# US 11,305,152 B2 · Apparatus for human gait manipulation

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- Number: US 11,305,152 B2
- Document ID: US11305152B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 17/354,192
- Filed: 2021-06-22
- Published: 2021-10-07
- Granted: 2022-04-19
- Earliest claimed: 2020-03-18
- Assignees: King Abdulaziz University
- Applicants: King Abdulaziz University
- Inventors: Nazeeh Alothmany; Ehab Hafiz Wali; Abdulhameed Alkhateeb; Umar Alabasi; Mirza Pasovic
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11305152B2

## CPC

- A63B 22/0285: {Physical characteristics of the belt, e.g. material, surface, indicia}
- A61B 5/1038: {Measuring plantar pressure during gait}
- A61B 5/6807: {Footwear}
- A61B 5/6895: {Sport equipment}
- A63B 5/22: Foot obstacles for skipping {, e.g. horizontally-rotating obstacles}
- A63B 21/00181: {comprising additional means assisting the user to overcome part of the resisting force, i.e. assisted-active exercising}
- A63B 21/00192: {using resistance provided by magnetic means (A63B21/005 takes precedence)}
- A63B 22/02: with movable endless bands {, e.g. treadmills (other training appliances for running on the spot A63B69/0028)}
- A63B 24/0062: {Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance}
- A63B 24/0087: {Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load}
- A61B 5/1116: {Determining posture transitions}
- A61B 5/112: {Gait analysis}
- A63B 69/0053: {Apparatus generating random stimulus signals for reaction-time training involving a substantial physical effort}
- A63B 2022/0092: {for training agility or co-ordination of movements}
- A63B 2022/0094: {for active rehabilitation, e.g. slow motion devices}
- A63B 2024/0093: {the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed}
- A63B 2071/0683: {Input by handheld remote control}
- A63B 2209/10: with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener
- A63B 2220/13: Relative positions
- A63B 2220/833: Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
- A63B 2220/89: Field sensors, e.g. radar systems
- A63B 2225/09: Adjustable dimensions
- A63B 2225/20: with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
- A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H)
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)

## Abstract

A treadmill may be configured for gait training and/or therapy with attachable/detachable barriers affixable to a belt and/or with a vertical obstacle module and/or with sensor systems, but without requiring hoists, harnesses, attachments to the treadmill or base, or frame, and/or excessively high treadmill frames, such as those that exceed the height of the person on the treadmill. The barriers on the belt are configured to modify movement of only one foot of a person on the treadmill. The treadmill may use a single, integral belt. Methods of gait training and/or therapy may involve such treadmills without excessive expense and without excessive modification of standard treadmill equipment.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An apparatus for human gait manipulation, comprising:
a treadmill belt configured to travel within a hollow treadmill frame upon rotating elements having axes perpendicular to a direction of the travel;
a first barrier; and
a second barrier,
a third barrier, and
an external mechanical obstacle module comprising an extendable/retractable rod-shaped obstacle,
wherein the first, second and third barriers are equidistantly positioned along a length of the treadmill belt
wherein the extendable/retractable rod-shaped obstacle is configured to extend lengthwise perpendicular to a first and second lengthwise edge of the treadmill belt across no more than 60% of the width of the treadmill belt of the apparatus from the external mechanical obstacle module,
wherein the first, second and third barriers are arranged on the top surface of the treadmill belt between the first lengthwise edge and the second lengthwise edge of the treadmill belt,
wherein the first, second and third barriers are reversibly fastened to the treadmill belt and are interchangeably positionable along the first lengthwise edge and the second lengthwise edge of the treadmill belt,
wherein the first, second and third barriers extend no more than 75% of a width between the first and second lengthwise edge,
wherein the first, second and third barriers on the treadmill belt are configured to modify movement of only one foot of a person on the apparatus, and
wherein a distance between the first lengthwise edge and the second lengthwise edge of the treadmill belt defines the width of the treadmill belt.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, configured to have no physical connection between the person on the apparatus and the hollow treadmill frame.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the external mechanical obstacle module is positioned adjacent the treadmill belt such that the extendable/retractable rod-shaped obstacle is extendable vertically above the treadmill belt.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first, second and third barrier are in the form of triangular and/or rectangular prisms.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the treadmill belt comprises the first, second and third barriers on only one half of the width of the treadmill belt from a center of the treadmill belt.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first, second and third barriers are driven only by the treadmill belt in operation.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first, second and third barriers is mirror-symmetric in at least two planes bisecting the respective barrier.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first, second and third barriers are made of a material comprising a polyurethane foam.