EP1778369A2

EP1778369A2 - Exercise equipment

Info

Publication number: EP1778369A2
Application number: EP05790244A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Edward L. Flick; Adam P. Hubbard; Richard W. Trevino; Jonathan B. Watt; Andrew P. Lull
Original assignee: Nautilus Inc
Current assignee: Bowflex Inc
Priority date: 2004-08-16
Filing date: 2005-08-15
Publication date: 2007-05-02
Also published as: WO2006023493A2; EP1778369A4; US20060035757A1; TWI298023B; TW200611726A; WO2006023493A3

Abstract

An exercise apparatus comprises a frame defining a front portion and at least one front wheel operably coupled with the front portion of the frame. The exercise apparatus also comprises an elevation support frame defining a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion is pivotally supported at the front portion of the frame and the rear portion operably supports at least one rear wheel. The exercise apparatus further comprises a motor coupled with the elevation support frame, the motor adapted to pivot the elevation support frame and extend the at least one rear wheel away from the frame.

Description

EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

The present application is a Patent Cooperation Treaty patent application claiming priority to United States Provisional Patent Application no. 60/602,263 titled "Exercise Equipment" filed August 16, 2004, and a United States Non-Provisional Patent Application filed August 12, 2005, titled "Exercise Equipment", which can be identified in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by Atty. Docket No. 34565/U2/2, and further identified by United States Postal Service Express Mail Label No. EV 680 426 374 US, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Field of the Inventions Aspects of the present invention involve exercise equipment, and more particularly involve exercise equipment, such as a treadmill, with a four wheel combination elevation and transport assembly, a dual power plug arrangement, an arm support upright assembly providing structural and aesthetic flexibility, and a diagnostic light arrangement, alone or in combinations. Background The health benefits of regular exercise are well known. Many different types of exercise equipment have been developed over time to facilitate exercise as well as medical rehabilitation. One example of a successful type of exercise equipment is the treadmill. Conventionally, a treadmill provides a moving surface, typically a belt arranged between rollers, that moves at a specified rate. The user walks or runs on the moving surface. Besides having well developed moving surface mechanics to provide a great user experience, it is important to also present a treadmill that is aesthetically pleasing, easy to move about a home, health club, rehabilitation facility or the like, and able to be arranged in a home or other area as a user desires.

Conventional treadmills typically include a pair of front wheels that allow a user to pick up the back of the treadmill and roll the treadmill to a desired location. Treadmills that incorporate only the pair of front wheels force the user to support a substantial amount of the weight of the treadmill making movement of the treadmill strenuous. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a treadmill that allows for efficient and reliable movement of the treadmill.

To drive the tread belt or other moving surface, typical conventional treadmills include a motor and drive electronics. Most conventional treadmills also include other electronics, such as to provide a customized workout or for selecting from existing preprogrammed workout routines.

Conventional treadmills typically provide one power outlet where a power cord is connected and may be plugged into a conventional wall outlet. The power outlet is typically provided at the front or rear of the treadmill. Many spaces are not tailored for placement of a treadmill, and wall plugs are inconveniently located in relation to the desired placement of a treadmill. In these situations, it is often necessary to add extension cords in order to reach a wall outlet. Oftentimes, the treadmill power outlet will be on a side of the treadmill away from the desired outlet; thus, causing the cord to be stretched around the treadmill to reach the outlet. Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide for alternative or additional power outlets on the treadmill to provide for alternative power cord location.

As with any electromechanical equipment, exercise equipment, whether a treadmill or other form of exercise equipment, requires periodic maintenance and sometimes malfunctions. In an effort to remind users of maintenance and expedite diagnosis of malfunctions, diagnostic light arrangements have been developed. The lights are illuminated in various combinations to identify various issues. However, conventional treadmills typically arrange the lights adjacent or on the various internal electronics, which are placed under covers. As such, the cover must be removed to view the lights. Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide for diagnostic lights that viewable without removal of covers or otherwise easily viewed by a user.

Various aspects of the present invention discussed in detail below address these and other concerns with conventional treadmills. Summary of the Inventions

One aspect of the invention involves an exercise apparatus, such as a treadmill, elliptical, exercise bicycle, etc., where the exercise apparatus includes a frame with at least one first wheel operably coupled with the frame. An elevation support frame defines a first portion and a second portion where the first portion is pivotally supported on the frame and the second portion operably supports at least one second wheel. A motor is coupled with the elevation support frame and the motor is adapted to pivot the elevation support frame and extend the at least one second wheel away from the frame. As such, the elevation support may lift the front of the exercise device to provide some degree of grade to the exercise apparatus. Further, the elevation support may extend from the frame to provide a wheeled arrangement for transporting the exercise device.

Another aspect of the invention involves an exercise apparatus, such as a treadmill, elliptical, exercise bicycle, stair stepper, etc., the exercise apparatus includes a frame supporting an exercise device having at least one motor and associated motor control electronics. At least one console defines user inputs in communication with the control electronics. A shroud assembly is coupled with the frame and the shroud assembly covers at least the at least one motor. At least one status light is supported on the shroud and visible from a position external the exercise device. The at least one status light is adapted to receive illumination signals from at least one of the control board, the at least one motor and/or the console. The diagnostic lights are not necessarily supported on the panel, but may be arranged on some other portion of the exercise apparatus so that they are visible without having to remove the shroud. It is also possible to arrange the diagnostic lights in such a manner that they are only visible from some angles. For example, the diagnostic lights might be mounted on a panel located under below a shroud, but visible from the side of the device as they are arranged below a lower edge of the shroud.

Another aspect of the invention involves an exercise apparatus, such as a treadmill, elliptical, exercise bicycle, stair stepper, etc., the exercise apparatus includes a frame defining a first region and a second region. The exercise apparatus further includes at least one power plug selection switch operably supported on the frame. A first power plug is operably supported on the first region of the frame where the first power plug is in electrical communication with the at least one power plug selection switch. A second power plug is operably supported on the second region of the frame where the second power is plug in electrical communication with the at least one power plug selection switch.

Another aspect of the invention involves an exercise apparatus, such as a treadmill, elliptical, exercise bicycle, stair stepper, etc., the exercise apparatus includes a frame with at least one upright coupled with the frame. The at least one upright supports an arm member. The at least one upright includes an inner upright frame member coupled with the frame, the inner upright frame member defining a first side and a second side. Further, the at least one upright includes a first outer shroud member adapted to shroud the first side of the inner upright frame member, and a second outer shroud member adapted to shroud the second side of the inner upright and further adapted to engage the first outer shroud member. Brief Description of the Drawings The detailed description will refer to the following drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a treadmill, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the treadmill shown in Fig. 1 with some of the shrouding removed to illustrate the various components of the treadmill;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the treadmill shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a rear view of the treadmill shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a front view of the treadmill shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a top view of the treadmill shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the treadmill shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a left side view of the treadmill of Figs. 1-7 incorporating one embodiment of a combination elevation and transport assembly, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a front isometric view of the treadmill shown in Fig. 8 and other treadmills illustrated herein, with various components and shrouds removed to better illustrate one embodiment of the elevation and transport assembly, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 10 is a bottom isometric view of the treadmill shown in Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a close-up isometric view of the treadmill shown in Fig. 9 with additional components removed to particularly illustrate various components of the combination elevation and transport assembly; Fig. 12 is a section view taken along line 12-12 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 13 illustrates the treadmill shown in Fig. 1 and others with a section taken to illustrate the inner structure of the uprights;

Fig. 14 is a close-up view of the right upright from the perspective of the section of Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is an isometric view similar to Fig. 14 but orienting the upright in such a manner as to see downward within the upright construction;

Fig. 16 is a close-up of Fig. 13 illustrating the left upright and the inside view of the upright;

Fig. 17 is a section view taken along line 17-17 shown in Fig. 1 through the left upright; Fig. 18 is a front view of the treadmill shown in Fig. 1 and others employing a dual power plug configuration, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 19 is also a front view of the treadmill shown in Fig. 1 employing a dual power plug configuration, but with a front decorative cover in place;

Fig. 20 is a bottom view of the treadmill shown in Fig. 1 illustrating one embodiment of a rear power plug, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 21 A is a block diagram illustrating the dual power plug arrangement, a switch and other electronics;

Fig. 2 IB illustrates a switch oriented to select the rear plug;

Fig. 21C illustrates the switch arranged to select the front plug; and Fig. 22 is a partial isometric view of the front of a treadmill shown in Fig. 1 conforming to the present invention. Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Inventions

The present application discusses various novel and inventive aspects of a treadmill. Particularly, the present application describes and illustrates a treadmill having a four wheel combination elevation and transport assembly that functions to both elevate the front of the treadmill to provide different angular orientations of the treadmill surface and also functions to provide a mechanism for efficient movement of the treadmill about a home, health club, etc. Further, the present application describes and illustrates a treadmill having a multiple power plug arrangement that functions to allow power to be supplied to the treadmill electronics from a plurality of different plug locations thereby allowing the treadmill to be most efficiently placed in a particular location while also allowing the power cord to be located and routed in a discrete manner. Still further, the present application describes and illustrates a treadmill having a novel upright configuration that combines high strength steel with molded plastic in a manner that allows aesthetically pleasing designs as well as optimizing treadmill weight considerations without sacrificing strength. Finally, the present application describes and illustrates a treadmill having a diagnostic light arrangement located on the outside or surface of a decorative cover that allows easy viewing of diagnostic codes (via light illumination) without having to disassemble the treadmill. The various aspects of the invention discussed herein are all shown implemented in a single embodiment of a treadmill. Each of the various aspects of the inventions and the associated embodiments discussed herein, however, may be implemented alone or in combination on any existing or future treadmill configuration. Further, all of the various aspects of the inventions and associated embodiments discussed herein may be implemented in other types of exercise equipment.

A. Treadmill Figure 1 is an isometric view of one example of a treadmill 100 employing various embodiments of the inventions discussed herein. The treadmill 100 of Fig. 1 includes shrouding as would be provided in a commercially available treadmill. Amongst other functions, the shrouding provides an aesthetic pleasing appearance, covers the underlying components to protect the user from inadvertent contact, and shields the shrouded components from dust, liquids, and other material that might damage or impair the underlying components. Figure 2 is an isometric view of the treadmill 100 of Fig. 1 with some of the shrouding removed to illustrate the various components of the treadmill 100 otherwise hidden from view by the shrouding. Figures 3-7 illustrate a side view, rear view, front view, top view, and bottom view, respectively, of the treadmill 100 of Fig. 2. Referring variously to Figs. 1-7, the treadmill 100 includes a frame 101 providing the structural foundation to directly or indirectly support the various components making up the treadmill. The frame 101 includes a left frame rail 104, a right frame rail 102, a front frame rail 708 and a back frame rail 712. A tread deck 202 is supported on a plurality of members 702-1, 702-2 to 702-N extending between the left and right frame rails 104 and 102 respectively, as best shown in Fig.7. The deck may be bolted directly to the members, be supported on elastomeric bumpers secured or resting on some or all of the members, or be flowing on the members. If bumpers are employed, the bumpers may have a linear or non-linear response, may be of uniform height, or may be of non-uniform lengths.

A rear roller assembly 204 and a front roller assembly 706 are also supported between the left frame rail 104 and the right frame rail 102, slightly rearward and forward the respective ends of the tread deck 202. The rear roller assembly 204 includes a rear roller 210 and the front roller assembly 706 includes a front roller 710, both rotatably supporting a tread belt 106 therebetween. The tread belt 106 moves over the tread deck 202 and provides the walking or running surface for a user on the treadmill 100. The back frame rail 712 of treadmill 100 has a left support 712 and a right support 130 attached to it which extend from the back frame rail 712. The treadmill 100 also includes an elevation and transport assembly 132 comprising a left rear wheel 502, a right rear wheel 306, a left front wheel 122 and a right front wheel 120. The elevation and transport assembly 132 is discussed in more detail below. More particular arrangement, the left support 712, right support 130, left rear wheel 502, and right rear wheel 306 are substantially in contact with the ground when the treadmill 100 is in use. The front wheels may be in contact in the lowermost post position, or may be arranged to only contact the ground when the treadmill is pivoted into a moving orientation as discussed below.

For upper body support, a left handrail 114 and a right handrail 112 are supported at the top of a left upright 110 and a right upright 108 respectively. At the front of the handrails 114, 112 a display 212 and console 118 are supported. As is known in the art, the display 212 may include such information as heart rate, miles walked, exercise programs, and other information. Also supported between the handrails 114, 112 is an arcuate bar 116, just rearward the console 118. The arcuate bar 116 supports a control console 124, a left grip heart rate electrode 126, and a right grip heart rate electrode 128. The electrodes 126, 128 detect the heart beat of a user gripping the electrodes. The heart beat signals are sent to a processor (not visible) in the console 118 unit in order to display the user's heart rate. The control console 124 includes various input mechanisms to change the elevation of the treadmill, i.e., the grade of the walking surface, and to also change the tread belt rotation speed. At the front of the treadmill 100, a tread drive motor 206 is transversely mounted between the left and right frame rails 104, 102. The tread drive motor 206 includes an axle 214 supporting a pulley 216 adapted to engage a belt (not shown) to drive the front roller 710. Also, at the front of the treadmill 100 is the combination elevation and transport assembly 132, an associated elevation motor 208 and a control board 218 which are discussed in more detail below. As best shown in Fig. 1, the diagnostic lights 134-1, 134-2 to 134-R are also arranged at the front of the treadmill 100 on the surface of a shroud over the tread drive motor 206 and other adjacent components and frame members. Additionally, as best shown in Fig. 5, a first power plug 508 and power plug selection switch 506 is located on a front transverse frame plate 504 mounted between the left and right frame rails 104 and 102 respectively. As shown best in Fig. 7, a rear power plug 704 is located on a rear frame plate, extending upward from frame member 712, transversely mounted between the bottoms of the left and right frame rails 104 and 102 respectively at the rear of the treadmill 100. B. Elevation and Transport Assembly

Figure 8 is a left side view of the treadmill 100 of Figs. 1-7 incorporating the combination elevation and transport assembly 132, in accordance with one example of the present invention. In Fig. 8, the transport assembly 132 is shown extended downwardly from the bottom of the treadmill 100. Additionally, the rear of the treadmill 100 is elevated with respect to the front of the treadmill 100 to engage the four wheels of the transport assembly 132 to allow ease of movement of the treadmill 100. Figure 9 is a front isometric view of the treadmill 100 of Fig. 8 and other treadmills illustrated herein, with various components and shrouds removed to better illustrate the elevation and transport assembly 132. Figure 10 is a bottom isometric view of the treadmill 100 of Fig. 9. Finally, Fig. 11 is a close-up isometric view of the treadmill 100 of Fig. 9 with additional components removed to particularly illustrate various components of the combination elevation and transport assembly 132. Although discussed herein as a combination transport and elevation assembly, it should be recognized that the combination elevation and transport assembly 132 may function solely as a transport assembly to assist in transportation or movement of exercise equipment and alternatively may function as only an elevation assembly to change the slope or grade of exercise equipment when in use.

Referring to Figs. 8-11, the elevation and transport assembly 132 comprises the left and right front wheels 122 and 120 respectively, and the left and right rear wheels 502, 306 respectively. Each front wheel 122 and 120 is rotatably supported at the front of the treadmill 100. In one particular arrangement, the front wheels 122 and 120 are arranged to rest above the ground when the treadmill 100 is in its operating position. To engage the front wheels 122 and 120, the rear of the treadmill 100 is lifted slightly by the user which causes the front of the treadmill 100 to pivot downward about the wheels 502, 306 to engage the front wheels 122 and 120.

The rear wheels 502 and 306 are pivotally supported at the rear end of associated wheel support brackets 802 and 302 respectively. As best shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the wheel support brackets 802 and 302 define a generally triangular shape. Referring to Fig. 11, right wheel support bracket 302 comprises a left side wall 1104 and a right side wall (not visible) and a top plate 1106 therebetween. Left wheel support bracket 802 is similar in structure to right wheel support bracket 302 and comprises corresponding left and right side walls and a top plate. At the rear end of the right wheel support bracket 302, rearwardly extending opposing tines 1108 extend to support the axle of the right rear wheel 306. Left wheel support bracket 802 comprises corresponding tines that support the axle of the left rear wheel 502. A brace 1004 extends between each wheel support bracket 302, 802 to provide lateral stabilization to the wheel brackets 302, 802 and rear wheels 306, 502 when engaged with the floor. The front of the wheel support brackets 302, 802 are fixed to a pivot rod 902 that extends between left pivot support 904 and right pivot support 1002 connected to the bottom of left and right frame rail 104, 102 respectively. The pivot rod 902 is adapted to pivot or rotate within the pivot supports 904, 1002. Being pivotally supported in the wheel support brackets 302, 802, the rear wheels 306, 502 are adapted to pivot downwardly from the frame 101 to lift the front of the treadmill 100. Pivoting downward in such a manner and raising the front of the treadmill 100 causes an increase in the angle (or slope) of the tread belt 106 to simulating walking or running uphill. The rear wheels 306, 502 in their most downwardly pivoted orientation, as shown in Fig. 8, may also form a four wheel transport assembly 132. The user lifts up on the rear of the device causing the treadmill 100 to pivot about the rear wheels 306, 502 downwardly to engage the front wheels 120, 122, as shown in Fig. 8. Arranged in such a manner, all four wheels 306, 502, 120, 122 are in engagement with the ground which allows easier movement of the treadmill 100 about a room. In some conventional exercise equipment, only the front two wheels 120, 122 are provided. If the transport assembly 132 is withdrawn, the user may still move the treadmill 100 by only engaging the front two wheels 120, 122, as in conventional treadmills. With the transport assembly 132 extended, the transport assembly 132 bears the weight of the treadmill 100, rather than the user. Preferably, the transport assembly 132 is arranged so that the center of gravity of the treadmill 100, in the elevated position, is roughly centered above the assembly 132 between the front 120, 122 and rear wheels 306, 502. In this way, the transport assembly 132 bears most of the weight in the transport position (after the user has lifted the treadmill 100 to engage the four wheels 306, 502, 120, 122).

The rear wheels 306, 502 are pivoted downwardly through a pivot bracket 808 connected with a deck elevation motor 208. The pivot bracket 808 is generally triangular shaped with one point of the triangular shape being fixed to the front pivot rod 902. A second rearward point on the triangle defines a concave recess adapted to engage the brace 1004 extending between the wheel support brackets 302, 802. The pivot bracket 808 is not fixed to the rear brace 1004 but rather merely touches the rear brace 1004 so that when the assembly 132 is rotated downwardly, rotational movement with respect to the pivot bracket 808 may occur unimpeded. It is possible to lubricate the interface between the pivot bracket 808 and the brace 1004, through liquid lubricants or structural interfaces that reduce the coefficient of friction.

The top point on the triangular pivot support bracket 808 pivotally supports a screw collar 906. The deck elevation motor 208 is arranged to drive a motor screw 910. The motor screw 910 extends through the screw collar 906. As is known in the art, the motor screw 910 defines threads adapted to engage the threads within the screw collar 906. Thus, by rotation of the motor screw 910, the screw collar 906 is driven forwardly or rearwardly depending on the rotation direction of the screw 910. Driving the screw 910 rearwardly causes the pivot bracket 808 to rotate downwardly about the front pivot, rotating downwardly in such a manner presses down on the transverse brace

1004 which in turn causes the rear wheels 306, 502 to move downwardly from the rear to elevate the front of the treadmill 100. In contrast, when the screw 910 is rotated in the opposite direction the screw collar 906 is pulled forwardly allowing the deck to settle back down into its flat position. To facilitate such movement, the screw collar 906 is pivotally supported on the pivot bracket 808 and the motor drive screw 910 is also pivotally supported. Such pivotal support is necessary because the angle and elevation of the screw collar 906 changes as the pivot bracket 808 rotates downward or upward about the front pivot rod 902.

Besides four wheels, it is possible to use rollers, one front wheel and two rear, or two front and one rear, or other combinations. Further, it is possible to rotatably support the front wheels 120, 122 or rear wheels 306, 502 to ease turning the treadmill 100 when it is being moved. C. Upright

Figure 12 is a section view taken along line 12-12 of Fig. 1. Figure 12 illustrates some of the inner components of the upright construction. Figure 13 illustrates the treadmill 100 of Fig. 1 and others with a section taken to illustrate the inner structure of the uprights. Figure 14 is a close-up view of the right upright 108 from the perspective of the section of Fig. 13. Figure 15 is an isometric view similar to Fig. 14 but orienting the upright in such a manner as to see downward within the upright construction. Figure 16 is a close-up of Fig. 13 illustrating the left upright 110 and the inside view of the upright. Figure 17 is a section view taken along line 17-17 of Fig. 1 through the left upright 110. Referring to Figs. 12-17, the upright assembly of a treadmill or other exercise apparatus conforming to the present invention generally comprises a right metal upright standing member 1204 and a left upright standing member 1612 and an assembly shrouding a portion of the metal inner frame members 1204, 1612. The combination of the metal inner members 1204, 1612 and outer shroud, which may be a molded polymer, provides both a structurally sound upright construction and the flexibility to construct various aesthetically pleasing shapes in a cost effective manner. The right inner member 1204 generally defines an elongate upstanding three sided piece. The right inner member 1204 (and upright generally) extends upwardly from the right frame rail 102. The right inner member 1204 has a side wall 1502, a forward wall 1206 and a rearward wall 1208, but does not define a second side wall. As such, as best shown in Fig. 15, a cross-section through the right inner member 1204 defines a generally U-shaped. Referring now to Fig. 17, a section through the left inner member 1612 is provided to illustrate the side wall 1602 configuration of the left inner member 1612. Note, the left and right uprights 110 and 108, respectively, are substantially mirror images of each other; thus, discussion with respect to one upright is equally applicable to the other upright. As seen in Fig. 17, the side wall 1602 defines a downwardly extending mounting tongue

1704. The mounting tongue 1704 includes four apertures 1706-1, 1706-2, 1706-3 and 1706-4 adapted to receive mounting bolts (not shown). Referring now to Fig. 12, it can be seen that the right frame rail 102 includes four mounting bosses 1202-1, 1202-2, 1202-3 and 1202-4 arranged to receive the mounting tongue bolts (not shown). Thus, the right metal upright 1204 may be fixed to the frame 101 by threading four bolts through the corresponding tongue apertures into the threaded bosses 1202-1, 1202-2, 1202-3 and 1202-4 provided in the right frame rail 102. For added stability and rigidity, an X flange pattern is provided between the upright bosses 1202-1, 1202-2, 1202-3 and 1202-4. As best shown in Fig. 12, the front wall 1206 and rear wall 1208 of the right inner member 1204 include a cutout portion adapted to engage the top of the right frame rail 102. Referring to Fig. 1, a right shroud 138 includes an upper portion 136 and a lower portion 140.

The upper portion 136 of the right shroud 138 generally defines an inverted U-shaped arrangement with a front portion of the U covering the front wall 1206 of the right inner member 1204, a rear portion of the U covering the rear wall 1208 of the right inner member 1204 and the concave portion of the U extending across the top of the right upright member 108 and further including a partially cylindrical channel adapted to receive the right upper handrail 112. Note the upper portion 136 of the right shroud 138 defines an upside down U-shaped configuration. In contrast, the lower portion 140 of the right shroud 138 defines an upstanding U-shaped configuration. The rear portion or leg of the U is adapted to engage with the corresponding rear portion of the upper portion 136 of the right shroud 138 and further is arranged over the rear wall 1208 of the right inner member 1204. The front upstanding portion of the lower portion 140 of the right shroud 138 is arranged over the front wall 1206 of the right inner member 1204 and is adapted to cooperate with the front leg of the upper portion 136 of the right shroud 138. The combination of the upper portion 136 and lower portion 140 of the right shroud 138 define an elongate somewhat elliptical opening exposing a part of the side wall 1502 of the right inner member 1204. As best shown in Fig. 16, the left upright 110 has a left shroud 142. The left shroud 142 includes an upper portion 146 (shown in Fig. 1) and a lower portion 144. The front and rear legs of upper 146 and lower portions 144 of the left shroud 142 define a generally J-shaped cross-section. The short or hook portion of J-shapes 1610 and 1608 engage the side wall 1602 of the left inner member 1612 adjacent a front wall 1604 (for the front legs) and adjacent a rear wall 1606 (for the rear legs). The long portion of the J-shapes 1610 and 1608 is arranged outwardly of the front 1604 and rear walls 1606 of the left inner member 1612, respectively. Generally speaking, the elongate portion of the J-shapes 1610 and 1608 which corresponds with the forward and rearward portions of the left shroud 142, extend generally parallel to the front wall 1604 and rear wall 1606 of the left inner

Q member 1612, respectively. Along the forward and rearward portions of the left shroud 142 a series of bosses 1614 are molded in the left shroud 142 to provide an attachment point for a back plate 1616. As shown in the various Figures, a back plate 1616 extends along the length of the left upright 110 from an area adjacent its lower end to an area adjacent its upper end. The back plate 1616 defines a series of apertures (not visible) adapted to receive screws to fix the back plate 1616 to the bosses 1614 defined in the left shroud 142. The back plate 1616 is generally arranged to cover the otherwise opened inside portion of the left inner member 1612 and otherwise opened portions of the inside part of the left shroud 142. In one particular arrangement, the back plate 1616 is recessed between the elongate portions of the J-shapes 1610 and 1608. Arranged in such a manner, the back plate 1616 defines a common plane with the end of each portion of the each J-shaped elongate portions 1610 and 1608 of the left shroud 142 and the back plate 1616. Note again, the left and right uprights 110 and 108, respectively, are substantially mirror images of each other; thus, discussion with respect to one upright is equally applicable to the other upright.

Referring to Fig. 12, a shroud mounting bracket 1210 is welded to the upper portion of the inner right frame rail 102. The shroud mounting bracket 1210 is generally L-shaped with one portion of the L being welded to the upper portion of the right frame rail 102 and the other portion of the L extending upwardly from the right frame rail 102 and adapted to receive a bolt (not shown) affixing the lower portion 140 of the right shroud 138 to the mounting bracket 1210. Still referring to Fig. 12, it can be seen that the upper portion 136 of the right shroud 138 defines a setback 1212 at its lower rim. The setback 1212 is adapted to receive the upper rim of the lower portion 140 of the right shroud 138. Providing a setback in such a manner helps to facilitate assembly of the right upright 108 by providing a positive placement of the upper portion 136 with respect to the lower portion 140 and also provides a smooth aesthetically pleasing interface between the upper 136 and lower portions 140 of the right shroud 138. The lower portion 140 of the right shroud 138 also defines a forwardly extending piece that is adapted to cooperate with other decorative cover components of the treadmill 100. Further, the lower portion 140 of the right shroud 138 defines a rearwardly extending portion adapted to cooperate with other decorative covers over the right frame rail 102. D. Power Plugs and Associated Electronics Figure 18 is a front view of the treadmill 100 of Fig. 1 and others employing a dual power plug configuration, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. To more clearly view the power plug 508 and associated power plug selection switch 506, a front decorative cover 1902 of the treadmill 100 is removed. In contrast, Fig. 19 is also a front view of the treadmill 100 employing a dual power plug configuration, but with the front decorative cover 1902 in place. As can be seen, a window 1904 is supplied in the front decorative cover 1902 to provide access to both the plug 508 and the plug selection switch 506. Figure 20 (similar to Fig. 7) is a bottom view of the treadmill 100, illustrating the rear power plug 704. The switch 506 shown in Figs. 18 and 19 allows a user to select between the front plug 508 and the rear plug 704. In one position of the switch 506, the front plug 508 is activated and in a second position of the switch 506 the rear plug 704 is activated. In such a manner a power cord (not shown) coupled with an AC inlet may be connected with the front plug 508 or the rear plug 704. By appropriately selecting the switch 506, power is routed to the various electronics of the treadmill 100 through the front plug 508 or rear plug 704, whichever is connected with an AC power source. The location of the plugs 508 and 704 and switch 506 is selected to facilitate the front of the treadmill 100 to be arranged generally facing a power supply, i.e., with the front of the treadmill 100 facing an AC power source, or with the rear of the treadmill 100 facing the power source. In a frontward facing orientation, the front plug 508 would be used and the associated power cord may be discreetly located between the front of the machine and the AC power source. In contrast, if the rear of the machine is arranged to face the AC power source, the power cord may be discreetly arranged and utilize the rear plug 704. Without such a dual plug arrangement, to reorient the device would require in one orientation or the other the cord to be serpentinely routed along the entire length of the treadmill 100 to get to the power source. Stated another way, without a front plug 508, but in a situation where the user would like to orient the front of the treadmill 100 to face the power supply, a cord would have to be routed between the rear plug 704 along the length of the treadmill 100 to the front of the treadmill 100 and to the AC power source. With such power cord arrangements, which is typical in prior art treadmills, the cord oftentimes is in the way of the user. Further, a much longer cord must be supplied with the treadmill or extension cords used to provide access to the power plug in any particular arrangement. Figure 21 A is a block diagram illustrating the dual power plug arrangement, the switch and other electronics. More particularly, each power plug 508 and 704 is wired to a switch 506. In one particular embodiment, the switch 506 is a double-pull, double-throw ("DPDT") type switch with center off. In the arrangement of the switch 506 shown in Fig. 2 IA, power is not supplied from either power plug 508, 704 , i.e., the switch 506 is in the OFF state. Figure 2 IB illustrates the switch 506 oriented to select the rear plug 704, and Fig. 21C illustrates the switch 506 arranged to select the front plug 508. When the rear plug 704 is selected, the front plug 508 is completely isolated from power. Similarly, when the front plug 508 is activated, the rear plug 704 is completely isolated from power. Other switching configurations may be employed in a treadmill employing a plurality of plugs. Additionally, multiple switch configurations may be employed. As such, a switch may be separately arranged at the rear plug 704 and the front plug 508 to activate each plug independently.

Regardless of the switching configuration, when either plug 508, 704 is activated power is supplied through a conventional circuit breaker 2102 and a line filter 2104 to the control board 218 of the treadmill 100. The control board 218 comprises an elevation control board and a motor control board and includes a communication and power path to the treadmill deck elevation motor 208 and the treadmill belt drive motor 206. The control board 218 also includes a communication path to the console 118 and control inputs 124. Finally, the control board 218 includes a CE Harmonics filter 2106 arrangement. Conventional control signals for the treadmill deck elevation motor 208 and the treadmill belt motor 206 are supplied through the console 118 or control inputs 124. As such, a user may adjust the treadmill deck elevation and the treadmill belt speed and also turn the treadmill 100 "on" through various switches and inputs on the console 118 or control inputs 124 to the control board 218. Embodiments of the present invention may include more than two plugs and as such may include a plurality of plugs and the appropriate switching arrangement to select the various plugs. The power inlets may be 15 or 20 amp rated and conforming to IEC320 specifications, in embodiments conforming to the present invention. Besides manually activated switches, it is also possible to use a relay or other switching mechanism in embodiments of the present invention. E. Diagnostic Lights Figure 22 is a partial isometric view of the front of a treadmill 100 conforming to the present invention. The front of the treadmill 100 includes a front cover 1902 arranged over the drive motor 206, elevation motor 208 and other adjacent components. Arranged on the front cover 1902 is a plurality of diagnostic lights 134-1, 134-2 to 134-R, which may be light emitting diodes. Each diagnostic light 134-1, 134-2 to 134-R is coupled or in electrical communication with the motor control board and the elevation control board, located in the control board 218, and also the control console 124 and the console 118 electronics. The elevation control board and motor control board located in the control board 218 are arranged under the decorative cover 1902 and provide the control electronics for the motors 206, 208. Each board includes various communication pathways to the other boards as needed and to the diagnostic lights 134-1, 134-2 to 134-R as needed.

Conventionally, diagnostic lights are not visible outside the treadmill decorative housing, or any exercise device shrouding. As such, when a treadmill is functioning or malfunctioning as the case may be, it is necessary to remove some portion of the shrouding in order to view the diagnostic lights. Note, the covers while being partially decorative in nature are also functional by providing protection for the underlying components and performing other functions as well.

Generally speaking, various combinations of the diagnostic lights 134-1, 134-2 to 134-R convey to a knowledgeable viewer status information of the motor control subsystem and other electronic subsystems of the treadmill 100. In a simple arrangement, each diagnostic light 134-1, 134-2 to 134-R is associated with one diagnostic status. In a more complicated or sophisticated arrangement, the lights 134-1, 134-2 to 134-R may be lit in various combinations to display a greater amount of diagnostic and general status information. Further, multi-color lights may be used where various light combination indicate status. For example, a red and green light emitting diode may be employed, where red indicates a malfunction and green indicates proper function.

In one particular implementation, one of the diagnostic lights 134-1, 134-2 to 134-R is associated with a grade up status indicator, one of the diagnostic lights 134-1, 134-2 to 134-R is associated with a grade down status indicator, one of the diagnostic lights 134-1, 134-2 to 134-R is associated with a speed movement status indicator, one of the diagnostic lights 134-1, 134-2 to 134-R is associated with a speed control pulse width modulator status indicator, and one of the diagnostic lights 134-1, 134-2 to 134-R is associated with a belt enable indicator. The grade up status indicator is driven from the command relay that engages grade up motor windings in the elevation motor 208. Generally speaking, the grade up status light illuminates when the control board 218 sends a signal to the elevation motor 208 to move upward. As such, if the grade up indicator does not illuminate, then the control board 218 is not sending the commanded voltage to the elevation motor 208.

Similar to the grade up diagnostic light, the grade down diagnostic light is illuminated when the control board 218 sends a signal from the command relay that engages the grade down motor windings of the elevation motor 208. Thus, if the elevation motor 208 is receiving the grade down command then the grade down diagnostic light will illuminate. Conversely, if the control board 218 is sending the signal, but it is not being received, then the grade down diagnostic light will not illuminate. The speed movement status light is set to flash with every turn of the front roller 710 showing that front roller movement sensor (not shown) is functioning correctly. Note, front roller movement sensors are well known in the art of treadmill control. If the speed movement LED does not flash then various problems might be indicated, such as the roller is not moving, the connection between the front roller sensor and the diagnostic light is broken, or a sensor or positioning problem, amongst others.

The speed control diagnostic light's intensity is directly related to speed, the faster the tread belt 106 is commanded to go, the brighter the LED's output. For example, if there is no intensity increase when an increase in speed request is sent, it might indicate that the motor control simply is not receiving the speed control signal. This is not the actual motor drive control signal, but the console (124) generated target speed value.

The belt enable diagnostic light is illuminated as a function of whether power is being transferred to the belt drive circuitry. If the belt enable diagnostic light is illuminated, this indicates that the motor control assembly has received the belt start command and is attempting to apply power to the switching control circuitry. It is also possible to illuminate the diagnostic/status lights as a function of the communication path between the control inputs 118 and the corresponding motor control boards located in the upper and lower portions of the treadmill 100, respectively. It is also possible to illuminate the diagnostic lights as a function of deck wear replacement status, lubrication schedules, service intervals, etc. Such diagnostic light illuminations may be done throughout operation of the treadmill 100 or at any time there is power to the treadmill 100. For example, certain diagnostic status indicators may be illuminated only at startup or shutdown of the treadmill 100 whereas other diagnostic illuminations may be continued throughout use of the treadmill 100.

Although preferred embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention. All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.

In some instances, components are described with reference to "ends" having a particular characteristic and/or being connected to another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term "end" should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link, component, member or the like. In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art, that various elements discussed with reference to the various embodiments may be interchanged to create entirely new embodiments coming within the scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; at least one first wheel operably coupled with the frame; an elevation support frame defining a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being pivotally supported on the frame, the second portion operably supporting at least one second wheel; and a motor coupled with the elevation support frame, the motor adapted to pivot the elevation support frame and extend the at least one second wheel away from the frame.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 whereby the at least one first wheel and the at least one second wheel engage a surface to lift the frame.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the frame defines a front region and a rear region; the at least one first wheel is operably coupled with the front region of the frame; and the first portion of the elevation support frame is pivotally supported at the front region of the frame.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 whereby the at least one second wheel and the at least one first wheel engage a surface to lift the front of the frame.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the motor coupled with the elevation support frame is adapted to retract an extended at least one second wheel towards the frame.

6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elevation support frame comprises: a pivot rod rotably supported on the frame; at least one wheel support bracket operably coupled to the pivot rod, wherein the at least one wheel support bracket rotabably supports the at least one second wheel; and at least one pivot bracket operably coupled between the motor and the at least one wheel support bracket.

7. The exercise apparatus of claim 6 wherein: the at least one wheel support bracket comprise a first and a second wheel support bracket, the first and second wheel support brackets operably coupled with the pivot rod; the first wheel support bracket rotabably supports a second wheel of the at least one second wheel; the second wheel support bracket rotabably supporting a third wheel of the at least one second wheel; at least one brace coupled to the first wheel support bracket and the second wheel support bracket; the at least one pivot bracket arranged to engage the at least one brace; and wherein the motor pivots the at least one pivot bracket away from the frame and the pivot bracket engages the at least one brace to extend the first and second wheel support brackets away from the frame to lift the frame.

8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a treadmill assembly.

9. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame supporting an exercise device having at least one motor and associated motor control electronics; at least one console defining user inputs in communication with the control electronics; a shroud assembly coupled with the frame, the shroud assembly covering at least the at least one motor; and at least one status light supported on the shroud and visible from a position external the exercise device, the at least one status light adapted to receive illumination signals from at least one of the control board, the at least one motor and the console.

10. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 wherein the at least one motor is an elevation motor.

11. The exercise apparatus of claim 10 wherein the at least one status light is a grade down light that is illuminated when the control board sends a signal to the elevation motor to grade down the exercise device.

12. The exercise apparatus of claim 10 wherein the at least one status light is a grade up light that is illuminated when the control board sends a signal to the elevation motor to grade up the exercise device.

13. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 wherein the at least one status light has variable illumination intensity in order to provide diagnostic status.

14. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 wherein the at least one status light utilizes a plurality of colors to provide a diagnostic status.

15. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 wherein the at least one motor is a treadmill belt drive motor.

16. The exercise apparatus of claim 15 further comprising: a front roller coupled to the frame and in operable communication with the treadmill belt drive motor; and the at least one status light is a movement status light that flashes with every turn of the front roller.

17. The exercise apparatus of claim 16 wherein the at least one status light is a speed control diagnostic, wherein the speed control diagnostic light's intensity is increased when the at least one console defining user inputs communicates to the control board to increase the speed of the front roller.

18. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 wherein the at least one status light is a light emitting diode.

19. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame defining a first region and a second region; at least one power plug selection switch; a first power plug operably supported on the first region of the frame, the first power plug in electrical communication with the at least one power plug selection switch; and a second power plug operably supported on the second region of the frame, the second power plug in electrical communication with the at least one power plug selection switch.

20. The exercise apparatus of claim 19 wherein when one of the first power plug and second power plug is activated by the power plug selection switch the other power plug is deactivated.

21. The exercise apparatus of claim 19 wherein the at least one power plug selection switch is a double-pull, double-throw type switch with center off.

22. The exercise apparatus of claim 19 wherein the at least one power plug selection switch is supported on the first region of the frame.

23. The exercise apparatus of claim 19 wherein the at least one power plug selection switch is supported on the second region of the frame.

24. The exercise apparatus of claim 19 wherein the exercise apparatus defines a treadmill.

25. The exercise apparatus of claim 24 wherein the first region is a front region of the treadmill.

26. The exercise apparatus of claim 24 wherein the second region is a rear region of the treadmill.

27. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; at least one upright coupled with the frame, the at least one upright supporting an arm member, the at least one upright comprising: an inner upright frame member coupled with the frame, the inner upright frame member defining a first side and a second side; and a first outer shroud member adapted to shroud the first side of the inner upright frame member, and second outer shroud member adapted to shroud the second side of the inner upright and further adapted to engage the first outer shroud member.

28. The exercise apparatus of claim 27 wherein the inner upright frame member defines means for supporting an arm member.

29. The exercise apparatus of claim 28 wherein the first outer shroud member defines means for shrouding the inner upright frame member.

30. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame supporting at least one electrical arrangement adapted to generate a diagnostic signal; at least one diagnostic light in communication with the at least one electrical arrangement, the at least one diagnostic light arranged to illuminate upon receipt of a diagnostic signal; and the at least one diagnostic light supported on a portion of the frame such that it is visible without removal of any components of the exercise apparatus.

31. The exercise apparatus of claim 30 where the frame includes a shroud adapted to cover the at least one electrical arrangement.

32. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; a tread belt operably supported on the frame; means for elevation operably associated with the frame; means for supporting arm members operably associated with the frame; means for delivering power to one or more electrical components of the exercise apparatus; and means for providing a visual indication corresponding with the electrical components.