U.S. patent application number 11/520301 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-20 for adjustable and foldable lightweight treadmill exercise apparatus.
Invention is credited to Yong S. Chu.
Application Number | 20080070756 11/520301 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39189345 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080070756 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chu; Yong S. |
March 20, 2008 |
Adjustable and foldable lightweight treadmill exercise
apparatus
Abstract
A treadmill frame rotationally supporting spaced apart rollers
in turn rotatingly engaging a treadmill belt for revolving around
the rollers and a motor frame pivotally engaged with the treadmill
frame, the frame supporting a drive motor providing rotation of the
treadmill belt. An upright frame in a simple rectangular shape with
side struts pivotally engaged with the motor frame and a lower
lateral struts positioned below the motor frame in a position for
resting on a supporting surface. The treadmill frame, motor frame,
upright frame and a support strut rotatable about pivots so as to
set a treadmill inclination.
Inventors: |
Chu; Yong S.; (Glendale,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATENT LAW & VENTURE GROUP
2424 S.E. BRISTOL, SUITE 300
NEWPORT BEACH
CA
92660
US
|
Family ID: |
39189345 |
Appl. No.: |
11/520301 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0235 20130101;
A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 2210/54 20130101; A63B 22/02 20130101;
A63B 2210/56 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/54 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/02 20060101
A63B022/02 |
Claims
1. A folding treadmill apparatus resting on a supporting surface,
the apparatus comprising: a treadmill frame rotationally supporting
spaced apart rollers in turn rotatingly engaging a treadmill belt
for revolving around the rollers, the treadmill frame defining a
treadmill frame plane; a motor frame pivotally engaged with the
treadmill frame, the motor frame defining a motor frame plane; a
drive motor fixed within the motor frame, the drive motor engaging
one of said rollers thereby enabling motorized rotation of the
treadmill belt; an upright frame pivotally engaged with the motor
frame, the upright frame providing means for resting on the
supporting surface, the upright frame defining an upright frame
plane; a support strut pivotally engaged with the vertically
disposed strut; a sleeve pivotally engaged with the treadmill frame
and slidingly engaged with the support strut; an extender
positioned and pivotally engaged within the apparatus so as to
raise the treadmill frame over a range of angles with respect to
the supporting surface thereby selectively setting an inclination
of the treadmill belt; the treadmill frame, motor frame, upright
frame and the support strut rotatable about pivots enabling the
planes of the treadmill frame, motor frame and upright frame to be
positioned in essentially parallel juxtaposition.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a control panel
engaged with the apparatus in a position above the treadmill
frame.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a handle engaged
with the apparatus in a position adjacent to the control panel.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extender is enabled for
extending in linear motion.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rotational engagement of
the drive motor with the one of the rollers is one of a flexible
belt, a drive chain, and a drive shaft.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extender is mounted between
the upright frame and the motor frame.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extender is mounted between
the treadmill frame and the motor frame.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the motor frame, is so
pivotally engaged with the treadmill frame and the upright frame as
to enable folding into side-by-side juxtaposition therewith.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the extender is positioned and
enabled so as to move the motor, treadmill and upright frames into
the side-by-side juxtaposition.
10. A folding treadmill apparatus resting on a supporting surface,
the apparatus comprising: a treadmill frame rotationally supporting
spaced apart rollers in turn rotatingly engaging a treadmill belt
for revolving around the rollers, the treadmill frame defining a
treadmill frame plane; a motor frame pivotally engaged with the
treadmill frame, the motor frame defining a motor frame plane; a
drive motor fixed within the motor frame, the drive motor engaging
one of said rollers thereby enabling motorized rotation of the
treadmill belt; an upright frame pivotally engaged with the motor
frame, the upright frame, when unfolded and positioned for
exercising, providing at least one essentially vertical frame strut
joined with at least one essentially horizontal frame strut, the
frame struts providing a means for resting on the supporting
surface, the resting means resting on the supporting surface; a
support strut pivotally engaging at least one of said frame struts;
a sleeve pivotally engaging one of: the treadmill frame and the
motor frame and slidingly engaging the support strut; an extender
positioned and pivotally engaged within the apparatus so as to
position the treadmill frame at a selected angle with respect to
the supporting surface thereby selectively setting an inclination
of the treadmill belt. the treadmill frame, motor frame, upright
frame and the support strut rotatable about pivots enabling for
folding the apparatus for compact storage.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a control panel
engaged with the apparatus in a position above the treadmill
frame.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a handle engaged
with the apparatus in a position adjacent to the control panel.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extender is enabled for
extending in linear motion.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rotational engagement of
the drive motor with the one of the rollers is one of a flexible
belt, a drive chain, and a drive shaft.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extender is mounted
between the upright frame and the motor frame.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extender is mounted
between the treadmill frame and the motor frame.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the motor frame, is so
pivotally engaged with the treadmill frame and the upright frame as
to enable folding into side-by-side juxtaposition therewith.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the extender is positioned
and enabled so as to move the motor frame, treadmill frame and
upright frame into the side-by-side juxtaposition.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not applicable.
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0004] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A "MICROFICHE APPENDIX"
[0005] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] 1. Field of the Present Disclosure
[0007] This disclosure relates generally to exercise equipment and
more particularly to a treadmill type apparatus capable of being
folded for storage.
[0008] 2. Description of Related Art including information
disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
Chu, U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,747, discloses a foldable treadmill that
can be easily reoriented for variable exercise inclinations, as
well as, for convenient storage. The treadmill includes a tread
assembly and an A-frame assembly positioned about the front end of
the tread assembly. The A-frame assembly includes an inclination
support connected to a front end of the tread assembly by hinges
for varying inclination of the tread assembly. The inclination
support can be driven by a motor to rotate the inclination support
about such that the inclination support vertically displaces the
front end of the tread assembly thereby varying the inclination of
the tread assembly. The A-frame assembly includes intermediate and
front supports hinged to each other at upper ends thereof. The
tread assembly is rotatable to a generally vertical orientation for
storage. In the stored position, the spacing between front and
intermediate supports is reduced, further facilitating storage. The
A-frame assembly can further include a handle assembly having upper
portion having handles and a lower portion in motive relation to
the tread assembly such that variation in inclination corresponds
to vertical displacement of the handle assembly. Dalebout, et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,362, discloses a treadmill with an adjustable
cushioning mechanism configured to adjustably cushion the impact to
a user who is exercising on the treadmill. The adjustable
cushioning members allow the user to select the amount of
cushioning that will be provided while the user is exercising on
the treadmill by adjusting the cushioning members to individualize
the amount of cushioning for a specific user as well as for a
particular type of exercises. The treadmill comprises a frame and
an endless belt trained on the frame. The belt has an upwardly
exposed exercise section. A deck is disposed between the exercise
section of the belt and the frame. The treadmill also comprises a
plurality of cushioning members each having a plurality of portions
with different cushioning properties. The cushioning members are
positioned on opposing sides of the frame. The cushioning members
are mechanically interconnected such that movement of one of the
cushioning members results in corresponding movement of the other
of the cushioning members. The cushioning members are configured to
be adjusted so as to selectively position a portion of the
cushioning members between the frame and the deck. An adjustable
flexible cantilever is disclosed that comprises an arm and a
bumper. The arm has one end mounted to the frame and the other end
freely disposed from the frame. The bumper extends between the free
end of the arm and the deck. A brace mounted to the frame adjacent
to the cantilever that can be selectively moved along the length of
the cantilever. Dalebout, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,174,267, discloses
a treadmill with an adjustable cushioning mechanism configured to
adjustably cushion the impact to a user who is exercising on the
treadmill. The adjustable cushioning members allow the user to
select the amount of cushioning that will be provided while the
user is exercising on the treadmill by adjusting the cushioning
members to individualize the amount of cushioning for a specific
user as well as for a particular type of exercises. The treadmill
comprises a frame and an endless belt trained on the frame. The
belt has an upwardly exposed exercise section. A deck is disposed
between the exercise section of the belt and the frame. The
treadmill also comprises a plurality of cushioning members each
having a plurality of portions with different cushioning
properties. The cushioning members are positioned on opposing sides
of the frame. The cushioning members are mechanically
interconnected such that movement of one of the cushioning members
results in corresponding movement of the other of the cushioning
members. The cushioning members are configured to be adjusted so as
to selectively position a portion of the cushioning members between
the frame and the deck. An adjustable flexible cantilever is
disclosed that comprises an arm and a bumper. The arm has one end
mounted to the frame and the other end freely disposed from the
frame. The bumper extends between the free end of the arm and the
deck. A brace mounted to the frame adjacent to the cantilever that
can be selectively moved along the length of the cantilever. Liu,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,925, discloses a running exerciser includes a
vertical column, a base seat and a longitudinal transmission
mechanism. The inclination of the base seat can be adjusted from
downward slope to upward slope and folded. Therefore, the range of
adjustment of inclination is widened. The running exerciser driven
by the transmission mechanism has high stability and the folding
and inclination adjustment of the running exerciser can be
accomplished by only one power source. The structure of the running
exerciser is simple and the cost is low. Also, the safety in use of
the running exerciser can be ensured. Hurt, U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,634
and U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,638, disclose a fold-up treadmill apparatus
intended for in-place walking, jogging, and running exercise. The
treadmill apparatus includes a base assembly and a treadmill
assembly. The treadmill assembly has a forward end and a rearward
end. According to the presently most preferred embodiment, the
forward portion of the treadmill assembly is pivotally mounted to
the base assembly and the rearward end is free. The treadmill
assembly includes a means for raising and lowering the forward end
of the treadmill assembly, whereby the incline of the treadmill
assembly can be adjusted between about zero degrees to the
horizontal and about fifteen degrees to the horizontal when the
rearward end of the treadmill assembly is supported on a floor. The
rearward end of the treadmill assembly can also be pivotally
rotated upward and about the pivotal connection to the base
assembly, whereby the treadmill assembly can be moved between a
substantially horizontal position for use during an exercise
session and a substantially vertical position for temporary
storage. Wang, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,842, discloses a present
invention that relates to an improved electric treadmill with a
single motor for adjusting the height of a running board and for
folding the treadmill in which another motor is provided at the
bottom of the running support in order to transmit a worm shaft
which drives a gearbox in order for a polygonal output shaft at two
sides of said gearbox to rotate at the original position;
thereafter, two connecting rods of pulley blocks are driven to
perform a height-adjusting action of the treadmill. Moreover, the
actuating rod includes a pin at a proper position, and the running
support contains a hole so that a pivoting fixing is created by
means of the pin and the hole. Accordingly, after the two actuating
rods are driven by the motor and another parts, the running support
can be lifted or lowered in order to achieve the folding effect of
the treadmill. Dalebout, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,218, discloses
a fold-out treadmill that includes a deck having a rear end that is
attached to a stationary base. The deck has a front end, a rear
end, and a continuous belt rotatably mounted thereon. The rear end
of the deck is moveably attached to the base so as to enable the
deck to be selectively rotated between an operational position in
which the deck is positioned for operation by a user positioned
thereon and a storage position in which the deck is positioned
proximate to the handrail. The treadmill also includes a
collapsible handrail that has a rear end attached to the deck and
an opposing front end projecting above the front end of the deck
when the deck is in the operational position. The handrail is
configured such that when the deck is moved between the operational
position and the storage position the handrail does not extend
beyond the rear end of the base. The treadmill also includes a
fold-out assembly movably connecting the rear end of the handrail
to the deck so as to enable the front end of the handrail to
project above the front end of the deck when the deck is in the
operational position and to automatically collapse into a compact
storage configuration when the deck is rotated into the storage
position. The fold-out assembly is configured such that the
handrail is repositioned by a combination of pivotal movement and
linear translation relative to the deck as the deck is selectively
rotated from the storage position into the operational position.
The fold-out assembly comprises a leg and a slider assembly. The
slider assembly is connected to the rear end of the handrail and is
configured to allow linear translation of the handrail relative to
the deck when the deck is selectively rotated between the storage
position and the operational position. Watterson, et al., U.S. Pat.
No. 5,674,453 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,624 and U.S. Pat. No.
5,772,560, disclose a treadmill that has a tread base that is
rotatably attached to and between a left upright and a right
upright. The tread base is rotatable between a first position for
performing exercises and an upright or storage position. A latching
structure is provided to latch the tread base to the support
structure. The treadmill also includes inclination structure for
inclining the tread relative to the support surface when in the
first position. The treadmill also includes rigid handles and in
one configuration movable handles. The tread base also has a rigid
undersurface or pan to fully enclose the underside of the tread
base. A lift assist gas cylinder is also interconnected between the
tread base and the feet attached to the uprights. Watterson, et
al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,332 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,325, disclose
a cabinet that has a tread base rotatably connected to be oriented
in an exercise position extending outwardly and in a stored
position extending inwardly secured within the enclosure of the
cabinet. The underside of the tread base may be configured to
provide a suitable aesthetic exterior surface. A latching
arrangement is provided to secure the tread base within the
enclosure in the second or stored position. Elevation structure and
motor structure are provided to elevate the tread base when in the
first position and to power the endless belt of the tread base when
in the first position. The elevation structure may be operated to
vary the inclination of the tread base when in the first position.
The underside of the tread base has a decorative panel and
functions as a door for the cabinet. The elevation structure may
include an electrically driven rack and pinion as well as a gas
cylinder system. Stevens, U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,228, discloses a
folding treadmill exercise device that includes a frame adapted to
extend in a substantially vertical direction during operation of
the device and a substantially planar bed having a plurality of
rollers and an endless belt disposed about the rollers. The bed is
slidably and pivotally connected to the frame proximate a first end
of the bed, wherein the bed is adapted to selectively slide along
the frame and simultaneously pivot relative to the frame between a
substantially horizontal operative position and a substantially
vertical storage position. A lift assist mechanism adapted to urge
the bed towards an upper end of the frame is provided to facilitate
movement of the bed between its operative and storage positions.
The bed may also be adjustably connected to the frame wherein
height of the first end of the bed is selectively adjustable
relative to height of a second end of the bed when the bed is in
the substantially horizontal operative position. Hurt, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,833,577, discloses a fold-up treadmill apparatus for in-place
walking, jogging, and running exercise is provided. The treadmill
apparatus includes a base assembly and a treadmill assembly. The
treadmill assembly has a forward end and a rearward end. According
to the presently most preferred embodiment, the forward portion of
the treadmill assembly is pivotally mounted to the base assembly
and the rearward end is free. The treadmill assembly includes a
means for raising and lowering the forward end of the treadmill
assembly, whereby the incline of the treadmill assembly can be
adjusted between about zero degrees to the horizontal and about
fifteen degrees to the horizontal when the rearward end of the
treadmill assembly is supported on a floor. The rearward end of the
treadmill assembly can also be pivotally rotated upward and about
the pivotal connection to the base assembly, whereby the treadmill
assembly can be moved between a substantially horizontal position
for use during an exercise session and a substantially vertical
position for temporary storage. Coody, et al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,855,537, discloses a foldable treadmill that is provided with a
powered folding capability. The treadmill has a support and a track
bed. The front end of the track bed is disposed pivotally to the
support, and an incline motor connects to the support and to the
track bed. The motor is operated to fold or unfold the track bed.
The track bed back end can be raised or lowered, and the incline of
the track bed can be adjusted up or down at the front end of the
track bed. The support can be an upright support. A slot is formed
in the upright support. The track bed adjustably connects to the
slot. As the incline of a track bed is adjusted with the incline
motor, the track bed is guided in the slot. Coody, et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 5,868,648, disclose a treadmill that includes an up-right
support, a track bed, and a gas spring attached at one end to the
up-right support, and at the other end to the track bed. The
treadmill further includes a latch attached to the up-right support
adapted to connect with the end of the gas spring which is attached
to the track bed. The latch may, preferably attach to a rod, which
extends from the track bed and is attached to the gas spring. An
incline motor attached to a middle portion of a frame retracts or
extends a motor tube. This action, rotates an incline bracket
connected to the motor tube and to a rear portion of a frame, to
lower or raise a set of wheels connected to at the ends of the
incline bracket. Dalebout, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,834,
discloses a foldable treadmill that includes a deck having a rear
end that is hingedly attached to a stationary base. The deck can be
selectively rotated between an operational position, wherein the
deck is substantially level, and a storage position, wherein the
front end of the deck is lifted so that the deck is substantially
upright. The treadmill also includes a handrail that is movably
attached to the deck. The handrail has a first end attached to the
base and an opposing second end projecting above the front end of
the deck when the deck is in the operational position. The handrail
is configured to automatically collapse into substantial alignment
with the deck when the deck is rotated into the storage position.
The deck and the handrail are configured such that the treadmill
can be selectively stored against a wall and the deck selectively
rotated from the storage position to the operational position
causing the handrail to also move without either the deck or
handrail contacting the wall. The deck selectively rotates into an
operational position in which the handrail extends toward the front
of the deck thereby allowing the user to face away from the wall.
Hurt, U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,893 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,076,
discloses a fold-up treadmill apparatus intended for in-place
walking, jogging, and running exercise. The treadmill apparatus
includes a base assembly and a treadmill assembly. The treadmill
assembly has a forward end and a rearward end. According to the
presently most preferred embodiment, the forward portion of the
treadmill assembly is pivotally mounted to the base assembly and
the rearward end is free. The treadmill assembly includes a means
for raising and lowering the forward end of the treadmill assembly,
whereby the incline of the treadmill assembly can be adjusted
between about zero degrees to the horizontal and about fifteen
degrees to the horizontal when the rearward end of the treadmill
assembly is supported on a floor. The rearward end of the treadmill
assembly can also be pivotally rotated upward and about the pivotal
connection to the base assembly, whereby the treadmill assembly can
be moved between a substantially horizontal position for use during
an exercise session and a substantially vertical position for
temporary storage. Watterson, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,557,
discloses a treadmill that has a tread base that is rotatably
attached to and between a left upright and a right upright. The
tread base is rotatable between a first position for performing
exercises and an upright or storage position. A latching structure
is provided to latch the tread base to the support structure. The
treadmill also includes inclination structure for inclining the
tread relative to the support surface when in the first position.
The treadmill also includes rigid handles and in one configuration
movable handles. The tread base also has a rigid undersurface or
pan to fully enclose the underside of the tread base. A lift assist
gas cylinder is also interconnected between the tread base and the
feet attached to the uprights. Watterson, et al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,669,857, discloses a cabinet that has a tread base rotatably
connected to be oriented in an exercise position extending
outwardly and in a stored position extending inwardly secured
within the enclosure of the cabinet. The underside of the tread
base may be configured to provide a suitable aesthetic exterior
surface. A latching arrangement is provided to secure the tread
base within the enclosure in the second or stored position.
Elevation structure and motor structure are provided to elevate the
tread base when in the first position and to power the endless belt
of the tread base when in the first position. The elevation
structure may be operated to vary the inclination of the tread base
when in the first position. The underside of the tread base has a
decorative panel and functions as a door for the cabinet. The
elevation structure may include an electrically driven rack and
pinion as well as a gas cylinder system. Watterson, et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 5,672,140 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,156, disclose a
treadmill that has a tread base that is rotatably attached to and
between a left upright and a right upright. The tread base is
rotatable between a first position for performing exercises and an
upright or storage position. A latching structure is provided to
latch the tread base to the support structure. The treadmill also
includes inclination structure for inclining the tread relative to
the support surface when in the first position. The treadmill also
includes rigid handles and in one configuration movable handles.
The tread base also has a rigid undersurface or pan to fully
enclose the underside of the tread base. A lift assist gas cylinder
is also interconnected between the tread base and the feet attached
to the uprights.
[0010] The related art described above discloses several exercise
equipments and in particular treadmill devices. The '747 reference
is most similar to the presently described apparatus and this
patent document is hereby incorporated by reference into the
present application. However, the prior art fails to disclose the
simplified and foldable treadmill of the present disclosure. In
particular, the present invention distinguishes over the '747
invention by introducing a simplified structure that results in
light weight, simplified assembly, low cost, more compact storage,
and superior ease of use. The present disclosure distinguishes over
the prior art in general providing heretofore unknown advantages as
described in the following summary.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] This disclosure teaches certain benefits in construction and
use which give rise to the objectives described below.
[0012] The chief drawback to current treadmill exercisers is that
they are physically large and also quite heavy so as to be
inconvenient for use in the home. However, such treadmill devices
are very popular and the exercise that they afford is of such value
that a strong demand exists for a lightweight folding treadmill.
The present apparatus provides a treadmill frame rotationally
supporting spaced apart rollers in turn rotatingly engaging a
treadmill belt for revolving around the rollers and a motor frame
pivotally engaged with the treadmill frame, the frame supporting a
drive motor providing rotation of the treadmill belt. An upright
frame in a simple rectangular shape with side struts pivotally
engaged with the motor frame and a lower lateral struts positioned
below the motor frame in a position for resting on a supporting
surface. The treadmill frame, motor frame, upright frame and a
support strut rotatable about pivots so as to position the
treadmill frame at angles relative to the upright frame. A linear
extender is engaged for setting an inclination of the treadmill
belt relative to a supporting surface.
[0013] A primary objective inherent in the above described
apparatus and method of use is to provide advantages not taught by
the prior art.
[0014] Another objective is to provide a light weight treadmill
that is able to be easily folded flat for storage.
[0015] A further objective is to provide such a treadmill that is
able to provide variable tread speed as well as variable
inclination angle.
[0016] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the presently described apparatus
and method of its use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0017] Illustrated in the accompanying drawing(s) is at least one
of the best mode embodiments of the present invention In such
drawing(s):
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the presently described
apparatus in an unfolded state and ready to use for exercising a
user, as seen from above;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof shown in the folded
state;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view thereof as viewed from below
and to one side with the apparatus unfolded and ready to use for
exercising a user;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment
thereof as seen from the front of the apparatus; and
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a still further alternate
embodiment thereof as viewed from below.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The above described drawing figures illustrate the described
apparatus and its method of use in at least one of its preferred,
best mode embodiment, which is further defined in detail in the
following description. Those having ordinary skill in the art may
be able to make alterations and modifications what is described
herein without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, it
must be understood that what is illustrated is set forth only for
the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as a
limitation in the scope of the present apparatus and method of
use.
[0024] Described now in detail, in a first embodiment, is a folding
treadmill apparatus, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 resting on a supporting
surface 5 such as a floor surface or a ground surface. The
apparatus has a treadmill frame 10 preferably made of a rigid
structural material such as steel and this frame defines a
treadmill frame plane 10', i.e., the plane of the treadmill frame.
Frame 10 preferably has side walls 12 welded together using lateral
ribs 14 and may provide supporting legs 16 with or without wheels
at one end 13. The treadmill frame 10 rotationally supports spaced
apart rollers 18 in turn rotatingly engaging a treadmill belt 15
configured for revolving around the rollers 18. Two rollers 18 are
shown in the figures, but more than two rollers 18 are contemplated
in a practical design. The belt 15 is supported by the rollers 18,
and may also be supported by a panel engaged and held in place by
the side walls 12 and which may have a slick surface for low
friction with the moving belt 15.
[0025] A motor frame 20 is pivotally engaged with the treadmill
frame 10 by pivots 55 as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and the frame
20 defines a motor frame plane 20', i.e., the plane of the motor
frame. A drive motor 30 is mounted in, and fixed within the motor
frame 20, the drive motor 30 engaging one of the rollers 18,
preferably by a flexible drive belt 37 or similar drive train such
as a chain drive or a drive shaft, thereby enabling motorized
rotation of the treadmill belt 15. The drive belt 37 joins motor 30
and roller 18 as best shown in FIG. 1.
[0026] An upright frame 40 preferably has first and a second spaced
apart essentially vertically oriented struts 42 joined with upper
44 and a lower 46 spaced apart essentially horizontally oriented
struts, the struts 42, 44 and 46 forming a simple rectangular
shape, the struts 42 being preferably pivotally engaged with the
motor frame 20 by pivots 55; the lower one of the lateral struts 46
positioned below the motor frame 20 and may be in a position for
resting on the supporting surface 5 or may have feet or bumpers for
resting on the supporting surface 5. The upright frame 40 defines
an upright frame plane 40', i.e., the plane of the upright frame
40.
[0027] Preferably, first and second support struts 50 are pivotally
engaged, each with one of the side struts 42 by pivots 55. One
sleeve 60 pivotally engages with each one of the side walls 12 of
the treadmill frame 10 and are slidingly engaged with the support
struts 50.
[0028] An extender 70, preferably a linear pneumatic or hydraulic
cylinder, or a linear drive such as those using a linear gear, is
positioned and pivotally engaged within the apparatus as shown in
FIG. 3, so as to raise the treadmill frame 10 over a range of
angles .alpha. with respect to the supporting surface 5 see FIG. 1
thereby selectively setting an inclination of the treadmill belt
15.
[0029] The major components of the apparatus, i.e., the treadmill
frame 10, the motor frame 20, the upright frame 40 and the support
struts 50 are all interconnected and rotatable about pivots 55 so
as to position the treadmill frame 10 over a range of angles
relative to the supporting surface for exercising and for folding
the apparatus as will be described below.
[0030] Preferably, a control panel 80 and a handle 90 are engaged
with the apparatus in a position above the treadmill frame 10 and
each may be mounted on the upright frame 40, as shown, or on the
support struts 50.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the extender 70 is mounted between the
lower one of the lateral struts 46 and the motor frame 20.
Alternately, as shown in FIG. 5, the extender 70 may be mounted
between a lateral brace 57 which joins the two support struts 50
and the motor frame 20.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, the upright frame 40 may be alternately
configured for providing light weight construction and for more
compact storage. The upright frame 40 may be rectangular, "T"
shaped where the horizontally oriented strut is mounted on top of a
centrally positioned vertically oriented strut, or it may take
other shapes and forms.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus is able to be moved into a
folded position whereby the planes 10', 20' and 30' are all in a
nearly mutually parallel juxtaposition for highly compact storage
of the apparatus.
[0034] The enablements described in detail above are considered
novel over the prior art of record and are considered critical to
the operation of at least one aspect of the apparatus and its
method of use and to the achievement of the above described
objectives. The words used in this specification to describe the
instant embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of
their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special
definition in this specification: structure, material or acts
beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an
element can be understood in the context of this specification as
including more than one meaning, then its use must be understood as
being generic to all possible meanings supported by the
specification and by the word or words describing the element.
[0035] The definitions of the words or drawing elements described
herein are meant to include not only the combination of elements
which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure,
material or acts for performing substantially the same function in
substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result.
In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent
substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the
elements described and its various embodiments or that a single
element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim.
[0036] Changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a
person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised,
are expressly contemplated as being equivalents within the scope
intended and its various embodiments. Therefore, obvious
substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the
art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
This disclosure is thus meant to be understood to include what is
specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually
equivalent, what can be obviously substituted, and also what
incorporates the essential ideas.
[0037] The scope of this description is to be interpreted only in
conjunction with the appended claims and it is made clear, here,
that each named inventor believes that the claimed subject matter
is what is intended to be patented.
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