U.S. patent application number 10/852266 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-02 for treadmill.
Invention is credited to Kuivala, Henri.
Application Number | 20040242380 10/852266 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 8566161 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040242380 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kuivala, Henri |
December 2, 2004 |
Treadmill
Abstract
A treadmill that comprises a frame, a belt section arranged on
the frame and comprising a belt arranged in an endless loop around
two rolls at a distance from each other, and a hand support
structure extending upward from the plane of the frame in the
operating position of the treadmill and comprising a support part
on both sides of the frame. An auxiliary frame that turns around a
transverse shaft is fastened to the frame, and arms of the
auxiliary frame extend parallel to the frame towards one end of the
frame so that when the frame is lifted up, the auxiliary frame
turns around the shaft and the ends of the arms rest against the
floor and form points of supports to keep the frame in the upright
position.
Inventors: |
Kuivala, Henri; (Poytya,
FI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
8566161 |
Appl. No.: |
10/852266 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2210/50 20130101;
A63B 22/02 20130101; A63B 2225/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/054 |
International
Class: |
A63B 022/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 26, 2003 |
FI |
20030787 |
Claims
1. A treadmill that comprises a frame, a belt section arranged on
the frame and comprising a belt arranged in an endless loop around
two rolls at a distance from each other, first means for turning
the belt around a front roll and a back roll at a desired speed,
and second means for adjusting the tilt of the belt section with
respect to the horizontal, and a hand support structure extending
upward from the plane of the frame in the operating position of the
treadmill and comprising a support part on both sides of the frame,
whereby the frame is arranged to be an element turnable in the
upright position, wherein an auxiliary frame that turns around a
transverse shaft is fastened to the frame, and arms of the
auxiliary frame extend parallel to the frame towards one end of the
frame so that when the frame is lifted up, the auxiliary frame
turns around the transverse shaft and the ends of the arms rest
against the floor and form points of support that keep the frame
upright.
2. The treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transverse
shaft is arranged at substantially the middle of the frame.
3. The treadmill as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one
element easing the turning movement is arranged between the frame
and auxiliary frame.
4. The treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the area of the
ends of the arms, support wheels are arranged that rotate around
substantially horizontal shafts.
5. The treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hand support
structure is arranged turnably to the frame.
6. A treadmill that comprises a frame, a belt section arranged on
the frame and comprising a belt arranged in an endless loop around
two rolls at a distance from each other, first means for turning
the belt around a front roll and a back roll at a desired speed,
and second means for adjusting the tilt of the belt section with
respect to the horizontal, and a hand support structure extending
upward from the plane of the frame in the operating position of the
treadmill and comprising a support part on both sides of the frame,
both support parts being joined at their bottom ends to a first
auxiliary frame, whereby the frame is fastened in the area of its
first end to the first auxiliary frame so that it turns around a
first transverse shaft, wherein a second auxiliary frame that turns
around a second transverse shaft is fastened to the frame, and arms
of the second auxiliary frame extend parallel to the frame towards
one end of the frame so that when the frame is lifted up around the
first transverse shaft, the second auxiliary frame turns around the
second transverse shaft and the ends of the arms rest against the
floor and form points of support that keep the frame upright.
7. The treadmill as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second
transverse shaft is arranged at substantially the middle of the
frame.
8. The treadmill as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one
element easing the turning movement is arranged between the frame
and the second auxiliary frame.
9. The treadmill as claimed in claim 6, wherein support wheels
rotating around substantially horizontal shafts are arranged in the
area of the ends of the arms.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a treadmill that comprises a frame,
a belt section arranged on the frame and comprising a belt arranged
in an endless loop around two rolls at a distance from each other,
first means for turning the belt around a front roll and a back
roll at a desired speed, and second means for adjusting the tilt of
the belt section with respect to the horizontal, and a hand support
structure extending upward from the plane of the frame in the
operating position of the treadmill and comprising a support part
on both sides of the frame, whereby the frame is arranged to be an
element turnable in the upright position.
[0002] Treadmills are today very popular devices, and they are used
for instance at gyms and at home for exercises related both to
keeping fit and to top athletics. Treadmills provide the advantage
that they make it possible to do running exercises indoors, whereby
the user is independent of weather conditions and large hall space.
In addition, the advantage of treadmills when used for keeping fit
is that they make it possible to combine exercises with some other
activity, such as watching television, which in a way allows for
more time for the fitness exercise, because it can be combined with
some other activity, such as watching a television program.
[0003] During home use in particular, it has been noticed that the
space required by a treadmill is relatively large in comparison
with the available space, so the possibility to turn the treadmill
upright, into what is known as the storage and/or transport
position when the device is not used, is in practice an important
feature. The above-mentioned matters are also important in gym use,
because treadmills intended for professional use can be very big.
Another advantage is that the total weight of the device is
reasonable so as to make moving it simple.
[0004] During the years, a variety of treadmills have been
manufactured starting from simple basic devices to very versatile
devices intended for testing purposes. Examples of known treadmill
solutions are devices described in published U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,855,537; 8,899,834; 5,921,893; 6,273,843; 6,325,745; 6,461,275;
and 6,475,121, and in published U.S. application Ser. No.
2002/0183169.
[0005] In known devices, the mechanisms permitting the lifting of
the frame into an upright position have been relatively complex
solutions. The solutions use different levers, joints, moving
points of support in guide elements, and other such details. Due to
the complex structure, the need for maintenance of these devices is
relatively great. A complex structure also requires a correct
attitude from a user; in other words, a solution designed for
expert use is not in all cases suitable for an average enthusiast,
and on the other hand, a complex structure that is, however,
structurally weak, will not endure the rough use sometimes
occurring in a gym. The complex structure has also increased the
manufacturing costs and increased the weight of the device, which
has made moving the device more difficult.
[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a treadmill, by
means of which the drawbacks of the prior art can be eliminated.
The treadmill of the invention achieves this.
[0007] The treadmill of the invention is characterized in that an
auxiliary frame that turns around a transverse shaft is fastened to
the frame, and arms of the auxiliary frame extend parallel to the
frame towards one end of the frame so that when the frame is lifted
up, the auxiliary frame turns around the transverse shaft and the
ends of the arms rest against the floor and form points of support
that keep the frame upright. The invention can also be implemented
in such a manner that two auxiliary frames are used in the
structure, whereby support parts of the hand support structure are
fastened at their bottom ends to the first auxiliary frame and the
frame is fastened in the area of one end to the first auxiliary
frame so that it turns around a first transverse shaft, whereby the
invention is characterized in that a second auxiliary frame that
turns around a second transverse shaft is fastened to the frame,
and arms of the second auxiliary frame extend parallel to the frame
towards one end of the frame so that when the frame is lifted up
around the first transverse shaft, the second auxiliary frame turns
around the second transverse shaft and the ends of the arms rest
against the floor and form points of support that keep the frame
upright.
[0008] The invention provides above all the advantage that by means
of the invention, it is possible to provide a simple and functional
structure. Due to the simple structure, the maintenance need of the
treadmill is small, whereby the operating costs of the device are
low. As a result of the simple structure, the weight of the device
does not become unreasonable, and the handling and moving of the
device is easy. Turning the treadmill of the invention upright,
i.e. to the transport and/or storage position, is a light
operation. Yet, the hand support structure of the treadmill of the
invention is very strong. The mechanics of the treadmill of the
invention are simple. The invention provides the further advantage
that its structure enables the delivery of the device fully
assembled and the customer need not assemble it before using
it.
[0009] In the following, the invention will be described in greater
detail by means of embodiments of the invention shown in the
attached drawing, in which
[0010] FIG. 1 is a side view of a treadmill of a first embodiment
of the invention in its operating position, and
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view of the treadmill of FIG. 1 in a
situation, in which the frame is turned upright,
[0012] FIG. 3 shows a treadmill of a second embodiment of the
invention in its operating position,
[0013] FIG. 4 shows the treadmill of FIG. 3 in a situation, in
which the frame is turned upright,
[0014] FIG. 5 shows a situation, in which a treadmill turned
upright as shown in FIG. 4 is movable sideways,
[0015] FIG. 6 shows a situation, in which the treadmill of FIG. 3
is turned into a low storage position, and
[0016] FIG. 7 shows a situation, in which the position of FIG. 6 is
made even lower.
[0017] FIG. 1 shows the treadmill of the invention in its operating
position, i.e. running position. The treadmill is arranged to rest
against the floor 1. The term `floor` refers herein to any support
surface on which the treadmill rests. Reference number 2 marks the
frame. A belt section 3 is arranged on the frame 2 and comprises a
belt 6 arranged in an endless loop around two rolls 4, 5 at a
distance from each other, the belt forming a plane on which the
user of the device runs.
[0018] The treadmill further comprises first means 7 for turning
the belt 6 around a front roll and a back roll at a desired speed,
and second means 8 for adjusting the tilt of the belt section with
respect to the horizontal. The first means 7 comprise for instance
an electric motor and an appropriate power transmission mechanism.
The second means 8 can, in some applications, comprise a suitable
power source and a power transmission mechanism, such as an
electric motor and rack transmission, or another suitable solution.
The second means 8 also comprise floor supports resting against the
floor. The adjustment of the tilt can preferably take place by
adjusting the floor supports. The adjustment can be motor-operated
or manual.
[0019] The treadmill further comprises a hand support structure 9
extending upward from the plane of the frame 2 in the operating
position, and the hand support structure comprises a support part
10 on both sides of the frame. The hand support structure can also
comprise a control and/or gauge panel 11 of the device. The size
and shape of the control and/or gauge panel depends for instance on
the adjustment options and other functions of the device.
[0020] Both support parts 10 of the hand support structure 9 are
joined at their bottom ends to a first auxiliary frame 12. The
frame 2 is in the area of its first end fastened to the first
auxiliary frame 12 so that it turns around a first transverse shaft
13.
[0021] The above-mentioned facts are entirely conventional
technology to a person skilled in the art, so they are not
described in more detail herein. In terms of these facts, reference
is made to the above-mentioned US publications, for instance.
[0022] An essential factor of the treadmill of the invention is
that a second auxiliary frame 15 that turns around a second
transverse shaft 14 is fastened to the frame 2. Arms 16 of the
second auxiliary frame 15 extend parallel to the frame 2 towards
one end of the frame. The above-mentioned detail is clearly shown
in FIG. 1.
[0023] The second auxiliary frame 15 is fastened to the frame 2 so
that when the frame 2 is lifted up around the first transverse
shaft 13, the second auxiliary frame 15 turns around the second
transverse shaft 14, whereby the ends of the arms 16 rest against
the floor 1 and for points of support to keep the frame 2 in the
upright position. The above-mentioned operating principle is
especially clearly shown in FIG. 2.
[0024] The second transverse shaft 14 can be located at any
suitable point of the frame 2. To locate the second transverse
shaft 14 at substantially the middle of the frame, as done in the
example of the figures, has been found especially advantageous.
[0025] At least one element 17 easing the turning movement can
preferably be arranged between the frame 2 and the second auxiliary
frame. The element 17 can be a gas spring, for instance. The idea
of the gas spring is that when the back part of the frame is lifted
up from the floor, the gas spring lightens the lifting by pushing
downward the second auxiliary frame pivoted to the frame so that
when the lifting is continued, the situation shown in FIG. 2 is
achieved. Support wheels 18 rotating around substantially
horizontal shafts can preferably also be arranged in the area of
the ends of the arms 16 to facilitate the moving of the
treadmill.
[0026] FIGS. 3 to 7 show a second embodiment of the treadmill of
the invention. The same reference numbers are used for similar
parts in FIGS. 3 to 7 as in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0027] The embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 7 only uses one auxiliary frame
so that in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 7, the auxiliary frame 15
corresponds to the second auxiliary frame 15 of the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Correspondingly, the transverse shaft 14 of
the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 corresponds to the second
transverse shaft of the embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0028] As stated above, the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 7 does not
have an auxiliary frame in the front part of the frame 2, but the
front part of the frame rests directly against the floor. The
treadmill of FIGS. 3 to 7 is turned into the upright position in a
similar manner as described earlier in connection with FIGS. 1 and
2. The frame is for instance lifted up from its back end, whereby
the auxiliary frame 15 turns around the transverse shaft 14 and the
ends of the arms 16 rest against the floor and form points of
support to keep the frame in the upright position. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 7, the hand support structure is arranged
turnably to the frame 2, whereby a relative turning movement is
obtained between the frame and the hand support structure 9, as
shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, for instance. The turning movement can, if
necessary, be lightened by means of the element 17 easing the
turning movement, for instance a gas spring, that is arranged
between the frame 2 and the auxiliary frame 15.
[0029] FIGS. 6 and 7 show an additional advantage achieved by the
invention. The device of the invention can be put into a low
storage position, in which case the device easily fits into a low
storage space. The treadmill of the invention can be put into the
above-mentioned low storage space by turning the hand support
structure substantially parallel to the frame, as shown in FIG. 6.
The structure can be made even lower by also making the control
and/or gauge panel 11 into a turnable part, whereby said part can
be further turned substantially parallel to the frame, as shown in
FIG. 7.
[0030] The embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 7 can be equipped with
different support wheels depending on how the device shall be
moved. In the figures, reference number 18 marks support wheels
rotating around substantially horizontal shafts to facilitate the
moving of the points of support when the device is lifted. In the
figures, reference numbers 19 and 20 mark wheels that enable the
moving of the device sideways. The wheels can be made movable, like
the wheels 20 in FIGS. 3 to 7 that can be lowered when the device
needs to be moved sideways. Such a situation is shown in FIGS. 4
and 5. Movability can be achieved by means of a simple shaft moving
in a link or by another suitable mechanism. The wheels 19 and 20
can also be applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0031] The embodiment described above is not in any way intended to
restrict the invention, and the invention can be modified freely
within the scope of the claims. Thus, it is clear that the
treadmill of the invention or its details need not be exactly as
described in the figures, and solutions of other type are also
possible. For instance, in the example of the figures, the
structure is implemented such that the first and second auxiliary
frames support the frame so that the frame does not have any points
of support to the floor. However, this is not the only solution,
and points of support to the floor can also be formed to the frame,
if necessary. All applications of the treadmill of the invention
can be equipped with various other support wheels so that the
treadmill can also be moved in the transverse direction, for
instance, as earlier stated. The support wheels can be not only
fixed, but also movable solutions, whereby they can be lowered down
for the move and, correspondingly, raised up when the treadmill is
to remain in place. The above-mentioned wheels can naturally also
be made turnable around a vertical shaft and lockable to a desired
position, and they can be equipped with a brake mechanism to ensure
that the device remains in place. The treadmill of the invention
can naturally also be equipped with means for locking the frame in
both the running and upright position, etc. Any means known per se
can be used as the above locking means, for instance pin locking
means, latch means, or the like. In the example of the figures, the
first and second means, which rotate the belt and adjust the tilt
angle of the frame, are located in the front part of the frame, and
the frame is lifted upright by lifting it up from the back end.
However, this is not the only option, and the structure can also be
implemented in other ways; for instance, the first and second means
can also be placed in the back part of the frame, whereby the
lighter front end of the frame is preferably lifted up when the
frame is raised to the upright position.
* * * * *