U.S. patent application number 10/425021 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-08 for lightweight, clear-path, equilibrated treadmill.
Invention is credited to Iund, Neal Alexander, Richardson, Kary Dell, Seamons, Ray Alan.
Application Number | 20040005961 10/425021 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26877072 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040005961 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Iund, Neal Alexander ; et
al. |
January 8, 2004 |
Lightweight, clear-path, equilibrated treadmill
Abstract
A treadmill comprising a frame for supporting the treadmill on a
supporting surface, a deck, secured to the frame to be supported
thereby, the deck having a front, a rear, a right and left side,
and a tread surface extending from proximate the front to proximate
the rear for supporting the weight of a user thereabove. A first
roller, may be connected proximate the front of the deck to rotate
with respect to the deck, a second roller, may be connected
proximate the rear of the deck to rotate with respect to the deck.
A belt may be connected to pass continuously over the tread surface
and around the first and second rollers, to provide a fully exposed
top surface, for unobstructed walking thereon by a user. A motor
may be configured to drive the belt, the motor being positioned
laterally between the right and left sides of the deck, and below
the deck at a location longitudinally between the first and second
rollers.
Inventors: |
Iund, Neal Alexander;
(Centerville, UT) ; Richardson, Kary Dell;
(Riverton, UT) ; Seamons, Ray Alan; (Millville,
UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATE PIERCE & BAIRD
215 SOUTH STATE STREET, SUITE 550
PARKSIDE TOWER
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
26877072 |
Appl. No.: |
10/425021 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10425021 |
Apr 28, 2003 |
|
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|
09778419 |
Feb 7, 2001 |
|
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6554749 |
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60181315 |
Feb 9, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0235 20130101;
A63B 22/0023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/54 |
International
Class: |
A63B 022/02 |
Claims
What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters
Patent is:
1. A treadmill comprising: a frame for supporting the treadmill on
a supporting surface; a deck, secured to the frame to be supported
on a supporting surface thereby, the deck having a front and rear
defining a longitudinal direction, a right side and left side
defining a lateral direction, and a tread surface extending from
proximate the front to proximate the rear for supporting the weight
of a user thereabove; a first roller, connected proximate the front
of the deck to rotate with respect to the deck; a second roller,
connected proximate the rear of the deck to rotate with respect to
the deck; a belt connected to pass continuously over the tread
surface and around the first and second rollers, to provide a fully
exposed top surface, for unobstructed walking thereon by a user;
and a motor configured to drive the belt, the motor being
positioned laterally between the right and left sides of the deck,
and below the deck at a location longitudinally between the first
and second rollers.
2. The treadmill of claim 1, further comprising an incline
adjustment connected intermediate the deck and the frame for
selectively spacing the front of the deck above the frame.
3. The treadmill of claim 2, wherein the incline adjustment further
comprises: a lock for maintaining the spacing between the deck and
the frame; and a release for selectively releasing the lock by a
user.
4. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the deck is further comprises
a fulcrum and is pivotably secured to the frame for selectively
tilting with respect thereto about the fulcrum.
5. The treadmill of claim 4, wherein the fulcrum is positioned
longitudinally away from the second roller at a location selected
to equilibrate a substantial portion of the weight of the front of
the deck in response to application of the weight of a user
proximate the second roller.
6. The treadmill of claim 4, wherein the fulcrum is positioned
longitudinally away from the second roller at a location selected
to tilt the front of the deck upwardly in response to application
of the weight of a user proximate the second roller.
7. The treadmill of claim 4, wherein the fulcrum is positioned
longitudinally away from the second roller at a location selected
to equilibrate a substantial portion of the weight of the front of
the deck, forward of the fulcrum, by the weight of the rear portion
of the deck, behind the fulcrum.
8. The treadmill of claim 7, wherein the motor is positioned behind
the fulcrum to provide the motor weight for equilibration of the
weight of the front of the deck.
9. The treadmill of claim 9, wherein the motor is configured to
drive the belt by rotating the second roller.
10. The treadmill of claim 10, further comprising an air bearing
mechanism for reducing frictional forces between the belt and the
tread surface.
11. The treadmill of claim 10, wherein the air bearing mechanism
further comprises: an air source for providing a supply of
pressurized air; ports configured to distribute the pressurized air
between the deck and the belt for supporting the belt on a layer of
the pressurized air.
12. The treadmill of claim 11, wherein the air source further
comprises: a fan for drawing air from the ambient and providing
pressurized air; and a plenum configured to receive the pressurized
air from the fan and to direct the pressurized air to the
ports.
13. The treadmill of claim 12, wherein the deck is configured as a
single, contiguously molded unit.
14. The treadmill of claim 13, wherein the contiguously molded unit
is formed of a material selected from a homogeneous polymeric
composition, a structurally reinforced polymeric composition, and a
substantially homogeneous, polymeric composition containing
structurally reinforcing fibers distributed substantially evenly
therethrough.
15. The treadmill of claim 14, further comprising a third roller
configured to rotatably attach to the deck below the tread surface
and maintain spacing between the belt and the deck.
16. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the deck is further comprises
a fulcrum and is pivotably secured to the frame for selectively
tilting with respect thereto about the fulcrum.
17. The treadmill of claim 16, wherein the fulcrum is positioned
longitudinally away from the second roller at a location selected
to equilibrate a substantial portion of the weight of the front of
the deck in response to application of the weight of a user
proximate the second roller.
18. The treadmill of claim 16, wherein the fulcrum is positioned
longitudinally away from the second roller at a location selected
to tilt the front of the deck upwardly in response to application
of the weight of a user proximate the second roller.
19. The treadmill of claim 16, wherein the fulcrum is positioned
longitudinally away from the second roller at a location selected
to equilibrate a substantial portion of the weight corresponding to
the front of the deck, forward of the fulcrum, by the weight
corresponding to the rear portion of the deck, behind the
fulcrum.
20. The treadmill of claim 16, wherein the motor is positioned
behind the fulcrum to provide the motor weight for equilibration of
the weight of the front of the deck.
21. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the motor is configured to
drive the belt by rotating the second roller.
22. The treadmill of claim 1, further comprising an air bearing
mechanism for reducing frictional forces between the belt and the
tread surface.
23. The treadmill of claim 22, wherein the air bearing mechanism
further comprises: an air source for providing a supply of
pressurized air; ports configured to distribute the pressurized air
between the deck and the belt for supporting the belt on a layer of
the pressurized air.
24. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the deck is configured as a
homogeneous unitary structure.
25. The treadmill of claim 1, further comprising a user
registration structure for positioning a user on the treadmill.
26. The treadmill of claim 25, wherein the user registration
structure further comprises an upright secured to the frame and
configured to move between a first stowed position proximate the
frame and a second deployed position away from the frame.
27. The treadmill of claim 26, wherein the upright further
comprises an asymmetric structure secured to a single side of the
frame.
28. The treadmill of claim 1 further comprising a pacing strobe
configured to periodically illuminate the belt for assisting a user
in setting a consistent exercise pace.
29. The treadmill of claim 1, further comprising a non-contacting
proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of a user on the
treadmill and to control operation of the motor in accordance
therewith.
30. The treadmill of claim 1, further comprising a third roller
configured to rotatably attach to the deck below the tread surface
and maintain spacing between the belt and the deck.
31. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the deck further comprises: a
fulcrum, pivotably securing the deck to the frame; the fulcrum
configured to provide selective tilting of the deck with respect to
the frame in a plurality of positions, ranging from a first
position to a second position; the first position providing the
deck at a decline; and the second position providing the deck at an
incline.
32. A method for forming a treadmill, the method comprising:
forming a frame having a longitudinal direction, lateral direction,
and transverse direction substantially orthogonal to one another;
molding a deck of a substantially homogeneous material as a
substantially unitary structure comprising a tread surface, and a
longitudinal beam structure for supporting the tread surface;
providing front and rear rollers for supporting a continuous belt
surrounding the deck; and pivotably securing the deck to the frame
at a fulcrum location positioned between the front and rear rollers
and spaced from the rear roller by a distance selected to
equilibrate a substantial portion of the weight of the front of the
deck, in front of the fulcrum, by the weight of the rear of the
deck, behind the fulcrum.
33. A method for operating a treadmill, the method comprising:
providing a frame and deck, the deck having a front end and a back
end and being pivotably connected to the frame at a fulcrum located
substantially forward of the back end to tilt the deck about the
fulcrum with respect to the frame; applying at least a portion of
the weight of a user proximate the back end to lift the weight of
the deck forward of the fulcrum by the weight of the deck behind
the fulcrum plus the at least a portion of the weight of a user;
rotating the deck to a new angle of incline with respect to the
frame; and securing the deck with respect to the frame at the new
angle of incline.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Related Applications
[0002] The present application is a continuation of U.S.
Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 09/778,419 entitled
"Lightweight, Clear-Path, Equilibrated Treadmill," filed Feb. 7,
2001, and which will issue as U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,749 on Apr. 29,
2003, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/181,315, entitled "Lightweight, Clear-Path, Equilibrated
Treadmill," filed Feb. 9, 2000, both applications herein
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0003] 2. The Field of the Invention
[0004] This invention relates to exercise equipment and, more
particularly, to novel systems and methods for configuring, driving
and adjusting treadmills.
[0005] 3. The Background
[0006] In an effort to generally improve one's health, many people
regularly exercise. Some may be motivated by a desire to lose
excess weight, while others may be motivated to exercise so that
they feel invigorated and have the energy they need to better
perform daily activities. Still, others may exercise to combat the
effects of a physical ailments such as heart disease or
diabetes.
[0007] Many methods of exercising exist. Fitness centers have been
developed to provide a location where paying members may use a
variety of exercise equipment and participate in aerobic classes.
These fitness centers, however, are typically expensive and involve
travel time. As appreciated by those who exercise, it is possible
to walk, run, cycle, or the like outdoors. However, outdoor
activities are often limited by the weather. In many locations,
winter conditions make outdoor exercise unpleasant. Furthermore,
outdoor exercise can prove to be a safety hazard for persons
exercising alone.
[0008] Indoor treadmills have proven to be an effective and popular
choice of exercise equipment. An indoor treadmill allows a user to
exercise in the privacy of his/her home or apartment. Therefore, a
user is no longer limited by the weather or the time of day. The
treadmill can provide exercise across a variable range of
difficulty. A user may adjust the incline of the treadmill to
simply walk on a horizontal plane or run at a demanding pace on an
incline. These advantages have made treadmills very popular.
[0009] Treadmills are not, however, without their limitations.
Treadmills typically occupy a relatively large amount of space,
when compared to other pieces of personal exercise equipment. It is
not typically desirable, aesthetically or volumetrically, to leave
a treadmill in the public areas of a house or apartment. Due to
space limitations, the open public areas of a house or apartment
are typically the only spaces large enough to accommodate typical
treadmills.
[0010] Treadmills currently available are heavy, bulky, hard to
store, difficult to hide, difficult to transport, and must be
professionally delivered adding significant cost and greatly
restricting usage. The need exists for a compact, lightweight,
stable, easily shipped, easily deployable, easily storable, high
quality, home treadmill. Such a treadmill would provide all the
benefits of traditional treadmills, while eliminating many of the
disadvantages and drawbacks of traditional treadmills.
BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the
present invention to provide a treadmill that has a small
footprint, is readily deployable, is readily and easily storable,
and operates smoothly.
[0012] It is an object of the invention to provide a treadmill
designed specifically to allow the efficient use of the power
source.
[0013] It is an object of the invention to provide a home exercise
treadmill that uses up to date composite materials to eliminate
labor, weight, and cost.
[0014] Consistent with the foregoing objects, and in accordance
with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, an
apparatus and method are disclosed, in suitable detail to enable
one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention.
[0015] In certain embodiments an apparatus and method in accordance
with the present invention may include a treadmill constructed of
composite materials. Constructing the treadmill of composite
materials may eliminate over 80% of the metal and weldments of the
traditional treadmill. A composite deck may be pivotably connected
to a frame. The rigidity of the deck may be designed to meet the
treadmill's strength requirements. Additionally, all nuts may be
cast into the composite deck, making the frame, rollers, and motor
easily attachable to these mounting points.
[0016] The deck may be configured to have a smooth, flat tread
surface with rollers attached to the front and rear extremes.
Moreover, the deck may be further configured with aesthetic
skirting to hide the under workings of the treadmill. The deck may
be formed in a contiguously molded unit by reaction injection
molding (RIM) or rotational molding (Rotomold) processes. The use
of composite materials may result in a dramatic reduction in labor,
manufacturing machinery, product weight, and production and
shipping costs.
[0017] In certain embodiments, a third roller may be incorporated
on the bottom of the deck. A belt may be configured to encircle the
deck from front to back, encompassing the front roller, the rear
roller, and the third roller. The third roller may be configured to
provide sufficient space inside the area encircled by the belt for
a motor to fit. By configuring the motor to fit inside the area
encircled by the belt, the treadmill may be produced with a compact
design as well as allow for the belt to be driven by the rear
roller. In another embodiment, the motor is configured to secure to
the deck at a location outside the area encircled by the belt while
still allowing for a rear drive.
[0018] The rear drive requires approximately one third less
horsepower and torque than a comparable front drive unit. The
reduction is caused by the motor pulling the belt from a location
much closer to the point at which the load is applied. With the
motor secured to the treadmill at a location substantially below
the deck, the treadmill may be configured to be hood-less, exposing
the entire top belt surface. Current treadmills often use hoods to
cover the motor and other drive mechanisms that extend beyond the
deck surface. The hood-less design provides for an overall
treadmill length approximately eight inches shorter than current
treadmills, while providing the same amount of exposed usable
belt.
[0019] Proximate the third bottom roller may be a fulcrum. From the
fulcrum forward, the front of the deck may be raised, thus, tilting
the tread surface to an incline. The fulcrum may be further
configured to allow the front of the deck to be positioned lower
than the rear of the deck, thus tilting the tread surface to a
decline. The center pivot incline system requires approximately one
third less travel to produce the same incline found on typical
designs that pivot from the rear. The positioning of this lower
pivot creates a balanced or equilibrated deck. A lift mechanism may
be mounted between the frame and the front end of the deck. The
lift mechanism regulates the incline and firmness of the deck. In
certain embodiments, the lift mechanism may be a pair of hydraulic
cylinders fed by a small hydraulic pump. The center pivot and
resulting balanced deck greatly reduce the load that must be
resolved by the lift mechanism, thus, simplifying the necessary
mechanical design and associated costs.
[0020] In certain embodiments, an air bearing may float the belt
over the tread surface by forcing air through numerous ports that
run the length of the tread surface. The air ports may be
concentrated in the center of the tread surface rather than at the
outer edges. The central concentration of air ports allows the
center of the belt to float and the edges to seal, producing
maximum lift on the belt and resulting in the belt riding over a
cushion of air. The cushion of air cleans the belt and deck
surfaces, which in turn minimizes belt and deck wear. The air may
also cool the belt, thus, minimizing belt stretch.
[0021] In the space created by the third roller, a plenum may be
attached to the bottom of the deck. The plenum may be configured to
enclose the area directly below the air ports in the tread surface.
A small fan may be installed in the plenum wall to pull air into
the enclosed cavity. The resulting pressure forces air through the
ports in the tread surface and lifts the belt. To balance the air
pressure under the belt, the plenum may be tapered toward the front
of the deck.
[0022] An upright may be configured to extend upward from the frame
under the treadmill and may support a console and stabilizers. The
upright and stabilizers may be configured to be adjustable. The
upright may be positioned at a variety of angles from substantially
upright to substantially down. In the down position, the upright
lays flat approximately parallel to the deck. The upright may also
be configured to be removable for transport and storage. The
adjustability of the upright also makes the treadmill easy to ship,
store, move, and hide. The upright may be configured to have a
locking system. The locking system typically maintains the upright
in a selected position.
[0023] A light may be configured to emit a beam onto the surface of
the belt. A shutter moving across the beam may be configured to
produce on/off fluctuations. The light may be synchronized to the
motor speed and may be used as a pacing mechanism by the user.
[0024] The treadmill may be further configured to have a small
proximity sensor mounted to the upright. The proximity sensor may
emit a beam, which, when interrupted, activates the motor. The
sensor may be configured such that a user in close proximity to the
sensor and between two and four feet above the deck interrupts the
beam. Accordingly, when the beam is not interrupted, the drive is
deactivated. If a user leaves the tread surface, the sensor will
stop the belt, thus providing a safety mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The foregoing and other objects and features of the present
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict
only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not
to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be
described with additional specificity and detail through use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of the treadmill;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the treadmill with
portions of the belt and side skirting removed in order to expose
the deck surface, as well as the inner workings of the
treadmill;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the treadmill with
the belt and side skirting removed in order to expose the structure
of the deck and plenum;
[0029] FIG. 4 is close-up, perspective view of the treadmill
fulcrum area illustrating a simple support of the third roller, the
third roller axle forming the fulcrum and axis of rotation;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a close-up, perspective view of the treadmill
fulcrum area illustrating one embodiment wherein the deck skirting
provides the structure to support the third roller and the
fulcrum;
[0031] FIG. 6 is close-up, side view of one embodiment of a drive
mechanism;
[0032] FIG. 7 is close-up, side view of a plurality of locations
where the motor may be configured to secure to the deck;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a free body diagram of the treadmill with all
relevant forces represented as vectors;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a side view of the treadmill with the deck
positioned at a decline;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a side view of the treadmill with the lift
mechanism embodied as a hydraulic cylinder and with the deck at an
incline;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a side view of the treadmill with the lift
mechanism embodied as a two force member and with the deck at an
incline;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a side view of the treadmill with the lift
mechanism embodied as a scissor hinge and with the deck in a
horizontal position; and
[0038] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a presently preferred
embodiment of the entire treadmill.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] It will be readily understood that the components of the
present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the
Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of
different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed
description of the embodiments of the system and method of the
present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through 13, is not
intended to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the
invention is as broad as claimed herein. The illustrations are
merely representative of certain, presently preferred embodiments
of the invention. Those presently preferred embodiments of the
invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings,
wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.
[0040] Those of ordinary skill in the art will, of course,
appreciate that various modifications to the details of the Figures
may easily be made without departing from the essential
characteristics of the invention. Thus, the following description
of the Figures is intended only by way of example, and simply
illustrates certain presently preferred embodiments consistent with
the invention as claimed.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, the treadmill 10 of the present
invention may be supported and stabilized by a frame 12. A deck 14
may be pivotably secured to the frame 12. The deck 14 is configured
to have a front and a rear end defining a longitudinal direction
11a and a right side and left side defining a lateral direction
11b. The longitudinal direction 11a and the lateral direction 11b
are substantially orthogonal to one another.
[0042] A tread surface 16 extends from proximate a front roller 18
to proximate a rear roller 20. The tread surface 16 is configured
to support the weight of a user thereabove. The front and rear
rollers 18, 20 are capable of rotation with respect to the deck. A
third roller 22 may be connected to the deck 14 below the tread
surface 16 at a location spaced longitudinally 11a between the
front and rear rollers 18, 20. A continuous belt 24 encircles the
deck 14 being substantially supported by the front roller 18, the
rear roller 20 and the third roller 22. A motor 26 is configured to
drive the belt 24. The motor 26 may be positioned longitudinally
between the front and rear rollers 18, 20. An air bearing mechanism
28 distributes pressurized air between the tread surface 16 and the
belt 24 for supporting the belt 24 on a layer of the pressurized
air.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the deck 14 is pivotably
connected to the frame 12 at a fulcrum 30. The fulcrum 30 defines
an axis of rotation 32 of the deck 14 with respect to the frame 12.
The axis of rotation 32 may be defined by an axle 33 of the third
roller 22. In another embodiment (not shown) the axis of rotation
32 may be located below the third roller 22. The axis of rotation
32 need not be directly below the third roller 22, but may be
located proximate the third roller 22 toward a front end 34 of the
treadmill 10 or proximate the third roller 22 toward a rear end 36
of the treadmill 10.
[0044] The third roller 22 and fulcrum 30 may be positioned at any
convenient longitudinal 11a location between the front end 34 and
the rear end 36 of the treadmill 10. The position of the fulcrum 30
may be determined by achieving a desirable balance between the
weight of the front and rear portions 34, 36 of the deck 14.
Furthermore, the spacing between the fulcrum 30 and the tread
surface 16 may be varied to accommodate maximum desired angle of
incline or decline for the deck 14. That is, by increasing the
distance between the fulcrum 30 and the tread surface 16, the deck
14 may be inclined or declined to a steeper angle.
[0045] The belt 24 has a top belt surface 38, which longitudinally
covers the tread surface 16 and a bottom belt surface 40 passing
below the deck 14 to form a continuous loop. The belt 24 may be
constructed of any material that provides the necessary strength,
durability, resistance to stretch, and frictional
characteristics.
[0046] The front, rear, and third rollers 18,20,22, may be
configured to support and tension the belt 24. The front and rear
rollers 18, 20 may also be configured to ensure proper tracking of
the belt 24. Tracking may be accomplished by providing a shoulder
or other stop mechanism (not shown) on the rollers 18 and 20 to
prevent migration of the belt 24 past a particular location on the
rollers 18, 20. Another embodiment may include a roller 18, 20
having a diameter that decreases toward a lateral 11b center 41 of
the deck 14. Such a decreasing diameter promotes migration of the
belt 24 to the desired center location 41.
[0047] The front and rear rollers 18,20 may be constructed of
plastic, a variety of polymers, rubber, metal, a variety of metal
alloys, a variety of composites, or any material that provides the
necessary wear resistance and sufficient static coefficient of
fiction with respect to the belt 24 to prevent unwanted slip
between the belt 24 and rollers 18, 20. The static coefficient of
fiction with respect to the belt 24 may be a characteristic of the
roller 18,20 material itself or the result of an applied finish.
Additionally, the rollers 18,20 may be modified to provide a rough
surface (not shown) to promote gripping of the belt 24.
[0048] In another embodiment, the front and rear rollers 18, 20 may
be configured to act as momentum fly wheels. Such a configuration
may be accomplished by increasing the rotational inertia of the
rollers 18, 20 to resist sudden changes in belt 24 speed. Such a
configuration tends to relieve the pulsating loads of each user
foot step that is typically overcome by the motor 26.
[0049] The deck 14 may be constructed of a variety of woods,
plastics, polymers, reinforced polymers, composites, metals, metal
alloys, or any material that exhibits the necessary rigidity,
strength, and wear resistance. The deck 14 may be formed of a tread
surface 16 supported by rails (not shown) attached thereto. The
tread surface 16 may have a skirting 42 attached thereto. The
skirting 42 may provide additional rigidity and also improve the
aesthetic appeal of the treadmill 10 by extending downward (not
shown) to cover and hide the underside of the deck 14.
[0050] In another embodiment, the tread surface 16 may be formed or
molded to provide the necessary rigidity and strength, thus
eliminating the need for the addition of strengthening rails. Such
rigidity may be provided by a rib structure 43 molded to support
the tread surface 16. The ribs 43 may be configured to run
longitudinally 11a, laterally 11b, or any combination of
longitudinal 11a and lateral 11b directions. Furthermore, the ribs
43 may be configured to run angularly with respect to each other
and/or with respect to the aesthetic skirting 42 of the deck
14.
[0051] The spacing between laterally 11b and longitudinally 11a
extending ribs 43 may be selected to provide the necessary strength
to support a user exercising on the tread surface 16. The thickness
and height of the ribs 43 may also be varied to control and the
rigidity and strength of the tread surface 16.
[0052] In certain embodiments, the ribs 43 form a mesh, which may
be attached to the underside of the tread surface 16 to provide the
strength that is necessary to support the user. Such a construction
would allow the tread surface 16 and ribs structure 43 to be
constructed of different materials selected to provided optimum
performance for their given purposes. The ribs 43 may be configured
for optimum strength, while the tread surface 16 material may be
selected to have a low friction with respect to the belt 24.
[0053] In one presently preferred embodiment, the deck 14 is a
contiguously molded unit formed of any suitable material. The
material may also be selected from the group consisting of a
homogeneous polymeric composition, a structurally reinforced
polymeric composition, and a substantially homogeneous polymeric
composition containing structurally reinforcing fibers distributed
substantially evenly therethrough. The contiguously molded deck 14
may be configured to contain the tread surface 16, the skirting 42,
and the ribbing 43 to produce a sufficiently strong and rigid
single piece deck 14.
[0054] The deck 14 may be further configured to have air ports 44.
The air ports 44 may be distributed in a manner promoting the
efficient insertion of air between the tread surface 16 and the top
belt surface 38. The ports 44 may be sized to deliver larger
amounts of air to selected locations than other selected locations
to improve the lift produced on the top belt surface 38. In one
embodiment, the air ports 44 are concentrated along the lateral 11b
center 41 of the tread surface 16 and sized to provide the largest
air insertion at the lateral 11b center 41 of the deck with
decreasing delivery of air at the lateral 11b extremes 45.
[0055] Air may be introduced to the air ports 44 by any suitable
air transport. In one presently preferred embodiment, the air is
delivered to the ports 44 by a plenum 46. The plenum 46 secures to
the underside of the tread surface 16, directly below the air ports
44. The plenum 46 may be molded of a polymer or formed of sheet
metal or any other suitable material. The plenum 46 encloses the
underside of the air ports 44 and forms a sealed cavity with the
only exit being the air ports 44. Air may be introduced into the
plenum 46 by a fan 47 located in the plenum 46 wall. The fan 47
forces air into the plenum 46. The pressurized plenum 46 delivers
air at uniform pressure to the air ports 44 for subsequent
insertion under the top belt surface 38. The top belt surface 38 is
lifted off the tread surface 16, resulting in reduced frictional
forces therebetween.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 4, the third roller 22 spaces the bottom
belt surface 40 away from the deck 14. In actuality, the third
roller 22 need not be a roller or rotatable at all. Any mechanical
extension (not shown) that holds the bottom belt surface 40 away
from the deck 14 and allows the bottom belt surface 40 to easily
slide with respect thereto, is sufficient. All devices and
mechanical extensions that maintain spacing between the bottom belt
surface 40 and the deck 14 will be hereafter referred to as a third
roller 22. The third roller 22 provides the space under the tread
surface 16 that is necessary to accommodate the motor 26, if
desired, and plenum 46.
[0057] In an alternate embodiment, the third roller 22 may be
omitted. As discussed hereinabove, the third roller 22 provides
spacing between the bottom belt surface 40 and the deck 14. If no
need exists for spacing, the third roller 22 may be omitted. Such a
situation might be occasioned by a reduction in the size of the
plenum 46 or by the securing of the motor 26 at a location outside
the area encircled by the belt 24.
[0058] The third roller 22 may be supported away from the deck 14
by any suitable support structure 48. The support structure 48 may
extend from the deck 14 and be secured to the third roller axle 33.
The support 48 may be constructed of any material having the
required characteristics, such as strength and rigidity.
Additionally, FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the third roller
axle 33 providing the fulcrum 30 between the frame 12 and the deck
14, as discussed hereinabove.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 5, the support for the third roller 22 may
be provided by the skirting 42. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment
wherein the skirting 42 extends downward to provide a location to
secure the third roller axle 33. Furthermore, the skirting 42 may
be configured to provide the structure required to support the deck
14 on the fulcrum 30. As discussed hereinbove, the fulcrum 30 may
be positioned proximate, or below as illustrated, the third roller
22.
[0060] The embodiment of FIG. 5, does not include aesthetic
skirting 42 with support structure on the inner surface (toward
bottom belt surface 40). Ribs 43, similar to those discussed
hereinabove, may be added to the inner surface of the aesthetic
skirting 42 to increase the rigidity, strength, and durability. In
this way, the aesthetic skirting 42 may be strengthened and
stiffened sufficient to support the weight of a user exercising on
the treadmill 10.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 6, the motor 26 may be configured to drive
the belt 24. In one presently preferred embodiment, the motor 26 is
configured to rotate the rear roller 20, which provides a more
efficient drive mechanism than treadmills having a front drive
system. The motor 26 may be secured to the deck 14 on the rear side
36 of the fulcrum 30. In such a configuration, the weight of the
motor 26, one of the heaviest components on the treadmill 10, will
tend to counteract the weight of the front end 34 of the treadmill
10. The motor 26 may be configured to impart motion to the rear
roller 20 by any suitable drive mechanism. Such drive mechanisms
may include with limitation gears, chain belts, v-belts, shaft
drive, or the like.
[0062] One presently preferred embodiment, transfers rotation from
a pulley 50 secured to a motor shaft 51 to a pulley 52 rigidly
secured to the rear roller 20 by a timing belt 54. The pulleys 50,
52 may be sized to provide optimum speed and power in rotating the
belt 24. If desired, the motor shaft 51 may be further configured
to rotate a fly wheel (not shown). The fly wheel may be configured
to have a large rotational inertia, which would resist sudden
changes in belt 24 speed. Such a configuration may relieve the
pulsating loads of each user foot step that is typically overcome
by a motor 26.
[0063] FIG. 7 illustrates other possible locations of the motor 26
in relation to the deck 14. The motor 26 may be secured at a
location 56 substantially above the fulcrum 30. The motor 26 may
also be configured to be secured at a location 57 substantially
below or slightly behind the rear roller 20. The motor 26 may
further be configured to be secured to the deck 14 at a plurality
of locations between location 56 and location 57. In order to
accommodate the several possible motor locations, the motor 26 may
be configured for securement to the deck 14 from a location inside
or outside the area encircled by the belt 24.
[0064] FIG. 8 is a free body diagram of the deck 14 rotatable about
the fulcrum 30. The weight of the rearportion 58 comprises the
weight of the rear end 36 of the deck 14 including the motor 26
enclosed inside the enclosure. The weight of the front portion 60
comprises the weight of the front end 34 of the deck 14. A foot of
a user (not shown) applies a force 62 to the rear portion 36 of the
deck 14. The other foot of the user (not shown) applies a force 64
to the front portion 34 of the deck 14. A lift mechanism (not
shown) may impart a positive or negative force 66 on the front
portion 34 of the deck 14.
[0065] The present invention provides a method for incline
adjustment that minimizes the force 66 that must be applied by a
lift mechanism (not shown) to change the incline of the deck 14
with respect to the frame 12. The fulcrum 30 located substantially
between the front 34 and rear 36 ends of the deck 14 allows the
user to apply at least a portion of the user's weight 62 behind the
fulcrum 30, thus, aiding in lifting the front portion 34. In fact,
by adjusting the weight applied on the front 64 and rear 62
portions of the deck 14, the user may be able to lift the front
portion 34 without the aid of the lifting mechanism 66. By greatly
reducing the lifting force 66 required to lift the front portion 34
of the deck 14, the lifting mechanism itself may be greatly
simplified in design and capacity as compared to traditional
treadmills, thus reducing weight and cost.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 9, the deck 14 is shown at a decline. In
one presently preferred embodiment, the fulcrum 30 may be
configured to allow the front end 34 of the deck 14 to be
positioned below the rear end 36 of the deck 14, thus, producing an
angle of descent 67. The angle of descent 67 allows the user to
simulate walking, jogging, or running downhill. Downhill exercise
uses a different muscle group of the user than does uphill
exercise. In order to obtain a well rounded workout, it is
advantageous to have a treadmill that is able to provide a
declining, level, and inclined tread surface 16.
[0067] As discussed hereinabove, the distance between the fulcrum
30 and the tread surface 16 may be increased to provide for an
increased angle of decline 67. The greater the distance between the
fulcrum 30 and tread surface 16, the more the front portion 34 of
the deck 14 may lower with respect to the rear portion 36 of the
deck 14.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 10, the deck 14 is shown at an incline
with respect to the frame 12. The incline may be provided and held
by a lift cylinder 68 or by a pair of lift cylinders 68. The lift
cylinder 68 may be any hydraulic system. The working fluid may be
any suitable fluid such as air or an oil. In one embodiment, the
lift cylinder 68 may be driven by a small hydraulic pump (not
shown) that provides a lifting force 66. The amount of force 66
that must be generated by the lift cylinder 68 can be controlled by
the user as discussed hereinabove. Furthermore, the incline
produced by the lift cylinder 68 may be remotely controlled by a
user while exercising on the treadmill 10.
[0069] In another embodiment, the lift cylinder 68 provides no
force. The user controls the incline and the lift cylinder 68
functions as a damper to provide smooth adjustment from one incline
to another. The lift cylinder 68 may further be configured to
contain a valve, such as a check valve (not shown), which restricts
flow in and out of the lift cylinder 68, thus providing a lock for
maintaining the deck 14 at a desired incline. The valve may be
actuated by a user while operating the treadmill 10. The modulus of
the entrapped hydraulic fluid can provide a spring to cushion the
foot impacts of the user on the deck 14. The selection of the
hydraulic fluid determines the spring constant of the spring.
[0070] FIG. 11 illustrates another alternative embodiment for an
incline adjuster 70. The incline adjuster 70 may be configured to
have a two force member 72 mounted between a pivot 74 secured to
the deck 14 and a frame pivot 76. In this embodiment, the pivot 76
is configured to slide along a length of the of the frame 12 in a
longitudinal direction 11a. The lift mechanism 70 slides along the
frame 12 in response to the weighting applied by a user, as
discussed hereinabove. When the desired incline has been achieved,
the user may remotely activate a lock 78, which secures the pivot
76 to the desired location along the frame 12. When a new incline
is desired by a user, the lock 78 may be released and locked again
at the new incline.
[0071] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a scissor lift
mechanism 80. One end of an upper scissor leg 81 is pivotably
connected to one end of a lower scissor leg 82 at a scissor pivot
83. The opposite end of scissor leg 81 is pivotably connected to
the deck pivot 74 and the opposite end of lower scissor leg 82 is
pivotably connected to the frame pivot 76. A drive screw 84
attaches to the scissor lift 80 at the scissor pivot 83. The
opposite end of the drive screw 84 is attached to a drive 86. The
drive 86 is pivotably connected to the frame 12 and is configured
to rotate the drive screw 84. The rotation of the drive screw 84
pulls the scissor pivot 83 toward the drive 86, thus elevating the
deck front 34. The scissor lift 80 may be configured to lock the
deck 14 at a desired incline.
[0072] In another embodiment of the present invention, a reverse
scissor lift (not shown) may be employed to modify the incline of
the deck 14. In a reverse scissor mechanism, the scissor pivot 83
may be located on the drive 86 side of the pivots 74, 76. Rotation
of the drive screw 84 would then increase the distance between the
drive 86 and the scissor pivot 83 thus extending the pivot legs 81,
82 and modifying the incline of the deck 14.
[0073] Additionally, the scissor lift mechanism 80 may be
configured for manual adjustment. In this embodiment, the scissor
lift mechanism 80 may be rotated 180 degrees so that the drive 86
extends toward the front 34 of the treadmill 10. In such a
configuration, the drive 86 may comprise a hand crank (not shown)
accessible from the front 34 of the treadmill 10.
[0074] The present invention may be embodied with other lift
mechanisms and incline adjusters without departing from its
structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as broadly
described herein. The embodiments described hereinabove are to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not
restrictive.
[0075] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the entire treadmill
10. A user registration 87 extends upward so as to be positioned in
front of a user (not shown) operating the treadmill 10. The user
registration 87 may be secured at its lower extreme to the deck 14
or the frame 12. The user registration provides a visual reference
with which the user can gauge his/her position on the treadmill 10.
The user registration 87 further provides a location for
information and controls needed for efficient operation of the
treadmill 10.
[0076] In one embodiment, the user registration 87 comprises an
upright 88 extending upward from the frame 12. If desired, the
upright 88 may be configured as a single pole extending upward on
only one side of the treadmill 10. The upright 88 may additionally
be configured to support a console 90.
[0077] In one embodiment the console 90 is a collection of
electronic readouts and controls. The readouts and controls can
provide the user with any information or control that might be
convenient. Readouts might include the speed of the belt 24,
distance traveled, calories burned and degree of incline of the
deck 14. Controls might include speed adjustment of the belt 24,
incline adjustment, incline lock activation, and the like. The
upright 88 may be further configured to support one or more
stabilizers 92. The stabilizers 92 provide structures for a user to
grab to steady himself/herself. The stabilizers 92 may be formed to
any geometry that might add to the safety or convenience of the
user.
[0078] The user registration 87 may be further configured to be
adjustable. The upright 88 may be positioned in a variety of
positions from completely upright (as shown), to completely down,
laying flat proximate the deck 14. The upright 88 may also be
configured to be removable for transport and storage. The
adjustability of the upright 88 and stabilizers 92 make the
treadmill easy to ship, store, move, and hide. The different
positions of the upright 88 and stabilizers 92 may be configured to
have a locking system (not shown), thus holding the user
registration 87 in a selected position.
[0079] The user registration 87 may be further configured to have a
pacing mechanism (not shown) to aid a user in maintaining a desired
pace. One embodiment of the pacing mechanism may comprise a light
configured to emit a beam onto the surface of the belt 24. A
shutter moving across the beam may be provided to produce
alternating on/off illumination of a location on the belt 24. The
light may be synchronized to the speed of the motor 26 and may be
used as a pacing mechanism by the user.
[0080] The user registration 87 may be further configured to have a
safety mechanism (not shown) configured to stop the belt 24 from
rotating if the user leaves the tread surface 16. In one embodiment
the safety mechanism is a tether connecting a user to the treadmill
10. If the user leaves the tread surface 16, the tether pulls a
switch that stops the belt 24. In another embodiment, the safety
mechanism is configured to be a proximity sensor mounted to the
upright 88. The proximity sensor may emit a beam which, when
interrupted, activates the motor 26. A user in close proximity to
the sensor and between two and four feet above the tread surface 16
interrupts the beam. When the beam is not interrupted, the belt 24
is stopped. Thus, when a user leaves the tread surface 16, the
sensor will not be interrupted and the belt 24 will stop.
[0081] From the above discussion, it will be appreciated that the
present invention provides a treadmill having a center pivot. The
center pivot provides an equilibrated deck. The motor may be
configured to drive the belt from the rear, resulting in an
efficient power usage. The efficient power usage may allow a
relatively small motor to be used without lowering performance.
Furthermore, the motor may be mounted below the tread surface, thus
allowing the entire tread surface to be exposed and usable. The
efficient use of all the tread surface allows the deck to be
significantly shorter than current treadmills. The upright is
configured to be removed or to be rotated a flat position proximate
the deck. The treadmill may be constructed of composite materials
producing a strong design that weighs much less than traditional
treadmills. The relatively short deck, the foldable upright, and
low weight of the present invention result in a treadmill that is
compact, lightweight, stable, easily shipped, easily deployable,
and easily stored.
[0082] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other
essential characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed
hereinafter. The described embodiments are to be considered in all
respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims,
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *