U.S. patent application number 13/864572 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-24 for treadbelts comprising a specialized surface, treadmills including such treadbelts, and related methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC.. Invention is credited to William T. Dalebout, Scott R. Watterson.
Application Number | 20130281241 13/864572 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49380622 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130281241 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Watterson; Scott R. ; et
al. |
October 24, 2013 |
Treadbelts Comprising a Specialized Surface, Treadmills Including
Such Treadbelts, and Related Methods
Abstract
A treadbelt for a treadmill may comprise a major surface
comprising a plurality of tufts extending therethrough. The
treadbelt may further comprise a first textile layer and a
plurality of fibers extending through the first textile layer to
provide the plurality of tufts. Additionally, the plurality of
fibers may be sized, shaped and positioned to exhibit the
appearance of turf. An additional treadbelt may comprise a major
surface comprising a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom.
The plurality of protrusions may be spatially distributed on the
major surface of the treadbelt in an irregular and non-repeating
configuration and may comprise irregular and non-repeating shapes.
In some embodiments, a treadbelt may comprise a major surface
configured to approximate to a runner the impact response of at
least one of turf, sand, a trail, a ground vulcanized rubber track,
and a hardwood surface.
Inventors: |
Watterson; Scott R.; (Logan,
UT) ; Dalebout; William T.; (North Logan,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC. |
Logan |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49380622 |
Appl. No.: |
13/864572 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61625847 |
Apr 18, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
474/268 ;
474/237 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0285
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
474/268 ;
474/237 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/02 20060101
A63B022/02 |
Claims
1. A treadbelt for a treadmill, the treadbelt comprising a major
surface, wherein said major surface includes a top surface and a
plurality of tufts extending through said top surface.
2. The treadbelt of claim 1, further comprising: a first textile
layer having a first side and an opposing second side, wherein said
first side defines said top surface; and a plurality of fibers
extending through the first textile layer to provide the plurality
of tufts.
3. The treadbelt of claim 2, wherein the plurality of fibers are
sized, shaped and positioned to exhibit the appearance of turf.
4. The treadbelt of claim 3, wherein the plurality of fibers
comprise fibers having a cross-sectional shape exhibiting a breadth
that is greater than a width thereof.
5. The treadbelt of claim 4, wherein the plurality of fibers
comprise fibers having a cross-section sized and shaped generally
as a cross-section of a blade of grass.
6. The treadbelt of claim 3, wherein the plurality of fibers
comprise fibers having a generally circular cross-sectional
shape.
7. The treadbelt of claim 2, wherein the plurality of fibers
comprise polymer fibers.
8. The treadbelt of claim 7, wherein the plurality of fibers
comprise at least one of polyamide fibers and
polytetrafluoroethylene fibers.
9. The treadbelt of claim 2, wherein a middle portion of each of
the plurality of fibers extends over a portion of said second side
of the first textile layer and the free ends of each of the
plurality of fibers extend from said first side of the first
textile layer.
10. The treadbelt of claim 9, wherein the first textile layer
comprises a woven textile layer.
11. The treadbelt of claim 9, further comprising a second textile
layer adhered to the second side of the first textile layer and
extending over the middle portion of each of the plurality of
fibers.
12. The treadbelt of claim 9, wherein the first textile layer
comprises a polyester yarn.
13. The treadbelt of claim 9, wherein the plurality of fibers
comprise fibers extending substantially straight from the first
side of the first textile layer.
14. The treadbelt of claim 13, wherein the plurality of fibers
further comprise fibers extending in a generally helical shape from
the first side of the first textile layer.
15. A treadbelt for a treadmill, the treadbelt comprising a major
surface, wherein said major surface includes a top surface and a
plurality of protrusions extending from said top surface.
16. The treadbelt of claim 15, wherein the plurality of protrusions
are spatially distributed on the major surface of the treadbelt in
an irregular and non-repeating configuration.
17. The treadbelt of claim 16, wherein the plurality of protrusions
comprise irregular and non-repeating shapes.
18. The treadbelt of claim 16, wherein the plurality of protrusions
exhibit the appearance of naturally occurring rock shapes.
19. A treadbelt for a treadmill, the treadbelt comprising a major
surface configured to approximate to a runner the impact response
of at least one of turf, sand, a trail, a ground vulcanized rubber
track, and a hardwood surface.
20. The treadbelt of claim 19, wherein the major surface configured
to approximate to a runner the visual appearance of at least one of
turf, sand, a trail, a ground vulcanized rubber track surface, and
a hardwood surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/625,847 filed Apr. 18, 2012.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] In general, the present disclosure relates to exercise
devices and components for exercise devices. More specifically, the
present disclosure relates to treadbelts for treadmills that
include a specialized surface, treadmills including such
treadbelts, and related methods.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventional treadmills may include a treadbelt with a
relatively flat surface that is compatible with running shoes. Such
treadbelts may be effective for exercise and may provide a
relatively comfortable surface for users. Such treadbelts, however,
do not provide users with the feel and response of various common
running surfaces. A treadbelt available to a football player would
be no different than a treadbelt for a track runner, or for a beach
volleyball player. Accordingly, if an athlete is not able to train
on their actual field or environment, they are not currently able
to approximate the running conditions of their sport on a
treadmill. Additionally, conventional treadmills are not configured
for footwear other than running shoes.
[0004] Similarly, conventional treadmills are also not specialized
for barefoot running Barefoot running has become increasingly
popular for runners, as it is believed that running without
traditional running shoes may improve a runner's form, may reduce
foot and leg injury, and may make running more enjoyable.
Accordingly, many runners now run without shoes, or with shoes that
have very thin soles with little to no cushioning. Consequently,
these runners now tactilely experience the terrain beneath their
feet. A barefoot runner using a traditional treadmill with a
continuous, smooth, unchanging surface will not have the same
tactile experience as they will have when running outside.
[0005] One type of treadmill belt is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
8,096,925 issued to Peter E. Radding et al. and assigned to Veyance
Technologies, Inc. In this patent, a treadmill belt is disclosed
that includes a fabric base and a foamed cushion layer. However,
only a traditional outer wear layer is disclosed.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one aspect of the disclosure, a treadbelt for a treadmill
may include a major surface having a plurality of tufts extending
therethrough.
[0007] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include a first
textile layer and a plurality of fibers extending through the first
textile layer to provide the plurality of tufts.
[0008] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include a plurality
of fibers that are sized, shaped and positioned to exhibit the
appearance of turf.
[0009] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include fibers
having a cross-sectional shape exhibiting a breadth that is greater
than a width thereof.
[0010] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include fibers
having a cross-section sized and shaped generally as a
cross-section of a blade of grass.
[0011] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include fibers
having a generally circular cross-sectional shape.
[0012] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include polymer
fibers.
[0013] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include at least
one of polyamide fibers and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
fibers.
[0014] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include a plurality
of fibers that extend over a portion of a first side of the first
textile layer and the free ends of each of the plurality of fibers
extending from an opposing second side of the first textile
layer.
[0015] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include a first
textile layer including a woven textile layer.
[0016] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include a second
textile layer adhered to the first side of the first textile layer
and extending over the middle portion of each of the plurality of
fibers.
[0017] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include the first
textile layer having polyester yarns.
[0018] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include fibers
extending substantially straight from the second side of the first
textile layer.
[0019] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include fibers
extending in a generally helical shape from the second side of the
first textile layer.
[0020] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include a major
surface comprising a plurality of protrusions extending
therefrom.
[0021] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include a plurality
of protrusions spatially distributed on the major surface of the
treadbelt in an irregular and non-repeating configuration.
[0022] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include the
plurality of protrusions exhibiting irregular and non-repeating
shapes.
[0023] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include the
appearance of naturally occurring rock shapes.
[0024] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include a major
surface configured to approximate to a runner the impact response
of at least one of turf, sand, a trail, a ground vulcanized rubber
track, and a hardwood surface.
[0025] Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination
of the above-mentioned features and may further include a major
surface configured to approximate to a runner the visual appearance
of at least one of turf, sand, a trail, a ground vulcanized rubber
track surface, and a hardwood surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of
the present method and system and are a part of the specification.
The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present
system and method and do not limit the scope thereof.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a treadmill
including a treadbelt having tufts extending therefrom according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of an interior of a base
portion of the treadmill of FIG. 1, according to one
embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the treadbelt of FIG. 1,
according to one embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional detail view of a
portion of the treadbelt of FIG. 1, according to one
embodiment.
[0031] FIGS. 5-9 illustrate cross-sectional views of fibers of a
treadbelt, such as shown in FIG. 1, according to various
embodiments.
[0032] FIG. 10 illustrates a plan view of an interior of a base
portion of a treadmill, such as shown in FIG. 1, with a treadbelt
having protrusions extending therefrom, according to another
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional detail view of a
portion of the treadbelt of FIG. 10, according to one
embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional detail view of a
portion of a treadbelt that approximates a sandy beach according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional detail view of a
portion of a treadbelt that approximates a track according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional detail view of a
portion of a treadbelt that approximates a hardwood floor according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0037] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers
designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] The present disclosure provides a treadbelt for a treadmill
that includes a specialized surface, such as a tufted surface
and/or a surface having similarities to a natural surface. Such a
specialized surface on a treadbelt may provide the user with a feel
and response similar to a specific running surface, such as turf, a
mountain trail, or another running surface, which may facilitate
training for specific running conditions and sports.
[0039] Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "connected"
and "associated with" are used broadly and encompass both direct
and indirect connections and associations. Further, these terms are
not restricted to mechanical attachments, but also include
frictional, adhesive, magnetic and other attachments.
[0040] A treadmill including a treadbelt according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated,
a treadmill 10 may include a frame 12, a treadbelt 14 and a deck
16. The frame 12 may include various parts of the treadmill 10 and
may impart structural stability and/or support to the treadmill 10.
When installed on the treadmill, the treadbelt 14 is exposed at an
upper region of the deck 16, and provides a movable surface upon
which a user may walk and/or run. The treadmill 10 may additionally
include a drive motor 18 associated with the treadbelt 14,
positioned and configured to drive the treadbelt 14, as shown in
FIG. 2. For example, the drive motor 18 may be connected to a
roller 20 with a belt 22 and the treadbelt 14 may be positioned
over the roller 20.
[0041] In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 3, the treadbelt
14 may include a major surface 24 comprising a plurality of tufts
26 extending therefrom. A plurality of fibers 28, 30 may extend
from the surface 24 of the treadbelt 14 to form the tufts 26, and
the plurality of fibers 28, 30 may be sized, shaped and positioned
to exhibit the appearance of turf. Additionally, the plurality of
tufts 26 may provide a surface 24 on the treadbelt 14 that exhibits
a feel and/or an impact response similar to turf. The treadbelt 14
may include one or more textile layers 32, 34 and the plurality of
fibers 28, 30 may extend through at least one textile layer 32 to
provide the plurality of tufts 26 extending from the major surface
24 of the treadbelt 14.
[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the treadbelt 14 may include a
first textile layer 32 and a second textile layer 34 and,
optionally, additional layers. The first textile layer 32 may
include a woven textile comprising weft yarns interwoven with warp
yarns, which may extend perpendicular to the weft yarns. The yarns
of the first textile layer 32 may be made of a synthetic material,
such as a polymer (e.g., polyester). The fibers 28, 30 may be
threaded between and around yarns of the first textile layer 32. A
middle portion 36 of each of the plurality of fibers 28, 30 may
extend over a portion of a first side 38 of the first textile layer
32 and the free ends 40 of each of the plurality of fibers 28, 30
may extend from an opposing second side 42 of the first textile
layer 32. In some embodiments, the middle portion 36 of the fibers
28, 30 may extend around warp yarns of the first textile layer 32.
In further embodiments, the middle portion 36 of the fibers 28, 30
may extend around the weft yarns of the first textile layer 32. In
yet further embodiments, the middle portion 36 of the fibers 28, 30
may extend around both the warp and weft yarns of the first textile
layer 32.
[0043] A second textile layer 34 may be adhered to the first side
38 of the first textile layer 32 and may extend over the middle
portion 36 of the fibers 28, 30. The second textile layer 34 may be
also be comprised of a woven textile. The second textile layer 34,
and an adhesive 44 between the first and second textile layers 32,
34 may hold the fibers 28, 30 in place and prevent the fibers 28,
30 from pulling out of the first textile layer 32 during normal
operation of the treadmill 10. The second textile layer 34 may also
form a second major surface of the treadbelt 14 (i.e., an inner
surface of the treadbelt). Accordingly, the second textile layer 34
of the treadbelt 14 may contact the rollers 20 and the deck 16 of
the treadmill 10 when installed thereon and may provide a
relatively low friction interface between the deck 16 of the
treadmill 10 and the treadbelt 14. Additional material layers may
also be positioned adjacent to the second textile layer 34 to
provide the interface between the deck 16 of the treadmill 10 and
the treadbelt 14.
[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a cushioning layer 46 may be
positioned over the second side 42 of the first textile layer 32
and the fibers 28, 30 may extend through the cushioning layer 46.
For example, the cushioning layer 46 may include one or more of a
polymer material, a polymer foam, and a non-woven textile. The
cushioning layer 46, combined with the tufts 26, may be selected to
provide an impact response (i.e., foot-feel) approximating
turf.
[0045] The fibers 28, 30 may have one or more cross-sectional
shapes, which may affect the look and/or feel of the fibers 28, 30
(e.g., giving the fibers 28, 30 the look and/or feel of blades of
grass). In some embodiments, the plurality of fibers 28, 30 may
include fibers 28, 30 having a cross-sectional shape exhibiting a
breadth that is greater than a width thereof, as shown in FIGS.
5-8, similar to a blade of grass. For example, fibers 28, 30 may
have a cross-section shaped generally as a rectangle, as shown in
FIG. 5, or a rounded rectangle, as shown in FIG. 6. For another
example, fibers 28, 30 may have a cross-section shaped generally as
a chevron, as shown in FIG. 7. For yet another example, fibers 28,
30 may have an arcuate cross-sectional shape, as shown in FIG. 8.
For yet a further example, fibers 28, 30 may have a circular
cross-sectional shape, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0046] Returning again to FIG. 4, the plurality of fibers 28, 30
that form the tufts 26 may include fibers 28 that extend
substantially straight in a relaxed state (i.e., straight fibers)
and may, include fibers 30 that extend in a generally helical shape
(i.e., curly fibers). The straight fibers 28 may extend beyond the
curly fibers 30 and visibly appear as blades of grass. The curly
fibers 30 may be somewhat obscured from view by the straight fibers
28, but may provide structure to keep the straight fibers 28
extended substantially perpendicular to the surface of the
treadbelt and reduce matting of the fibers 28. Additionally, the
curly fibers 30 may provide resilience to the tufts 26 and provide
a cushioning effect to a user running on the treadmill 10. The
fibers 28, 30 may be comprised of a synthetic material, such as a
polymer. For example, the plurality of fibers 28, 30 may include at
least one of polymer fibers, polyamide fibers, and
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers.
[0047] In Further embodiments, a treadbelt may include another
specialized surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a treadbelt
50 for a treadmill may include a major surface 52 having
protrusions 54 extending therefrom. The protrusions 54 may be
spatially distributed on the major surface 52 of the treadbelt 50
in an irregular and non-repeating configuration, so as to
approximate the look and/or feel of a trail, or another natural
footpath. The protrusions 54 may include irregular and
non-repeating shapes. For example, the protrusions 54 may exhibit
the appearance of naturally occurring rock shapes. As shown in FIG.
11, the treadbelt may include at least one textile layer 56, 58, a
texture layer 60, and, optionally, a cushion layer 62. A first
textile layer 56 may be a woven textile that may provide structural
strength (e.g., tensile strength) to the treadbelt 50. Accordingly,
the first textile layer 56 may be formed, at least in part, of high
strength synthetic yarns, such as polymer yarns (e.g., polyester
yarns). In one embodiment, a second textile layer 58 may be adhered
to a first side 64 of the first textile layer 56, such as with an
adhesive material, and the second textile layer 58 may provide an
exterior surface of the interior of the treadbelt 50. Accordingly,
the second textile layer 58 may provide a relatively low friction
interface between the treadbelt 50 and a deck of a treadmill. The
texture layer 60 may be formed from a relatively hard polymer
material and may include the plurality of protrusions 54 molded or
otherwise formed thereon. The optional cushion layer 62 may be
positioned over a second side 66 (opposing the first side) of the
first textile layer 56, between the first textile layer 56 and the
texture layer 60. The cushion layer 62 may be adhered to the second
side of the first textile layer 56 by an adhesive, or may include a
polymer that is applied to the first textile layer 56 in a less
than fully cured state and cured on the first textile layer 56. For
example, the cushion layer 62 may include a foamed polymer. As an
additional example, the cushion layer 62 may include at least one
of a polymer material, polymer foam, and a non-woven textile. The
cushion layer 62 can also be configured to approximate the impact
response of a trail. Accordingly, the cushion layer 62 may provide
an impact response similar to compacted soil.
[0048] In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 12, a treadbelt
70 may approximate the look and/or feel of a sandy beach. The
treadbelt 70 may include an impact response similar to wet or dry
packed sand and may have a textured surface 72 approximating the
feel of sand. The treadbelt 70 may include at least one textile
layer 74, 76, a cushion layer 78, and a texture layer 80. A first
textile layer 74 may be a woven textile that may provide structural
strength (e.g., tensile strength) to the treadbelt 70. Accordingly,
the first textile layer 74 may be comprised of high strength
synthetic yarns, such as polymer yarns (e.g., polyester yarns).
Optionally, a second textile layer 76 may be adhered to a first
side of the first textile layer 74, such as with an adhesive
material, and the second textile layer 76 may provide an exterior
surface of the interior of the treadbelt 70. Accordingly, the
second textile layer 76 may provide a relatively low friction
interface between the treadbelt 70 and a deck of a treadmill. The
cushion layer 78 may be positioned over a second side of the first
textile layer 74. The cushion layer 78 may be adhered to the second
side of the first textile layer 74 by an adhesive, mechanical
fasteners, or may comprised of a polymer that is applied to the
first textile layer 74 in a less than fully cured state and cured
on the first textile layer 74. For example, the cushion layer 78
may include a foamed polymer. As an additional example, the cushion
layer 78 may include at least one of a polymer material, polymer
foam, and a non-woven textile.
[0049] The texture layer 80 may be positioned over the cushion
layer 78 and may provide the exterior of the outer surface of the
treadbelt 70 and may provide an interface between the treadbelt 70
and a user and may approximate the texture of sand. Rather than
actual sand forming the surface 72 of the treadbelt 70, the texture
layer 80 may include a texture formed from a polymer, which may be
less abrasive than sand. For example a polymer material may be
applied to the surface of a treadbelt 70 utilizing a sputtering
process that may provide a textured surface on the treadbelt 70. In
further embodiments, sand may be utilized for texture, but not
exposed on the surface 72 of the treadbelt 70. For example, sand
may be mixed into a polymer and applied to a major surface of the
treadbelt 70, or a polymer layer may be formed over a layer of sand
to provide a similar feel to sand without the same abrasive
properties of sand. In view of the foregoing, the texture layer 80
and the cushion layer 78 may approximate the impact response of
sand (e.g., packed sand). Such embodiments may approximate the
sensation and impact response of running on a beach, especially for
barefoot runners.
[0050] In addition to providing specialized surfaces that
approximate natural surfaces, some embodiments may provide a
specialized surface that emulates a manmade surface. In some
embodiments, a ground vulcanized rubber 82 may be applied to a
major surface 84 of a treadbelt 86 to provide a specialized surface
that approximates a track surface, as shown in FIG. 13. In
additional embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 14, a polymer with a
relatively high hardness may be applied to a major surface 92 of a
treadbelt 94 to approximate a hardwood surface (e.g., a basketball
court). For example, a polymer layer 96 having a durometer hardness
between about 80 Shore D and about 90 Shore D may be applied to the
major surface 92 of the treadbelt 94. The specialized surface of
the treadbelt 94 may additionally have a surface roughness similar
to a finished hardwood floor.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0051] Currently, it is not possible for many athletes to
approximate the running conditions of their sport on a treadmill.
Conventional treadmills may include a treadbelt with a relatively
flat surface that is compatible with running shoes, but that may
not be compatible with other shoes, such as cleats. Accordingly,
such treadbelts do not provide users with the feel and response of
various common running surfaces. A treadbelt available to a
football player would be no different than a treadbelt for a track
runner, or for a beach volleyball player.
[0052] Furthermore, conventional treadmills are also not
specialized for barefoot running Accordingly, a barefoot runner
using a current treadmill may not have the same tactile experience
as they may have when running outside, as the treadbelts have a
continuous, smooth, unchanging surface.
[0053] The present disclosure provides treadbelts for treadmills
that include a specialized surface, such as a tufted surface and/or
a surface having similarities to a natural surface. Such a
specialized surface on a treadbelt may provide the user with a feel
and response similar to a specific running surface, such as turf, a
mountain trail, or another running surface, which may facilitate
training for specific running conditions and sports.
[0054] In some embodiments, a treadbelt may include tufts extending
from a major surface. The tufts may be comprised of a plurality of
fibers that are sized, shaped and positioned to exhibit the
appearance of turf. Additionally, the tufts may provide a surface
that exhibits a feel similar to turf.
[0055] In further embodiments, a treadbelt may include a major
surface comprising protrusions spatially distributed on the major
surface of the treadbelt in an irregular and non-repeating
configuration. Such embodiments may approximate the look and/or
feel of a trail or another natural footpath.
[0056] In additional embodiments, a treadbelt may approximate the
look and/or feel of a sandy beach, may exhibit an impact response
similar to wet or dry packed sand, and may have a textured surface
approximating the feel of sand.
[0057] In addition to providing specialized surfaces that
approximate natural surfaces, some embodiments may provide a
specialized surface that emulates a manmade surface or a hardwood
surface (e.g., a basketball court).
[0058] In view of the foregoing, a user may select a treadbelt with
a specialized surface for a specific training or exercise. For
example, an athlete that competes on turf, such as a football
player, may train on a treadmill with a treadbelt having a surface
that approximates turf. Additionally, the athlete may run using
footwear worn in competition, such as cleats, on the specialized
surface. This may allow the user to better train for competition,
and may facilitate the evaluation of footwear for competition. As
another example, an athlete that competes on the sand, such as a
beach volleyball player, may train on a treadmill having a
treadbelt approximating the impact response and feel of sand.
[0059] Treadmills comprising treadbelts with specialized surfaces
may also provide a superior running experience to runners with
preferences for particular running surfaces, especially barefoot
runners.
* * * * *