Rocker arm for an electric treadmill

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a rocker arm for an electric treadmill, and more particularly, to a device which adjusts to the curvature of the natural swing of the arms of the treadmill's user and, therefore, makes a synchronic movement.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Many commercially available electric treadmills are provided with two rocker arms swingable backward and forward along with both arms of the operator and fitted to an upright frame, a base frame or a handrail. Even, a resistant element is added to the rocker arms so that the operator can exercise the arm muscle while walking. These disclosures can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,586, 5,527,245, 5,688,209, 5,431,612, 5,207,622, 5,860,894, 5,709,632.

[0006] The rocker arms of the above-mentioned disclosures are swung in parabolic form since they are composed of a single element in combination with.a single pivotal point. This point is evidently contrary to the natural exercise mode of the human body so that the user feels uncomfortably during the exercise session when he holds the rocker arms.

[0007] It is a primary object of the present invention to remove the above-mentioned drawbacks and to provide a rocker arm for an electric treadmill whose movement path corresponds to the natural swing curvature of the user's hands in order to reach the expected exercise effect.

[0008] It's another object of the present invention to provide a rocker arm for an electric treadmill which is provided with a resistance element (e.g. balance weight, small-type hydraulic cylinder unit, etc.) in order to make full use of the rocker arms.

[0009] The accomplishment of this and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and its accompanying drawings of which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of FIG. 3.

[0014] First of all, referring to FIG. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of the present invention fixed to the main frame of the electric treadmill 10 includes an upright frame 12, a base frame 14, a front supporting leg 16 and a rear supporting leg 18. A console 18 is mounted on the upright frame 12, and a handrail 22 is fitted to either side thereof. A continuous belt (not shown) circles therearound for an in-place rotation. In addition, two rocker arms 20 fitted to the upright frame 12 can be held by both hands of a user for a forward and backward swinging movement. Each of both rocker arms 30 with identical construction includes a connecting rod 32 and a holding swing arm 34 with a handle 36. The bottom end of the connecting rod 32 is pivotally connected to the upright frame 12 by means of a pivot 24 while the top end of the connecting rod 32 is pivotally connected to the holding swing arm 34 as well.

[0015] The movement path of the side frame 30 is able to correspond to the natural swing curvature of the both hands of the operator by means of the pivotal connection of the connecting rod 32 and the holding swing arm 34.

[0016] At least a counterweight (not shown) can be hung on the holding swing arm 34 or the handle 36 to create an exercise resistance for hardening the arm muscles.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a small-type hydraulic cylinder 40 is fitted to both rocker arms 30 to create another exercise resistance. An extension post 38 is pivotably connected between the connecting rod 32 and a shaft 42 of the hydraulic cylinder 40. Meanwhile, the bottom end of the hydraulic cylinder 40 is pivotably connected to the upright frame 12. Accordingly, an expected exercise resistance is attainable when the connecting rod 32 turns on the pivot 24.

[0018] Many changes and modifications in the above-described embodiments of the invention can, of course, be carried out without departing from the scope thereof. Accordingly, to promote the progress in science and the useful arts, the invention is disclosed and is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.