safety purposes. Moreover, the hydraulic motor 180 is positioned inside a waterproof enclosure 210.

[0071] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic view of the portable power unit mounted on a rolling cart 140, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The portable power unit corresponds to a portable power unit that is mounted on a rolling cart 140 and is used to power the hydraulic pump 130 that drives the hydraulic motor 180 of the treadmill, allowing it to operate in the water body 170. As a result, the portable power unit on a rolling cart 140 provides a versatile and convenient power source for hydrotherapy treadmills, allowing them to be used in a variety of locations and settings. The rolling cart 140 further comprises a handle 140 and casters 420 which facilitates a user to easily move the rolling cart 140 from one place to another on the pool deck. Also, there is provided a hydraulic fluid reservoir 460 for supplying the operating fluid to the portable power unit which powers the hydrotherapy treadmill 100. The electric controls 410 provide controls for operating the portable power unit. The inlet-outlet 440 provides connects the input-output hoses 120 to the portable power unit. Further, there is provided a proportional control valve 450 for controlling the various flows of the fluid in the system, and a plurality of pneumatic air control tube connections 470 for regulating the air flow.

[0072] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5B illustrates a schematic cross sectional view of the portable power unit mounted on a rolling cart 140. An electrical circuit 510 is built into the tether and enclosure connection such that when the hydraulic hoses 120 are connected, the circuit 510 is closed and the hydraulic motor 180 can be turned on. When either of the hydraulic hoses 120 is not connected, if the circuit 510 is open, the hydraulic motor 180 cannot be turned on. This prevents a buildup of pressure in the hydraulic line inside the power pack and causes the current draw to increase. The flow through the outbound and inbound tether allows the hydraulic pressure and current draw to remain at normal levels including full bypass or (stopped mode). The circuit is only a few inches long traveling back on the tether, just enough to loop back on the other line. The circuit 510 inside the power unit leads back to the controls. Further, the figure shows a circuit 520 which is directed to the controls of the power unit.

[0073] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of the folded hydrotherapy treadmill 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The folded hydrotherapy treadmill is a compact and versatile device that offers many benefits for individuals who need aquatic therapy. It is designed to provide a low-impact, high-resistance workout that can help improve cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and balance while minimizing stress on the joints. The device is easy to set up, adjust, and use, and can be folded for convenient storage and transportation. It also comes with various features such as adjustable water flow, speed, and temperature, making it customizable to meet the specific needs of different users. The folded hydrotherapy treadmill 100 is a versatile and practical tool for aquatic therapy and rehabilitation, allowing for safe and effective exercise in a limited space. The treadmill comprises a plurality of cavities in the treadmill belt and the base frame, wherein the plurality of cavities accommodates a plurality of closed cell foam pieces 620 configured to increase the buoyancy of the treadmill's main body. This helps in removing the treadmill from the pool easily with lesser effort as the closed cell foam piece 620 adds extra buoyancy to the treadmill's main body. A front portion of the base frame 610 comprises at least two wheels 420 configured to maneuver the hydrotherapy treadmill 100.

[0074] The utility model has the advantages that the structure is simple and the installation is convenient. Because the hydraulic motor is used for transmission, the underwater mechanical operation part has no electrical contact, which is safe and reliable. In one embodiment, a variable frequency motor controls the speed of the hydraulic vane pump to adjust the running speed smoothly and evenly. The use of hydraulic vane pumps greatly reduces the noise of conventional oil pumps, making the user more comfortable. Mechanical seals are used to protect the bearings, extending their life of the bearings while ensuring that the lubricant does not leak and does not contaminate the water.

[0075] The current design uses an AC motor with a 24-volt proportional control valve that adjusts the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing to the hydraulic motor or bypassing it back to the tank to control speed. There are other types of speed control valves that could possibly be used.

[0076] The hydraulic motor is loud, hence the present invention uses sound insulated power pack unit from the inside to reduce noise. While this is a safety factor in terms of hydraulic fluid leakage, it is economical to use non-corrosive materials and eliminate the waterproof enclosure. This also takes away the failure risk of a leaking enclosure.

[0077] Some of the non-limiting advantages of the present invention include: [0078] 1. Compatible with 120 V power supply. Hence, consumes less energy [0079] 2. Light weight and consumes less space [0080] 3. Less expensive [0081] 4. Requires a lesser number of people for installing and removing from a pool [0082] 5. Works with mobile power pack [0083] 6. User friendly

[0084] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term including should be read as mean including, without limitation or the like; the term example is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and adjectives such as conventional, traditional, standard, known and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction and should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as and/or unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction or should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as and/or unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although item, elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as one or more, at least, but not limited to or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.

[0085] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of those skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, patent, and other reference was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. It will be understood that, although a number of patent applications, patents, and other references are referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms part of the common general knowledge in the art. Although the foregoing subject matter has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.