U.S. patent application number 14/213782 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for treadmills with adjustable decks and related methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael Olson.
Application Number | 20140274579 14/213782 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51529703 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140274579 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Olson; Michael |
September 18, 2014 |
TREADMILLS WITH ADJUSTABLE DECKS AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
A treadmill may comprise a base and a deck comprising a
treadbelt. A front of the deck may be rotatably coupled to the
base, and the deck may be rotatable between an operating position
and a storage position. A front deck height adjustment mechanism
may be located at a front portion of the deck, and a rear deck
height adjustment mechanism may be located at a rear portion of the
deck.
Inventors: |
Olson; Michael; (Logan,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ICON Health & Fitness, Inc. |
Logan |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ICON Health & Fitness,
Inc.
Logan
UT
|
Family ID: |
51529703 |
Appl. No.: |
14/213782 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61786019 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0023 20130101;
A63B 2024/009 20130101; A63B 2071/0063 20130101; A63B 2210/56
20130101; A63B 24/0087 20130101; A63B 22/0235 20130101; A63B
2210/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/54 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/02 20060101
A63B022/02 |
Claims
1. A treadmill comprising: a base; a deck comprising a treadbelt, a
front of the deck rotatably coupled to the base, the deck rotatable
between an operating position and a storage position; a front deck
height adjustment mechanism located at a front portion of the deck;
and a rear deck height adjustment mechanism located at a rear
portion of the deck.
2. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the rear deck height
adjustment mechanism includes a motor located in the front portion
of the deck, the motor configured to operate the rear deck height
adjustment via an elongate power transmission device.
3. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the elongate power
transmission device comprises a screw.
4. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the rear deck height
adjustment mechanism comprises wheeled legs.
5. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the elongate power
transmission device comprises a barrel and a piston rod.
6. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the elongate power
transmission device comprises at least one of a chain, a belt, and
a cable.
7. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the rear deck height
adjustment mechanism is configured to position the deck at a
decline.
8. The treadmill of claim 1, further comprising: a frame extending
from the base; and a console supported by the frame.
9. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the motor and elongate power
transmission device are configured to selectively move the deck
between the operating position and the storage position.
10. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the storage position
comprises a substantially vertical deck orientation, with the rear
portion of the deck overlying the front portion of the deck.
11. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the rear deck height
adjustment mechanism comprises a scissor jack.
12. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the rear deck height
adjustment mechanism comprises a crossbar hinged to a frame of the
deck; a first leg extending from the crossbar proximate to a first
end of the crossbar; a second leg extending from the crossbar
proximate to a second end of the crossbar; and a lever arm
extending from a central region of the crossbar, the lever arm
coupled to the elongate power transmission device.
13. A method of operating a treadmill, the method comprising:
rotating a deck of a treadmill about a front of the deck relative
to a base of the treadmill to move the deck from a storage position
to an operating position; and raising a rear portion of the deck
with a motor located at the front of the deck.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising rotating a screw
with the motor to raise the rear portion of the deck.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein raising the rear portion of the
deck with a motor located at the front of the deck comprises
raising the rear portion of the deck with a motor coupled to the
base of the treadmill.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising utilizing the motor
as a counter weight to facilitate moving the deck from the
operating position to the storage position.
17. A treadmill comprising: a base; a deck comprising a treadbelt,
a front of the deck rotatably coupled to the base, the deck
rotatable between an operating position and a storage position; a
front deck height adjustment mechanism located at a front portion
of the deck; a rear deck height adjustment mechanism located at a
rear portion of the deck; and a motor located at the front portion
of the deck, the motor configured to operate the rear deck height
adjustment via an elongate power transmission device.
18. The treadmill of claim 17, wherein the elongate power
transmission device comprises a screw.
19. The treadmill of claim 17, wherein the rear deck height
adjustment mechanism comprises wheeled legs.
20. The treadmill of claim 17, wherein the motor and elongate power
transmission device are configured to selectively move the deck
between the operating position and the storage position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
application 61/786,019 filed on Mar. 14, 2013.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to treadmills,
deck adjustment mechanisms for treadmills and related methods.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Running long distances has become a relatively popular
activity, with many runners participating in marathons. Some
runners enjoy the challenge of running distances longer than a
marathon, such as 100 miles or more. In addition to running races
on roads and sidewalks, trail running has become popular.
Accordingly, many long distances races are being run on mountain
trails. However, conventional treadmills have not been configured
to simulate such terrain for exercise and training purposes.
[0004] Many conventional treadmills may include a platform that may
be positioned to provide an incline to facilitate a more strenuous
workout for fitness and/or weight loss.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,912 to Avraham Levi describes a
treadmill that provides height adjustment for both the front and
the rear of the treadmill. The treadmill is taught to move up and
down with a user's stride, to more closely simulate walking up a
hill without the same stress on the legs that may be experiences by
exercising on a stair stepping device. Thus, the treadmill may
provide an exercise that is more exerting than a conventional
treadmill with less leg strain than a stair stepping device. The
treadmill includes a large surrounding framework to facilitate the
front and rear height adjustment of the treadmill. Thus, the
treadmill would require a relatively large amount of floor space
and would not be practical for many users to keep at their
home.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a treadmill may
comprise a base and a deck comprising a treadbelt.
[0007] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, a front of the deck may be rotatably coupled to the
base and the deck may be rotatable between an operating position
and a storage position.
[0008] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, a front deck height adjustment mechanism may be
located at a front portion of the deck.
[0009] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, a rear deck height adjustment mechanism may be
located at a rear portion of the deck.
[0010] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, a motor may be located at the front portion of the
deck.
[0011] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the motor may be configured to operate the rear
deck height adjustment via an elongate power transmission
device.
[0012] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the elongate power transmission device may comprise
a screw.
[0013] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the rear deck height adjustment mechanism may
comprise wheeled legs.
[0014] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the elongate power transmission device may comprise
a barrel and a piston rod.
[0015] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the elongate power transmission device may comprise
at least one of a chain, a belt, and a cable.
[0016] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the rear deck height adjustment mechanism may be
configured to position the deck at a decline.
[0017] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the treadmill may comprise a frame extending from
the base.
[0018] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the treadmill may comprise a console supported by
the frame.
[0019] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the motor and elongate power transmission device
may be configured to selectively move the deck between the
operating position and the storage position.
[0020] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the storage position may comprise a substantially
vertical deck orientation, with the rear portion of the deck
overlying the front portion of the deck.
[0021] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the rear deck height adjustment mechanism may
comprise a scissor jack.
[0022] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the rear deck height adjustment mechanism may
comprise a crossbar hinged to a frame of the deck.
[0023] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, a first leg may extend from the crossbar proximate
to a first end of the crossbar.
[0024] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, a second leg may extend from the crossbar proximate
to a second end of the crossbar.
[0025] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, a lever arm may extend from a central region of the
crossbar.
[0026] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the lever arm may be coupled to the elongate power
transmission device.
[0027] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of
operating a treadmill may comprise rotating a deck of the treadmill
about a front of the deck relative to a base of the treadmill to
move the deck from a storage position to an operating position.
[0028] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the method may further comprise raising a rear
portion of the deck with a motor coupled to the base of the
treadmill.
[0029] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the method may further comprise rotating a screw
with the motor to raise the rear portion of the deck.
[0030] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, raising the rear portion of the deck with the motor
located at the front of the deck may comprise raising the rear
portion of the deck with the motor located forward of a pivot point
between the deck and the base when the deck is in the operating
position.
[0031] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the method may further comprise utilizing the motor
as a counter weight to facilitate moving the deck from the
operating position to the storage position.
[0032] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, a method
of manufacturing a treadmill may comprise providing a base.
[0033] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the method may further comprise providing a deck
comprising a treadbelt.
[0034] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the method may further comprise rotatably coupling
a front of the deck to the base to facilitate rotation of the deck
between an operating position and a storage position.
[0035] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the method may further comprise positioning a front
deck height adjustment mechanism at a front portion of the
deck.
[0036] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the method may further comprise positioning a rear
deck height adjustment mechanism at a rear portion of the deck.
[0037] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the method may further comprise positioning a motor
at the front portion of the deck.
[0038] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, the method may further comprise coupling the motor
to the rear deck height adjustment with an elongate power
transmission device.
[0039] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, coupling the motor to the rear deck height
adjustment with the elongate power transmission device may comprise
coupling the motor to the rear deck height adjustment with a
screw.
[0040] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, positioning the rear deck height adjustment
mechanism at the rear portion of the deck may comprise positioning
a rear deck height adjustment mechanism comprising wheeled legs at
the rear portion of the deck.
[0041] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, coupling the motor to the rear deck height
adjustment with the elongate power transmission device may comprise
coupling the motor to the rear deck height adjustment with a barrel
and a piston rod.
[0042] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects herein, coupling the motor to the rear deck height
adjustment with the elongate power transmission device may comprise
coupling the motor to the rear deck height adjustment with at least
one of a chain, a belt, and a cable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of
the present methods and systems and are a part of the
specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of
the present systems and methods and do not limit the scope
thereof
[0044] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a treadmill according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a deck and a portion of a
base of the treadmill of FIG. 1.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the deck and the portion
of the base of FIG. 2.
[0047] FIG. 4A is a schematic side view of the deck and the portion
of the base of FIG. 2, wherein a rear deck height adjustment
mechanism is in a raised position.
[0048] FIG. 4B is a schematic side view of the deck and the portion
of the base of FIG. 2, wherein a front deck height adjustment
mechanism is in a raised position.
[0049] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the deck and the portion
of the base of FIG. 2, wherein the deck is in a stowed
position.
[0050] FIG. 6 is a side detail view of an elongate power
transmission device including a piston rod and cylinder for a
treadmill according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0051] FIG. 7 is a side detail view of deck height adjustment
mechanism comprising a scissor jack for a treadmill according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0052] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the deck and the portion
of the base of a treadmill in a stowed position, wherein a motor
for operating a rear deck height adjustment mechanism is utilized
to move the deck to the stowed position, and wherein the deck is in
a stowed position, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0053] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers
designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0054] In some embodiments, a treadmill 10 may include a base 12
and a deck 14 having a front portion 15 pivotally attached to the
base 12. The deck 14 may include a treadbelt 16 that may provide a
continuous running surface during operation of the treadmill 10. A
frame 18 may extend from the base 12 and support a console 20.
Additionally, the frame 18 may include one or more handrails 22 to
provide support and balance to a user.
[0055] The deck 14 may be supported by a deck frame 24, as shown in
FIG. 2, which may include a left side rail 26 and a right side rail
28 connected by laterally extending cross-members 30. A front
roller 32 (see FIG. 3) may be rotatably coupled to and extend
between the side rails 26, 28 at a front portion 15 of the deck
frame 24. Likewise, a rear roller 34 (see FIG. 3) may be rotatably
coupled to and extend between the side rails 26 and 28 at a rear
portion 17 of the deck frame 24. Additionally, a support surface 36
(see FIG. 1) may be coupled to and extend between the side rails 26
and 28 at a location between the front and rear rollers 32 and
34.
[0056] The treadbelt 16 may be routed around the rollers 32 and 34
and the support surface 36, to provide a continuous running
surface. In some embodiments, a drive motor 40 may be mounted to
the deck frame 24 or the base 12 of the treadmill 10 and a belt 42,
or other power transmission device, may extend between the drive
motor 40 and the front roller 32, to selectively rotate the front
roller 32, and thus rotate the treadbelt 16.
[0057] A rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 may be located at
a rear portion 17 of the deck 14. In one embodiment, the rear deck
height adjustment mechanism 50 may be rotatably coupled to the side
rails 26 and 28 of the deck frame 24. The rear deck height
adjustment mechanism 50 may comprise a cross-bar 52, a left leg 54
extending from the cross-bar 52 proximate to a first end and a
right leg 56 extending from the cross-bar 52 proximate to a second
end. Each of the left leg 54 and the right leg 56 may include a
wheel 58 positioned to contact the floor underlying the treadmill
10, when the deck 14 is in an operating position (e.g., a
horizontal orientation, see FIGS. 1-4).
[0058] A lever arm 60 may extend from a central region of the
cross-bar 52 of the rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50.
Accordingly, when a force is applied to the lever arm 60 a torque
may be applied to the rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 and
the legs 54 and 56 of the rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50
may rotate relative to the deck frame 24.
[0059] A first motor 62, for operating the rear deck height
adjustment mechanism 50, may be located at the front portion 15 of
the deck 14. An elongate power transmission device 64 may extend
from the first motor 62 to the lever arm 60 of the rear deck height
adjustment mechanism 50. For example, the elongate power
transmission device 64 may comprise a screw 66 that extends through
the nut 68. Accordingly, helical threads of the screw 66 may be
intermeshed with corresponding helical threads of the nut 68. As
the first motor rotates, the elongate power transmission device 64
also rotates, which causes the helical threads to move with respect
to the nut 68 causing the nut 68 and the cross-bar 52 to move. As
the cross-bar 52 moves, the left leg 54 and the right leg 56 pivot
together with respect to the deck 14 thereby raising or lowering
the rear portion 17 of the deck 14.
[0060] In further embodiments, an elongate power transmission
device 64 may comprise a barrel 94 and a piston rod 96, as shown in
FIG. 6. In yet further embodiments, an elongate power transmission
device may comprise at least one of a chain, a belt, and a
cable.
[0061] Referring again to FIG. 2, a front deck height adjustment
mechanism 70 may be located at a front portion 15 of the deck 14.
In one embodiment, the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70
may be rotatably coupled to the side rails 26 and 28 of the deck
frame 24. The front deck height adjustment mechanism 70 may
comprise a crossbar 72, a left arm 74 extending from the crossbar
72 proximate to a first end and a right arm 76 extending from the
crossbar 72 proximate to a second end. Each of the left arm 74 and
the right arm 76 may be also be rotatably coupled to the base 12 of
the treadmill 10.
[0062] A lever arm 78 may extend from a central region of the
crossbar 72 of the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70.
Accordingly, when a force is applied to the lever arm 78 a torque
may be applied to the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70 and
the arms 76 and 78 of the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70
may rotate relative to the deck frame 24 and the base 12 of the
treadmill 10.
[0063] A second motor 80, for operating the front deck height
adjustment mechanism 70, may be located at the front portion 15 of
the deck 14. A power transmission device 82 may extend from the
second motor 80 to the lever arm 78 of the front deck height
adjustment mechanism 70. For example, a screw 84 may extend from
the second motor 80 to the lever arm 78 of the front deck height
adjustment mechanism 70. A nut 86 may be hinged to the lever arm 78
of the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70, and the screw 84
may extend through the nut 86. Accordingly, helical threads of the
screw 84 may be intermeshed with corresponding helical threads of
the nut 86.
[0064] The rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 and the front
deck height adjustment mechanism 70 may be actuated independently
of one another. Thus, a user, a trainer, or a program may send
instructions to the first motor 62 to raise or lower without
sending instructions to the second motor 80 and vice versa. The
user may control either the front deck height adjustment mechanism
50 or the rear deck height adjustment mechanism 70 through a
control console of the treadmill. Such a control console may also
control the tread belt speed and other operating parameters of the
treadmill. In some examples, the user selects a pre-programmed
exercise routine. Such a program may also send independent
instructions to the rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 and
the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70. In yet another
example, the user executes a program that mimics the terrain of a
selected jogging route, and the program send independent
instructions to the rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 and
the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70 to mimic the uphill
and downhill slopes of the selected jogging route.
[0065] In the illustrated examples, the first motor 62 is located
in the front portion 15 of the treadmill 10 adjacent to the
underside of the deck 14. However, in other examples, the first
motor 62 is located in the rear portion 17 of the treadmill 10. In
such an example, power transmission device 64 may have a similar
length to the power transmission device 82.
[0066] The rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 may have the
ability to cause the declining slope to range from zero degrees to
60 degrees with respect to the floor that supports the treadmill
10. Thus, the rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 may cause
the declining slope of the deck 14 to be anywhere between zero and
60 degrees. For example, the rear deck height adjustment mechanism
50 may cause the declining slope to be 5 degrees, 10 degree, 15
degrees, or anywhere there between. Likewise, the front deck height
adjustment mechanism 70 may have the ability to cause a forward
slope of the deck 14 to range between zero and 60 degrees. As a
result, the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70 may cause the
forward slope of the deck 14 to be anywhere between zero and 60
degrees. For example, the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70
may cause the declining slope to be 5 degrees, 10 degree, 15
degrees, or anywhere there between. In some examples, independent
signals may be sent to the rear and front deck height adjustment
mechanisms 50, 70 at the same time. In such an example, the overall
slope of the deck 14 will depend on the relatively heights of the
front and rear portions 15, 17 of the treadmill, 10.
[0067] In addition to utilizing lever-type deck height adjustment
mechanisms, in some embodiments at least one of the front deck
height adjustment mechanism and the rear deck height adjustment
mechanism may comprise a scissor jack 98, as shown in FIG. 7. In
such an example, the front portion 15 and/or the rear portion 17 of
the deck 14 can be raised and lowered without pivoting the right
leg or the left legs of the height adjustment mechanisms on wheels
as described in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In the example of FIG. 7, a jack
shaft 700 may be coupled to a first joint 702 and a second joint
704 with a threaded section 706. As the threaded section 706
rotates in a first direction, the first and second joints 702, 704
are brought closer together, which causes the first jack leg 708
and a second jack leg 710 to extend vertically. Such a vertical
extension can be used to raise either the front portion 15 or the
rear portion 17 of the deck 14.
[0068] Likewise, when the threaded section 706 rotates in an
opposite, second direction, the first and second joints 702, 704
are spread farther apart. As the joints 702, 704 spread farther
apart, the jack legs 708, 710 retract vertically. Such a vertical
retraction can be used to lower either the front portion 15 or the
rear portion 17 of the deck 14.
[0069] In some embodiments, a lift assist device 90 for
facilitating the movement of the deck between the operating
position and the storage position may extend between the deck frame
24 and the base 12 of the treadmill 10, as shown in FIG. 5. The
lift assist device 90 may comprise a pneumatic cylinder 92 that
extends between the base 12 and the deck frame 24. The pneumatic
cylinder 92 may be configured to store energy when the deck 14 is
lowered from the stored position to the operating position (e.g.,
energy may be stored in the pneumatic cylinder as compressed gas as
the length of the pneumatic cylinder 92 is retracted). The stored
energy in the pneumatic cylinder 92 may then be utilized to assist
in lifting the deck 14 from the operating position (e.g.,
compressed gas in the pneumatic cylinder 92 may expand, assisting
in extending the length of the pneumatic cylinder 92). In further
embodiments, the lift assist device 90 may comprise one or more of
a spring, a counterweight, and a pulley.
[0070] The placement of the first motor 62, for the rear deck
height adjustment mechanism 50, at the front portion 15 of the deck
14 may facilitate the movement of the deck 14 between the operating
position and the storage position.
[0071] In some embodiments, both the first and second motors 62 and
80 may be positioned forward of the hinge point between the deck 14
and the base 12 of the treadmill 10. In this position, the weight
of the first and second motors 62 and 80 may provide a counter
weight to the portion of the deck 14 that extends rearward of the
hinge point between the deck 14 and the base 12 of the treadmill
10. Accordingly, the amount of weight that a user would lift to
move the deck 14 from the operating position to the stowed position
may be reduced.
[0072] In further embodiments, the first motor 62 may be positioned
at or rearward of the hinge point between the deck 14 and the base
12 of the treadmill 10. The first motor 62 may be adjacent the
hinge point, so that leverage provided by the length of the deck 14
extending rearward of the hinge point may facilitate lifting of the
first motor 62.
[0073] In additional embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, a treadmill
100 may be configured to move a deck 114 between the operating
position and the storage position under the power of a first motor
162. In such embodiments, the first motor 162 may be hingably
attached to a base 112 and positioned so that as the first motor
162 turns an elongate power transmission device 164 beyond a
certain point, the rear portion 17 of the deck 114 may be urged
upward to the storage position (see FIG. 8).
[0074] Likewise, the first motor 162 may be rotated in the other
direction, and the elongate power transmission device 164 may
rotate to lower the deck 114 from the storage position to the
operating position.
[0075] In operation, a user may move the deck 14 of the treadmill
10 (see FIGS. 1-5) from the stored position to the operating
position. A user may then exercise on the treadmill 10 while a
variety of slopes are simulated by the treadmill 10. A
substantially flat surface may be simulated by the treadmill 10
while a user runs on the treadmill 10, such as by lowering both the
front deck height adjustment mechanism 70 and the rear deck height
adjustment mechanism 50 to a fully lowered position, as shown in
FIGS. 1-3. By operating the second motor 80, the front deck height
adjustment mechanism 70 may be raised to simulate running up a
slope, as shown in FIG. 4B. When the front deck height adjustment
mechanism 70 is lowered, the first motor 62 may be operated to
raise the rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 to simulate
running down a slope, as shown in FIG. 4A.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0076] Running long distances has become a relatively popular
activity, with many runners participating in marathons. Some
runners enjoy the challenge of running distances longer than a
marathon, such as 100 miles or more. In addition to running races
on roads and sidewalks, trail running has become popular.
Accordingly, many long distances races are being run on mountain
trails. However, conventional treadmills have not been configured
to simulate such terrain for exercise and training purposes.
Treadmills according to embodiments of the present disclosure
provide improvements over such conventional treadmills.
[0077] Additionally, by providing a declining deck, the present
treadmill provides for the ability to focus on previously
underdeveloped muscle groups such as a runner's quads and core.
Further, such a declining slope may assist a user in training for
races that have routes that incorporate downhill sections.
[0078] In some embodiments, a treadmill may include a base and a
deck having a front portion pivotally attached to the base. The
deck may include a treadbelt that may provide a continuous running
surface during operation of the treadmill. A frame may extend from
the base and support a console. Additionally, the frame may include
one or more handrails to provide support and balance to a user.
[0079] The deck may be supported by a deck frame, which may include
a left side rail and a right side rail connected by laterally
extending cross-members. A front roller may be rotatably coupled to
and extend between the side rails at a front portion of the deck
frame. Likewise, a rear roller may be rotatably coupled to and
extend between the side rails at a rear portion of the deck frame.
Additionally, a support surface may be coupled to and extend
between the side rails at a location between the front and rear
rollers.
[0080] The treadbelt may be routed around the rollers and the
support surface, to provide a continuous running surface. In some
embodiments, a drive motor may be mounted to the deck frame or the
base of the treadmill and a belt, or other power transmission
device, may extend between the drove motor and the front roller, to
selectively rotate the front roller, and thus rotate the
treadbelt.
[0081] A rear deck height adjustment mechanism may be located at a
rear portion of the deck. In one embodiment, the rear deck height
adjustment mechanism may be rotatably coupled to the side rails of
the deck frame. The rear deck height adjustment mechanism may
comprise a cross-bar, a left leg extending from the cross-bar
proximate to a first end and a right leg extending from the
cross-bar proximate to a second end. Each of the left leg and the
right leg may include a wheel positioned to contact the floor
underlying the treadmill, when the deck is in an operational
position (e.g., a horizontal orientation).
[0082] A lever arm may extend from a central region of the
cross-bar of the rear deck height adjustment mechanism.
Accordingly, when a force is applied to the lever arm a torque may
be applied to the rear deck height adjustment mechanism and the
legs of the rear deck height adjustment mechanism may rotate
relative to the deck frame.
[0083] A first motor, for operating the rear deck height adjustment
mechanism, may be located at the front portion of the deck. An
elongate power transmission device may extend from the first motor
to the lever of the rear deck height adjustment mechanism. For
example, the elongate power transmission device may comprise a
screw extending from the first motor located at the front of the
deck to the lever of the rear deck height adjustment mechanism. A
nut may be hinged to the lever of the rear deck height adjustment
mechanism, and the screw may extend through the nut. Accordingly,
helical threads of the screw may be intermeshed with corresponding
helical threads of the nut.
[0084] In further embodiments, the elongate power transmission
device may comprise a barrel and a piston rod, as shown in FIG. 6.
In yet further embodiments, the elongate power transmission device
may comprise at least one of a chain, a belt, and a cable.
[0085] Alternatively, the rear deck height adjustment mechanism
and/or the front deck height adjustment mechanism may include any
number of height adjustment mechanisms including, but not limited
to, a scissor jack, hydraulic pistons, electric solenoid type
pistons, geared jacks, and the like. Furthermore, the rear deck
height adjustment mechanism and/or the front deck height adjustment
mechanism may be actuated in response to any number of inputs
including, but not limited to, computer or electrical commands,
manual adjustment, and the like.
[0086] A front deck height adjustment mechanism may be located at a
front portion of the deck. In one embodiment, the front deck height
adjustment mechanism may be rotatably coupled to the side rails of
the deck frame. The front deck height adjustment mechanism may
comprise a cross-bar, a left arm extending from the cross-bar
proximate to a first end and a right arm extending from the
cross-bar proximate to a second end. Each of the left arm and the
right arm may also be rotatably coupled to the base of the
treadmill.
[0087] A lever arm may extend from a central region of the
cross-bar of the front deck height adjustment mechanism.
Accordingly, when a force is applied to the lever arm a torque may
be applied to the front deck height adjustment mechanism and the
arms of the front deck height adjustment mechanism may rotate
relative to the deck frame and the base of the treadmill.
[0088] In addition to utilizing lever-type deck height adjustment
mechanisms, some embodiments at least one of the front deck height
adjustment mechanism and the rear deck height adjustment mechanism
may comprise a scissor jack, as shown in FIG. 7, hydraulic pistons,
electric solenoid type pistons, geared jacks, and the like.
[0089] A second motor, for operating the front deck height
adjustment mechanism, may be located at the front portion of the
deck. A power transmission device may extend from the motor to the
lever of the front deck height adjustment mechanism. For example, a
screw may extend from the motor to the lever of the front deck
height adjustment mechanism. A nut may be hinged to the lever of
the front deck height adjustment mechanism, and the screw may
extend through the nut. Accordingly, helical threads of the screw
may be intermeshed with corresponding helical threads of the
nut.
[0090] In addition to utilizing lever-type deck height adjustment
mechanisms, some embodiments at least one of the front deck height
adjustment mechanism and the rear deck height adjustment mechanism
may comprise a scissor jack, as shown in FIG. 7.
[0091] In some embodiments, a lift assist device, for facilitating
the movement of the deck between the operating position and the
storage position, may extend between the deck frame and the base of
the treadmill. The lift assist device may comprise a pneumatic
cylinder that extends between the base and the deck frame. The
pneumatic cylinder may be configured to store energy when the deck
is lowered from the stored position to the operating position
(e.g., energy may be stored in the pneumatic cylinder as compressed
gas as the length of the pneumatic cylinder is retracted). The
stored energy in the pneumatic cylinder may then be utilized to
assist in lifting the deck from the operating position (e.g.,
compressed gas in the pneumatic cylinder may expand, assisting in
extending the length of the pneumatic cylinder). In further
embodiments, the lift assist device may comprise one or more of a
spring, a counterweight, and a pulley.
[0092] The placement of the first and second motors, for the rear
deck height adjustment mechanism and the front deck height
adjustment mechanism, respectively, at the front portion of the
deck may facilitate the movement of the deck between the operating
position and the storage position.
[0093] In some embodiments, the first and second motors may be
positioned forward of the hinge point between the deck and the base
of the treadmill. In this position, the weight of the first and
second motors may provide a counter weight to the portion of the
deck that extends rearward of the hinge point between the deck and
the base of the treadmill. Accordingly, the amount of weight that a
user would lift to move the deck from the operating position to the
stowed position may be reduced.
[0094] In further embodiments, the first and second motors may be
positioned at or rearward of the hinge point between the deck and
the base of the treadmill. The first and second motors may be
adjacent the hinge point, so that leverage provided by the length
of the deck extending rearward of the hinge point may facilitate
lifting of the deck and motors.
[0095] In additional embodiments, a treadmill may be configured to
move the deck between the operating position and the storage
position under the power of the first motor. In such embodiments,
the first motor may be hingably attached to the base and positioned
so that as the motor turns the elongate power transmission device
beyond a certain point, the rear portion of the deck may be urged
upward to the storage position.
[0096] In operation, a user may move the deck of the treadmill from
the stored position to the operating position. A user may then
exercise on the treadmill while a variety of slopes are simulated
by the treadmill. A substantially flat surface may be simulated by
the treadmill while a user runs on the treadmill, such as by
lowering both the front deck height adjustment mechanism and the
rear deck height adjustment mechanism to a fully lowered position,
as shown in FIGS. 1-3. By operating the second motor, the front
deck height adjustment mechanism may be raised to simulate running
up a slope, as shown in FIG. 4B. When the front deck height
adjustment mechanism is lowered, the first motor may be operated to
raise the rear deck height adjustment mechanism to simulate running
down a slope, as shown in FIG. 4A.
[0097] In view of the foregoing, treadmills according to
embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized for training
for running on varied terrain, including downhill slopes.
Additionally, treadmills according to embodiments of the present
disclosure may be utilized for low exertion exercises, such as
walking down a decline, for users who are unable to exercise at
high exertion levels or who are undergoing physical therapy for an
injury.
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