U.S. patent application number 11/128771 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-16 for tray for exercise treadmill.
Invention is credited to Mike C. Eynon, Steve R. Routley.
Application Number | 20060258513 11/128771 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37419885 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060258513 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Routley; Steve R. ; et
al. |
November 16, 2006 |
Tray for exercise treadmill
Abstract
A tray adapted to mount to the hand rails of a piece of exercise
equipment such as a treadmill. The tray may be adjustable in height
and may be set at different angles. The tray may mount to the
treadmill hand rails using a clam shell type interface.
Inventors: |
Routley; Steve R.; (Santa
Cruz, CA) ; Eynon; Mike C.; (Santa Cruz, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL A. GUTH
2-2905 EAST CLIFF DRIVE
SANTA CRUZ
CA
95062
US
|
Family ID: |
37419885 |
Appl. No.: |
11/128771 |
Filed: |
May 13, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/02 20130101;
A63B 71/0622 20130101; A47B 23/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/054 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/02 20060101
A63B022/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a tray portion; a first support
bracket, said first support bracket adjustably fastened to said
tray portion; a second support bracket, said second bracket
adjustably fastened to said tray portion; a first lower attachment
portion, said first lower attachment portion adjustably fastened to
said first support bracket; and a second lower attachment portion,
said second lower attachment portion adjustably fastened to said
second support bracket, wherein said first and said second lower
attachment portions comprise a partial cylinder adapted to mount to
a cylindrical rail
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tray portion is
substantially flat.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said tray portion comprises: a
raised rim; and a substantially flat portion within the periphery
of said raised rim.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said substantially flat portion
comprises a padded top surface.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tray portion comprises: a
tray; and a first and a second tray bracket, said first and said
second tray brackets protruding from the bottom of said tray
portion, said first and said second tray brackets being the
fastening point for said first and said second support
portions.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said first support bracket and
said second support bracket are adjustably fastened such that said
first support bracket and said second support bracket maintain
substantially a right angle relative to the bottom of said tray in
one axis.
7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said first and said second tray
bracket are adjustably fastened to the bottom surface of said
tray.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first and said second tray
bracket are adjustably fastened such that the lateral spacing
between said first and said second tray bracket may be
adjusted.
9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said first and said second
support brackets comprise substantially flat brackets, said flat
brackets comprising a first end and a second end.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first ends of said support
brackets are adjustably fastened to said tray brackets.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the second ends of said
support brackets are adjustably fastened to said first and said
second lower attachment portions.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the partial cylinders of said
first and said second attachment portions principal axes
substantially parallel to the plane of said tray portion.
13. An adjustable tray system comprising: a tray, said tray having
a top surface and a bottom surface, said tray having a principal
axis; a first tray bracket; said first tray bracket fastened to
said bottom surface of said tray; a second tray bracket; said
second tray bracket fastened to said bottom surface of said tray; a
first support bracket, said first support bracket adjustably
fastened to said first tray bracket to allow rotation around a
first axis, wherein said first axis is substantially parallel to
said principal axis; a second support bracket, said second support
bracket adjustably fastened to said second tray bracket to allow
rotation around a second axis, wherein said second axis is
substantially parallel to said principal axis; a first lower
attachment bracket, said first lower attachment portion adjustably
fastened to said first support bracket; and a second lower
attachment bracket, said second lower attachment portion adjustably
fastened to said second support bracket.
14. The adjustable tray system of claim 13 wherein said first axis
and said second axis are coaxial.
15. The adjustable tray system of claim 14 wherein said first tray
bracket and said second tray bracket are adjustably fastened to
said tray.
16. The adjustable tray system of claim 15 wherein said first tray
bracket and said second tray bracket are adjustable such their
spacing along said first axis may be varied.
17. The adjustable tray system of claim 14 wherein said first lower
attachment bracket is rotatably adjustable around an axis parallel
to said first axis, and wherein said second lower attachment
bracket is rotatably adjustable around an axis parallel to said
second axis.
18. A system for exercising comprising: an exercise machine, said
exercise machine comprising a first handrail and a second handrail,
said first and said second handrails positioned in approximately
parallel positions on each side of a user position, said first and
said second handrails comprising a first geometric cross-section; a
tray portion; a first support bracket, said first support bracket
adjustably fastened to said tray portion; a second support bracket,
said second support bracket adjustably fastened to said tray
portion; a first lower attachment portion; and a second lower
attachment portion, wherein said first and said second lower
attachment portions comprise an internal mounting surface adapted
to mount to said first geometric cross-section.
19. The system of claim 10 wherein said tray portion is
substantially flat
20. The system of claim 19 wherein said tray portion comprises: a
raised rim; and a substantially flat portion within the periphery
of said raised rim.
21. The system of claim 20 wherein said substantially flat portion
comprises a padded top surface.
22. The system of claim 18 wherein said tray portion comprises a
tray; and a first and a second tray bracket; said first and said
second tray brackets protruding from the bottom of said tray
portion, said first and said second tray brackets being the
fastening point for said first and said second support
brackets.
23. The system of claim 22 wherein said first and said second tray
bracket are adjustably fastened to the bottom surface of said
tray.
24. The system of claim 23 wherein said first and said second
support brackets comprise substantially flat brackets, said flat
brackets comprising a first end and a second end.
25. The system of claim 24 wherein the first ends of said supports
brackets are adjustably fastened to said tray brackets.
26. The system of claim 25 wherein the second ends of said support
brackets are adjustably fastened to said first and said second
lower attachment portions.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to the field of indoor fitness
machines, and more specifically to tray for using while exercising
on a treadmill.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] With the busy pace of many working person's daily schedules,
one is often unable to find the time to exercise. However, exercise
is an important aspect of daily life for many working people. A
treadmill is a common way in which one can exercise, either at
home, in the office, or at the gym. Often, a television is
supported from the ceiling in an area of the gym where many
treadmills are being used, allowing those exercising to multi-task
at least to the level of watching television while exercising.
[0005] The mere watching of television may not be sufficient for
many of today's active workforce members. They may seek to layer
work related activities onto their exercise regimen. An example of
addressing this issue is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,894 to Mesloh.
The apparatus allows for the browsing of reading material while
working out a piece of fitness equipment. The apparatus is designed
to reside upon the floor adjacent to the sides of the fitness
equipment and present a browsing platform in front of the user for
the angular support of reading material.
[0006] Another example is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,701 to
Edelson, in which a portable exercise desk is disclosed. Once
again, the apparatus is adapted to reside upon the floor adjacent
to the sides of the fitness equipment.
[0007] What is called for is a support for work materials,
including the support of a laptop computer, that can be securely
fastened to a treadmill and other similar exercise equipment.
SUMMARY
[0008] A tray surface adapted to mount to a piece of exercise
equipment such as a treadmill. The tray may be adjustable in height
and may be set at different angles. The tray may mount to the
treadmill hand rails using a clam shell type interface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view with a tray mounted to an
exercise treadmill according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front view of a tray according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tray according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a tray according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rail bracket and lower
bracket guide according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0014] FIGS. 6A-B are illustrative examples of intermediate
brackets according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a rail bracket attached to a hand rail
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates adjustable tray brackets according to
some embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise system 100 according to some
embodiments of the present invention. A tray system 101 is mounted
upon the hand rails 104 of an exercise apparatus 102, which may be
a treadmill or other type of exercise apparatus. The position of
the tray system 101 may be adjusted vertically in some embodiments.
The angle of the tray portion of the tray system 101 relative to
horizontal may be adjusted in some embodiments. A personal computer
103 or other device or material may be placed upon the tray by the
user while exercising on the exercise apparatus 102. The user may
adjust the position of the tray such that the user may utilize the
tray system 101, and any device or materials placed upon it, while
exercising. The attachment of the tray system 101 to the handrails
104 allows the tray system 101 to be securely fastened to the
exercise treadmill 102 without physically interfering with any
forward mounted electronics, such as a control panel, on the
exercise treadmill itself.
[0018] In some embodiments, the handrails 104 are horizontal to the
ground. In some embodiments, the hand rails of the exercise
apparatus 102 are at other angles relative to the ground. In some
embodiments, the tray system 101 is adjustable and may be attached
to hand rails that are set at differing angles, and that are of
different types of cross-sectional profiles.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a tray system 200 according to some
embodiments of the present invention. A tray 201 sits atop the tray
system and is substantially planar. In some embodiments, the tray
201 has two tray brackets 202 that extend out from the underside of
the tray 201. The tray brackets 202 provide for physical attachment
of other mounting hardware to the tray 201. In some embodiments,
the tray brackets 202 are relatively thin brackets which extend out
perpendicularly from the bottom of the tray 202 at approximately
equal distances from the centerline of the tray 201. In some
embodiments, the tray brackets 202 right angle brackets. In some
embodiments, the tray brackets 202 are adjustably fastened to
intermediate brackets 204 which provide an adjustable link to the
rail brackets 205.
[0020] In some embodiments, the tray brackets are integrally formed
into the tray. In some embodiments, the tray brackets are fastened
to the tray with rivets, threaded fasteners, adhesives, or other
fastening devices. In some embodiments, the tray brackets are
adjustable such that the distance between the tray brackets may be
adjusted to adapt to the distance between the handrails of the
exercise apparatus.
[0021] In some embodiments, the tray brackets 202 are fastened to
the intermediate brackets 204 with upper fasteners 203. The
intermediate brackets 204 are fastened to the rail brackets 205
with lower fasteners 206. In some embodiments, the tray brackets
202 are held to the intermediate brackets 204 with the friction
imparted by the tension in the upper fasteners 203. In some
embodiments, the tray brackets 202 are held to the intermediate
brackets 204 with a tongue in groove mating setup which keys the
tray 201 angle relative to the intermediate brackets 204. The
tongue in groove setup is then held in place with the upper
fasteners 203. In some embodiments, the intermediate brackets 204
are adjustable with regard to their side angle relative to the tray
201 in one axis 230 while maintaining a substantially right angle
to the tray when the tray is viewed from the front or the back. The
rotation axis 230 is substantially parallel to the tray 201. The
rotation axis is substantially parallel to the principal axis of
the tray. In some embodiments, the tray brackets are fastened to
the intermediate brackets with the use of a threaded fastener or
pin which has a primary axis that is substantially parallel to the
plane of the tray. In such embodiments, the intermediate brackets
may be adjustable with regard to their angle to the tray as they
rotate about the axis of the fastener or pin.
[0022] In some embodiments, the rail brackets 205 are held to the
intermediate brackets 204 with lower fasteners 206. In some
embodiments, the rail brackets 205 are held to the intermediate
brackets 204 with the friction imparted by the tension in the lower
fasteners 206. In some embodiments, the rail brackets 205 are held
to the intermediate brackets 204 with a tongue in groove mating
setup which keys the intermediate brackets 204 vertical position
and/or angle relative to the rail brackets 205. The tongue in
groove setup is then held in place with the lower fasteners 206. In
some embodiments, the vertical position of the intermediate
brackets 204 is held with the use of a pin assembly which alterably
pins the vertical position of the intermediate brackets 204
relative to the rail brackets 205. In some embodiments, the
vertical position of the intermediate brackets 204 relative to the
rail brackets 205 is adjustable with the use of a pinion on the
rail brackets 205 and a mating rack gear on the intermediate
brackets 204. In some embodiments, the horizontal spacing of the
rail bracket centerlines is 26.5 inches.
[0023] In some embodiments, the tray system is not adjustable. The
spacing of the brackets and the height of the brackets may be set
during manufacture. For example, substantially all of the tray
system may be formed in a single molding process, or may consist of
fewer parts that are bonded together or otherwise attached.
[0024] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a tray 301 according to some
embodiments of the present invention. The tray 301 has a principal
axis 330 which extends from side to side. In some embodiments, the
tray 301 has tray plate 304 with a tray rim 303 around the
periphery of the tray plate 304. The tray rim 303 may be
perpendicular to the tray plate 304. A tray pad 302 may reside
within the tray rim 303 on the upper surface of the tray plate 304.
The tray pad 302 may be made of rubberized material such that the
top surface 305 of the tray pad 302 affords some shock protection,
vibration isolation, non-slip surface, or a combination of these
and other features. The tray rim 303 also may act as a safety
feature to prevent an item such as a personal computer being used
on the tray from being knocked from the tray top surface.
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a rail bracket 401 according to some
embodiments of the present invention. The rail bracket 401 has an
internal surface 402 which is approximately cylindrical in shape.
The internal surface 402 of the rail bracket 401 may form a half or
partial cylinder in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the
cylinder diameter is 2 inches. In some embodiments, the rail
bracket may have an internal surface that has other cross-sectional
profiles. For example, the internal surface of the rail bracket may
be formed in the shape of a half or partial ellipse, a half or
partial square or rectangle, or other shape. The rail bracket may
have a boss 403 with a protruding stud 404. The protruding stud 404
is adapted to pass through the intermediate bracket. The lower
fasteners attach to the protruding stud, capturing the intermediate
bracket. The bracket support 406 is adapted to set the angle of the
intermediate bracket relative to the rail bracket 401. The bracket
support 406 as shown in FIG. 5 has been rotated 180 degrees along
its long axis for clarity of view. A ridge 405 on the boss 403
aligns with grooves 408 allowing for setting a variety of preset
angles. The protruding stud 404 goes through the hole 407 in the
bracket support. The intermediate support and bracket support are
captured on the protruding stud by the lower fastener. A similar
ridged keying aspect is present on the other side of the bracket
support 406 for locking into the grooves 464 in the intermediate
support 461 in some embodiments.
[0026] In some embodiments, there may be a keyed rail support used
at both the top end and the bottom end of the intermediate support.
In some embodiments, there may be a keyed bracket support used at
just the top end of the intermediate support. In some embodiments,
there may be a keyed bracket support used at just the bottom end of
the intermediate support. In some embodiments, a different type of
attachment feature may be used.
[0027] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate intermediate supports according
to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments
of the present invention, an intermediate support 450 may have an
elongated slot 452 along some or most of the centerline of its long
axis. A star groove pattern 453 is located at the second end as an
attachment point for the rail bracket. The ends 451 of the
intermediate bracket 450 may be rounded. In some embodiments, an
intermediate support 460 may have an elongated slot 463 along some
or most of the centerline of its long axis, along with key slots
464 located along and perpendicular to the long axis of the
bracket. The attach point to the rail brackets may be a simple
through hole in some embodiments. The ends 461 of the intermediate
bracket 460 may be rounded.
[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates the attachment of a rail bracket 480 to
the hand rail 483 of a piece of exercise equipment according to
some embodiments of the present invention. The rail bracket 480 has
been aligned with the hand rail 483 and the inner surface to the
rail bracket 480 mates with the outer shape and dimension of the
hand rail 483. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the rail
bracket is a partial or half cylinder. In some embodiments, the
inner surface of the rail bracket is of another profile. Straps 482
may be used to secure the rail bracket 480 to the hand rail 483. In
some embodiments, the straps are hook and loop fasteners. In some
embodiments, a bottom bracket may be used in a clam shell fasten to
fasten the rail bracket to the hand rail. In some embodiments, the
bottom bracket may be of an interior profile that mates with the
bottom portion of the hand rail of the exercise apparatus. The
bottom bracket may be held to the rail bracket with straps in some
embodiments. In some embodiments, the bottom bracket may be
fastened to the rail bracket using threaded or other fasteners.
[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in
FIG. 8, the tray brackets 802, 803 are laterally adjustable such
that the spacing between the brackets may be varied. This may allow
for the spacing to be tailored to the spacing between the hand
rails of the exercise apparatus upon which the tray system is to be
attached. The tray 801 is shown with its bottom surface facing the
viewer. The tray brackets 802, 803 have slots 804 which allow the
tray brackets 802, 803 to be moved along the axis of the slots 804.
Tighteners 805 fasten the tray brackets after they have been moved
to the desired position. The ends 806, 807 of the tray brackets
802, 803 are adapted to be fastened to the intermediate brackets.
In some embodiments, there are two slots in each of the tray
brackets. In some embodiments, both of the tray brackets have
slots.
[0030] The adjustment of the spacing between the ends 806, 807 of
the tray brackets allows for adaptation to different spacings of
handrails of the exercise apparatus to which the tray system is
fastened.
[0031] As evident from the above description, a wide variety of
embodiments may be configured from the description given herein and
additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those
skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is,
therefore, not limited to the specific details and illustrative
examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures from such
details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of
the applicant's general invention.
* * * * *