U.S. patent application number 11/801229 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-13 for folding treadmill.
This patent application is currently assigned to Spark Innovations, Inc.. Invention is credited to Steve A. Copeland, Robert G. Dickie.
Application Number | 20080280734 11/801229 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39970056 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080280734 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dickie; Robert G. ; et
al. |
November 13, 2008 |
Folding treadmill
Abstract
An electrically driven, continuous track treadmill having a
frame comprising a first section with a second section pivotably
connected to a rear end thereof. The treadmill is adjustable
between an operational position where the first and second sections
are substantially horizontally aligned, and a folded position where
the second section is pivoted onto said first section, such that an
upper surface of the second section abuts an upper surface of the
first section. A handle is pivotally connected to the first section
of the frame and extends upwardly away therefrom when the treadmill
is in the operational position. The handle pivots into abutting
contact with a lower surface of the second section when the
treadmill is in the folded position. The treadmill preferably is
also provided with an inclination adjustment assembly that is
selectively activatable to move the frame between a neutral
position, a positively inclined position and a negatively inclined
position relative to the floor surface. The treadmill is further
provided with a shell configured to resemble a coffee table which
is positioned over or around the treadmill when in the folded
position. The treadmill therefore can be stored in plain sight.
Inventors: |
Dickie; Robert G.;
(Newmarket, CA) ; Copeland; Steve A.; (Barrie,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SAND & SEBOLT
AEGIS TOWER, SUITE 1100, 4940 MUNSON STREET, NW
CANTON
OH
44718-3615
US
|
Assignee: |
Spark Innovations, Inc.
King City
CA
|
Family ID: |
39970056 |
Appl. No.: |
11/801229 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0023 20130101;
A63B 2210/06 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/54 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/02 20060101
A63B022/02 |
Claims
1. A foldable treadmill comprising: a frame having: a first section
having a rear end; a second section pivotably connected to the rear
end of said first section, a continuous track mounted for movement
on said frame; a motor assembly mounted on the frame and being
operationally connected to the track to drive the same; a handle
extending upwardly from the first section; and wherein said
treadmill is adjustable between an operational position where the
first and second sections are substantially horizontally aligned,
and a folded position where the second section is pivoted onto said
first section such that an upper surface of the second section
abuts an upper surface of the first section.
2. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 1, wherein the first
section remains stationary and only the second section moves when
the treadmill is adjusted between the operational and folded
positions.
3. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 2, wherein the
treadmill is movable between the operational and folded positions
without requiring pre-loosening of the track.
4. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 1, wherein the first
section of the frame comprises: a substantially vertical first leg;
and a substantially horizontal second leg that is fixedly connected
to said first leg; wherein said handle extends outwardly away from
said first leg, and wherein the second section of the frame is
pivotably connected to the second leg.
5. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 4, wherein the handle
has a first position where the handle extends upwardly away from
the first leg when the treadmill is in the operational position;
and a second position where the handle is in one of abutting
contact with and in proximity to a lower surface of the second
section when the treadmill is in the folded position; and wherein
the handle is movable between the first and second positions.
6. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 1, further comprising:
a joint between the rear end of the first section and a front end
of the second section; and a support foot fixedly secured to a
lower surface of the first section proximate the joint.
7. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 6, wherein the support
foot extends for a distance rearwardly from the rear end of the
first section and abuts a portion of a lower surface of the second
section when the treadmill is in the operational position.
8. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 6, wherein the support
foot has a floor-engaging wall; and wherein said floor-engaging
wall is arcuate in shape.
9. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 6, further comprising:
a pivot at a top end of said joint for pivotably connecting said
first and second sections.
10. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 1, further comprising
an outer shell that is selectively positionable around the frame
when the treadmill is in the folded position so as to hide the same
from view.
11. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 10, wherein the outer
shell has the appearance of a piece of furniture.
12. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 11, wherein the outer
shell comprises a top wall and a plurality of side walls that
extend outwardly away from the top wall; and wherein the top wall
is fixedly secured to the side walls to form a box that defines an
interior cavity into which the treadmill in the folded position is
received.
13. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 12, wherein the shell
further includes a bottom wall and two or more side walls are
pivotally secured thereto and are movable to engage the top wall of
the shell.
14. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 1, further comprising
an inclination assembly for adjusting the inclination of the frame
relative to a floor surface upon which the frame rests; wherein the
inclination assembly is selectively activatable to adjust the
inclination of the frame between a neutral position and a
positively inclined position.
15. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 14, wherein the
inclination assembly is further selectively activatable to adjust
the frame to a negatively inclined position.
16. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 14, further
comprising: a joint between the first and second sections; a
support foot disposed beneath the joint; and wherein the joint is
maintained at a constant height relative to the floor surface
during adjustment of the inclination of the frame.
17. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 14, wherein the
inclination assembly further comprises: a front adjuster extending
downwardly from the first section and being adapted to engage the
floor surface; a rear adjuster extending downwardly from the second
and being adapted to engage the floor surface; and wherein the
support foot is disposed intermediate the front and rear adjusters;
and a linkage operationally connecting the front and rear adjusters
together.
18. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 17, wherein movement
of the linkage in a first direction causes the front adjuster to
move the front end of the frame upwardly away from the floor
surface and causes the rear adjuster to move the rear end of the
frame downwardly toward the floor surface; and movement of the
linkage in a second direction causes the front adjuster to move the
front end of the frame downwardly toward the floor surface and
causes the rear adjuster to move the rear end of the frame upwardly
away from the floor surface.
19. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 18, wherein the
movement of the linkage in either one of the first and second
directions causes the front and rear adjusters to move
simultaneously.
20. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 17, wherein the
linkage further comprises: a first linkage rod pivotally connected
to the front adjuster at one end; and a second linkage rod
pivotally connected to the rear adjuster at one end; and, when the
treadmill is in the operational position, a second end of said
first linkage rod is in abutting contact with a second end of the
second linkage rod.
21. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 20, wherein the frame
is positioned substantially horizontal and parallel to the floor
surface when the inclination assembly is in the neutral position;
is positioned at an angle of between 0.degree. and 4.degree. to the
horizontal when the inclination assembly is in the positively
inclined position; and is positioned at an angle of between
0.degree. and -3.degree. to the horizontal when the inclination
assembly is in the negatively inclined position.
22. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 20, wherein the front
adjuster comprises: a pair of front adjuster arms; each of said
front adjuster arms being substantially an open-L-shape having a
first flange and a second flange extending outwardly away from an
apex; a wheel mounted on each of said second flanges; a front rod
connected at each end to an inner surface of one of the front
adjuster arms and in a position intermediate the first and second
flanges thereof; and wherein the linkage is connected to the first
flanges of the front adjuster arms.
23. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 22, wherein the rear
adjuster comprises: a pair of rear adjuster arms; each of said rear
adjuster arms being substantially an open-L-shape having a first
flange and a second flange extending outwardly away from an apex; a
wheel mounted on each of said second flanges of said rear adjuster
arms; a back rod connected at each end to an inner surface of one
of the rear adjuster arms and in a position intermediate the first
and second flanges thereof; and wherein the linkage is connected to
the first flanges of the rear adjuster arms.
24. The folding treadmill as defined in claim 23, further
comprising a plurality of brackets; each bracket being fixedly
secured to one of first and second frame members and being
pivotally connecting to one of the front and rear adjuster arms.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] This invention generally relates to exercise equipment. More
particularly, the invention relates to treadmills. Specifically,
the invention relates to an electrically driven treadmill which
includes an inclination adjustment mechanism, is foldable and
includes a storage box that resembles a coffee table.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] There is a growing trend in the fitness industry for
equipment that is suitable for use in the home, especially pieces
of equipment such as treadmills. One of the key issues that people
face when treadmills and similar pieces of equipment are brought
into their homes is that of space. A good quality treadmill will
provide a runner with a running deck that is in the order of at
least 20 inches wide by 57 inches in length. In order to provide
this adequate running deck, the actual machine itself will range
from around 65 inches in length to 91 inches in length and have a
width of 32 to 34 inches. Obviously, the treadmill also needs to be
provided with a floor clearance space surrounding the actual
machine in order to allow a person to get safely on to and off from
the running deck.
[0005] If the home owner has sufficient space, in a basement for
example, a fixed track and frame type of treadmill may be the most
suitable form in that they tend to be the most stable. However,
exercising alone in a basement away from the center of activity in
the home tends to be tedious. Additionally, because the treadmill
is out of sight, it is easy for one to forget to exercise on a
regular basis. Bringing this type of space-utilizing device into a
living room or family room causes two problems. Firstly, these
pieces of equipment are not aesthetically pleasing and would be
considered to be an eyesore in such a communal type of room.
Secondly, the space in the room that is occupied by such devices is
unacceptable.
[0006] Consequently, many manufacturers have attempted to address
these issues by providing home-use treadmills that are foldable so
that they will take up less space. Many of these foldable
treadmills are also movable so they can be stored in a closet or
under a bed and brought out only when needed. The home-use models
tend to have a main base that contains the motor and a front frame
and which supports the handles. The track is typically pivotally
connected to the front frame. An additional motor may be provided
to raise and lower the track. This frame must be stable as the
track is not rigidly connected to the base so that it can pivot
upwardly to reduce the horizontal footprint of the treadmill. The
home-use models may also be provided with wheels or gliders so that
the treadmills can be wheeled under beds or into closets, even
though they may weigh well over 150 lbs.
[0007] An additional problem caused by these home-use models is
that they do not come preassembled. The track, base and handles are
disconnected to keep the size of the shipping container to a
minimum. A homeowner must therefore assemble the treadmill
themselves or must have the retailer do the assembly for them. The
machines must also be broken down and reassembled if the homeowner
moves.
[0008] The prior art includes numerous versions of folding
treadmills. Allemand, U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,987, for example, teaches
a portable, manually-operable treadmill that includes a housing
comprising two sections that are pivotally connected together. Each
section of the housing includes a plurality of rollers. A
continuous-loop track extends around the rollers of both sections
of the housing and when a user walks on the upper surface of the
belt, both the track and rollers are caused to move. A telescoping
handle is pivotally mounted at a front end of the housing. The
treadmill further includes a first support leg that is pivotally
mounted to the front end of the housing. A second support leg is
pivotally connected to the rear end of the front section of the
housing, and a third support leg is pivotally connected to the
front end of the back section of the housing. The treadmill
disclosed in this patent has several disadvantages including the
fact that it is not motorized and is instead manually driven.
Additionally, the track and rollers form a fairly rigid and
inflexible surface that will not act as an effective shock
absorbent running surface. This lack of shock absorbence will also
be enhanced by the nature of the support legs provided on the
machine and may lead to shin-splints and other related injuries of
the user. Furthermore, as seen most clearly from FIG. 4 of the
patent, the support legs are pivotally connected to the housing. As
such, there is a risk that at least the front support leg might
collapse under vigorous use of the treadmill, once again leaving
the exerciser open to potential injury. When the treadmill is to be
stored, the handle is collapsed and rotated downwardly onto the
upper surface of the front section of the housing. The back section
of the housing is then pivoted forwardly to cover both the handle
and the front section. In view off the fact that the folded
treadmill is designed to be carried from one place to another by
way of a handle, this treadmill is unlikely to be of sufficient
strength and durability to be used by a runner or walker of any
substantial weight.
[0009] Hammer et al discloses a low-profile folding treadmill that
is motorized in his U.S. Pat. No. 6,471,622. This treadmill is more
rugged in its design and includes an elongated base with a handle
pivotally mounted at a front end thereof. A continuous loop track
is retained around a forward and a rearward roller mounted in the
base. A motor is operationally connected to the forward roller to
rotate the same and thereby drive the belt. The treadmill also
includes inclination legs proximate the front end of the treadmill
for selectively lifting the front end of the treadmill upwardly so
that the runner can run up an incline. One or more castors and/or
gliders are provided on the lower surface of the base to enable the
user to move the treadmill across a surface in order to store the
same. The treadmill is folded up by collapsing the handle over the
base. The unit is designed to be a low profile treadmill having a
total height of no more than 8 inches from the surface upon which
the base stands. The treadmill may therefore be slid across the
surface and under a bed for example.
[0010] Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,830,540 to Watterson et al, teaches
a motorized treadmill that comprises a frame onto which is mounted
a telescoping handle and a two-section tread base. A front end of a
first section of the base is pivotally connected at a first pivot
point to the frame. The second section of the base is pivotally
connected to a rear end of the first section at a second pivot
point. During operation, the first and second sections of the base
are coplanar and preferably are locked together by a pair of
locking pins. The treadmill also includes a motorized mechanism for
lifting the front end of the treadmill upwardly so that the runner
can run up an incline. The treadmill may be folded for storage in
one of two ways. Firstly, the first and second sections of the base
are kept in a locked planar orientation relative to each other. The
locked and elongated base is then rotated out of contact with the
floor surface and toward the handle. Secondly, the first and second
sections may be unlocked from each other. The base is then lifted
upwardly in the region of the second pivot point. This causes the
second section to pivot inwardly toward the first section until the
lower surfaces of the first and second sections come into abutting
contact with each other. The folded base is now pivoted about the
first pivot point to lift the entire base off the floor surface and
toward the handle. Some of the disadvantages of this design are
that the locking pins are provided in a region where the runner's
feet will habitually be landing. The repetitive impact may tend to
lead to early deterioration of these locking pins and subsequent
sagging of the base in its mid-section. While the treadmill may be
folded up and the handles telescoped inwardly, the overall size and
configuration of the device are still bulky. The treadmill is,
however, provided with a pair of wheels to allow it to be wheeled
across a surface for storage purposes.
[0011] It is, however, more likely that if a person has wheeled
their treadmill into some sort of storage location to keep it out
of the way, they will be less inclined to retrieve the treadmill in
order to exercise because of the effort involved in setting the
treadmill back in an appropriate location. There is therefore a
need in the art for a treadmill that is substantial and sturdy in
construction that is foldable to reduce the amount of space it
occupies when not in use, but which does not need to be placed in
storage in order to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the
room.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The device of the present invention comprises an
electrically driven, continuous track treadmill. The treadmill has
a frame that includes a first section with a second section
pivotably connected to a rear end thereof. The treadmill is
adjustable between an operational position where the first and
second sections are substantially horizontally aligned, and a
folded position where the second section is pivoted onto said first
section such that an upper surface of the second section abuts an
upper surface of the first section. A handle is pivotally connected
to the first section of the frame and extends upwardly away
therefrom when the treadmill is in the operational position and
pivots into abutting contact with a lower surface of the second
section when the treadmill is in the folded position. The treadmill
preferably is also provided with an inclination adjustment assembly
that is selectively activatable to move the frame of the treadmill
between a neutral position, a positively inclined position and a
negatively inclined position relative to the floor surface upon
which the treadmill rests. The treadmill is further provided with a
shell configured to resemble a coffee table that is positionable
over/or around the treadmill when in the folded position. The
treadmill therefore can be stored in plain sight.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of
the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the
principles, are set forth in the following description and are
shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed
out and set forth in the appended claims.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the folding treadmill in
accordance with the present invention shown in a fully folded
position;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the treadmill of FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the
treadmill in the fully folded position, and having the motor cover
removed for clarity;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the
treadmill shown in FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a top view of the treadmill in the fully folded
position and with the entire cover removed therefrom;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the treadmill in the
fully folded position with the cover entirely removed;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the treadmill in the
operational position;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the treadmill of FIG.
7;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the treadmill with the
side panel removed to view the track and pivotable legs;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the treadmill with the
front end elevated for simulation of running up an incline;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the treadmill with the
rear end elevated for simulation of running down an incline;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of only the elevation system
of the treadmill with one of the side panels removed for the sake
of clarity;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the elevation system
of the treadmill;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of a second embodiment of
the treadmill in a partially-folded or partially-unfolded position;
and
[0028] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the treadmill of FIG.
14 in the partially folded or partially-unfolded position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, there is shown a folded treadmill
in accordance with the present invention. The folded treadmill is
shown in a folded or storage position and is generally indicated at
10. Folded treadmill 10 includes an outer shell 12 which is
configured to have the appearance of a piece of furniture and, most
specifically, a coffee table. Shell 12 has a top 14, four side
walls 16 extending outwardly therefrom and defining an interior
cavity 18 (FIG. 3). A treadmill 20 in accordance with the present
invention is folded up and stored within cavity 18 of shell 12. At
least one of the side walls, namely 16a, may include trim pieces
that are configured to create the illusion of a drawer 22. Handles
24 are applied to side wall 16a to complete the illusion. Any other
decorative features may be provided on shell 12 to create an
aesthetically appealing piece of furniture. Shell 12 may be formed
from any suitable material including wood, plywood with a wood
veneer and melamine-laminated particle board. Preferably, shell 12
is around 20'' high.times.36'' long.times.20'' wide and ways around
15 lbs so that it is easily lifted off and placed over treadmill
20. Shell 12 is designed to not only hide treadmill 20 in plain
view, but is also designed to serve as a useful and decorative
piece of furniture.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 8, treadmill 20 comprises a frame
26, a handle 28, a console 30, a motor assembly 32 and a tread
track 34. The front region of treadmill 20, which includes motor
assembly 32 and linear actuator 116, is usually covered with a
plastic cover to both protect the components and provide a more
finished appearance to the treadmill. This cover has been omitted
from the Figures for the sake of clarity. FIG. 5 shows treadmill 20
in a folded position. Motor assembly 32 includes an electric motor,
a steel flywheel, a transformer and other electronics. Apart from
the electric linear actuator assembly 116, the other components
have not been numbered herein as they are known in the art.
[0031] Still referring to FIGS. 3-8, frame 26 comprises two
spaced-apart frame members 26a and 26b that preferably are
manufactured from steel to provide strength and stability to
treadmill 20. The following describes frame member 26a, but it will
be understood that frame member 26b is substantially identical
thereto. Frame member 26a comprises a first section 36 and a second
section 38 that are pivotally connected together by a first pivot
pin 40.
[0032] In accordance with a specific feature of the present
invention, first section 36 is substantially L-shaped, having a
generally vertical first leg 36a and a generally horizontal second
leg 36b. First and second legs 36a, 36b preferably are integrally
formed, but may alternatively be fixedly connected to each other by
welding, for example. First leg 36a terminates in an upper end 42
that includes an angled slot 44. Slot 44 is sized to receive a
spring-loaded locking pin 46 that extends outwardly from handle 28.
A second pivot pin 48 is provided to pivotally connect handle 28 to
first leg 36a.
[0033] Second leg 36b of first section 36 includes an upper surface
50, a lower surface 52 and a rear end 54. As shown in FIG. 3, rear
end 50 includes a flange 56 that extends rearwardly beyond rear end
54. First pivot pin 40 extends through an aperture (not shown) in
flange 56. First section 36 has a first height "A" measured from
upper surface 50 to lower surface 52, and a second height "B"
measured from the bottom of flange 56 to lower surface 52. Second
leg 36b also includes a bore 58 (FIG. 10) through which a first
linkage rod 60 of an inclination assembly 61 extends. A rear end 62
(FIG. 3) of said linkage rod 60 protrudes outwardly through an
aperture (not shown) in rear end 54 of second leg 36b. An electric
safety switch 55 also extends outwardly from rear end 54 of second
leg 36b. If second section 38 is not rotated downwardly into
abutting contact with second leg 36b, i.e., into an operational
position, safety switch 55 disables treadmill 20 so that no
movement of track 34 is possible. When second section 38 is rotated
into an operational position, switch 55 is depressed and movement
of track 34 can be initiated.
[0034] In accordance with another specific feature of the present
invention, a support foot 64 is fixedly secured to and extends
downwardly from lower surface 52 of section leg 36b. Support foot
64 projects for a distance rearwardly from rear end 54 of second
leg 36b, thus creating a platform 66 upon which a portion of second
section 38 may rest. The bottom surface 68 of support foot 64 is
formed to have a gentle arcuate shape (FIG. 3). This shape ensures
that when tread track 34 is positively inclined or negatively
inclined, as will be hereinafter described, support foot 64
maintains a stable footing on the surface 70 (FIG. 6) upon which
the treadmill 20 rests.
[0035] Second section 38 of frame member 26a has an upper surface
72, a lower surface 74, a front end 76 and a rear end 78. FIG. 8
shows that second section 38 has a height "B" that is the same as
the second height of first section 36. Second section 38 nests
under flange 56 on first section 36. Consequently, upper surface 50
of first section 36 is elevated with respect to upper surface 72 of
second section 38. Lower surface 52 of first section 36 is,
however, coplanar with lower surface 74 of second section 38.
Although not shown, second section 38 also includes a flange
proximate front end 76 thereof. This flange extends outwardly from
upper surface 72 to matingly be received within flange 56 on second
leg 36b. Pivot pin 40 extends through aligned apertures (not shown)
in flange 56 and the flange from second section 38. FIG. 8 also
shows that pivot pin 40 is off-center with respect to the joint 80
between second section 38 and second leg 36b. Because pivot pin 40
is off-center with respect to joint 80, first and second sections
36, 38 are biased into an open condition where track 34 is
available for running.
[0036] Second section 38 also includes a bore 82 (FIG. 10) through
which a second linkage rod 84 of linkage assembly 61 extends. An
aperture (not shown) is provided in front end 76 of second section
38 and a portion of second linkage rod 84 may, at times, extend
therethrough as will be hereinafter described. First and second
linkage rods 60, 84 are in end-to-end abutting contact with each
other.
[0037] Several crossbars 86 extend between first and second frame
members 26a, 26b at spaced intervals to provide rigidity, stability
and strength to frame 26 of treadmill 20. The most rearward of
these crossbars, being crossbar 86a (FIG. 7) is also provided with
a handle 88. Handle 88 is used to lift and rotate second section 38
between the operational position (FIG. 7) and the folded position
(FIG. 3). Handle 88 preferably does not extend outwardly beyond
rear ends 78 of second sections 38.
[0038] Tread track 34 is mounted between a first roller 90 (FIG.
10) and a second roller 92 as is commonly known in the art. First
roller 90 is positioned proximate motor assembly 32 and second
roller 92 is positioned proximate rear ends 78 of second sections
38. First and second rollers 90, 92 are mounted for rotation at
right angles to the longitudinal axis "Y" (FIG. 8) of first and
second sections 36, 38 respectively. Although not illustrated,
first roller 90 is operationally connected to motor assembly 32 and
is rotated thereby. As first roller 90 rotates, track 34 is driven
rearwardly causing second roller 92 to rotate. A support deck (not
shown) is provided beneath track 34 to provide a support surface
upon which the user may run. The track 34, first and second rollers
90, 92, support deck and operational connection to a motor assembly
32 are all known in the art and may be of any suitable design.
[0039] In accordance with another specific feature of the present
invention, an inclination assembly 61 is provided on treadmill 20.
Inclination assembly 61 functions to adjust the angle of frame 26
relative to the surface 70 upon which treadmill 20 rests.
Inclination assembly 61 may maintain frame 26 in a neutral position
shown in FIG. 8; in a positively inclined position shown in FIG.
11, or in a negatively inclined position shown in FIG. 12. When
inclination assembly 61 is in the neutral position, a runner on
track 34 will be running on a substantially horizontal surface.
When inclination assembly 61 is in a positively inclined position,
the runner will be effectively running uphill. When inclination
assembly 61 is in a negatively inclined position, the runner will
be effectively running downhill.
[0040] Inclination assembly 61 is shown in greater detail in FIGS.
9-13, and most clearly in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 shows frame member 26b
in its entirety. The structural portion of frame member 26a has
been removed to reveal the various components of the inclination
assembly 61 that are retained therein. Inclination assembly 61
includes a front rod 100, a back rod 102, a pair of spaced apart
first linkage rods 60, a pair of spaced apart second linkage rods
84, and pairs of front adjuster arms 104 and rear adjuster arms
106. Front rod 100 extends between the first sections 36 of first
and second frame members 26a, 26b. Back rod 102 extends between the
second sections 38 of first and second frame members 26a, 26b. Each
end of front rod 100 is fixedly secured to an inner surface of one
of front adjuster arms 104. Each end of back rod 102 is fixedly
secured to an inner surface of one of rear adjuster arms 106. A
bracket 101 is secured between the steel of each of first and
second frame members 26a, 26b and an outer surface of the
associated front adjuster arm 104. Each bracket 101 is fixedly
secured to the steel and is pivotally secured to front adjuster
arms 104. Thus, any motion in front adjuster arms 104 is translated
via brackets 101 to first and second frame members 26a, 26b. A
bracket 103 is positioned between the steel of each of first and
second frame members 26a, 26b and the associated rear adjuster arm
106. Each bracket 103 is fixedly secured to the steel and is
pivotally secured to rear adjuster arms 106. Thus, any motion in
rear adjuster arms 106 is translated via brackets 103 to first and
second frame members 26a, 26b.
[0041] It will be understood that the connection of front rod 100
and each front adjuster arm front adjuster arm is offset relative
to the connection of front adjuster arms 104 and brackets 101.
Similarly, the connection of back rod 102 and each rear adjuster
arm 106 is offset relative to the connection of rear adjuster arms
106 and brackets 103.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 10, each front adjuster arm 104 is a
generally open-L-shaped member that has a smaller flange 110 at one
end and a larger flange 111 at the other end. A wheel 108 is
pivotally secured to the floor-engaging end of each flange 111.
Bracket 101 is pivotally attached to front adjuster arm 104 in the
region of the apex between flanges 110, 111. Front adjuster arms
104 are mounted on rod 100 such that flange 111 extends forwardly
toward first leg 36a of first section 36.
[0043] Still referring to FIG. 10, each rear adjuster arm 106 is a
generally open-L-shaped member that has a smaller flange 112 at one
end and a larger flange 113 at the other end. Wheel 108 is
pivotally secured to the floor-engaging end of flange 113. Bracket
103 is pivotally attached to rear adjuster arm 106 in the region of
the apex between flanges 112, 113. Rear adjuster arms 106 are
mounted on rod 102 such that flange 113 extends rearwardly toward
back end 115 of treadmill 20. Flanges 111 and 113 of front and rear
adjuster arms 106 therefore extend downwardly from frame 26 and in
opposite directions relative to each other.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 12, front and rear adjuster arms 104, 106
are connected to each other via first and second linkage rods 60,
84. First and second linkage rods 60, 84 are situated for
reciprocal travel within an interior cavity 37 of each of first and
second sections 36, 38 of the treadmill frame. Each of front and
rear adjuster arms 104, 106 are designed and situated to operate in
response to movement of first and second linkage rods 60, 84. One
end of each first linkage rod 60 is pivotally connected to one of
front adjuster arms 104 at flange 110. One end of each second
linkage rod 84 is pivotally connected to one of rear adjuster arms
106 at flange 112. The other ends of first and second linkage rods
60, 84 interlock with each other and push on each other in the
vicinity of joint 80. The shape of arms 104, 106 works together
with gravity to constantly force the ends of the first and second
linkage rods 60, 84 together.
[0045] Linkage assembly 61 further includes a motorized linear
actuator 116 which is mounted onto a support bar 114 that extends
between first and second frame members 26a, 26b. Linear actuator
116 is a "push-pull" type actuator and is operationally connected
to front rod 100 by an actuator arm 118. Actuator arm 118 causes
front rod 100 to move through a shallow arc, being moved either
slightly downwardly and rearwardly toward end 115 of treadmill 20
or downwardly and forwardly toward first leg 36a, depending on the
direction that linear actuator 116 moves actuator arm 118. Linear
actuator 116 is engaged to cause movement in actuator arm 118 by
pressing an appropriate control button (not shown) on console 30.
When rod 100 is moved by actuator arm 118, rod 100 causes front
adjuster arms 104 to move in unison therewith.
[0046] In FIG. 9, treadmill 20 is shown in a neutral position with
first and second sections 36, 38 being substantially parallel to
floor surface 70 and having an inclination of 0.degree. relative to
floor surface 70. When linear actuator 116 is engaged to cause
actuator arm 118 to move forwardly toward first leg 36a of
treadmill 20, front adjuster arms 104 are rotated by rod 100 in the
direction of arrow "F". This causes flange 110 to move toward first
leg 36a and flange 111 to move toward support foot 64. The movement
of flange 111 toward support foot 64 is aided by wheel 108 moving
across surface 70. As a result of this movement, front adjuster
arms 104 push the front end 117 (FIG. 10) of treadmill 20 upwardly
away from floor surface 70 in the direction of arrow "D". The
movement of flange 110 also causes first linkage rod 60 to be drawn
forwardly toward front end 117 of treadmill 20 in the direction of
arrow "C" (FIG. 9). Because of the nature of the contact between
first linkage rod 60 and second linkage rod 84, second linkage rod
84 also moves forwardly in the direction of arrow "C". Second
linkage rod 84 is pivotally connected to flange 112 of rear
adjuster arm 106. Consequently, movement of second linkage rod 84
toward front end 117 causes flange 112 and therefore rear adjuster
arm 106, to be rotated in the direction of arrow "G". Flange 114 is
rotated upwardly toward the lower surface 74 of second section 38
and thus rear end 115 is lowered downwardly toward floor surface
70. The movement of front end 117 and rear end 115 of treadmill 20,
for all intents and purposes, happens simultaneously. Treadmill 20
is therefore moved from a neutral position (FIG. 9) to a positively
inclined position (FIG. 10). The angle of positive inclination of
treadmill 20 may range anywhere from between 0.degree. and
4.degree. relative to floor surface 70. The treadmill 20 will
therefore enable the runner to effectively run up a slope of up to
4.degree. relative to floor surface 70. Note that as the treadmill
20 is inclined in this manner, handles 28 are lifted in unison with
frame 26 and thus the effective height of handles 28, relative to
the upper surface 50 of second section 36b, remains unchanged.
[0047] When linear actuator 116 is engaged to cause actuator arm
118 to move rearwardly toward rear end 115 of treadmill 20, front
adjuster arms 104 are rotated by rod 100 in the opposite direction
to arrow "F". This causes flange 110 to move away from first leg
36a and toward rear end 115 and causes flange 111 to move away from
support foot 64 and toward front end 117 of treadmill 20. The
movement of flange 111 away from support foot 64 is aided by wheel
108 moving across surface 70. As a result of this movement, wheel
108 is moved upwardly toward motor assembly 32. The first section
36 of the frame is lowered relative to floor surface 70 in the
opposite direction to arrow "D". The movement of flange 110 causes
first linkage rod 60 to be pushed rearwardly toward rear end 115 of
treadmill 20 in the opposite direction to arrow "C" (FIG. 9). First
linkage rod 60 pushes on second linkage rod 84, thereby causing
rotation of rear adjuster arm 106, via flange 112, in the opposite
direction to arrow "G". Rotation of rear adjuster arm 106 causes
flange 117 to move away from rear end 115 and toward support foot
64. This movement is facilitated by wheel 108a rolling across floor
surface 70. If linear actuator 118 is activated to a first extent,
treadmill 20 will return to a neutral position. However, if linear
actuator 118 is activated to a second extent, treadmill 20 will
become negatively inclined. In this second instance, rear end 115
is raised away from floor surface 70 and front end 117 is lowered
toward floor surface 70 anywhere between 0.degree. and -3.degree..
The treadmill 20 will therefore enable the runner to effectively
run down a slope of up to -3.degree. relative to floor surface 70.
Once again, handles 28 move with frame 26 and therefore their
effective height, relative to the upper surface 50 of second leg
36b, remains unchanged.
[0048] The support foot 64 acts as a fulcrum for the movement
between a neutral, positively inclined and negatively inclined
position. When treadmill 20 is moved back and forth between a
positively inclined position and neutral position and negatively
inclined position, support foot 64 remains constantly in engagement
with floor surface 70 and the height of pivot 40 above joint 80
remains substantially constant.
[0049] One of the key measurements of a good treadmill is the
stability when running on the track. For this reason, most
treadmills have thick steel sides and are well supported at both
ends. Most adjustable incline treadmills known in the prior art
have a movable incline assembly provided as part of the base
platform that supports the handles. As the track is inclined by the
incline assembly, the handles become lower with respect to the
track surface.
[0050] This is not the case with the present invention. The support
foot 64 which extends outwardly from lower surface 52 of first
section 36 provides a fixed center support for treadmill 20. This
provides stability to the center of the track 34 where most people
run. Furthermore, arms 104, 106 of inclination assembly 61 are
designed to work together in tandem or substantially
simultaneously. When the front adjuster arms 104 are moved to raise
the front end of treadmill 20, the rear adjuster arms 106
automatically are reoriented to lower the back end of treadmill 20.
Inclination assembly 61 therefore acts much like a child's seesaw
or teeter-totter. The treadmill 20 pivots about support leg 64 and
provides for a continually stable running surface.
[0051] The treadmill 20 in accordance with the present invention is
used as follows. The shell 12 is lifted upwardly and removed from
over the folded treadmill 20 (FIG. 4). The user grasps handle 28
anywhere along its length, but preferably in a region proximate to
console 30 and rotates the same upwardly in the direction of arrow
"X" (FIG. 6). Handle 28 is rotated until locking pin 46 is received
within slot 44 and locks handle 28 in place. The user then grasps
handle 88 on second section 38 and pulls the same upwardly, thereby
causing second section 38 to rotate in the opposite direction to
arrow "X". Second section 38 is rotated in this manner until
adjuster arm 106 rests on surface 70. At this point, treadmill 20
is ready for use. If the user wants to run uphill, the inclination
assembly 61 is activated to raise the front end of treadmill 20 and
lower the rear end thereof as previously described. If the user
wants to run downhill, the inclination assembly 61 is activated to
lower the front end of the treadmill and raise the rear end thereof
as previously described.
[0052] When the user has finished his/her exercise routine and
wishes to store treadmill 20, they return the frame 26 to a neutral
position. Once off the treadmill 20, they grasp handle 88 and pull
second section 38 of frame 26 upwardly and rotate the same
forwardly toward first leg 36a of first section 36. This causes
second section 38 to pivot about pivot pin 40 and fold over second
leg 36b of first section 36. The movement is continued until upper
surface 74 of second section 38 rests on upper surface 50 of second
leg 36b. Treadmill 20 is movable between the operational and folded
positions without pre-loosening of track 34. The pre-loosening of
track 34 is not required as the lower portion 34a (FIG. 9) of track
34 may travel upwardly toward the undersurface of the platform (not
shown) and provide the necessary slackness to allow track 34 to
pivot. The user then slides locking pin 46 upwardly out of slot 44
in first leg 36a and rotates handle 28 in the opposite direction to
arrow "X" thereby causing handle 28 to come to rest at least
partially on lower surface 74 of second section 38. At this point
the outermost part 28a of handle 28 is substantially aligned with
upper end 42 of first leg 36a of first section. Outer shell is then
lowered over the folded treadmill until the bottom edge 12a (FIG.
3) thereof, rests on surface 70. FIG. 2 shows that at this point
only a small section of support foot 64 and actuator arm 104 and
wheel 108 may be visible from the side of shell 12. At this point,
for all intents and purposes, the user has his/her treadmill stowed
away and their living room or family room restored in an orderly
fashion. The treadmill may therefore be made readily available and
stored away with fairly minimal effort. Furthermore, instead of an
unsightly piece of exercise equipment gracing the room, the user
has a decorative and functional piece of furniture that may be used
for other purposes.
[0053] It will be understood therefore that, at all times, first
section 36 remains stationary and does not move. Only the second
section 38 is moved when the treadmill is adjusted between the
operational position and the folded position.
[0054] FIGS. 14 and 15 show a second embodiment of the treadmill in
accordance with the present invention, and generally indicated at
210. All component parts of treadmill 220 are substantially
identical with treadmill 20, except that the shell is differently
structured. In this second embodiment, treadmill 220 is housed
within a shell 212 that has a top 214, side walls 216 and a base
217. Top wall 214 is secured, such as by an adhesive, to handle 228
of treadmill 220. Top wall 214 is provided with a mechanism (not
shown) to receive and retain the upper ends of side walls 216
therein so as to form a complete box therearound.
[0055] To unfold treadmill 220, top wall 214 is grasped and is
rotated upwardly. This frees side walls 216 which may be then laid
open on the surface surrounding the treadmill. The second section
238 of treadmill 220 is unfolded in the manner described with
reference to treadmill 20. When treadmill 220 is in the operational
position, actuator arms 206 clear the edge of side wall 216a.
[0056] When the user has finished exercising, treadmill 220 is
collapsed again by rotating second section 238 back onto first
section 326. The side walls 216 are raised, top wall 214 is rotated
downwardly into engagement with side walls. Treadmill 220 is then
completely enclosed within the boxlike shell 212.
[0057] It will be understood that various modifications may be made
to the device of the present invention. For instance, support feet
64 may be replaced by a single foot that extends from first frame
member 26a to second frame member 26b. Similarly, actuator arms 104
may be connected together by a roller that extends between the two
arms 104 instead of each having an individual wheel 108 mounted
thereon. Likewise, actuator arms 106 may be connected together by a
roller instead of each having individual wheels mounted
thereon.
[0058] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0059] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact
details shown or described.
* * * * *