Physical Training and Activity Center for Children

Abstract

The present invention is a physical training device for a person and relates to developmental activity centers with treadmills. The physical training device includes a treadmill base, an activity center, and a control means. The invention has an optional stationary or portable feature and is more effective in permitting safe and controlled walking development. In addition, the physical training device includes a variety of stimulating devices that improves both physical skills and cognitive skills by use of the invention.

1 . A physical training device for a person, comprising:
 a treadmill base having a floor support means, an enclosure, and a top surface, a treadmill mechanism housed within the enclosure and including an electric motor, a power means, at least two rollers having substantially parallel longitudinal axes, at least one roller being mechanically and rotationally coupled to the electric motor, and a treadmill belt engaged with each roller such that the electric motor may cause the treadmill belt to rotate around the rollers, at least a portion of the treadmill belt traversing the top surface of the treadmill base;   an activity center comprising an activity center supporting means adapted to support an activity tray above the treadmill base, a seat means having a seat adapted for suspending the person over the treadmill belt through a central aperture in the activity tray, the supporting means including a height adjustment means for adjusting the height of the seat over the treadmill belt; and   a control means electrically connected to the power means and the electric motor, the control means having a power switch means and a speed control means, the speed control means adapted to control the speed of the electric motor when the power switch means is in an “on” position.   
   
   
       2 . The physical training device of  claim 1  wherein the floor support means is a plurality of lockable casters. 
   
   
       3 . The physical training device of  claim 1  wherein the activity center supporting means is a plurality of rigid support legs, each support leg having a telescoping height adjustment pin and apertures therein for telescopically adjusting the height of each support leg. 
   
   
       4 . The physical training device of  claim 1  wherein the activity center further includes a seat spring support disposed between the activity tray and the seat means, the seat spring support biasing the seat means to a preferred relative position with respect to the activity tray. 
   
   
       5 . The physical training device of  claim 1  wherein the control means further includes at least one movement sensor fixed above the treadmill belt and adapted to detect motion of the person's legs when seated in the seat means, the control means activating the electric motor in response thereto. 
   
   
       6 . The physical training device of  claim 1  wherein the seat is rotationally captured within the aperture of the activity tray. 
   
   
       7 . The physical training device of  claim 1  wherein the activity tray further includes a pair of arm supports. 
   
   
       8 . The physical training device of  claim 1  wherein the activity tray further includes a walking support rail fixed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of rollers. 
   
   
       9 . The physical training device of  claim 1  wherein the activity tray further includes at least one activity mount adapted for selective removable attachment of one of a plurality of activity toys. 
   
   
       10 . The physical training device of  claim 1  wherein the control means is fixed to a control tray fixed to the activity center supporting means, the control tray further including a cup holder. 
   
   
       11 . The physical training device of  claim 1  wherein the control means further includes a sound recording and playback device, whereby the person may be encouraged by playback of an audible encouraging sound. 
   
   
       12 . The physical training device of  claim 1  wherein the control means further includes a safety switch connected to a safety key, whereby if the safety key is removed from the safety switch power is disconnected from the electric motor. 
   
   
       13 . The physical training device of  claim 2  wherein the treadmill base further includes a handle on one side thereof, whereby the one side may be lifted by the handle and rolled on at least two of the casters. 
   
   
       14 . The physical training device of  claim 1  wherein the power means is a retractable electric cord. 
   
   
       15 . The physical training device of  claim 1  wherein the power means is a battery.