Treadmill Cross Training Conversion

Abstract

This device comprises two upward extending arms and mounting brackets which attach to the handrails of any treadmill and afford the user an opportunity to exercise the upper body in an action similar to cross country skiing.

1 . A cross training device comprising two upward extending arms with mounting brackets that attach to the handrails of a treadmill whereby a user may experience upper body exercise similar to cross country skiing while using the treadmill. 
     
     
         2 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein said mounting brackets have universal means to attach to existing treadmills or to new treadmills being manufactured. 
     
     
         3 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein the arms and brackets for both handrails are the same, one being merely reversed in position to the other. 
     
     
         4 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein said brackets are mounted to said handrails with bolts, some of which fit within slots in said brackets, whereby the location of the bolts may be adjusted horizontally to fit different sizes and shapes of handrails. 
     
     
         5 . A cross training device of  claim 4  wherein said bolts are long enough to enable vertical adjustment of the attachment to accommodate different sizes and shapes of handrails. 
     
     
         6 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein said brackets are mounted to said handrails with straps and ratchet type buckles, whereby the attachment mechanisms may be adjusted to fit different sizes and shapes of handrails. 
     
     
         7 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein said brackets are mounted to said handrails with screw-type clamps, whereby the attachment mechanisms may be adjusted to fit different sizes and shapes of handrails. 
     
     
         8 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein said brackets are mounted to said handrails with spring-type clamps, whereby the attachment mechanisms may be adjusted to fit different sizes and shapes of handrails. 
     
     
         9 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein the two mounting brackets are attached to each other to form a strut, whereby providing considerable lateral stability of the brackets. 
     
     
         10 . A cross training device of  claim 9  wherein said strut formed between two brackets may have bends, whereby greater clearance is provided for movement of a user's knees and legs. 
     
     
         11 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein the two mounting brackets are not attached to each other, whereby each bracket is attached to a handrail independently. 
     
     
         12 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein a horizontal handle is attached to the upper end of each arm. 
     
     
         13 . A cross training device of  claim 12  wherein said horizontal handle comprises a bolt within a sleeve, said bolt engaged in a threaded hole in said arm. 
     
     
         14 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein said brackets are mounted on the outside of the handrails and said arms have compound bends, whereby the upper ends of said arms are positioned between the handrails of said treadmill in a more natural and comfortable position for the user. 
     
     
         15 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein said brackets are mounted on the side of the handrails toward the center of the treadmill, whereby straight arms, i.e., with no bends, have their upper ends in a natural and comfortable position for a user. 
     
     
         16 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein each arm is bolted to a mounting bracket with a locking nut and two pairs of specially designed flat washers, each washer having a wearing surface on one side and a nub on the other side. 
     
     
         17 . A cross training device of  claim 16  wherein all of said washers are of the same design, whereby the same washer will fit in all locations. 
     
     
         18 . A cross training device of  claim 16  wherein said nubs are of predetermined size to fit within recesses of predetermined size in adjoining parts, whereby constraining slippage and wear except at said washer's wearing surfaces. 
     
     
         19 . A cross training device of  claim 16  wherein said wearing surface is textured or roughened and may have a light lubricant applied, whereby frictional resistance qualities of the parts wearing against each other are enhanced. 
     
     
         20 . A cross training device of  claim 12  wherein said washers are made of metal or tough, durable plastic, whereby said washers will wear slowly and move smoothly as frictional resistance is increased through compression caused by tightening of the locking nut.