Treadmill Cross Training Conversion

Abstract

This device comprises two upward extending arms and adjustable mounting brackets that can be attached independently to the handrails of most treadmills and affords users 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 which attach independently to the two handrails of a treadmill, one on the inside of the left handrail and the other on the inside of the right handrail, each said arm having an adjustable mounting bracket that fits a variety of handrail cross sectional shapes and sizes—for example, round, rectangular, or oval in shape and from approximately one inch to several inches in maximum dimension, thus giving this device the capability to fit most types and brands of treadmills and affording users an opportunity for upper body exercise similar to cross country skiing. 
     
     
         2 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein said mounting bracket is bolted to said handrail with bolts which may be varied in length to accommodate handrails of different size, said bolts passing through holes provided in said handrail and through matching holes in said bracket and being secured with nuts on their ends. 
     
     
         3 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein said bracket has an attached upper horizontal member with a flat surface and having a pattern of bolt holes consisting of a round hole and a slotted hole, said bracket also having an opposing lower unattached flat member of similar size and shape with a matching pattern of bolt holes, through which holes bolts are installed in a position to rest against each side of said handrail, one of said bolts extending through the round holes of said upper and lower members on one side of said handrail and one of said bolts extending through the slotted holes in said upper and lower members on the opposite side of said handrail, said slotted holes providing for horizontal adjustment of said bolt location to accommodate handrails of different cross sectional widths, and variation of said bolts' lengths providing for vertical adjustment of the distance between said upper and lower flanges to accommodate handrails of different cross sectional depths, thus providing the capability to hold any handrail securely regardless of cross sectional shape and size. 
     
     
         4 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein said bracket is mounted to said handrail with a strap and ratchet-type buckle whereby the strap which surrounds said handrail can be adjusted in length to fit handrails of different cross sectional size and shape. 
     
     
         5 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein said bracket has upper and lower flat flanges and a threaded rod with a nut which comprise a clamping mechanism that can be adjusted to fit handrails of different shapes and sizes, said rod being installed vertically within a slot in the lower flange which enables it to be repositioned horizontally in order to center it on different sizes of handrails, and said nut being installed on said rod in a position to rest on top of the upper surface of said lower flange so that when turned in the right direction it will cause said rod to be extended upward to contact the bottom surface of said handrail regardless of shape or size and exert a compressive force between said lower flange and the bottom of said handrail forcing the top of said handrail tightly against said upper flange, thus holding said mounting bracket securely in place. 
     
     
         6 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein said bracket is mounted to said handrail with a spring-type clamp whereby the spring can be flexed to adjust the size of opening to fit handrails of different cross sectional size and shape. 
     
     
         7 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein horizontal handles are attached to the upper end of said arms. 
     
     
         8 . A cross training device of  claim 7  wherein each horizontal handle comprises a bolt within a sleeve, said bolt being engaged in a threaded hole in said arm. 
     
     
         9 . A cross training device of  claim 1  wherein each said mounting bracket has an adjustable resistance mechanism comprised of pairs of unique washers of the same design which rub against each other to create frictional resistance, each washer having a flat wearing surface on one side, that may be textured and lubricated, and having a nub on the other side which fits into a recess in the adjoining part of said arm or said bracket, whereby slippage and wear is constrained except at said washer's wearing surface, the frictional resistance of said mechanism being adjusted by changing the compression force on said washers by turning the nut on the end of the bolt which holds said washers and adjoining parts together. 
     
     
         10 . A cross training device comprising two upward extending arms which attach independently to the two handrails of a treadmill, one on the outside of the left handrail and the other on the outside of the right handrail, each said arm having an adjustable mounting bracket that fits a variety of handrail cross sectional shapes and sizes—for example, round, rectangular, or oval in shape and from approximately an inch to several inches in maximum dimension, thus giving this device the capability to fit most types and brands of treadmills and affording users an opportunity for upper body exercise similar to cross country skiing. 
     
     
         11 . A cross training device of  claim 10  wherein each of said arms has a compound bend whereby its upper end is positioned toward the inside of the handrails in a more natural and comfortable position for the user.