U.S. patent number 3,731,917 [Application Number 05/118,861] was granted by the patent office on 1973-05-08 for treadmill exercising device.
Invention is credited to Ray T. Townsend.
United States Patent |
3,731,917 |
Townsend |
May 8, 1973 |
TREADMILL EXERCISING DEVICE
Abstract
A treadmill exercising device comprising first and second spaced
apart rollers mounted on a frame so that they are each rotatable
with respect to a horizontal axis. An endless belt extends around
and between the rollers and includes an upper walking belt portion
which slides upon a smooth, highly polished, heat resistance
support surface as a person walks on the upper walking belt
portion. Additional features are provided for varying the speed of
the belt and for maintaining the proper tension in the same. To
vary the speed, removable sprockets of different size are provided.
The treadmill is operated by an electric motor which is directly
connected to a knurled or serrated drive roller to prevent belt
slippage.
Inventors: |
Townsend; Ray T. (Des Moines,
IA) |
Family
ID: |
22381189 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/118,861 |
Filed: |
February 25, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/4;
482/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
22/0023 (20130101); A63B 22/02 (20130101); A63B
22/0257 (20130101); A63B 2210/50 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
22/00 (20060101); A63B 22/02 (20060101); A63b
023/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;119/29 ;198/184,203
;192/135 ;272/69,73 ;74/242.15R,242.15B |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
384,019 |
|
Dec 1933 |
|
GB |
|
382,340 |
|
Oct 1932 |
|
GB |
|
Primary Examiner: Pinkham; Richard C.
Assistant Examiner: Stouffer; R. T.
Claims
I claim:
1. A treadmill exercising device, comprising,
a frame means,
at least a drive roller and a driven roller on said frame means
rotatable about horizontal axes,
an endless belt means extending around and between said roller
defining a treadmill belt means,
an electric motor mounted on said frame means at one end thereof
and having a drive shaft,
a first sprocket means mounted on said drive shaft for rotation
therewith,
a second sprocket means secured to said drive roller at one end
thereof,
a chain means extending around and between said first and second
sprocket means,
an idler sprocket means selectively movably mounted on said frame
means in engagement with said chain means,
said first sprocket means having mounting means thereon for quickly
removing said first sprocket means whereby the speed of said belt
means may be varied by substituting further sprocket means for said
first sprocket means,
a housing removably mounted on said frame means for enclosing said
electric motor, first and second sprocket means, chain means and
idler sprocket means during the operation of the device, said
housing being removable to permit said first sprocket means to be
selectively replaced and to permit the selective adjustment of said
idler sprocket means.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein a switch means is mounted on said
frame means which is engageable by said housing when said housing
is enclosing said electric motor, first and second sprocket means,
chain means and idler sprocket means, said switch means being
electrically connected to said electric motor for de-energizing
said electric motor when said housing is moved to expose said
electric motor, first and second sprocket means, chain means and
idler sprocket means.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein a key operated switch means is
electrically connected to said electric motor so that said electric
motor will only be energized when said key operated switch is
closed.
4. the device of claim 1 wherein said second sprocket means has a
diameter which is greater than the diameter of said drive roller so
that said second sprocket means also serves as a fly wheel for said
drive roller.
Description
Conventional treadmills usually have a belt which extends between a
pair of end rollers, with a plurality of belt supporting rollers
therebetween. The conventional treadmill exercising devices do not
have any convenient means for adjusting the speed thereof. Further,
the belts of the conventional treadmill exercising devices
frequently slip on the rollers which seriously detracts from their
efficiency. Additionally, the conventional devices do not include
means for de-energizing the power if the motor housing is
opened.
Therefore, it is a principal object of this invention to provide an
improved treadmill exercising device.
A further object of this invention is to provide a treadmill
exercising device having an odometer thereon.
A further object of this invention is to provide a treadmill
exercising device having a positive drive which prevents slippage
between the drive roller and the belt.
A further object of this invention is to provide a treadmill
exercising device including a Formica deck which supports the
walking belt area.
A further object of this invention is to provide a treadmill
exercising device the speed of which may be conveniently
changed.
A further object of this invention is to provide a treadmill
exercising device having a safety switch which de-energizes the
device when the motor cover is opened.
A further object of this invention is to provide a treadmill
exercising device including an adjustable belt.
A further object of this invention is to provide a treadmill
exercising device including a smooth, highly polished,
heat-resistant deck which supports the walking belt area.
A further object of this invention is to provide a treadmill
exercising device having a knurled or serrated driver roller.
A further object of this invention is to provide a treadmill
exercising device including a means of direct drive to impart a fly
wheel effect to the device.
A further object of this invention is to provide a treadmill
exercising device which is economical of manufacture, durable in
use and refined in appearance.
These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the
art.
This invention consists in the construction, arrangements and
combination of the various parts of the device, whereby the objects
contemplated are attained as hereinafter more fully set forth,
specifically pointed out in the claims, and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device of this invention with
the broken lines indicating the open position of the motor and
drive mechanism cover.
FIG. 2 is a top view of the device with portions thereof cut away
to more fully illustrate the invention;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view seen along lines 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view seen along lines 4--4 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view seen along lines 5--5 of FIG.
2;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view seen along lines 6--6 of FIG.
3;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view seen along lines 7--7 of FIG.
3;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view seen along lines 8--8 of FIG.
2;
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuitry of this
invention;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the device illustrating the
adjustable feet for varying the incline;
FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11--11 of FIG. 2, but
illustrating the legs in place for use of the device;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the device in a folded
position with broken lines indicating the partially folded position
of the handrail;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the device illustrating how it can
be stored in a vertical position; and
FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line 14--14 of FIG. 2.
The exercising device of this invention is generally designated by
the reference numeral 10 and includes a frame means 12 comprising
spaced apart channels 14 and 16 interconnected by a plurality of
angle members 18. An end channel 19 crosses the right end of frame
means 12 as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4. An inverted U-shaped handrail
20 is mounted at its lower ends to frame means 12 (FIGS. 4 and 5)
and extends upwardly through a flat support means 22 which is
secured to the upper ends of channels 14 and 16 by screws 24 and
extends therebetween.
Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the lower ends of handrail 20 slidably
extend through apertures 25 in support means 22. The extreme lower
tips of handrail 20 are tube-like and are each adapted to slidably
fit over a positioner 27. Positioner 27 is bolted to angle 18 by a
bolt 29 and includes a somewhat conical shape at its upper end for
guiding the lower ends of handrail 20 into position. Positioner 27
and the margins of aperture 25 thus cooperate to hold handrail 20
rigidly in position while at the same time permitting removal of
handrail 20 by upward sliding movement thereof.
A driven roller 26 (FIG. 8) is rotatably mounted about a horizontal
axis at one end of the frame means 12 and is adjustably supported
at its outer ends by tensioning means 28 and 28' respectively.
Since tensioning means 28 and 28' are identical, only tensioning
means 28 will be described in detail with " ' " indicating
identical structure on tensioning means 28'. As seen in FIG. 8, a
support angle 30 is secured to the inside vertical wall surface 32
of channel 14 by welding or the like. One end of roller shaft 34 is
supported on the horizontal flange 36 of angle 30 and terminates
adjacent the inside vertical wall surface 32. The upper end of
shaft 34, adjacent one end thereof, has a flat portion 38 which
slidably engages the underside of top flange 40 of channel 14. An
adjustment bolt 42 threadably extends through shaft 34 and extends
transversely therefrom through a shield 44 provided on the end of
the channel 14. Knob 46 is secured to bolt 42 for threadably
rotating bolt 42 with respect to shaft 34 to selectively move shaft
34 longitudinally with respect to channel 14. Tensioning means 28'
is provided for selectively moving the other end of shaft 34 with
respect to channel 16. The driven roller 26 is rotatably mounted on
the shaft 34 as indicated by broken lines in FIG. 8.
Frame means 12 includes a vertically disposed wall 50 adjacent one
end thereof as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. Motor 52 is operatively
secured to a support plate 23 on frame means 12 between the
channels 14 and 16 adjacent wall 50 and includes a drive shaft 54
extending therefrom. Drive shaft 54 has a hub 56 (FIG. 6) mounted
thereon for rotation therewith by means of a set screw 58. Hub 56
rotatably extends through wall 50 as seen in FIG. 6. Hub 56
includes a threaded end portion 60 adapted to threadably receive a
nut 62 thereon as also illustrated in FIG. 6. Hub 56 has a pin 64
extending therefrom which is adapted to be received in a
registering opening of a sprocket 66 so as to prevent relative
rotational movement between the sprocket 66 and hub 56. Washer 68
is positioned between the inner end of nut 62 and the outer surface
of sprocket 66. Chain 70 extends around sprocket 66 and also
extends around a sprocket 72 (FIGS. 2 and 3) which is mounted on
one end of shaft 74.
The numeral 76 refers generally to an idler assembly for
maintaining the proper tension in the chain 70. As seen in FIG. 7,
idler sprocket 78 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 80 provided at
one end of arm 82. Idler sprocket 78 engages the chain 70 in
conventional fashion. Collar 84 is welded to the other end of arm
82 and has a threaded opening 86 extending therethrough which
registers with threaded opening 88 of arm 82. The numeral 90 refers
to a bolt having a head portion 92 including a lever 94 secured
thereto and extending transversely therefrom as illustrated in FIG.
7. Bolt 92 is adapted to be threadably received in the threaded
openings 86 and 88 to maintain the arm 82 in its desired position
as will be explained in more detail hereinafter. A flat washer 96
embraces bolt 90 outwardly of wall 50 and a lock washer 98 is
positioned between the flat washer 96 and the head portion 92 of
bolt 90. Thus, the bolt 90 may be threadably loosened with respect
to the collar 84 and arm 82 by means of the lever 94 so that the
arm 82 can be pivotally moved to properly position the idler
sprocket 78 in the necessary position so as to maintain adequate
slack or tension in the chain 70. When the arm 82 is properly
positioned, the bolt 90 is again tightened by means of the lever 94
so as to draw the end of collar 84 into engagement with the inside
surface of wall 50 and to force the flat washer 96 into engagement
with the exterior surface of wall 50. The idler sprocket assembly
provides a convenient means for changing the position of the idler
sprocket which would be necessary when the sprocket 66 is
changed.
A drive roller 100 is mounted on the shaft 74 for rotation
therewith and is provided with a knurled or serrated peripheral
surface 102 so as to prevent slippage between the roller 100 and
the belt 104 which extends around and between the rollers 26 and
100. The opposite ends of shaft 74 are suitably rotatably mounted
in wall 50 and channel 14.
The flat support means 22 comprises a flat support member or deck
which is secured to the upper ends of the channels 14 and 16 by
screws 24 and which is positioned between the rollers 26 and 100 as
illustrated in FIG. 3. Deck 106 is provided with a smooth, highly
polished heat-resistant sheet member 110 on its upper surface upon
which the belt 104 slides. Sheet member 110 is preferably comprised
of a material designated as Formica. Belt guides 112 and 114 are
provided adjacent the roller 100 to properly position the belt on
the rollers with the belt guide 112 being more clearly illustrated
in FIG. 2.
Motor cover 116 is connected to the frame means 12 and is adapted
to extend over the motor, sprockets, etc. to enclose the same. A
switch 118 is provided on frame means 12 and is closed when the
cover 116 is closed but which is opened when the cover 116 is
opened to the position illustrated by broken lines in FIG. 1. FIG.
9 illustrates the electrical circuitry of the device wherein the
numeral 120 refers generally to a source of 110 volt alternating
current power. As seen in FIG. 9, switch 118 is series connected
with the key operated switch 122 and the motor 52 so that the motor
52 can only be energized when the switch 118 is closed and the key
operated switch 122 is closed.
During use of exercising device 10 it is sometimes desirable to
have supporting surface 22 in a slightly inclined position. A pair
of removable legs 126 (FIGS. 10, 11 and 14) are provided for this
purpose. Legs 126 are each comprised of a circular cylinder 128
having a rubber foot 130 on its lower end. Legs 126 are normally
stored as shown in FIGS. 2 and 14. A bolt 130 extends upwardly
through support plate 23, then through a spacer block 132 on top of
support plate 23, then through a hold-down bracket 133, then
through a T-shaped washer 134 which is seated within a plurality of
various sized sprockets 136 which may be substituted for sprocket
66 so as to vary the speed at which drive roller 100 is driven. A
wing nut 138 is threaded on the extreme upper end of bolt 130. Legs
126 are placed under hold-down bracket 133 on opposite sides of
spacer block 132. Tightening of wing nut 138 causes bracket 133 to
secure legs 126 in place, and loosening of wing nut 138 permits the
removal of legs 126 and sprockets 136 from under bracket 133.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 11, a vertically disposed leg receiving
channel 140 is secured within each of the opposite ends of end
channel 19. Leg receiving channel 140 is U-shaped in cross section
with the open end of the U facing end channel 10. The bottom of
channel 19 is cut away at 142 (FIG. 11) so as to permit leg 126 to
be slidably inserted in the space between leg receiving channel 140
and end channel 19.
Thus legs 126 can be removed from under hold-down bracket 133 and
inserted within leg receiving channels 140 with a minimum of time
and effort. A pair of shorter feet 144 are provided at the opposite
end of exercising device 10 so that when legs 126 are inserted they
cause the upper surface of support plate 23 to be inclined
slightly.
The device is used by a person by simply operating the key operated
switch 122 which causes the energization of the motor 52 so that
the drive roller 100 causes the belt 104 which is preferably a
three ply canvas belt, to move between the rollers 100 and 26. The
person using the device walks upon the upper walking belt area 125
while grasping the handrail 20. The belt slides upon the Formica
surface 110 and this surface provides a smooth highly polished
surface for the belt to slide upon which reduces the friction
therebetween thereby preventing heat build-up in the belt and also
resulting in less power being needed to operate the belt. Formica
is heat resistant.
The odometer 124 is operatively connected to the drive roller 100
and provides a visual indication of the distance that the person
has walked. The speed of the belt may be easily changed by simply
substituting a larger or smaller sprocket for the sprocket 66. The
sprocket 66 is easily removed by simply loosening the nut 62 to
permit the washer 68 and sprocket 66 to be removed from the hub 56.
The desired sprocket is then installed on the hub 56 with washer 68
and nut 62 being replaced. The idler sprocket assembly 76 would be
loosened to permit the removal of the chain 70 from the sprocket 66
to permit the sprocket 66 to be removed. When the desired sprocket
has been placed on the hub 56, the idler sprocket assembly 76 would
again be positioned as previously described. Since odometer 124 is
connected to drive roller 100, it is desirable to use various
sprockets to change the speed of drive roller 100 while at the same
time maintaining an accurate record of distance and speed.
The knurled or serrated surface 102 prevents slippage between the
drive roller 100 and the belt. The chain and sprocket connection of
the motor 52 with the drive roller 100 provides a positive direct
drive so that the device will operate in an efficient manner. The
direct drive connection of the motor with the belt provides a fly
wheel effect to further enhance the operation of the device. The
tensioning means 28 and 28' may be adjusted to maintain the proper
tension and adjustment in the belt 104 as required.
The device of the present invention is particularly easy to store
and occupies a minimum of space during storage. To store the
device, handrail 20 is lifted out of apertures 25 and thereby
removed from device 10. The opposite legs of handrail 20 are then
slidably inserted under flat support means 22 as shown in FIGS. 12
and 13. A pair of spaces 146 (FIG. 4) is provided on the opposite
lateral edges of belt 104 for receiving the opposite legs of
handrail 20. Removable legs 126 are placed under hold-down bracket
133, motor cover 116 is secured in place, and device 10 is ready
for storage. As can be seen in FIG. 13, device 10 can be stored in
a vertical position leaning against a wall so as to take up a
minimum of storage space. A pair of feet 145 are provided to
facilitate this vertical storage.
The present treadmill simulates actual walking or jogging on a
smooth level surface (or a slightly inclined one if legs 126 are
used). This is accomplished by (1) a direct chain drive from motor
52 to drive roller 100; (2) the use of a knurled drive roller to
cause positive driving of the belt; and (3) the use of a flat
smooth supporting surface for the belt and the use of a belt having
a flat smooth backing so as to minimize the friction
therebetween.
Thus it can be seen that an extremely efficient and novel treadmill
exercising device has been provided which accomplishes at least all
of its stated objectives.
* * * * *