Treadmill with uneven nonuniform surface

• US 20070060451A1
• Filed: 09/01/2006
• Published: 03/15/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/12/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Scott Lucas
• Original Assignee: Scott Lucas
• Inventors: Lucas, Scott
• Application Number:
  US11/515,488
• Publication Number:
  US 20070060451A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/54
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1261 combined with active exercising of the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1284 using own weight
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1695 Enhanced pressure effect, e.g. substantially sharp projections, needles or pyramids
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2203/0406 Standing on the feet
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 7/001 without substantial movement between the skin and the device
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0054 for charging a battery
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0023 the inclination of the main axis of the movement path being adjustable, e.g. the inclination of an endless band
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/02 with movable endless bands , e.g. treadmills other training appliances for running on the spot A63B69/0028
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0285 Physical characteristics of the belt, e.g. material, surface, indicia
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/62 Inflatable

Abstract

The present invention discloses a dynamic massaging device coupled to an exercise apparatus. This unique system allows users to increase the amount of physical activity in their daily lives while simultaneously stimulating the natural ability of the body to heal itself through induced relaxation and decreased stress. The device provides for an adjustable walking surface. The walking surface contains a belt or mat which in turn support a variety of small protruding elements from the surface. Both the belt and protruding elements on the belt are adjustable to provide different walking environments. The purpose of the belt and various mechanisms located on the belt are ultimately to change the location of the protruding elements over time. The purpose of the protruding elements are to cause a depression in some part of the body, particularly the feet. These elements are adjustable in that they can be changed between sessions of use or during sessions of use to provide varied sensations.

Claims

1. A walking platform designed to replicate a cobblestone walking path comprising:

a structural frame;

a pair of rollers hinged at opposite ends of the structural frame;

a belt, the belt capable of revolving around the pair of rollers; and

an outer surface of the belt comprising a plurality of protrusions.

2. The walking platform of claim 1, one end of the structural frame capable of being elevated to form a pitch from zero to sixty degrees in relation to ground.

3. The walking platform of claim 1, wherein the pair of rollers are driven manually or mechanically by a power source that is internal or external.

4. The walking platform of claim 1, wherein the belt contacts with or contains a vibrating mechanism.

5. The walking platform of claim 1, wherein the belt contains multiple distinct areas, each of the distinct areas capable of independently moving in different directions, possibly contradictory to each other.

6. The walking platform of claim 1, wherein the belt further comprises a layer of nonsolid material, which may be directly adjacent to the outer surface.

7. The walking platform of claim 1, wherein the protrusions of the outer surface are caused by propulsion of nonsolid material.

8. The walking platform of claim 1, wherein the protrusions of the outer surface being regular or irregular in size and shape and shore.

9. The walking platform of claim 1, wherein the protrusions of the outer surface being constructed wholly or partially of at least one of the following materials:

metal, stone, tile, cement, brick, mineral, plastic, rubber, fiber, gas or liquid.

10. The walking platform of claim 1, wherein the protrusions of the outer surface are randomized in location or arranged in a premeditated pattern.

11. The walking platform of claim 1, wherein the protrusions of the outer surface are capable of changing size through swelling, inflation or mechanical differentiation.

12. A massaging device comprising:

a structural frame;

the frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end;

a platform connecting the first end and the second end of the structural frame;

a cobblestone mat adjustably mounted between the first end and the second end of the structural frame; and

a means for attaching the cobblestone mat to the frame.

13. The massaging device of claim 12, wherein the means for attaching the cobblestone mat to the frame is a pair of rollers, one roller located at each end of the structural frame.

14. The massaging device of claim 12, wherein the cobblestone mat is divided into multiple distinct areas, each of the distinct areas capable of independently moving in different directions, possibly contradictory to each other.

15. The massaging device of claim 13, wherein the cobblestone mat contacts with or contains a vibrating mechanism.

16. The method of utilizing the massaging device of claim 12, the method comprising:

selecting an anatomical area to contact with the mat;

positioning the selected anatomical area in contact with the mat;

actuating the mat; and

sensing the effects of the mat on the selected anatomical area.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the selected anatomical area comprises at least one of the following:

digit, limb, hand, foot, head, buttock, back or abdomen.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the selected anatomical area is the foot, further comprising the step of commencing ambulation once the foot has been positioned on the massaging device.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the ambulation may occur in a forward, backward or sideways direction.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the actuating is accomplished manually or mechanically by a power source that is internal or external.