US20040005961A1 - Lightweight, clear-path, equilibrated treadmill - Google Patents
Lightweight, clear-path, equilibrated treadmill Download PDFInfo
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- US20040005961A1 US20040005961A1 US10/425,021 US42502103A US2004005961A1 US 20040005961 A1 US20040005961 A1 US 20040005961A1 US 42502103 A US42502103 A US 42502103A US 2004005961 A1 US2004005961 A1 US 2004005961A1
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- Prior art keywords
- deck
- treadmill
- fulcrum
- roller
- belt
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0015—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with an adjustable movement path of the support elements
- A63B22/0023—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with an adjustable movement path of the support elements the inclination of the main axis of the movement path being adjustable, e.g. the inclination of an endless band
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills
- A63B22/0235—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills driven by a motor
Definitions
- the treadmill may be further configured to have a small proximity sensor mounted to the upright.
- the proximity sensor may emit a beam, which, when interrupted, activates the motor.
- the sensor may be configured such that a user in close proximity to the sensor and between two and four feet above the deck interrupts the beam. Accordingly, when the beam is not interrupted, the drive is deactivated. If a user leaves the tread surface, the sensor will stop the belt, thus providing a safety mechanism.
- the deck 14 may be further configured to have air ports 44 .
- the air ports 44 may be distributed in a manner promoting the efficient insertion of air between the tread surface 16 and the top belt surface 38 .
- the ports 44 may be sized to deliver larger amounts of air to selected locations than other selected locations to improve the lift produced on the top belt surface 38 .
- the air ports 44 are concentrated along the lateral 11 b center 41 of the tread surface 16 and sized to provide the largest air insertion at the lateral 11 b center 41 of the deck with decreasing delivery of air at the lateral 11 b extremes 45 .
- the third roller 22 spaces the bottom belt surface 40 away from the deck 14 .
- the third roller 22 need not be a roller or rotatable at all. Any mechanical extension (not shown) that holds the bottom belt surface 40 away from the deck 14 and allows the bottom belt surface 40 to easily slide with respect thereto, is sufficient. All devices and mechanical extensions that maintain spacing between the bottom belt surface 40 and the deck 14 will be hereafter referred to as a third roller 22 .
- the third roller 22 provides the space under the tread surface 16 that is necessary to accommodate the motor 26 , if desired, and plenum 46 .
- the third roller 22 may be supported away from the deck 14 by any suitable support structure 48 .
- the support structure 48 may extend from the deck 14 and be secured to the third roller axle 33 .
- the support 48 may be constructed of any material having the required characteristics, such as strength and rigidity.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the third roller axle 33 providing the fulcrum 30 between the frame 12 and the deck 14 , as discussed hereinabove.
- FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the entire treadmill 10 .
- a user registration 87 extends upward so as to be positioned in front of a user (not shown) operating the treadmill 10 .
- the user registration 87 may be secured at its lower extreme to the deck 14 or the frame 12 .
- the user registration provides a visual reference with which the user can gauge his/her position on the treadmill 10 .
- the user registration 87 further provides a location for information and controls needed for efficient operation of the treadmill 10 .
Abstract
A treadmill comprising a frame for supporting the treadmill on a supporting surface, a deck, secured to the frame to be supported thereby, the deck having a front, a rear, a right and left side, and a tread surface extending from proximate the front to proximate the rear for supporting the weight of a user thereabove. A first roller, may be connected proximate the front of the deck to rotate with respect to the deck, a second roller, may be connected proximate the rear of the deck to rotate with respect to the deck. A belt may be connected to pass continuously over the tread surface and around the first and second rollers, to provide a fully exposed top surface, for unobstructed walking thereon by a user. A motor may be configured to drive the belt, the motor being positioned laterally between the right and left sides of the deck, and below the deck at a location longitudinally between the first and second rollers.
Description
- 1. Related Applications
- The present application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 09/778,419 entitled “Lightweight, Clear-Path, Equilibrated Treadmill,” filed Feb. 7, 2001, and which will issue as U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,749 on Apr. 29, 2003, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/181,315, entitled “Lightweight, Clear-Path, Equilibrated Treadmill,” filed Feb. 9, 2000, both applications herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- 2. The Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to exercise equipment and, more particularly, to novel systems and methods for configuring, driving and adjusting treadmills.
- 3. The Background
- In an effort to generally improve one's health, many people regularly exercise. Some may be motivated by a desire to lose excess weight, while others may be motivated to exercise so that they feel invigorated and have the energy they need to better perform daily activities. Still, others may exercise to combat the effects of a physical ailments such as heart disease or diabetes.
- Many methods of exercising exist. Fitness centers have been developed to provide a location where paying members may use a variety of exercise equipment and participate in aerobic classes. These fitness centers, however, are typically expensive and involve travel time. As appreciated by those who exercise, it is possible to walk, run, cycle, or the like outdoors. However, outdoor activities are often limited by the weather. In many locations, winter conditions make outdoor exercise unpleasant. Furthermore, outdoor exercise can prove to be a safety hazard for persons exercising alone.
- Indoor treadmills have proven to be an effective and popular choice of exercise equipment. An indoor treadmill allows a user to exercise in the privacy of his/her home or apartment. Therefore, a user is no longer limited by the weather or the time of day. The treadmill can provide exercise across a variable range of difficulty. A user may adjust the incline of the treadmill to simply walk on a horizontal plane or run at a demanding pace on an incline. These advantages have made treadmills very popular.
- Treadmills are not, however, without their limitations. Treadmills typically occupy a relatively large amount of space, when compared to other pieces of personal exercise equipment. It is not typically desirable, aesthetically or volumetrically, to leave a treadmill in the public areas of a house or apartment. Due to space limitations, the open public areas of a house or apartment are typically the only spaces large enough to accommodate typical treadmills.
- Treadmills currently available are heavy, bulky, hard to store, difficult to hide, difficult to transport, and must be professionally delivered adding significant cost and greatly restricting usage. The need exists for a compact, lightweight, stable, easily shipped, easily deployable, easily storable, high quality, home treadmill. Such a treadmill would provide all the benefits of traditional treadmills, while eliminating many of the disadvantages and drawbacks of traditional treadmills.
- In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a treadmill that has a small footprint, is readily deployable, is readily and easily storable, and operates smoothly.
- It is an object of the invention to provide a treadmill designed specifically to allow the efficient use of the power source.
- It is an object of the invention to provide a home exercise treadmill that uses up to date composite materials to eliminate labor, weight, and cost.
- Consistent with the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, an apparatus and method are disclosed, in suitable detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention.
- In certain embodiments an apparatus and method in accordance with the present invention may include a treadmill constructed of composite materials. Constructing the treadmill of composite materials may eliminate over 80% of the metal and weldments of the traditional treadmill. A composite deck may be pivotably connected to a frame. The rigidity of the deck may be designed to meet the treadmill's strength requirements. Additionally, all nuts may be cast into the composite deck, making the frame, rollers, and motor easily attachable to these mounting points.
- The deck may be configured to have a smooth, flat tread surface with rollers attached to the front and rear extremes. Moreover, the deck may be further configured with aesthetic skirting to hide the under workings of the treadmill. The deck may be formed in a contiguously molded unit by reaction injection molding (RIM) or rotational molding (Rotomold) processes. The use of composite materials may result in a dramatic reduction in labor, manufacturing machinery, product weight, and production and shipping costs.
- In certain embodiments, a third roller may be incorporated on the bottom of the deck. A belt may be configured to encircle the deck from front to back, encompassing the front roller, the rear roller, and the third roller. The third roller may be configured to provide sufficient space inside the area encircled by the belt for a motor to fit. By configuring the motor to fit inside the area encircled by the belt, the treadmill may be produced with a compact design as well as allow for the belt to be driven by the rear roller. In another embodiment, the motor is configured to secure to the deck at a location outside the area encircled by the belt while still allowing for a rear drive.
- The rear drive requires approximately one third less horsepower and torque than a comparable front drive unit. The reduction is caused by the motor pulling the belt from a location much closer to the point at which the load is applied. With the motor secured to the treadmill at a location substantially below the deck, the treadmill may be configured to be hood-less, exposing the entire top belt surface. Current treadmills often use hoods to cover the motor and other drive mechanisms that extend beyond the deck surface. The hood-less design provides for an overall treadmill length approximately eight inches shorter than current treadmills, while providing the same amount of exposed usable belt.
- Proximate the third bottom roller may be a fulcrum. From the fulcrum forward, the front of the deck may be raised, thus, tilting the tread surface to an incline. The fulcrum may be further configured to allow the front of the deck to be positioned lower than the rear of the deck, thus tilting the tread surface to a decline. The center pivot incline system requires approximately one third less travel to produce the same incline found on typical designs that pivot from the rear. The positioning of this lower pivot creates a balanced or equilibrated deck. A lift mechanism may be mounted between the frame and the front end of the deck. The lift mechanism regulates the incline and firmness of the deck. In certain embodiments, the lift mechanism may be a pair of hydraulic cylinders fed by a small hydraulic pump. The center pivot and resulting balanced deck greatly reduce the load that must be resolved by the lift mechanism, thus, simplifying the necessary mechanical design and associated costs.
- In certain embodiments, an air bearing may float the belt over the tread surface by forcing air through numerous ports that run the length of the tread surface. The air ports may be concentrated in the center of the tread surface rather than at the outer edges. The central concentration of air ports allows the center of the belt to float and the edges to seal, producing maximum lift on the belt and resulting in the belt riding over a cushion of air. The cushion of air cleans the belt and deck surfaces, which in turn minimizes belt and deck wear. The air may also cool the belt, thus, minimizing belt stretch.
- In the space created by the third roller, a plenum may be attached to the bottom of the deck. The plenum may be configured to enclose the area directly below the air ports in the tread surface. A small fan may be installed in the plenum wall to pull air into the enclosed cavity. The resulting pressure forces air through the ports in the tread surface and lifts the belt. To balance the air pressure under the belt, the plenum may be tapered toward the front of the deck.
- An upright may be configured to extend upward from the frame under the treadmill and may support a console and stabilizers. The upright and stabilizers may be configured to be adjustable. The upright may be positioned at a variety of angles from substantially upright to substantially down. In the down position, the upright lays flat approximately parallel to the deck. The upright may also be configured to be removable for transport and storage. The adjustability of the upright also makes the treadmill easy to ship, store, move, and hide. The upright may be configured to have a locking system. The locking system typically maintains the upright in a selected position.
- A light may be configured to emit a beam onto the surface of the belt. A shutter moving across the beam may be configured to produce on/off fluctuations. The light may be synchronized to the motor speed and may be used as a pacing mechanism by the user.
- The treadmill may be further configured to have a small proximity sensor mounted to the upright. The proximity sensor may emit a beam, which, when interrupted, activates the motor. The sensor may be configured such that a user in close proximity to the sensor and between two and four feet above the deck interrupts the beam. Accordingly, when the beam is not interrupted, the drive is deactivated. If a user leaves the tread surface, the sensor will stop the belt, thus providing a safety mechanism.
- The foregoing and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of the treadmill;
- FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the treadmill with portions of the belt and side skirting removed in order to expose the deck surface, as well as the inner workings of the treadmill;
- FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the treadmill with the belt and side skirting removed in order to expose the structure of the deck and plenum;
- FIG. 4 is close-up, perspective view of the treadmill fulcrum area illustrating a simple support of the third roller, the third roller axle forming the fulcrum and axis of rotation;
- FIG. 5 is a close-up, perspective view of the treadmill fulcrum area illustrating one embodiment wherein the deck skirting provides the structure to support the third roller and the fulcrum;
- FIG. 6 is close-up, side view of one embodiment of a drive mechanism;
- FIG. 7 is close-up, side view of a plurality of locations where the motor may be configured to secure to the deck;
- FIG. 8 is a free body diagram of the treadmill with all relevant forces represented as vectors;
- FIG. 9 is a side view of the treadmill with the deck positioned at a decline;
- FIG. 10 is a side view of the treadmill with the lift mechanism embodied as a hydraulic cylinder and with the deck at an incline;
- FIG. 11 is a side view of the treadmill with the lift mechanism embodied as a two force member and with the deck at an incline;
- FIG. 12 is a side view of the treadmill with the lift mechanism embodied as a scissor hinge and with the deck in a horizontal position; and
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a presently preferred embodiment of the entire treadmill.
- It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through 13, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is as broad as claimed herein. The illustrations are merely representative of certain, presently preferred embodiments of the invention. Those presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.
- Those of ordinary skill in the art will, of course, appreciate that various modifications to the details of the Figures may easily be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Thus, the following description of the Figures is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain presently preferred embodiments consistent with the invention as claimed.
- Referring to FIG. 1, the
treadmill 10 of the present invention may be supported and stabilized by aframe 12. Adeck 14 may be pivotably secured to theframe 12. Thedeck 14 is configured to have a front and a rear end defining alongitudinal direction 11 a and a right side and left side defining alateral direction 11 b. Thelongitudinal direction 11 a and thelateral direction 11 b are substantially orthogonal to one another. - A
tread surface 16 extends from proximate afront roller 18 to proximate arear roller 20. Thetread surface 16 is configured to support the weight of a user thereabove. The front andrear rollers third roller 22 may be connected to thedeck 14 below thetread surface 16 at a location spaced longitudinally 11 a between the front andrear rollers continuous belt 24 encircles thedeck 14 being substantially supported by thefront roller 18, therear roller 20 and thethird roller 22. Amotor 26 is configured to drive thebelt 24. Themotor 26 may be positioned longitudinally between the front andrear rollers air bearing mechanism 28 distributes pressurized air between thetread surface 16 and thebelt 24 for supporting thebelt 24 on a layer of the pressurized air. - Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the
deck 14 is pivotably connected to theframe 12 at afulcrum 30. Thefulcrum 30 defines an axis ofrotation 32 of thedeck 14 with respect to theframe 12. The axis ofrotation 32 may be defined by anaxle 33 of thethird roller 22. In another embodiment (not shown) the axis ofrotation 32 may be located below thethird roller 22. The axis ofrotation 32 need not be directly below thethird roller 22, but may be located proximate thethird roller 22 toward afront end 34 of thetreadmill 10 or proximate thethird roller 22 toward arear end 36 of thetreadmill 10. - The
third roller 22 andfulcrum 30 may be positioned at any convenient longitudinal 11 a location between thefront end 34 and therear end 36 of thetreadmill 10. The position of the fulcrum 30 may be determined by achieving a desirable balance between the weight of the front andrear portions deck 14. Furthermore, the spacing between the fulcrum 30 and thetread surface 16 may be varied to accommodate maximum desired angle of incline or decline for thedeck 14. That is, by increasing the distance between the fulcrum 30 and thetread surface 16, thedeck 14 may be inclined or declined to a steeper angle. - The
belt 24 has atop belt surface 38, which longitudinally covers thetread surface 16 and abottom belt surface 40 passing below thedeck 14 to form a continuous loop. Thebelt 24 may be constructed of any material that provides the necessary strength, durability, resistance to stretch, and frictional characteristics. - The front, rear, and
third rollers belt 24. The front andrear rollers belt 24. Tracking may be accomplished by providing a shoulder or other stop mechanism (not shown) on therollers belt 24 past a particular location on therollers roller b center 41 of thedeck 14. Such a decreasing diameter promotes migration of thebelt 24 to the desiredcenter location 41. - The front and
rear rollers belt 24 to prevent unwanted slip between thebelt 24 androllers belt 24 may be a characteristic of theroller rollers belt 24. - In another embodiment, the front and
rear rollers rollers belt 24 speed. Such a configuration tends to relieve the pulsating loads of each user foot step that is typically overcome by themotor 26. - The
deck 14 may be constructed of a variety of woods, plastics, polymers, reinforced polymers, composites, metals, metal alloys, or any material that exhibits the necessary rigidity, strength, and wear resistance. Thedeck 14 may be formed of atread surface 16 supported by rails (not shown) attached thereto. Thetread surface 16 may have a skirting 42 attached thereto. The skirting 42 may provide additional rigidity and also improve the aesthetic appeal of thetreadmill 10 by extending downward (not shown) to cover and hide the underside of thedeck 14. - In another embodiment, the
tread surface 16 may be formed or molded to provide the necessary rigidity and strength, thus eliminating the need for the addition of strengthening rails. Such rigidity may be provided by arib structure 43 molded to support thetread surface 16. Theribs 43 may be configured to run longitudinally 11 a, laterally 11 b, or any combination of longitudinal 11 a and lateral 11 b directions. Furthermore, theribs 43 may be configured to run angularly with respect to each other and/or with respect to the aesthetic skirting 42 of thedeck 14. - The spacing between laterally11 b and longitudinally 11 a extending
ribs 43 may be selected to provide the necessary strength to support a user exercising on thetread surface 16. The thickness and height of theribs 43 may also be varied to control and the rigidity and strength of thetread surface 16. - In certain embodiments, the
ribs 43 form a mesh, which may be attached to the underside of thetread surface 16 to provide the strength that is necessary to support the user. Such a construction would allow thetread surface 16 andribs structure 43 to be constructed of different materials selected to provided optimum performance for their given purposes. Theribs 43 may be configured for optimum strength, while thetread surface 16 material may be selected to have a low friction with respect to thebelt 24. - In one presently preferred embodiment, the
deck 14 is a contiguously molded unit formed of any suitable material. The material may also be selected from the group consisting of a homogeneous polymeric composition, a structurally reinforced polymeric composition, and a substantially homogeneous polymeric composition containing structurally reinforcing fibers distributed substantially evenly therethrough. The contiguously moldeddeck 14 may be configured to contain thetread surface 16, the skirting 42, and theribbing 43 to produce a sufficiently strong and rigidsingle piece deck 14. - The
deck 14 may be further configured to haveair ports 44. Theair ports 44 may be distributed in a manner promoting the efficient insertion of air between thetread surface 16 and thetop belt surface 38. Theports 44 may be sized to deliver larger amounts of air to selected locations than other selected locations to improve the lift produced on thetop belt surface 38. In one embodiment, theair ports 44 are concentrated along the lateral 11b center 41 of thetread surface 16 and sized to provide the largest air insertion at the lateral 11b center 41 of the deck with decreasing delivery of air at the lateral 11 bextremes 45. - Air may be introduced to the
air ports 44 by any suitable air transport. In one presently preferred embodiment, the air is delivered to theports 44 by aplenum 46. Theplenum 46 secures to the underside of thetread surface 16, directly below theair ports 44. Theplenum 46 may be molded of a polymer or formed of sheet metal or any other suitable material. Theplenum 46 encloses the underside of theair ports 44 and forms a sealed cavity with the only exit being theair ports 44. Air may be introduced into theplenum 46 by afan 47 located in theplenum 46 wall. Thefan 47 forces air into theplenum 46. Thepressurized plenum 46 delivers air at uniform pressure to theair ports 44 for subsequent insertion under thetop belt surface 38. Thetop belt surface 38 is lifted off thetread surface 16, resulting in reduced frictional forces therebetween. - Referring to FIG. 4, the
third roller 22 spaces thebottom belt surface 40 away from thedeck 14. In actuality, thethird roller 22 need not be a roller or rotatable at all. Any mechanical extension (not shown) that holds thebottom belt surface 40 away from thedeck 14 and allows thebottom belt surface 40 to easily slide with respect thereto, is sufficient. All devices and mechanical extensions that maintain spacing between thebottom belt surface 40 and thedeck 14 will be hereafter referred to as athird roller 22. Thethird roller 22 provides the space under thetread surface 16 that is necessary to accommodate themotor 26, if desired, andplenum 46. - In an alternate embodiment, the
third roller 22 may be omitted. As discussed hereinabove, thethird roller 22 provides spacing between thebottom belt surface 40 and thedeck 14. If no need exists for spacing, thethird roller 22 may be omitted. Such a situation might be occasioned by a reduction in the size of theplenum 46 or by the securing of themotor 26 at a location outside the area encircled by thebelt 24. - The
third roller 22 may be supported away from thedeck 14 by anysuitable support structure 48. Thesupport structure 48 may extend from thedeck 14 and be secured to thethird roller axle 33. Thesupport 48 may be constructed of any material having the required characteristics, such as strength and rigidity. Additionally, FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of thethird roller axle 33 providing the fulcrum 30 between theframe 12 and thedeck 14, as discussed hereinabove. - Referring to FIG. 5, the support for the
third roller 22 may be provided by the skirting 42. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment wherein the skirting 42 extends downward to provide a location to secure thethird roller axle 33. Furthermore, the skirting 42 may be configured to provide the structure required to support thedeck 14 on thefulcrum 30. As discussed hereinbove, thefulcrum 30 may be positioned proximate, or below as illustrated, thethird roller 22. - The embodiment of FIG. 5, does not include aesthetic skirting42 with support structure on the inner surface (toward bottom belt surface 40).
Ribs 43, similar to those discussed hereinabove, may be added to the inner surface of theaesthetic skirting 42 to increase the rigidity, strength, and durability. In this way, theaesthetic skirting 42 may be strengthened and stiffened sufficient to support the weight of a user exercising on thetreadmill 10. - Referring to FIG. 6, the
motor 26 may be configured to drive thebelt 24. In one presently preferred embodiment, themotor 26 is configured to rotate therear roller 20, which provides a more efficient drive mechanism than treadmills having a front drive system. Themotor 26 may be secured to thedeck 14 on therear side 36 of thefulcrum 30. In such a configuration, the weight of themotor 26, one of the heaviest components on thetreadmill 10, will tend to counteract the weight of thefront end 34 of thetreadmill 10. Themotor 26 may be configured to impart motion to therear roller 20 by any suitable drive mechanism. Such drive mechanisms may include with limitation gears, chain belts, v-belts, shaft drive, or the like. - One presently preferred embodiment, transfers rotation from a
pulley 50 secured to a motor shaft 51 to apulley 52 rigidly secured to therear roller 20 by atiming belt 54. Thepulleys belt 24. If desired, the motor shaft 51 may be further configured to rotate a fly wheel (not shown). The fly wheel may be configured to have a large rotational inertia, which would resist sudden changes inbelt 24 speed. Such a configuration may relieve the pulsating loads of each user foot step that is typically overcome by amotor 26. - FIG. 7 illustrates other possible locations of the
motor 26 in relation to thedeck 14. Themotor 26 may be secured at alocation 56 substantially above thefulcrum 30. Themotor 26 may also be configured to be secured at alocation 57 substantially below or slightly behind therear roller 20. Themotor 26 may further be configured to be secured to thedeck 14 at a plurality of locations betweenlocation 56 andlocation 57. In order to accommodate the several possible motor locations, themotor 26 may be configured for securement to thedeck 14 from a location inside or outside the area encircled by thebelt 24. - FIG. 8 is a free body diagram of the
deck 14 rotatable about thefulcrum 30. The weight of therearportion 58 comprises the weight of therear end 36 of thedeck 14 including themotor 26 enclosed inside the enclosure. The weight of thefront portion 60 comprises the weight of thefront end 34 of thedeck 14. A foot of a user (not shown) applies aforce 62 to therear portion 36 of thedeck 14. The other foot of the user (not shown) applies a force 64 to thefront portion 34 of thedeck 14. A lift mechanism (not shown) may impart a positive ornegative force 66 on thefront portion 34 of thedeck 14. - The present invention provides a method for incline adjustment that minimizes the
force 66 that must be applied by a lift mechanism (not shown) to change the incline of thedeck 14 with respect to theframe 12. The fulcrum 30 located substantially between the front 34 and rear 36 ends of thedeck 14 allows the user to apply at least a portion of the user'sweight 62 behind thefulcrum 30, thus, aiding in lifting thefront portion 34. In fact, by adjusting the weight applied on the front 64 and rear 62 portions of thedeck 14, the user may be able to lift thefront portion 34 without the aid of thelifting mechanism 66. By greatly reducing the liftingforce 66 required to lift thefront portion 34 of thedeck 14, the lifting mechanism itself may be greatly simplified in design and capacity as compared to traditional treadmills, thus reducing weight and cost. - Referring to FIG. 9, the
deck 14 is shown at a decline. In one presently preferred embodiment, thefulcrum 30 may be configured to allow thefront end 34 of thedeck 14 to be positioned below therear end 36 of thedeck 14, thus, producing an angle of descent 67. The angle of descent 67 allows the user to simulate walking, jogging, or running downhill. Downhill exercise uses a different muscle group of the user than does uphill exercise. In order to obtain a well rounded workout, it is advantageous to have a treadmill that is able to provide a declining, level, andinclined tread surface 16. - As discussed hereinabove, the distance between the fulcrum30 and the
tread surface 16 may be increased to provide for an increased angle of decline 67. The greater the distance between the fulcrum 30 andtread surface 16, the more thefront portion 34 of thedeck 14 may lower with respect to therear portion 36 of thedeck 14. - Referring to FIG. 10, the
deck 14 is shown at an incline with respect to theframe 12. The incline may be provided and held by alift cylinder 68 or by a pair oflift cylinders 68. Thelift cylinder 68 may be any hydraulic system. The working fluid may be any suitable fluid such as air or an oil. In one embodiment, thelift cylinder 68 may be driven by a small hydraulic pump (not shown) that provides a liftingforce 66. The amount offorce 66 that must be generated by thelift cylinder 68 can be controlled by the user as discussed hereinabove. Furthermore, the incline produced by thelift cylinder 68 may be remotely controlled by a user while exercising on thetreadmill 10. - In another embodiment, the
lift cylinder 68 provides no force. The user controls the incline and thelift cylinder 68 functions as a damper to provide smooth adjustment from one incline to another. Thelift cylinder 68 may further be configured to contain a valve, such as a check valve (not shown), which restricts flow in and out of thelift cylinder 68, thus providing a lock for maintaining thedeck 14 at a desired incline. The valve may be actuated by a user while operating thetreadmill 10. The modulus of the entrapped hydraulic fluid can provide a spring to cushion the foot impacts of the user on thedeck 14. The selection of the hydraulic fluid determines the spring constant of the spring. - FIG. 11 illustrates another alternative embodiment for an
incline adjuster 70. Theincline adjuster 70 may be configured to have a twoforce member 72 mounted between apivot 74 secured to thedeck 14 and aframe pivot 76. In this embodiment, thepivot 76 is configured to slide along a length of the of theframe 12 in alongitudinal direction 11 a. Thelift mechanism 70 slides along theframe 12 in response to the weighting applied by a user, as discussed hereinabove. When the desired incline has been achieved, the user may remotely activate alock 78, which secures thepivot 76 to the desired location along theframe 12. When a new incline is desired by a user, thelock 78 may be released and locked again at the new incline. - FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a scissor lift mechanism80. One end of an
upper scissor leg 81 is pivotably connected to one end of alower scissor leg 82 at ascissor pivot 83. The opposite end ofscissor leg 81 is pivotably connected to thedeck pivot 74 and the opposite end oflower scissor leg 82 is pivotably connected to theframe pivot 76. A drive screw 84 attaches to the scissor lift 80 at thescissor pivot 83. The opposite end of the drive screw 84 is attached to adrive 86. Thedrive 86 is pivotably connected to theframe 12 and is configured to rotate the drive screw 84. The rotation of the drive screw 84 pulls thescissor pivot 83 toward thedrive 86, thus elevating thedeck front 34. The scissor lift 80 may be configured to lock thedeck 14 at a desired incline. - In another embodiment of the present invention, a reverse scissor lift (not shown) may be employed to modify the incline of the
deck 14. In a reverse scissor mechanism, thescissor pivot 83 may be located on thedrive 86 side of thepivots drive 86 and thescissor pivot 83 thus extending thepivot legs deck 14. - Additionally, the scissor lift mechanism80 may be configured for manual adjustment. In this embodiment, the scissor lift mechanism 80 may be rotated 180 degrees so that the
drive 86 extends toward thefront 34 of thetreadmill 10. In such a configuration, thedrive 86 may comprise a hand crank (not shown) accessible from thefront 34 of thetreadmill 10. - The present invention may be embodied with other lift mechanisms and incline adjusters without departing from its structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as broadly described herein. The embodiments described hereinabove are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive.
- FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the
entire treadmill 10. Auser registration 87 extends upward so as to be positioned in front of a user (not shown) operating thetreadmill 10. Theuser registration 87 may be secured at its lower extreme to thedeck 14 or theframe 12. The user registration provides a visual reference with which the user can gauge his/her position on thetreadmill 10. Theuser registration 87 further provides a location for information and controls needed for efficient operation of thetreadmill 10. - In one embodiment, the
user registration 87 comprises an upright 88 extending upward from theframe 12. If desired, theupright 88 may be configured as a single pole extending upward on only one side of thetreadmill 10. The upright 88 may additionally be configured to support aconsole 90. - In one embodiment the
console 90 is a collection of electronic readouts and controls. The readouts and controls can provide the user with any information or control that might be convenient. Readouts might include the speed of thebelt 24, distance traveled, calories burned and degree of incline of thedeck 14. Controls might include speed adjustment of thebelt 24, incline adjustment, incline lock activation, and the like. The upright 88 may be further configured to support one ormore stabilizers 92. Thestabilizers 92 provide structures for a user to grab to steady himself/herself. Thestabilizers 92 may be formed to any geometry that might add to the safety or convenience of the user. - The
user registration 87 may be further configured to be adjustable. The upright 88 may be positioned in a variety of positions from completely upright (as shown), to completely down, laying flat proximate thedeck 14. The upright 88 may also be configured to be removable for transport and storage. The adjustability of theupright 88 andstabilizers 92 make the treadmill easy to ship, store, move, and hide. The different positions of theupright 88 andstabilizers 92 may be configured to have a locking system (not shown), thus holding theuser registration 87 in a selected position. - The
user registration 87 may be further configured to have a pacing mechanism (not shown) to aid a user in maintaining a desired pace. One embodiment of the pacing mechanism may comprise a light configured to emit a beam onto the surface of thebelt 24. A shutter moving across the beam may be provided to produce alternating on/off illumination of a location on thebelt 24. The light may be synchronized to the speed of themotor 26 and may be used as a pacing mechanism by the user. - The
user registration 87 may be further configured to have a safety mechanism (not shown) configured to stop thebelt 24 from rotating if the user leaves thetread surface 16. In one embodiment the safety mechanism is a tether connecting a user to thetreadmill 10. If the user leaves thetread surface 16, the tether pulls a switch that stops thebelt 24. In another embodiment, the safety mechanism is configured to be a proximity sensor mounted to theupright 88. The proximity sensor may emit a beam which, when interrupted, activates themotor 26. A user in close proximity to the sensor and between two and four feet above thetread surface 16 interrupts the beam. When the beam is not interrupted, thebelt 24 is stopped. Thus, when a user leaves thetread surface 16, the sensor will not be interrupted and thebelt 24 will stop. - From the above discussion, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides a treadmill having a center pivot. The center pivot provides an equilibrated deck. The motor may be configured to drive the belt from the rear, resulting in an efficient power usage. The efficient power usage may allow a relatively small motor to be used without lowering performance. Furthermore, the motor may be mounted below the tread surface, thus allowing the entire tread surface to be exposed and usable. The efficient use of all the tread surface allows the deck to be significantly shorter than current treadmills. The upright is configured to be removed or to be rotated a flat position proximate the deck. The treadmill may be constructed of composite materials producing a strong design that weighs much less than traditional treadmills. The relatively short deck, the foldable upright, and low weight of the present invention result in a treadmill that is compact, lightweight, stable, easily shipped, easily deployable, and easily stored.
- The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Claims (33)
1. A treadmill comprising:
a frame for supporting the treadmill on a supporting surface;
a deck, secured to the frame to be supported on a supporting surface thereby, the deck having a front and rear defining a longitudinal direction, a right side and left side defining a lateral direction, and a tread surface extending from proximate the front to proximate the rear for supporting the weight of a user thereabove;
a first roller, connected proximate the front of the deck to rotate with respect to the deck;
a second roller, connected proximate the rear of the deck to rotate with respect to the deck;
a belt connected to pass continuously over the tread surface and around the first and second rollers, to provide a fully exposed top surface, for unobstructed walking thereon by a user; and
a motor configured to drive the belt, the motor being positioned laterally between the right and left sides of the deck, and below the deck at a location longitudinally between the first and second rollers.
2. The treadmill of claim 1 , further comprising an incline adjustment connected intermediate the deck and the frame for selectively spacing the front of the deck above the frame.
3. The treadmill of claim 2 , wherein the incline adjustment further comprises:
a lock for maintaining the spacing between the deck and the frame; and
a release for selectively releasing the lock by a user.
4. The treadmill of claim 1 , wherein the deck is further comprises a fulcrum and is pivotably secured to the frame for selectively tilting with respect thereto about the fulcrum.
5. The treadmill of claim 4 , wherein the fulcrum is positioned longitudinally away from the second roller at a location selected to equilibrate a substantial portion of the weight of the front of the deck in response to application of the weight of a user proximate the second roller.
6. The treadmill of claim 4 , wherein the fulcrum is positioned longitudinally away from the second roller at a location selected to tilt the front of the deck upwardly in response to application of the weight of a user proximate the second roller.
7. The treadmill of claim 4 , wherein the fulcrum is positioned longitudinally away from the second roller at a location selected to equilibrate a substantial portion of the weight of the front of the deck, forward of the fulcrum, by the weight of the rear portion of the deck, behind the fulcrum.
8. The treadmill of claim 7 , wherein the motor is positioned behind the fulcrum to provide the motor weight for equilibration of the weight of the front of the deck.
9. The treadmill of claim 9 , wherein the motor is configured to drive the belt by rotating the second roller.
10. The treadmill of claim 10 , further comprising an air bearing mechanism for reducing frictional forces between the belt and the tread surface.
11. The treadmill of claim 10 , wherein the air bearing mechanism further comprises:
an air source for providing a supply of pressurized air;
ports configured to distribute the pressurized air between the deck and the belt for supporting the belt on a layer of the pressurized air.
12. The treadmill of claim 11 , wherein the air source further comprises:
a fan for drawing air from the ambient and providing pressurized air; and
a plenum configured to receive the pressurized air from the fan and to direct the pressurized air to the ports.
13. The treadmill of claim 12 , wherein the deck is configured as a single, contiguously molded unit.
14. The treadmill of claim 13 , wherein the contiguously molded unit is formed of a material selected from a homogeneous polymeric composition, a structurally reinforced polymeric composition, and a substantially homogeneous, polymeric composition containing structurally reinforcing fibers distributed substantially evenly therethrough.
15. The treadmill of claim 14 , further comprising a third roller configured to rotatably attach to the deck below the tread surface and maintain spacing between the belt and the deck.
16. The treadmill of claim 1 , wherein the deck is further comprises a fulcrum and is pivotably secured to the frame for selectively tilting with respect thereto about the fulcrum.
17. The treadmill of claim 16 , wherein the fulcrum is positioned longitudinally away from the second roller at a location selected to equilibrate a substantial portion of the weight of the front of the deck in response to application of the weight of a user proximate the second roller.
18. The treadmill of claim 16 , wherein the fulcrum is positioned longitudinally away from the second roller at a location selected to tilt the front of the deck upwardly in response to application of the weight of a user proximate the second roller.
19. The treadmill of claim 16 , wherein the fulcrum is positioned longitudinally away from the second roller at a location selected to equilibrate a substantial portion of the weight corresponding to the front of the deck, forward of the fulcrum, by the weight corresponding to the rear portion of the deck, behind the fulcrum.
20. The treadmill of claim 16 , wherein the motor is positioned behind the fulcrum to provide the motor weight for equilibration of the weight of the front of the deck.
21. The treadmill of claim 1 , wherein the motor is configured to drive the belt by rotating the second roller.
22. The treadmill of claim 1 , further comprising an air bearing mechanism for reducing frictional forces between the belt and the tread surface.
23. The treadmill of claim 22 , wherein the air bearing mechanism further comprises:
an air source for providing a supply of pressurized air;
ports configured to distribute the pressurized air between the deck and the belt for supporting the belt on a layer of the pressurized air.
24. The treadmill of claim 1 , wherein the deck is configured as a homogeneous unitary structure.
25. The treadmill of claim 1 , further comprising a user registration structure for positioning a user on the treadmill.
26. The treadmill of claim 25 , wherein the user registration structure further comprises an upright secured to the frame and configured to move between a first stowed position proximate the frame and a second deployed position away from the frame.
27. The treadmill of claim 26 , wherein the upright further comprises an asymmetric structure secured to a single side of the frame.
28. The treadmill of claim 1 further comprising a pacing strobe configured to periodically illuminate the belt for assisting a user in setting a consistent exercise pace.
29. The treadmill of claim 1 , further comprising a non-contacting proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of a user on the treadmill and to control operation of the motor in accordance therewith.
30. The treadmill of claim 1 , further comprising a third roller configured to rotatably attach to the deck below the tread surface and maintain spacing between the belt and the deck.
31. The treadmill of claim 1 , wherein the deck further comprises:
a fulcrum, pivotably securing the deck to the frame;
the fulcrum configured to provide selective tilting of the deck with respect to the frame in a plurality of positions, ranging from a first position to a second position;
the first position providing the deck at a decline; and
the second position providing the deck at an incline.
32. A method for forming a treadmill, the method comprising:
forming a frame having a longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and transverse direction substantially orthogonal to one another;
molding a deck of a substantially homogeneous material as a substantially unitary structure comprising a tread surface, and a longitudinal beam structure for supporting the tread surface;
providing front and rear rollers for supporting a continuous belt surrounding the deck; and
pivotably securing the deck to the frame at a fulcrum location positioned between the front and rear rollers and spaced from the rear roller by a distance selected to equilibrate a substantial portion of the weight of the front of the deck, in front of the fulcrum, by the weight of the rear of the deck, behind the fulcrum.
33. A method for operating a treadmill, the method comprising:
providing a frame and deck, the deck having a front end and a back end and being pivotably connected to the frame at a fulcrum located substantially forward of the back end to tilt the deck about the fulcrum with respect to the frame;
applying at least a portion of the weight of a user proximate the back end to lift the weight of the deck forward of the fulcrum by the weight of the deck behind the fulcrum plus the at least a portion of the weight of a user;
rotating the deck to a new angle of incline with respect to the frame; and
securing the deck with respect to the frame at the new angle of incline.
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