[0001] The present invention relates to an electric running machine.
[0002] The prior art embraces running machines of the type comprising a variable-gradient
rotating platform, a console incorporating a keyboard and a numerical display, and
a remote control by means of which to shut off the platform drive in case of emergency.
Such machines are used by health enthusiasts, as well as for physiotherapy and general
medical or training purposes.
[0003] Machines of the type in question are nonetheless beset by drawbacks, particularly
when medical or training requirements are of a professional order. More exactly, whilst
the machine effects a count of the distance covered, or of a set time, the count is
started at the moment the platform begins to rotate, and thus comprises the time needed
by the machine to accelerate to the point at which the selected operating parameters,
e.g. platform speed and gradient, become steady.
[0004] A further drawback with the conventional machines in question is the impossibility
of conducting specific medical/training tests that require the simulation of a particular
distance with variable speed and gradient parameters.
[0005] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above drawbacks, and in particular
to enable counting off a given time and distance, starting from the moment when an
individual begins running or walking with the platform already turning at steady speed.
[0006] A further object of the invention is to enable the execution of a cycle of linked
programs each with its own parameters, so as to simulate particular runs, and of a
'rest' program, in the event that the heart rate of the runner or walker rises above
a certain threshold; also, to comprise a self-test system whereby any anomalous or
erratic operating conditions can be readily identified, or even prevented.
[0007] The stated objects are comprehensively realized in a running machine as characterized
in the appended claims, which comprises a microprocessor controlled electronic circuit
board designed to commence the execution of a plurality of linked programs the instant
that an individual begins running on the platform, each with its own respective parameters
entered by way of a keyboard, and to implement a 'rest' program in the event that
the heart rate of the individual training or exercising should rise beyond a selected
reference threshold.
[0008] The invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, with the aid of
the accompanying drawings, in which:
- figs 1, 2 and 3 are block diagrams illustrating the design and operation of the electronic
part of the machine;
- fig 4 is a side elevation of the machine.
[0009] With reference to fig 1 and fig 4 of the drawings, 1 denotes rotating belt or platform
loop driven by a motor 3 and comprising a capacitive dispersion type sensor 2 designed
to pick up the footfalls of an individual 8 walking or running on the surface. The
machine also comprises a handrail 16 on which the individual can lay hold or lean,
a keyboard console 15 through which the machine is controlled a stop button 17 by
means of which the belt 1 can be instantly shut off, and a tilt mechanism 18 by means
of which the running surface can be elevated through an angled from horizontal to
25% gradient. Further manual controls are provided, located in the area of the stop
button 17, by means of which to increase or decrease the speed and gradient of the
platform.
[0010] The sensor 2 is wired into a microchip controlled electronic circuit board 4 that
monitors the pace of the indivudual, and the time and distance run (or to be run).
[0011] 11 denotes an enabling signal for the time and distance count, which is directed
together with the signal from the sensor 2 into two AND circuits 7 of which the outputs
are directed into two modules 19 and 20 counting time and distance, respectively.
12 denotes the enabling signal for a pace meter, which is directed together with the
signal from the sensor 2 into a further AND circuit 7 of which the output is directed
into a module 26 counting the number of footfalls per unit of time.
[0012] 5 denotes a display board connected to the control board 4, which comprises a plurality
of displays 6 indicating, for example, paces per minute, the time elapsed (hours,
minutes, seconds), and the distance covered (km).
[0013] The control board is connected to the console 15, and more exactly to a button (not
illustrated) that is used to start the countdown from a previously entered time or
distance to be matched or covered, departing from the moment when the individual begins
running or walking on the belt with steady operating parameters established.
[0014] 21 denotes a further module controlling the drive system, which is in receipt of
an input signal 23 reflecting a selected speed, and pilots the power board 22 of the
motor.
[0015] Referring now to fig 2 of the drawings, 9 denotes a transmitter of electric pulses,
corresponding to the heartbeat of the individual, which are carried through the ether
by interferometric signals. The transmitter is attached to a chest band fitted with
electrodes and worn by the individual.
[0016] 10 denotes a receiver of the transmitted pulses, which enables the control board
4 to calculate the individual's heart rate and relay the result to one of the displays
6; the calculated rate is also set against a previously selected reference threshold
rate by a comparator 13 forming part of the control board 4. In the event that the
calculated rate is lower than the reference, the system will implement a selected
program 24, reflecting a given speed and gradient of the belt 1.
[0017] By contrast, if the calculated rate is equal to or greater than the reference rate,
the system will implement an alternative, or 'rest' program 25 in which speed and
gradient parameters less demanding than those of the selected program; similarly,
the alternative program could be one designed to shut off the drive altogether.
[0018] Once the monitored heart rate returns to normal, i.e. lower than the reference, the
control board 4 will cease execution of the alternative program 25 and resume the
selected program 24 from the exact point when interruption occurred, continuing until
the remaining time has elapsed (or the distance has been covered) and subtracting
the additional time (or distance) attributable to the rest program.
[0019] The facility of switching programs automatically in response to monitored heart rate
can be selected or deselected by way of a signal 14 directed into the respective AND
circuits together with the output from the comparator 13.
[0020] With reference to fig 3, the keyboard console 15 mounted at the front end of the
platform permits of selecting programs to be displayed or executed by depressing number
keys that correspond to numerical identification codes for the respective programs.
[0021] Programs are stored in the memory of the control board 4 and can be modified, including
the 'rest' program, simply by entering new speed, gradient and time or distance parameters
as desired.
[0022] Specifications can also be entered when programming in respect of an identification
code for a linked program sequence.
[0023] More exactly, as the selected program (containing a call instruction) is terminated,
the linked program (subject of the call instruction), if any, will be loaded automatically
and executed.
[0024] By this expedient, it becomes possible to execute a plurality of programs in succession,
to the end of simulating a particular run, characterized, for example, by variable
speed and gradient parameters. In the example illustrated, the linked program with
identification code "0" is a shut-off command. The control board 4 is also designed
to display the error codes relative to any anomalous or faulty situation that may
arise during operation of the machine, for example, imbalance or instability in the
power supply, overheating of the motor, lack of adequate lubrication at the platform,
incorrect speed feedback from the motor; in such instances, the error will shut off
the drive automatically.
[0025] The control board might also be RS232C-interfaced to an external CPU or personal
computer to enable in-depth processing of data relative to programs currently being
executed, and to the corresponding parameters.
1. An electric running machine, of the type comprising a variable-gradient rotating belt
or platform (1) driven by an electric motor (3), and a console with keyboard (15)
and displays (6),
characterized
in that it comprises:
- a microprocessor-controlled electronic circuit board (4) programmable by way of
the keyboard (15), connected to the displays (6) and to a button of the keyboard serving
to trigger a countdown from a selected time or distance that commences at the instant
when an individual (8) begins running on the platform, and designed to enable the
execution of a plurality of different programs linked in sequence, each with its own
respective platform speed and gradient parameters and selected running time (or distance),
capable together of simulating runs selected typically for medical tests and training
routines;
- a comparator (13), constituting a component of the control board (4), by which the
heart rate of the individual (8) is monitored and compared to a previously entered
reference rate to the end of implementing an alternative, or 'rest' program (25) of
which the speed and gradient parameters are different to those of the selected program
(24).
2. An electric running machine as in claim 1, wherein the control board (4), when programming
from the keyboard, is designed to link each program selected (calling program) to
a further program (program called) the execution of which occurs automatically on
completion of the calling program, in such a way as to enable execution of a cycle
of programs.
3. An electric running machine as in claim 1, further comprising a transmitter (9), attached
to a chest band with electrodes worn by the individual (8) running or walking on the
platform (1), by which heartbeat pulses are transmitted through the ether utilizing
interferometric signals.
4. An electric running machine as in claim 1, wherein any anomalous or faulty situation
that may arise during operation of the machine causes a relative error code to be
shown in the displays (6) by the control board (4), and automatically shuts off the
platform (1).
5. An electric running machine as in claim 1, wherein the control board (4) can be interfaced
with an external CPU or personal computer.