U.S. patent application number 15/798373 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-15 for treadmill.
The applicant listed for this patent is George Moser. Invention is credited to George Moser.
Application Number | 20180043207 15/798373 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61160675 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180043207 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moser; George |
February 15, 2018 |
Treadmill
Abstract
A computerized treadmill is provided. The treadmill may include
a walking layer, a middle layer fully suspending the walking layer
via a plurality of air suspension elements, and a foundation layer.
The air suspension elements, such as bellows, may be pressurized by
a computer-controlled compressor feeding a central air reservoir to
which each bellows is connected via air hose. The air suspension
elements may be dampened to control expansion. One or more
alignment elements, such as double hinge structures, may be used to
control lateral movement and reduce lateral load on the
bellows.
Inventors: |
Moser; George; (Santa Clara,
CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Moser; George |
Santa Clara |
CA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
61160675 |
Appl. No.: |
15/798373 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14720740 |
May 23, 2015 |
9814929 |
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15798373 |
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62178203 |
Apr 2, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0207 20151001;
A63B 22/0221 20151001; A63B 2220/56 20130101; A63B 22/0023
20130101; A63B 2220/18 20130101; A63B 22/0228 20151001; A63B
22/0235 20130101; A63B 21/0087 20130101; A63B 2230/01 20130101;
H04Q 2209/40 20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 2225/50
20130101; A63B 24/0087 20130101; A63B 21/0058 20130101; A63B
21/0083 20130101; A63B 21/0088 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101;
A63B 2024/0093 20130101; A63B 2071/0063 20130101; G08C 2201/93
20130101; A63B 2071/065 20130101; A63B 22/025 20151001; A63B
2071/0658 20130101; A63B 2071/0683 20130101; A63B 2220/833
20130101; A63B 2209/00 20130101; A63B 22/0285 20130101; A63B
2220/30 20130101; H04Q 9/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/02 20060101
A63B022/02; A63B 24/00 20060101 A63B024/00; A63B 71/06 20060101
A63B071/06; A63B 22/00 20060101 A63B022/00 |
Claims
1. A treadmill comprising: a walking layer comprising two
interconnected longitudinal rails secured to either side of a deck;
a middle layer beneath the walking layer, the middle layer
comprising a middle layer frame and a plurality of air suspension
elements, the plurality of air suspension elements together fully
suspending the walking layer relative to the middle layer frame;
and a foundation layer resting on a ground surface, the foundation
layer supporting the middle layer.
2. The treadmill of claim 1, in which the plurality of air
suspension elements comprises: an upper fitting secured to the
walking layer; a lower fitting secured to the middle layer frame;
and a membrane enclosing a volume of air between the upper fitting
and the lower fitting.
3. The treadmill of claim 2, in which said upper fitting and said
lower fitting are comprised of metal, and said membrane comprises
an elastic membrane.
4. The treadmill of claim 2, in which one or more of said air
suspension elements further comprises a dampening strap
interconnecting the upper fitting and the lower fitting, the strap
operating to limit movement of the upper and lower fittings away
from one another during unloading of the air suspension
element.
5. The treadmill of claim 4, in which the dampening strap comprises
an elastic strap.
6. The treadmill of claim 4, in which the dampening strap comprises
a fabric strap.
7. The treadmill of claim 2, in which one or more of said air
suspension elements further comprises a damping piston attached to
one of said upper or lower fittings, and a receptacle attached to
the other of said upper or lower fittings, the piston configured
for movement within the receptacle during loading and unloading of
the air suspension element.
8. The treadmill of claim 7, in which said receptacle is enclosed
and fluid-filled, the piston including a first orifice enabling
bi-directional fluid flow between a first side of the piston and a
second side of the piston, and check valve enabling unidirectional
fluid flow from the first side of the piston to the second side of
the piston.
9. The treadmill of claim 1, in which the foundation layer further
comprises a belt drive motor operable to drive a loop belt sliding
over the deck.
10. The treadmill of claim 1, in which the foundation layer further
comprises an incline motor connected with the middle layer to
variably incline the middle layer relative to the foundation
layer.
11. The treadmill of claim 1, further comprising: an air reservoir;
air lines interconnecting one or more of said air suspension
elements with said air reservoir; and an electronically-controlled
compressor operable to control air pressure within said air
reservoir.
12. The treadmill of claim 11, further comprising: an air pressure
sensor providing an output indicative of measured air pressure
within one or more of the air reservoir and air suspension
elements; and in which said electronically-controlled compressor
receives one or more control inputs, with at least one of said
control inputs being determined based at least in part upon the air
pressure sensor output, the compressor utilizing said control
inputs to control air pressure within said air reservoir.
13. The treadmill of claim 12, in which at least one of said
compressor control inputs is determined based at least in part upon
belt speed.
14. The treadmill of claim 12, in which at least one of said
compressor control inputs is determined based at least in part upon
user impact level.
15. The treadmill of claim 12, in which at least one of said
compressor control inputs is determined based at least in part upon
a user-controlled configuration setting.
16. The treadmill of claim 1, further comprising one or more
alignment elements interconnecting the walking layer with the
middle layer.
17. The treadmill of claim 16, in which the one or more alignment
elements comprise double hinge structures.
18. The treadmill of claim 17, in which each double hinge structure
comprises a double hinge, a first spacer element connecting the
double hinge with the middle layer frame, and a second spacer
element connecting the double hinge with the walking layer, the
spacer elements operable to reduce longitudinal displacement of the
deck as the double hinge rotates.
19. The treadmill of claim 16, in which the one or more alignment
elements each restrain lateral movement of the walking layer
relative to the middle layer frame.
20. The treadmill of claim 1, further comprising a pin attached to
a first one of the walking layer and middle layer, and an orifice
attached to a second one of the walking layer and middle layer, the
pin positioned within the orifice during operation to restrict
lateral movement of the walking layer relative to the middle
layer.
21. A treadmill comprising: a walking layer comprising two
interconnected longitudinal rails secured to either side of a deck;
a foundation layer resting on a ground surface, the foundation
layer comprising a foundation frame and a plurality of air
suspension elements, the plurality of air suspension elements
together fully suspending the walking layer relative to the
foundation frame.
22. The treadmill of claim 21, in which the plurality of air
suspension elements comprises: an upper fitting secured to the
walking layer; a lower fitting secured to the foundation layer
frame; and a membrane enclosing a volume of air between the upper
fitting and the lower fitting.
23. The treadmill of claim 22, in which one or more of said air
suspension elements further comprises a dampening strap
interconnecting the upper fitting and the lower fitting, the strap
operating to limit movement of the upper and lower fittings away
from one another during unloading of the air suspension
element.
24. The treadmill of claim 22, in which one or more of said air
suspension elements further comprises a damping piston attached to
one of said upper or lower fittings, and a receptacle attached to
the other of said upper or lower fittings, the piston configured
for movement within the receptacle during loading and unloading of
the air suspension element.
25. The treadmill of claim 24, in which said receptacle is enclosed
and fluid-filled, the piston including a first orifice enabling
bi-directional fluid flow between a first side of the piston and a
second side of the piston, and check valve enabling unidirectional
fluid flow from the first side of the piston to the second side of
the piston.
26. The treadmill of claim 21, further comprising: an air
reservoir; air lines interconnecting one or more of said air
suspension elements with said air reservoir; and an
electronically-controlled compressor operable to control air
pressure within said air reservoir.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 14/720,740, filed on May 23, 2015, the
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety; which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent
application 62/178,203, filed on Apr. 2, 2015, the contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates in general to the exercise
equipment field, and in particular, to treadmills having
improvements in one or more areas such as deck support, deck
positioning, console positioning and electronic controls.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Modern society has created a lifestyle for many members of
society that can be characterized as sedentary, with many hours of
minimal or no physical activity, typically sitting at a desk or
computer. Simultaneously, the diet of many people has deteriorated,
with ensuing obesity, diabetes, heart disease and many other modern
diseases. This lifestyle has also led to high growth in the cost of
health care for society.
[0004] Many of the above issues can be addressed through exercise.
The treadmill is one of the most popular exercise machines
available, and could play a major role in addressing issues of
health and fitness. The treadmill typically provides a continuous
rotating surface on which individuals can run or walk in place. In
some cases, the surface is formed from an elastic belt driven by
rollers and supported by an underlying rigid deck. In other cases,
the surface may be formed from a series of rigid slats running
perpendicular to the direction of rotation. In both scenarios, a
drive motor propels the surface, typically at a variable speed.
Often times, an incline motor is able to adjust the angle of the
rotating treadmill running or walking surface to simulate uphill
and/or downhill movement.
[0005] However the treadmill, which has been around for many
decades, still has many unresolved shortcomings that discourage a
wider use. Two major shortcomings of treadmills are:
[0006] a) Impact: potential damage to joints because of repetitive
impact, which eventually causes fatigue failure to joints or bones.
Fatigue is a well-known effect in engineering and well described by
the Woehler curve, which causes failure of mechanical components
due to stresses that can be well tolerated if they happen
occasionally but will lead to failure if applied repetitively; an
analogy would be bending a wire a couple of times, which probably
will not cause damage to the wire, but if that is repeated back and
forth many times, it is likely that the wire will break. The legs
can be subjected to hundreds of thousands of repetitive impacts on
a conventional treadmill, so fatigue is a very real issue in these
machines; and
[0007] b) boredom during usage of the treadmill, which leads to
users giving up and not coming back to the treadmill, which often
becomes a dust collector in a household.
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention may address those
and/or other issues. Some embodiments provide a technological
solution that reduces repetitive impact injury to users and at the
same time keeps users motivated to continue the regular usage of
the treadmill. Embodiments also integrate the diet and other types
of exercise into the treadmill usage program to create a
comprehensive lifestyle management system that revolves around the
treadmill.
[0009] There have been many unsuccessful attempts to resolve the
above issues, which continue to plague even the latest, most
advanced treadmills. One early attempt is shown in U.S. Pat. No.
4,974,831, which discloses a treadmill with a complex system of
dampeners and lever arms located under the deck of the treadmill,
intended to reduce the intensity of the impacts on the user. The
proposed structure has issues of excessive complexity and high
cost, as well as non-adjustability, meaning that all users are
treated equally, despite differences in size, weight, age, gender,
health condition, prior injuries, and the like.
[0010] Another attempt in the prior art is shown in U.S. Pat. No.
4,984,810, which discloses a treadmill pivoted at its rear end and
resting on a spring/shock absorber combination located at the
forward end of the treadmill. This arrangement provides very
limited and partial dampening at best, because the rear of the
treadmill is sitting undampened on a rigid steel bar. In addition,
this system is also non-adjustable and non-controllable.
[0011] A further attempt is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,155, which
discloses a dampening system based on a longitudinally extending
leaf spring (similar to some truck suspensions). This system tries
to provide some adjustability through possible longitudinal
movement of an adjustment metal bar along the treadmill. However,
the complexity, cost and weight of such a system make it
impractical. In addition, a user would have to stop the treadmill
and climb underneath to do any adjustments, and repeat this trial
and error procedure until the right point is reached, which is not
something most users would be willing to do.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,528 shows a treadmill equipped with
air-filled rubber bladders which are laid between the side rails of
the treadmill and its deck. Therefore the rubber surface of the
bladders is in direct contact, "sandwiched" between the metal rail
on one side and the wooden deck on the other side. This arrangement
is susceptible to wear, noise, potential cuts and punctures, air
leaks, high cost and short useful life of the bladders. It is
believed to be an impractical approach that has never reached wide
scale commercial implementation, likely for the reasons just
mentioned. That same patent mentions as an alternative the use of
foam or rubber strips instead of the air bladders. That is a more
practical approach that has been used for many years, but of course
it lacks adjustability.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 8,435,160 ("the '160 Patent") discloses a
treadmill based on two main features: a) a set of wheels at the
rear end of the treadmill, with said wheels sitting directly on the
floor and providing a pivoting axis around which the whole upper
structure of the treadmill can be rotated and raised, and b) a set
of air springs at the front end of the treadmill intended to
cushion the upper structure of the treadmill. This proposed
structure has several disadvantages and shortcomings. A major
disadvantage is that it dampens only the front of the treadmill,
while the rear wheels sit undampened directly on the floor (which
is rigid and generates impact reaction forces that may continue to
hit the user). It is the equivalent of a car with dampeners only in
the front; nobody would be happy inside such a car, not only the
rear passengers who would get the full impact of any bumps but also
the front passengers, because they would get a substantial portion
of those impacts as well (the metal structure propagates the
impacts to everybody). A second major issue with that proposed
configuration is that the full weight of the treadmill upper
structure (including its heavy metal frame structure, deck,
stepping board, belt and other components plus user weight) has to
be carried by the air springs. That makes it necessary to use
relatively stiff air springs with high internal air pressure, and
the ability to dampen the user is severely limited (the air springs
have to be designed to carry the machine weight plus the person,
not just the person). The result is a relatively stiff ride with
significant user impact.
[0014] A further problem in the '160 Patent is the unnatural
pivoting motion of the user when potentially using such a machine.
Instead of experiencing the normal, primarily vertical "ups and
downs" of a walk, the user would be subject to a repetitive
circular motion around the contact point of the rear wheel on the
floor, which may feel unnatural and potentially uncomfortable or
dizzying.
[0015] Another issue in '160 Patent is the absence of a complete
dampening system. In some ways, the air springs are analogous to
rubber balls at relatively high pressure, potentially behaving in a
"springy" and "bouncy" manner. The undampened air springs can lead
to an uncomfortable ride on the treadmill.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,592 describes another approach to reduce
impact, based on a foamed cushion layer. Similar foam or polymer
layer approaches have been used for many years, but they provide
limited cushioning and very limited or no adjustability to
different users.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 8,968,163 addresses the issue of impact and
weight by providing a set of supports including a saddle to enable
a user to exercise with minimal weight or impact on the body. This
is intended primarily for therapy purposes.
[0018] Another major problem with treadmills is their boring nature
which makes many users abandon their exercise program. There have
been attempts to address that by connecting video players, TV
monitors or computers to the treadmill, in order to be able to
provide entertainment and games. U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,295 describes
an interface to a computer that constantly displays a speed target
to keep the user motivated. U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,084 describes a
motivational display. U.S. Pat. No. 6,413,191 combines the
treadmill with a game of chance to maintain motivation and
interest. U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,459 describes a game to help keep the
treadmill user interested. U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,513 describes an
exercise apparatus that can interact with an external video game
console such as a Nintendo machine and/or a TV display. Despite all
those ideas and concepts, the problem of boredom remains largely
unsolved and many users quit the use of the treadmill after a short
period of time due to boredom.
[0019] Some embodiments of the present invention addresses some or
all of the health and the boredom issues in treadmills in a novel
way that can revolutionize the use of this type of exercise
equipment with huge benefits for individuals and society.
SUMMARY
[0020] The present disclosure describes treadmills having improved
systems for deck suspension, orientation adjustability and
electronic control. In accordance with one aspect, a treadmill
includes a rigid treadmill frame, the frame supporting a front
roller and rear roller. A flexible belt wraps around the front
roller and rear roller. A rigid planar treadmill deck is interposed
between the front and rear rollers, beneath the top portion of the
belt. The deck is fully suspended relative to the frame by a
plurality of air suspension elements. A double hinge may be
provided to movably connect the deck with the frame. In some
embodiments, one or more of the air suspension elements is formed
from an upper fitting, which is secured to the deck, and a lower
fitting, which is secured to the frame. A membrane encloses a
volume of air between the upper and lower fittings. In some
embodiments, the upper and lower fitting are formed from metal, and
the membrane is an elastic membrane.
[0021] In some embodiments, the air suspension elements include a
dampening mechanism. For example, the upper and lower fittings may
be interconnected by a dampening strap to limit movement of the
upper and lower fittings away from one another during unloading of
the air suspension element. Such a dampening strap may be, e.g., a
fabric strap or an elastic strap. In other embodiments, a dampening
mechanism may include a damping piston attached to one of the upper
or lower fittings, and a receptacle attached to the other fitting,
with the piston configured for movement within the receptacle
during loading and unloading of the air suspension element. In some
embodiments, the receptacle may be fluid-filled; the piston may
include a first orifice enabling bi-direction fluid flow between a
first side of the piston and a second side of the piston, with a
check valve enabling unidirectional fluid flow from the first side
of the piston to the second side of the piston.
[0022] A system for maintaining a desired level of pressure within
the air suspension elements may be provided. In some embodiments,
the treadmill includes an air reservoir. The air reservoir may be
interconnected with one or more of the air suspension elements by
air lines. An electronically-controlled compressor may be operable
to control air pressure within the reservoir. In some embodiments,
an air pressure sensor may be included to provide output indicative
of the measured air pressure within one or more locations such as
the air reservoir or one or more air suspension elements. A control
input may be provided to the air compressor to control its
actuation, thereby contributing to the control of air pressure
within the air reservoir. Compressor control inputs may be
determined based on one or more factors. In some embodiments, such
factors may include one or more of belt speed, user impact level,
and a user-controlled configuration setting.
[0023] In some embodiments, treadmill components such as the belt
drive motor, incline motor, and compressor, may be positioned
within an area defined by the flexible belt.
[0024] In some embodiments, a treadmill may include a walking
layer, a middle layer below the walking layer, and a foundation
layer resting on a ground surface. The walking layer may be fully
suspended relative to the middle layer by a plurality of air
suspension elements, such as bellows. An incline mechanism may
articulate the middle layer relative to the foundation layer to
control incline of the treadmill. In other embodiments, a treadmill
may include a walking layer suspended directly over a foundation
layer via air suspension elements.
[0025] Deckless treadmills may also be implemented. In some such
embodiments, a plurality of adjacent slats extend across a
treadmill running surface perpendicularly to the direction of
travel. The slats are movably mounted on a slat guide. One or more
air suspension elements interconnect the slat guide with a rigid
frame. The slat guide may be fully suspended by the air suspension
elements, relative to the rigid frame. Various air suspension
elements designs may be utilized.
[0026] In accordance with another aspect, an incline mechanism may
be provided. In some such embodiments, a treadmill may include a
rigid frame with left and right rails. Incline mechanism slots
extend longitudinally within each of the left and right rails. An
incline crossbar extends between the left and right rails, with
ends extending through each of the incline mechanism slots. Left
and right incline support bars each have proximal ends rotatably
connected with the incline crossbar ends, and distal ends which may
include wheels. Linkage bars have proximal ends rotatably connected
with the rails at a position forward of the incline mechanism
slots, and distal ends rotatably connected with the incline support
bars. An incline motor can operate to rotate a lead screw, which is
threaded through an incline mechanism control nut secured to the
incline crossbar. Operation of the incline motor alternatively
deploys and retracts the incline support bars to increase and
decrease the angle of treadmill incline.
[0027] A treadmill decline mechanism may also be provided, to
position the treadmill into declining angles. Decline mechanism
slots may be provided within the left and right rails, with a
decline crossbar extending between the rails through the decline
mechanism slots. Decline support bars have proximal ends rotatably
connected with the rails, and a middle portion rotatably connected
with decline linkage bars. The decline linkage bars have opposite
ends rotatably connected with the decline crossbar. A decline
mechanism control nut is secured to the decline crossbar, with the
incline motor lead screw threaded through it. In some embodiments,
rotation of the lead screw can cause retraction of the incline
support bars, followed by deployment of the decline support bars.
In some embodiments, upright poles are connected with the treadmill
frame, and move with it during inclination of the treadmill. An
electronic display can be mounted on the upright poles.
[0028] In accordance with another aspect, a treadmill includes a
continuous rotating surface and a drive motor controlling rotary
motion of the rotating surface. An external digital interface, such
as an electrical connector or wireless transceiver, is adapted for
communication with an external computer. A control board received
input via the external digital interface and provides an output
control signal to the drive motor. The treadmill may include other
systems, sensors and controls, such as electromechanical devices
like an incline motor, fan and/or compressor, which receive control
signals from the control board, which is in turn controlled by
signals received from the external digital interface. In some
embodiments, devices such as a mobile phone, tablet or computer may
therefore be utilized to control the treadmill.
[0029] In accordance with another aspect, methods and systems for
digital networking of exercise equipment are provided. In some
embodiments, a method is provided for displaying digital media on a
plurality of exercise machines. Digital media files are downloaded
via the Internet onto a central digital storage device managed by
an Internet-connected server. The server receives a request from
one of the exercise machines for digital medial files. The
requested digital media files are transferred from the central
server to the requesting exercise machine, either via bulk download
for storage on a local exercise machine storage device, or via
streaming over a network.
[0030] Various other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of
the present invention and embodiments will become more apparent
from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments,
along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals
represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art treadmill.
[0032] FIG. 2 is an elevation of a prior art treadmill belt,
rollers and deck.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a side elevation of another prior art treadmill
embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a side elevation of another prior art treadmill
embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 4A is an exploded elevation of the incline mechanism of
the treadmill of FIG. 4.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a treadmill, in accordance
with one embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a treadmill in an inclined
position.
[0038] FIG. 7 is a lower perspective view of a treadmill in an
inclined position.
[0039] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a treadmill in an
inclined position.
[0040] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a treadmill in a declined
position.
[0041] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a treadmill with removed
side covers.
[0042] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a treadmill with removed
side covers in an inclined position.
[0043] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a treadmill with removed
side covers in an declined position.
[0044] FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of a treadmill with removed
belt.
[0045] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of an incline/ decline
mechanism.
[0046] FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of a treadmill deck
mounting apparatus.
[0047] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a treadmill deck
suspension.
[0048] FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of a treadmill air suspension
system.
[0049] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a treadmill embodiment with
components positioned below the belt.
[0050] FIG. 19 is the treadmill of FIG. 18 in an inclined
position.
[0051] FIG. 20 is a side elevation cutaway view of the treadmill of
FIG. 19.
[0052] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the deck suspension in the
treadmill of FIG. 18.
[0053] FIG. 22 is an elevation of an air suspension element,
according to an embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 23 is section A-A of the air suspension element of FIG.
22.
[0055] FIG. 24 is an elevation of another air suspension element
embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 25 is section A-A of the air suspension element of FIG.
24.
[0057] FIG. 26 is a partial top plan view of a deckless treadmill
embodiment.
[0058] FIG. 27 is an elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 26, with
covers removed and suspension exposed.
[0059] FIG. 28 is a schematic block diagram of a computerized
treadmill control system.
[0060] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a treadmill with computer
dock.
[0061] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a treadmill with tablet
computer dock.
[0062] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a treadmill with a smart
phone dock.
[0063] FIG. 32 is a schematic block diagram of a digital
communications network for exercise machines.
[0064] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a treadmill embodiment
having a walking layer, middle layer and foundation layer.
[0065] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 33,
with uprights and belt roller covers removed.
[0066] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the treadmill of FIG. 34,
with side rails and belt removed.
[0067] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the treadmill of FIG. 35,
in an inclined orientation.
[0068] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the treadmill of FIG. 36,
with side rails removed.
[0069] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the treadmill of FIG. 37,
with deck removed.
[0070] FIG. 39 is a side elevation of the treadmill of FIG. 38.
[0071] FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of the treadmill of FIG.
38.
[0072] FIG. 41 is a partial cutaway view of a front portion of the
treadmill of FIG. 40.
[0073] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of an alignment element.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0074] While this invention is susceptible to embodiment in many
different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be
described in detail herein several specific embodiments, with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention to enable any
person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is not
intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
[0075] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a typical prior art
treadmill. The belt 1 is a rubber belt that the user walks on. The
belt wraps around rear roller 2 and front roller 3. On both sides
of the treadmill there are stepping boards 4 that the user can use
to rest on without walking. The stepping boards are mounted on the
side rails 8, which are rigid metal beams that define a strong
frame, to which various components are mounted, such as rollers 2
and 3. Upright poles 5 provide to the user through the handlebars
6, and also carry the console 9. Base 7 supports the upright poles
5.
[0076] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the belt
mechanism in the prior art treadmill of FIG. 1, with the front
roller 3, the rear roller 2, the belt 1 and deck 24. The belt 1 is
a relatively thin, flexible belt that would not be able to carry a
person walking on it without additional support. The user's weight
is carried by deck 24, which is typical a large, rigid, flat board
located under the belt. Decks are commonly made of wood or MDF
(medium density fiberboard). The surface of the board is treated to
make it smooth and slippery so that the belt can easily slide on
it. The deck is attached to side rails 8 of the treadmill.
[0077] The opportunity for repetitive stress injury using prior art
treadmills can be perceived via a further look at FIG. 2. The user
is ultimately walking or running on a heavy, rigid MDF plank 24,
which in turns is sitting on rigid metal beams. That typically
constitutes a very rigid, unforgiving walking or running surface.
Some manufacturers insert rubber blocks between the MDF deck and
the supporting metal beams, but that does little to reduce the
severity of the repetitive impacts and the potential damage to the
user's joints and bones.
[0078] FIG. 3 shows another important feature of many prior art
treadmills: the ability to incline the deck and belt to increase
exercise intensity by simulating uphill walking or running. Incline
motor 35 is located under the upper structure 31 of the treadmill.
The upper structure pivots around the base 36 of the treadmill. The
upper structure includes the belt, the rollers, the MDF deck, the
side rails and other components, described further below in
connection with FIG. 4. Incline motor 35 is typically a linear
motor with an actuator 34 that extends linearly when the motor is
turned, lifting the front end of upper structure 31 relative to
base 36. Console pole 32 carries the console 33. The base 36
extends rearward from the rear belt roller, creating a compartment
37 slightly behind the treadmill. The purpose of this compartment
37 is to contain an electric motor that propels the belt (not
shown). Some treadmills have a slightly different configuration,
with a motor hanging from the bottom of the upper structure 31.
[0079] FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the prior art
treadmill of FIG. 3, further clarifying the internal components of
the treadmill. The electric belt motor 48 is located inside the
compartment 37, and propels the rear roller 49 via a short
transmission belt 42, thereby propelling the running belt 41 on top
of MDF deck 43. The desired incline angle of the running surface 41
is determined by the incline motor 45, which is typically a linear
motor with a lead screw 50 which engages with the mating nut 44.
The nut is attached to a pivot point 46. The incline motor 45 is
rotatably attached to a pivot point 47. The motor 45 causes the
lead screw 50 to rotate. That rotation causes the nut 44 to unwind
and move axially away from the motor. Thus the distance between
pivot points 47 and 46 is increased, causing the rotable part of
the treadmill structure with belt 41 to rotate upwards and
increasing the incline angle to a steeper position.
[0080] FIG. 4A is an exploded view of the details of the incline
motor mechanism for better clarity.
[0081] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an
improved treadmill. Instead of the traditional large console of
prior art treadmills with numerous buttons and physical controls,
the treadmill of FIG. 5 uses a touchscreen display for user
interaction. The large number of buttons and controls that are
typical of prior art treadmills is preferably absent; instead the
computerized treadmill of FIG. 5 relies almost completely on the
touchscreen to interface with the user. It is believed that most
users of prior art treadmills do not use many of the buttons and
controls, and instead use almost exclusively the speed buttons (up
and down), because they don't have the patience or desire to try to
understand and utilize a wide array of buttons and controls, many
of which may be unintuitive. That aggravates the problem of
boredom, because most users don't take advantage of exercise
programs or entertainment programs, even to the extent they are
made available by the treadmill. Embodiments of a treadmill
touchscreen interface can introduce intuitive user interfaces and
dynamic screens that create user engagement and entertainment,
taking advantage of the fact that most users are already familiar
with user interactions common on computer, tablet and smartphone
interfaces, which are much easier than learning how to use
proprietary arrangements of physical buttons and controls.
[0082] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, smart treadmill 60 includes
touchscreen display 61. Handlebar 62 can provide support to the
user as needed. Upright poles 63 support handlebar 62 and display
61. Belt 64 is propelled by large, oversized rollers housed under
the covers 65.
[0083] FIG. 6 illustrates how treadmill 60 can be inclined to
increase energy consumption by the user. A lifting linkage
mechanism is provided, preferably including support bar mechanisms
on both of the left and right sides of the bottom side of treadmill
60. Left side support bar 75A, which has a support bar wheel or
roller 77A towards its distal end, at a point of contact with the
floor, is deployed downwards by operation of an electric motor
mechanism described further below. As a result, the front of the
treadmill is lifted, pivoting about rear wheels 76 and 78, mounted
on the underside of the treadmill frame towards the rear of
treadmill 60. Support bar 75A is connected with linkage bar 79A as
part of a lifting linkage mechanism which is explained in more
detail in the following figures.
[0084] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the underside of
treadmill 60, to further clarify the lifting linkage mechanisms. A
distal end of linkage bar 79A is attached to support bar 75A via a
hinge mechanism positioned towards the middle of support bar 75A.
The proximal end of linkage bar 79A is mounted to the treadmill
frame via a fixed hinge, as illustrated further, e.g., below and in
FIG. 11. The left side incline mechanism is substantially
replicated on the right side of treadmill 60 by support bar 75B,
wheel 77B and linkage bar 79B.
[0085] FIG. 8 illustrates treadmill 60 in a high degree of incline,
which can be achieved through the special incline mechanism
geometry described herein. Embodiments of the treadmill of FIG. 8
are believed to be able to achieve inclines of approximately 60%,
which compares favorably with the maximum incline of 40% that
certain prior art treadmills have been able to achieve. Another
advantage of the special geometry of treadmill 60 is that when the
treadmill is inclined, display 61 and handlebar 62 rise with the
walking/running surface of belt 74, by virtue of being mounted on
upright poles 63, which in turn are connected with a common frame
with the belt rollers. By raising display 61 in conjunction with
belt 74, a relatively consistent distance can be maintained between
the user and display 61 at varying levels of incline. Such a
configuration may be advantageous to users compared to prior art
treadmills having a console and handlebar resting at fixed
elevation relative to the floor, such that the distance from the
user's upper body increases substantially when the treadmill is
inclined, forcing the user to adopt an uncomfortable posture and
hold on to special extended supports that protrude from the top of
the console.
[0086] FIG. 9 illustrates how treadmill 60 can also be declined
forward, simulating the user running or walking downhill. Decline
support bars 101A and 101B are deployed through a channel in the
lower side of covers 65, towards the rear of treadmill 60, by a
linkage mechanism to raise the elevation of the rear of treadmill
60. A proximal end of each decline support bar 101A and 101B is
pivotally mounted to an electric motor (described further below)
positioned primarily within the loop of belt 74. A distal end of
decline support bars 101A and 101B includes wheels 102A and 102B,
respectively, oriented to roll against the ground on which
treadmill 60 rests while decline support bars 101 rotate to adjust
the level of treadmill declination. Rotation downward of support
bars 101 acts to raise the rear of the treadmill, which pivots
upwards about frontal feet 103. Frontal feet 103 are positioned on
the front left and right bottom corners of treadmill 60, and rest
on the ground when treadmill 60 is in a decline position as
illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0087] FIG. 10 shows treadmill 60 in a level orientation, with
covers 65 and underlying stepping boards removed. Support bar 75A
and decline support bar 101A are mounted adjacent to the external
surface of frame side rail 111.
[0088] FIG. 11 shows treadmill 60, with covers 65 and underlying
stepping boards removed, oriented in an inclined position. The
proximal ends of support bars 75 are shifted forward within slot
124 via an electric motor mechanism described below, causing
support bars 75 to act against linkage bars 79 and the ground (via
wheels 77) to raise the front of the treadmill.
[0089] FIG. 12 shows deployment of the decline mechanism, with
covers 65 and underlying stepping boards removed. While for the
incline mechanism, the incline motor acts to move the incline
support bars that rotate around fixedly hinged linkage bars, for
the decline mechanism the action of the motor is reversed: the
motor acts against the decline linkage bars, which in turn cause
rotation of fixedly-hinged decline support bars. Specifically, the
proximal ends of decline linkage bars 133 are shifted rearward
along slot 135, formed within side rail 111. The distal ends of
decline linkage bars 133 are hinged with, and act against, decline
support bars 101 to force the distal ends of decline support bars
101 downwards, thereby lifting the rear of treadmill 60 upwards and
creating a declination of belt 74 and its underlying deck relative
to the ground.
[0090] FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of treadmill 60, with belt 74
removed to reveal the underside of the treadmill and its
inclination/declination mechanisms. Surface 143 is the underside of
the deck. Rollers 141 and 142 are the front and rear rollers for
the belt, respectively. Another difference of treadmill 60 compared
to many prior art treadmills is that rollers 141 and 142 have
relatively larger diameter (e.g. twice the diameter compared to
common prior art treadmills), enabling placement of key components
(such as belt motor 149, incline motor 145, deck, and compressor
144) between the top and bottom of belt 74. Use of larger diameter
rollers, in turn, result in lower rotational speeds to achieve the
same belt speeds, thereby reducing noise and wear on roller
bearings, while increasing component longevity. For example, a
typical prior art treadmill may have rollers with a diameter
between 1.5 and 3 inches. The architecture of the new treadmill of
this invention enables rollers with a diameter between 7 and 9
inches. Larger diameter rollers may also provide greater contact
area between the roller and belt, thereby reducing the likelihood
of belt slippage on the roller.
[0091] Other components shown in FIG. 13 include the belt motor
149; the incline motor 145; the lead screw 146; movable incline
crossbar 147; movable decline crossbar 148; and air compressor
144.
[0092] FIG. 14 illustrates such an incline/decline mechanism in
isolation from a bottom perspective view. The treadmill in this
figure is shown with some components removed to better visualize
the details of the mechanism. Roller 141 is the front roller, and
roller 142 is the rear roller. The right structural rail is
illustrated as rail 420, while the left rail has been removed in
this figure. Rail 420 contains slot 407 for the incline mechanism
and slot 408 for the decline function. Incline crossbar 405 has a
roller 409 at each one of its ends, intended to allow the crossbar
405 to slide longitudinally back and forth along the rails, with
the rollers 409 rotating inside incline slot 407 in right rail 420,
and inside an analogous slot in the left rail (not shown).
Similarly, decline crossbar 406 has a roller 410 at each one of its
ends, allowing crossbar 405 to slide longitudinally along the
rails, with the roller 410 rotating inside the slot 408, and an
associated roller 410 on the opposite end of crossbar 406 rotating
inside a slot in the left rail (not shown). Incline motor 145
causes the crossbars 405 and 406 to slide longitudinally by
rotating lead screw 146, which mates with an incline mechanism
control nut held by bracket 411 (for incline) and with a decline
mechanism control nut held by bracket 412 (for decline). The
rotation of the lead screw 146 can thus be used to longitudinally
move the crossbars 405 and 406 as needed. In this figure the
rotation of the lead screw would cause a longitudinal displacement
of the crossbar 409 (the incline crossbar), which is pivotably
attached to the previously described linkage bars 75A and 79A, thus
causing their deployment and the incline lifting of the treadmill.
The decline mechanism works the same way, with the corresponding
linkage bars being deployed when the lead screw 146 reaches a nut
in bracket 412 and causes the decline crossbar 406 to slide
longitudinally rearward, deploying decline support bars 133 and 101
to lift the rear of the treadmill.
[0093] FIG. 15 is another view of the underside of the treadmill,
shown without belt 74 or the incline and decline mechanisms of FIG.
13, which will be used to describe how the deck is supported.
Surface 143 is the underside of the deck. The weight of the deck is
completely carried by air suspension elements, such as bellows,
sometimes also referred to as air springs. Specifically, bellows
153, 154, 155, 156, 157 and 158 support deck surface 143. The
bellows are inflated to the desired pressure by, e.g., a
computer-controlled compressor (described below), or by a hand
pump. Each bellow is attached on one end to the underside surface
of the deck 143 and on its opposite end to a frame support mounted
to the frame side rails, such as crossbar 151 (bellows 153 and
154), crossbar 150 (bellows 157 and 158), gusset support structure
152A (bellows 155) and gusset support structure 152B (bellows 156).
A double-hinge 159 is also provided to maintain the deck centered
in its lateral positioning, and to relieve the bellows from side
loads and shear stresses that otherwise may occur. Double-hinge 159
is attached at one end to deck underside 143, and at the opposite
end to crossbar 151, and preferably has a width that spans the
majority of deck underside 143.
[0094] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.
15, with deck removed, further illustrating the treadmill
suspension system. As described above, the deck is supported by the
bellows 153, 154, 155, 156, 157 and 158.
[0095] FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the treadmill suspension
system, including a computer-controlled mechanism for bellow
pressurization. The embodiment includes bellows 153, 154, 155, 156,
157 and 158; computer-controled compressor 307; and a central
reservoir 300. Compressor 307 pressurized central reservoir 300 via
air hose 309. The air lines 301, 302, 303, 304, 305 and 306 connect
each of bellows 153, 155, 157, 156, 158 and 154, respectively, to
reservoir 300, helping ensure that the deck is supported by the
same pressure at all points of support. An air pressure sensor may
be mounted to monitor air pressure within the central reservoir 300
and/or one or more of bellows 153-158. A purge valve may be
provided within the pressurized system (e.g. within the compressor,
reservoir, bellows, or an interconnecting air line) to reduce air
pressure. The purge valve may be controlled by one or more factors
including, for example, a mechanical pressure release mechanism
actuated when pressure exceeds a maximum value, or an electronic
control system.
[0096] In some embodiments, reservoir 300 is pressurized to a
desired level based on user preference for ride firmness (as
determined by the user through the touchscreen user interface). In
such embodiments, a control signal may be provided to compressor
307 based at least in part upon a user-controlled configuration
setting. In other embodiments, reservoir 300 pressure is determined
algorithmically based upon input parameters which may include
measurements like detected user weight, running speed, incline
level and/or user impact levels; in which cases, controls signals
based at least in part on one or more of those factors may be
provided to compressor 307. User impact levels may be determined in
a variety of ways, such as via a pressure transducer mounted to the
deck, or via monitoring fluctuation in air pressure within the
bellows or central reservoir using an air pressure sensor.
[0097] FIG. 18 shows an alternative embodiment, in which the
internal components are not contained within the belt
circumference, but instead they are mounted beneath belt 171, while
still providing a full air suspension for the treadmill running and
walking surface. FIG. 19 shows the embodiment of FIG. 18, with the
deck inclined, and with external covers removed to show some of the
internal components. The belt motor 181 and the compressor 182 are
now visible.
[0098] FIG. 20 shows a side elevation of the treadmill of FIG. 18.
Belt motor 181 drives belt 171. Incline motor 192 operates to
control the incline to running surface 171. Left-side bellow
support structures 193, 194 and 195, along with three matching
bellow support structures on the right side of the treadmill (not
shown), carry and support the deck. Bellow support structures 193,
194 and 195 are constructed analogously to gussets 152 in FIG. 16,
providing a solid frame mounting point for air-filled bellows, with
the deck fully suspended on the air-filled bellows.
[0099] FIG. 21 is a perspective view from the top of the treadmill,
with the belt and the deck removed for clarity. Left side bellow
support structures 193, 194 and 195 are complemented by right side
bellow support structures 201, 202 and 203. Each bellow support
structure has a bellow mounted thereon. The deck (not shown for
clarity) rests on these six bellows. The double hinge structure 204
operates analogously to hinge 159 in the embodiment of FIG. 14,
helping reduce or eliminate side loads on the bellows.
[0100] While preferred embodiments illustrated herein utilize six
bellow to support the deck, with front, middle and rear bellows on
each of the left and right sides of the deck, it is contemplated
and understood that differing quantities and positions of bellows
could readily be implemented. For example, cost and build
complexity may be reduced by utilizing four bellows, with one
positioned at each corner of the deck.
[0101] FIG. 33 illustrates another treadmill embodiment, providing
full air suspension with a drive motor and deck positioning
mechanisms placed outside the belt circumference. Such an
embodiment may, in some circumstances, provide for reduced cost
and/or improved manufacturability. FIG. 33 is a perspective view of
a treadmill base 3300, with walking belt 3302 running between side
rails 3304A and 3304B.
[0102] Uprights 3306 carry a computer monitor or control panel (not
shown) used to communicate with the user and receive input commands
from the user. FIG. 34 shows treadmill base 3300, with uprights
3306 and belt roller covers removed. Under walking belt 3302, there
are cylinders 3310 and 3312 to support belt 3302 and slide it on
top of a deck (not visible), typically made out of wood, located
underneath belt 3302. FIG. 35 shows treadmill base 3300, without
side rails 3304 and belt 3302, thereby revealing deck 3320.
Analogous to decks described elsewhere herein, deck 3320 may be a
rigid board that carries the weight of a user, with belt 3302
sliding across the surface of deck 3320 when driven by roller 3310
and/or 3312. Rollers 3310 and 3312 help keep belt 3302 taut between
them during use. In an exemplary embodiment, propulsion of belt
3302 may be achieved by driving rear roller 3312 using electric
motor 3330.
[0103] FIG. 36 is a side perspective view of treadmill base 3300,
as illustrated in FIG. 35, adjusted to a partially inclined
orientation. Base 3300 includes upper structure 3340 and foundation
3350. Upper structure 3340 includes, inter alia, deck 3320 and
rollers 3310 and 3312. Foundation 3350 may include a rigid frame,
to which various components may be mounted. Upper structure 3340
can be inclined with respect to foundation 3350 by a desired angle
by incline motor 3352 using linkage mechanism 3354. Belt motor 3330
propels rear driving roller 3312 via driving belt 3332.
[0104] FIG. 37 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 36, having side
rails 3304A and 3304B removed to visualize internal components of
upper structure 3340. Upper structure 3340 includes two layers: a)
a walking layer; and b) a middle layer. The walking layer
constitutes a structure on which a user walks or runs. The walking
layer includes deck 3320 and two deck support beams 3322A and
3322B. Deck 3320 is fixedly attached to deck support beams 3322A
and 3322B by a set of screws or similar fasteners. The middle layer
provides for suspension of the walking layer over a supporting
frame using a set of air suspension bellows 3360, each containing
pressurized air. For example, on a left side of treadmill base
3300, air bellows 3362A and 3362B suspend deck support beam 3322A
over middle layer support beam 3360A. Analogous structures (visible
in the view of FIG. 38, having deck 3320 removed for visibility of
underlying structures) may be used on the right side of treadmill
base 3300; specifically, air bellows 3362C and 3362D suspend deck
support beam 3322B over middle layer support beam 3360B. Therefore,
the entire walking layer is suspended on air suspension elements,
thereby suppressing direction transmission of forces from the
walking layer to the ground, thus dampening and eliminating impact
and excess stress on the user's legs and joints.
[0105] Air suspension elements 3362 compress and expand under the
weight of the user while the user walks or runs on top of the deck.
Therefore, there is relative movement between deck support beams
3322 and middle layer support beams 3360. Optionally, a set of
alignment elements 3370 may be used to keep the walking layer
laterally aligned with respect to the middle layer, and prevent the
transmission of excessive lateral forces on air suspension elements
3362. In the embodiment of FIGS. 36-37, alignment elements 3370 may
be formed as double hinges, with forward and rearward double hinge
elements positioned on each of left and right sides, spanning the
walking layer (e.g. deck support beams 3322) and the middle layer
(e.g. middle layer support beams 3360). If air suspension elements
3362 have sufficient mechanical strength, double hinges 3370 may be
unnecessary. Instead of double hinges, it is also possible to use
pins mounted on the walking layer and oriented downwards towards
the middle layer, mating with orifices in the middle layer opening
towards the pins (or vice versa) to maintain layer alignment. Such
a pin and orifice mechanism can include linear bearings to minimize
friction and avoid any possible sticking effect.
[0106] FIG. 39 shows a side elevation of treadmill base 3300 with
side rail covers and belt removed, for further clarification of
this embodiment's structure. Foundation 3350 supports middle layer
support beams 3360. The view of FIG. 39 reveals other components
housed under the middle layer, such as compressor 3380 to pressure
air suspension elements 3362; and air tank 3382 to help maintain a
stable pressure and permit running of compressor 3380 only when
needed to maintain system pressure, electronic controller 3384 and
treadmill computer 3386, which may include a Windows or Android
computer. FIG. 40 provides a front perspective view, for further
clarification.
[0107] FIG. 41 is an expanded, partial cutaway view of a front
portion of treadmill base 3300, with side rails and deck removed.
FIG. 41 illustrates additional detail of alignment elements 3370.
In the illustrated embodiment, alignment element 3370 includes
upper spacer 3371, lower spacer 3372 and double hinge 3373. FIG. 42
further illustrates double hinge 3373, including lower attachment
wing 3373A, freely pivoting wing 3373B, and upper attachment wing
3373C. Lower attachment wing 3373A is secured to lower space 3372,
which is in turn secured to middle layer support beam 3360. Upper
attachment wing 3373C is secured to upper spacer 3371, which is in
turn secured to deck support beam 3320. In use, double hinge 3373
pivots freely as deck support beam 3320 and middle layer support
beam 3360 move vertically relative to one another, while inhibiting
lateral movement.
[0108] Upper spacer 3371 and lower spacer 3372 may each be formed
from sections of metal box tubing. Upper spacer 3371 and lower
space 3372 serve to position the components of double hinge 3373 to
minimize longitudinal displacement of the deck as the double hinges
rotate, in order to minimize a rocking movement of the deck that
may be uncomfortable to some users.
[0109] As described above, the embodiment of FIGS. 33-40 includes a
walking layer, a middle layer and a foundation layer. Separation of
the middle layer from the foundation layer enables articulation of
the middle and foundation layers relative to one another to, e.g.,
incline or decline the walking surface relative to the ground or
other surface on which the foundation layer rests. However, a
simplified embodiment may be readily achieved by eliminating the
incline mechanism. In that case, the middle layer can be
eliminated, and the air suspension elements can suspend the walking
layer directly on the foundation layer.
[0110] Various types of air suspension elements may be utilized.
FIG. 22 is an elevation view of an improved air suspension bellows
mechanism that has a built-in feature to prevent the bumpiness that
can result from having inflated, pressurized bodies like bellows
under the deck. FIG. 23 is a cross-section of the bellows of FIG.
22, taken along plane A-A. Top fitting 233 and bottom fitting 232
are connected internally by connecting member 231. Bellows
diaphragm 234 spans top fitting 233 and bottom fitting 232, is
formed from an elastic material, and encapsulates an air chamber
235. Channel 236 provides a route for pressurization of air chamber
235 through top fitting 233, such as via the compressor, central
pressure canister and tubing assembly described elsewhere
herein.
[0111] Preferably, connecting member 231 is configured to allow
fittings 232 and 232 to come closer to one another with little
resistance during compression, allowing the air pressure within the
bellows chamber to exert an opposing force; meanwhile, connecting
member 231 will preferably exert an opposing or limiting force
during expansion of the bellows to dampen the expansion. In some
embodiments, member 231 can be an elastic strap. In other
embodiments, member 231 can be formed from a fabric strap.
[0112] FIG. 24 shows an alternative bellows mechanism 240, having a
frictional damping element. FIG. 25 is a cross-section of the
bellows of FIG. 24, taken along section A-A. Bellows 240 includes
upper fitting 241 and lower fitting 242. Bellows diaphragm 243
spans upper fitting 241 and lower fitting 242, and encapsulates air
chamber 244. Air channel 245 extends through upper fitting 241 to
enable pressurization of the bellows. The lower portion of upper
fitting 241 includes piston 238. The upper portion of lower fitting
242 forms receptacle 239. Bellows movement is dampened by friction
of piston 238 within receptacle 239.
[0113] In some embodiments, the damping structure of FIGS. 24-25
can be implemented as a hydraulic dampener. Receptacle 239 may be
formed as a closed, oil-filled chamber, divided into two sections
by piston 238. Oil would be permitted to flow between either side
of piston 238 via a small, restrictive orifice, and a one-way check
valve providing less resistance to oil flow than the restrictive
orifice when upper fitting 241 and lower fitting 242 are moved
towards one another. Thus, the piston mechanism provides
comparatively little resistance to compression of the bellows, but
greater resistance to expansion, thereby dampening the bellows.
[0114] In other embodiments, a deckless treadmill design replaces a
flexible belt with a series of adjacent slats extending across the
treadmill perpendicularly to the direction of travel, to form a
running surface. Deckless treadmill embodiments can still
beneficially utilize variations of the suspension systems described
herein. For example, FIG. 26 is a cutaway top view of the rear
portion of a treadmill that does not have a deck. Self-supporting
slats 231 are sufficiently rigid to support the weight of a user,
without a solid deck underneath. The cutaway side view in FIG. 27
shows that the slats run on a guide 241. Slats 231 and guide 241
can all be carried and supported by a set of bellows 242, mounted
on frame 243.
[0115] Preferably, the treadmill is managed by a computer, as
opposed to typical prior art treadmills run by embedded controls
and dedicated circuits with little or no programming flexibility.
In accordance with one such embodiment, FIG. 28 illustrates a
schematic block diagram of a control mechanism for the treadmill.
The Treadmill Management Application 250 is a computer program
executed on computer 255, which gives instructions to Electronic
Control Board 251 through Interface Board 252. Electronic control
board 251 is a circuit board that provides electronic control
signals to govern the operation of belt motor 256, incline motor
257, compressor 258, sensors 259, and other electronic or
electromechanical mechanisms 260.
[0116] Interface board 252 preferably provides a digital interface
between computer 255 and control board 251. In some embodiments,
interface board 252 includes an external connector or dock with
physical electronic interconnect, adapted for connecting the
treadmill with an external computer 255, such as a laptop computer,
tablet computer or smart phone. In some embodiments, interface
board 252 may include a wireless transceiver implementing a
wireless communication link between control board 251 and computer
255, such as a wireless Ethernet connection, or a Bluetooth
connection.
[0117] TMA 250 also communicates with mobile app 253. Through
Applications Programming Interface (API) 254, TMA 250 enables third
parties (such as game developers and exercise program developers)
to develop software for the smart treadmill. In some embodiments,
computer 255 is provided with and physically integrated with the
treadmill, such as a tablet computer mounted within the treadmill
display. In other embodiments, computer 255 is a modular component
that can be alternatively attached to and detached from the
treadmill. In yet other embodiments, computer 255 may be completely
detached from the treadmill, such as a smart phone executing a
dedicated treadmill management application and communicating with
the treadmill (i.e. interface board 252) via a wireless
communications protocol such as Bluetooth. Use of non-dedicated
user computing hardware to operate the treadmill may be beneficial,
such as reducing treadmill cost by avoiding the cost of an integral
computer.
[0118] FIG. 29 shows an embodiment of a computer-driven treadmill
in which a non-dedicated computing device is used for treadmill
management. The treadmill of FIG. 29 is equipped with a dock 261,
which can be shaped like a tray that can receive and hold computer
262. Optionally, the dock includes connectors adapted for
communication with computer 262, enabling computer 262 to interact
with integrated display 263, and all other peripherals available to
the internal Interface Board, which in turn connects with the
Electronic Controller Board that runs the treadmill devices and
sensors. Computer 262, when connected with the dock, can take full
control of the treadmill, and even run applications and software
resident on the laptop.
[0119] In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 30, tablet
computer 271 can be connected to the treadmill to control and
manage the treadmill operation, as described above. In another
embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 31, smart phone 281 can be
connected to the treadmill to control and manage the treadmill
operation, as described above. The connection of computer 262,
tablet computer 271 or smart phone 281 to the dock can be through
dock connectors, or through regular cables and wires, or wireless
communication protocol. Particularly in case of wireless docking, a
tray or other physical holding structure is optional.
[0120] The full computerization of the treadmill in this invention
opens up an enormous number of possibilities for new types of
exercises and activities, on and off-the-treadmill, where the
treadmill can assume a key role as coach, manager, record keeper,
motivator and administrator of a fitness, weight, health and
lifestyle program, where the mobile app enables these services to
be provided not only on or at near proximity to the treadmill, but
virtually anywhere. For example, a smart phone application can not
only control embodiments of the treadmill described herein, but
also integrate the treadmill utilization and exercise data with a
comprehensive health and fitness application that tracks user steps
via an integrated smart phone motion sensor, logs user nutritional
intake, logs user weight data, sleep patterns, and other
information. In other embodiments, third party health and fitness
applications can be provided with software to control and/or
exchange information with the computerized treadmill. These and
other applications are contemplated and enabled by the novel
systems and devices disclosed herein.
[0121] Additionally, while the externally-controlled embodiment of
FIGS. 28-31 are illustrated in the context of a treadmill, it is
contemplated and understood that other embodiments may be
implemented in the context of other types of exercise equipment,
such as a stationary bicycle, elliptical machines, stepping
machines and rowing machines. In each case, the exercise equipment
includes electronic and electromechanical components that may be
controlled by the controller board structure of FIG. 28,
interfacing with an external computer. In some embodiments, TMA 250
may be implemented to control multiple types of exercise equipment
using a common user interface design, thereby allowing users to
move their computing device between different pieces of exercise
equipment. Potential benefits of some embodiments of this
arrangement include the ability to carry performance data between
different pieces of exercise equipment by using a common computing
device; and providing a common user interface with the exercise
equipment, thereby reducing a user's learning barrier in using a
different piece of equipment.
[0122] FIG. 32 illustrates a further embodiment wherein each
computerized piece of exercise equipment, such as treadmill 601,
treadmill 602 and treadmill 603, has its own storage device 604,
605 and 606, respectively, which can be used to download large
files which may be too bandwidth-intensive to stream live
simultaneously. With complete computerization of treadmills and
exercise equipment, gyms and similar facilities with a large number
of computerized exercise machines will face the problem of
potentially excessive bandwidth demand if a large number of users
start streaming live entertainment such as movies on their machines
at the same time. The gym could just increase its Internet
bandwidth, but that may come at a high cost. The Exercise Network
(gymrnet) of FIG. 32 addresses that problem. The gymnet is based on
central server 609, which is in communication via an Internet
connection with cloud providers of digital media, such as files or
streamable services from providers such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO,
and others, as well as Cable TV providers (who may be on the cloud
or physically linked to the central server or in satellite
communication with the central server). The central server 609
downloads the contents to its own storage device 608. When the high
demand arises from the users, central server 609 can upload
complete entertainment files (as opposed to live streaming them) to
the local storage devices such as 604, 605 and 606, thereby
reducing user impact from transitory network congestion or other
interruptions. The communication network between the central server
and the individual machines can be wired or wireless. The local
machines 601, 602 and 603 can then locally play the entertainment
files form their own storage devices, without a need to rely on
live streaming from the cloud, and therefore avoiding bandwidth
bottlenecks, whether in the cloud or local network. Other
variations of this arrangement can also be implemented, such as
live streaming from central server 609 to the individual machines,
especially if the individual machines are physically connected to a
common high speed data network with the central. The gym can have a
large number of entertainment files always loaded on its storage
unit 608, so that at any time the users can play those files even
if the communication with the cloud is bandwidth-challenged or
completely down.
[0123] Monitoring Station 610 is a great advantage for the gym as
well, providing a user interface with server 609 that can be
utilized by, e.g., gym management. Server 609 is preferably
configured to retrieve information from all networked exercise
machines and monitor them live, reporting and recording key status
parameters (motor temperature, usage statistics, vibration status,
hours in operation, upcoming service needs, biometric of users,
medical emergencies and other relevant parameters) that represent
key management data for the efficient and safe operation of the
gym. The gym manager should be able to see the status of any
machine on a screen provided by monitoring station 610, in
real-time or near-real time, as well be alerted instantly of any
situation that requires attention. Alerts can be issued at the
monitoring station and also optionally on a mobile device such as a
tablet or smart phone, so that management, service personnel and
even medical personnel can be alerted if the need arises.
[0124] While certain embodiments of the invention have been
described herein in detail for purposes of clarity and
understanding, the foregoing description and Figures merely explain
and illustrate the present invention and the present invention is
not limited thereto. It will be appreciated that those skilled in
the art, having the present disclosure before them, will be able to
make modifications and variations to that disclosed herein without
departing from the scope of any appended claims.
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