US 5,100,127 A · Physical exercise treadmill for quadrupeds

Abstract

For the training, exercise, scientific study, and monitoring of quadrupeds in general, and for particular utilization with thoroughbred racehorses, a movable physical exercise treadmill having a tripartite frame including a first elongated main frame for disposition on a floor surface; a second intermediate inclinable frame positioned on the main frame; and a third conveyor belt supporting frame contained within and supported by the second frame. A system is provided for inclining the second frame, and also for pivoting, along a longitudinal axis, the third frame with respect to the second frame. A generally longitudinal endless belt is slidably supported within the third frame and moves about transversely-extending rollers, and the quadruped's exercise occurs on a topmost movable belt surface. A load support shock-absorbing system located generally within and supported by the third frame and beneath the topmost belt surface includes a slider impact bed with layered, rearrangeable impact absorption members placed thereon. The treadmill includes a vertically-extending mast, removably and pivotally attachable to the second frame. Attached to the mast is a load cell actuating system. The load cell system is interactively attached to the quadruped by a flexible sling. In addition, a separate automatic load sensing system provides, within a belt drive system, a resistive, breaking effect if the quadruped overdrives the belt drive system, both the belt drive system and the automatic load sensing system being components of a motor unit. An impact pressure sensing system registers the amount of pressure the quadruped exerts on the belt during training and exercising sessions. An emergency panic system and a plurality of rail-mounted safety sensor means are safety features that, when actuated, can signal motor unit controlled decelerative shutdown if the quadruped exceeds predetermined lateral and forward-to-rearward safety limits.

Claims43

Dependent claims

A physical exercise treadmill apparatus for the general training and exercise of quadrupeds, with particular utilization for thoroughbred racehorses, comprising:

a tripartite frame structure having an entry end and an exit end and including a first rigid elongated frame for location on a stationary surface, a second rigid elongated frame secured on the first frame and selectively inclinable relative to the first frame, a third rigid elongated frame normally disposed within the second frame and adapted to be pivoted, along a longitudinal axis, relative to the second frame;
first and second rollers at opposite ends of the third frame;
an endless belt slidably supported for generally longitudinal movement about the rollers within the third frame and having a topmost belt surface disposed substantially the full length and width of the third frame;
a main motor means for continuously driving the belt further including a belt drive system adapted for selective shutdown;
an auxiliary motor means for selectively actuating the inclining of the second frame;
and
a load support shock-absorbing means disposed within the third frame and intermediate the rollers.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Physical exercise treadmill for quadrupeds

Life of this patent

Physical exercise treadmill for quadrupeds

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims43