WO2017085334A1

WO2017085334A1 - Foldable treadmill

Info

Publication number: WO2017085334A1
Application number: PCT/ES2015/070835
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pablo PÉREZ DE LAZARRAGA VILLANUEVA
Original assignee: Exercycle, S.L.
Priority date: 2015-11-20
Filing date: 2015-11-20
Publication date: 2017-05-26

Abstract

The invention allows the treadmill to reach a completely vertical position in the folded position thereof, passing the vertical rotational shaft, and occupying a minimum amount of space, the folding system (10) thereof comprising: a rotational shaft (11) arranged on a front end of the platform (3) such that the platform (3) can be completely folded back; a pair of guide-rails (12) coupled below the platform (3), arranged in the longitudinal direction and parallel to each other, in a position that allows the continuous belt (4) to slide freely; and a pair of actuating mechanisms (13) fixed to the support structure (2) and comprising a rod (14), the distal end of which is housed in the guide-rails (12). The invention also relates to the incorporation of the treadmill (1) into an exercise machine (100) of the type used to strengthen the upper part of the body.

Description

FOLDING RUNNING TAPE

DESCRIPTION OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention belongs to the sports and physical education sector, and more specifically to machines and equipment for cardiovascular training, and for strengthening different muscle groups of the body.

The object of the present invention is a folding treadmill that has a particular folding system that allows obtaining a completely vertical position in its maximum folding position, even exceeding the vertical axis of rotation of the belt, occupying a minimum space, at the same time that allows a smooth deployment, controlled and without danger for the user. In addition, the combination and / or integration of said folding treadmill with an exercise machine, of the type that allow the strengthening of the muscles of the middle and upper body area, together with elastic bands hooked at different points, is provided of the structure of the machine, to perform exercise circuits.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At present, sport culture and healthy practices are increasingly widespread among the population. Within this sector, the exercise based on walking or running (perhaps best known for its Anglo-Saxon denominations "jogging" or

"runrimg") are becoming one of the most practiced sports by society.

In gyms, there are more and more treadmills, whether with or without an electric motor, which are an essential element for burning calories and reducing weight. In this sense, multiple scientific studies have shown that running regularly (between two or three times a week) can reduce the risk of suffering a heart attack by up to 20%, also allowing us to prolong our quality of life. This is mainly because our muscles are toned and they grow, the bones have a greater capacity for repair and the joints become more flexible and lubricated. In short, a stronger organism and a more toned body are achieved, in addition to the beneficial effects produced on our emotional and psychological state, as well as the improvement of social relationships.

Also, another gymnastic apparatus of success and wide use today, is an exercise machine equipped with a series of padded handles and supports for arms and back, better known in the sector under the term "Power Tower", through which it is It is possible to train and tone the upper body muscle group (abdominal, pectoral, arms, triceps, shoulders, etc.). This machine is especially interesting for the realization of chin-ups, leg lifting, push-ups or bottoms, among others. In turn, combined with elastic bands, it can cover a wide range of exercises, including all muscle groups, without the need to expand the machine and giving the user the possibility of using different resistances according to the degree of training.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in relation to gymnastic devices and more specifically to folding treadmills, some drawbacks have been detected, among which are:

- The axis of rotation or folding of the current folding treadmills is located at a point located at a certain distance from the head, or front end, of the belt, so in the folded position its orientation is not completely vertical, therefore occupying more space. In this regard, see for example the translation of a European patent with publication number ES2269855

T3

- In addition, although folding belts that inferiorly incorporate a rod or central cylinder for the folding of the belt are known, this solution is often totally insufficient and dangerous, as long as all the weight and folding mechanism is based on a single central cylinder, whose defects or failures cause jams in the movement of the belt, or even causing accidents due to sudden falls, so that its safety, smoothness and ease of lowering and raising the belt are clearly optimizable. - Within the domestic application, as well as in small-area gyms, there is an important limitation of both space and economic, which lies in the need to have two different machines, treadmill and upper train exercise machine ('Power Tower ") that require an independent and separate location from each other, thus requiring greater surface and economic outlay to acquire both machines.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

By means of the present invention, the aforementioned drawbacks are solved by providing a foldable treadmill that has a folding system that allows obtaining a completely vertical position in its maximum folding position, even exceeding the vertical axis of rotation of the tape, occupying a minimum space, at the same time allowing a smooth deployment, controlled and without danger to the user.

In addition, the combination and / or integration of the folding treadmill described here with an exercise machine, of the type that allow the strengthening of the muscles of the middle and upper body area, from a series of bars is planned cantilever that have handles or handles at their ends, and also have a series of padded supports for both arms and back, explained below. More particularly, the foldable treadmill of the invention comprises a support structure preferably provided with hooks for elastic bands, a platform attached to said support structure, an endless belt slidable through the platform, and a folding system of the platform between a folding position and a deployment position. Going into more detail, said abatement system includes in turn:

- an axis of rotation located at a leading end of the platform, so that in the maximum folding position of the platform, there are no horizontal fixed parts of said platform; - a pair of guide rails coupled inferiorly to the platform, arranged in a longitudinal direction and parallel to each other, in a position that allows free sliding of the endless belt, and preferably including a pair of rigid plastic material studs, located at the ends of said guide rails, which act as stops to limit movement, while avoiding bumps and noise; Y

- a pair of actuating mechanisms, preferably hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, fixed to the support structure on both sides of the same to avoid interference with the user, and which in turn have a rod whose distal end is housed in the rails -guide.

Preferably, the support structure comprises a pair of horizontal bars parallel to each other, and a pair of lateral arms perpendicular to said horizontal bars. Preferably, said horizontal bars and side arms are joined together by means of a pair of inclined stiffening tubes.

The axis of rotation of the platform is located in an advanced position with respect to said lateral arms of the support structure. This characteristic, together with the particular design of the folding system, will allow, unlike the current folding belts, to be able to completely lower the entire base platform of the belt, without the stability or safety of the tape in the folded position Be reduced. In addition, it is provided that the horizontal bars of the support structure have a length such that in the deployment position of the platform, the horizontal bars have their proximal end located in correspondence with an intermediate zone of the platform length. This feature will allow to provide even more if there is greater stability, control and security of the tape

On the other hand, according to a preferred embodiment, the treadmill of the invention incorporates an exercise machine coupled to the support structure, this exercise machine being of the "Power Tower" type mentioned above, used for the realization of chin exercises and leg elevation between others, for strengthening and toning the muscle groups of the middle and upper body.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical implementation thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description. where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

Figure 1.- Shows a perspective view of the treadmill in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, where its combination and integration with an exercise machine is appreciated, in this case the treadmill being fully folded upwards.

Figure 2.- It shows a front view of the treadmill, according to the arrow "A" of figure 1, where a pair of hydraulic cylinders and a pair of guide rails are seen through which the ends of said cylinders circulate.

Figure 3.- Shows a rear view of the treadmill, according to arrow "B" of figure 1.

Figure 4.- Shows a side view of Figure 1, where it can be seen that the treadmill platform crosses the vertical axis of rotation in its final folding position.

Figure 5.- It shows a detail view of the upper part of the exercise machine, where a small bolt or vertical bushing is seen that crosses the horizontal support of the backrest.

Figure 6.- Shows a front perspective view of the treadmill of Figure 1, but in this case represented for use as a conventional treadmill, once the horizontal support of the backrest has been disassembled and once the two armrests turned 90 ° outwards.

Figure 7 shows a side view of Figure 6, where the coupling of the horizontal support of the backrest in one of the vertical lateral arms is clearly observed.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

An example of a preferred embodiment is described below with reference to the aforementioned figures, without limiting or reducing the scope of protection of the present invention.

A possible embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 1 to 7, in which the treadmill (1) is integrated with an exercise machine (100), "Power Tower" type, of those used for the realization of dominated and leg elevation, for strengthening the muscles of the upper body.

First, focusing on the treadmill (1), this is of the type comprising a console or control panel, a support structure (2), which in the present example comprises a pair of parallel horizontal bars (20A) each other, and a pair of lateral arms (20B) perpendicular to said horizontal bars (20A). In addition, the treadmill (1) comprises a folding platform (3); an endless belt (4) slidable through the platform (3); and a platform folding system (10) (3) between a folding position and a deployment position. At this point it should be noted that the treadmill (1) of the invention can be both electrically operated with motor integrated in the front of the platform, and manually operated, without motor.

In relation to the folding system (10), shown more clearly in Figures 1 and 2, it comprises: a) a rotation axis (11) located at the front end of the platform (3), located in an advanced position with respect to of the lateral arms (20B) of the support structure (2); b) a pair of guide rails (12), represented in Figure 2 more clearly, coupled inferiorly to the platform (3) and arranged longitudinally and parallel to each other, in a position that allows free sliding of the endless belt (4), without any obstacles; and c) a pair of actuator mechanisms (13), in the present embodiment hydraulic cylinders, fixed to the support structure (2) and having a rod (14) whose distal end is housed in the guide rails (12) .

Preferably, the guide rails (12) further include two plugs (15) of rigid plastic material, located at the upper ends of the guide rails (12), as reflected in Figure 2, to limit the travel of the actuators (13) and allow the passage of free movement to the hydraulic descent function, thus avoiding annoying shocks and noises.

All these features provide several advantages, among which are:

- The fact that the axis of rotation (11) is located at a more advanced point with respect to the lateral arms (20B) allows the entire platform (3) to be completely foldable, even exceeding even the vertical axis (EV ) of rotation, see figure 4, without the existence of horizontal fixed parts of the platform (3) in the folded position, ultimately obtaining a smaller volume of space consumed. To proceed to deploy the platform (3) towards the ground, said movement would be carried out according to the movement described in Figure 4 by means of the arrow "G".

- Unlike current folding treadmills, by having a pair of action elements to perform the abatement (two guide rails (12) and two actuating mechanisms (13)), and not just one, it is significantly reduced the requirement and fatigue produced on said single conventional actuator, at the same time as, due to the distribution of functions between the two, allows reducing the pressure and sizing requirements required for them.

- In addition, that special relative position of the guide rails (12) and mechanisms actuators (13) located on both sides with respect to the endless belt (4) allows to guarantee the free sliding of the endless belt (4) without any obstacle that can contact the latter, while providing a free space for use of the exercise machine (100) once the treadmill (1) is folded down and folded up. In this way, it is possible to overcome the vertical axis (EV) of rotation during the folding process without making significant structural changes.

In addition, to achieve greater stability, it is provided that the horizontal bars (20A) of the support structure (2) have a length such that in the deployment position of the platform (3), the horizontal bars (20A) have its proximal end (E) located in correspondence with the intermediate zone of the platform length (3), as can be seen in Figures 6 and 7. In addition, the inclusion of a pair of inclined tubes (16), shown in figures 1, 4 and 6, located between the horizontal bars (20A) and the perpendicular side arms (20B) of the support structure (2), allows rigidity to be provided to the assembly, providing additional stability.

In Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that the guide rails (12) preferably have a "U" configuration, with their lateral branches facing down in the deployment position of the platform (3). This feature allows both the guide rails (12) and the actuator mechanisms (13) to be installed in the same vertical plane, thus occupying a minimum space, so that the user can use the treadmill (1) in mode exercise machine (100) without any impediment or intermediate obstacle. Both mechanisms located on two sides allow balancing the force by dividing it between the two actuator mechanisms (13), while clearing the central area of the exercise machine (100) from obstacles.

In relation to the actuator mechanisms (13), in Figure 1 it can be seen that these are preferably fixed to the horizontal bars (20A) of the support structure (2) by means of a transverse profile (5) provided with a pair of plates in "U" (6) with through hole. This ensures a stable and stable positioning of the actuator mechanisms (13), without possible unwanted movements in a longitudinal or transverse direction. Secondly, with respect to the exercise machine (100) integrated in the treadmill (1) described above, it is provided that said exercise machine (100) comprises at least:

- two pairs of cantilever bars (110), upper and intermediate, fixed to the lateral arms (20B) of the support structure (2), as seen in Figure 4;

- a collapsible horizontal bar (115), shown in figures 2 and 3, located between both side arms (20B) at a height such that it allows the folding of the platform (3) without interference;

- a pair of armrests (120) arranged on the intermediate cantilever bars (110), which are removable and / or adjustable in position on their longitudinal axis through first closing means (150A) to allow double Function: on the one hand allow the folding of the tape and the availability of sufficient space during the use of the tape; and on the other hand serve as armrest with a suitable geometry during the use of the exercise machine (100);

- a backrest (130) disposed in an upright and intermediate position between said armrests (120), and fixed to the side arms (20B) by means of a horizontal support (131), and where said backrest (130) is equally removable for its positioning on one side, as shown in figures 6 and 7, in addition to being adjustable in height through a second closing means (150B); Y

- a plurality of handles (140) coupled at the ends of the cantilever bars (110).

More specifically, in figures 1, 2 and 4, said armrest (120) can be seen in the normal position of use, that is, their horizontal position for performing exercises such as leg lifting and work of abs, where the user, with his back resting on the backrest (130) and his forearms placed on the armrests (120) with his hands holding the handles (140), tries to overcome his own weight and proceeds to the lifting of your legs, ideally together and stretched.

On the other hand, in figures 6 and 7 it can be seen that the armrests (120) are rotating, preferably at an angle of at least 90 ° towards the outer sides of the exercise machine (100). In this way it is possible to prevent them from being an obstacle for the user, and the user can use the treadmill (1) in conventional mode, that is, to start the march on the endless belt itself (4).

On the other hand, in relation to the backrest (130), in the detail view of Figure 5 it can be seen that the horizontal support (131) of the backrest (130) has a bushing (132) that transversely crosses said horizontal support (131) . On the other hand, in Figures 1 and 4 it can be seen that at least one of the lateral arms (20B) of the support structure (2) has hooking means (170). Well, said coupling means (170) are dimensionally configured to allow a solidarity anchoring of the bushing (132) of the horizontal support (131), and therefore, the lateral coupling and fixing of the backrest (130) on the lateral arm (20B ), as clearly seen in Figures 6 and 7.

More preferably, the possibility is provided that the exercise machine (100) additionally comprises a pair of supports (160), clearly shown in Figures 1 and 4, located in a lower position with respect to the armrests (120) and located on the inclined tubes (16) mentioned above. These supports (160) have a horizontal surface to allow easy access to the upper handles (140), as well as the realization of push-ups resting the hands on said supports (160).

Finally, if you start from the arrangement of the treadmill (1) shown in Figures 6 and 7, and proceed to fold it up until it is folded, you get an arrangement of the machine especially indicated for the realization of exercises of dominated (perhaps better known by its English term "pulí ups"), so that the user does not have any obstacle, neither the system of despondency (10), nor the armrests (120), being free the access to the upper handles (140).

Claims

1. - Folding treadmill (1) comprising a support structure (2), a platform (3) attached to said support structure (2), an endless belt (4) slidable through the platform (3) , and a folding system (10) of the platform (3) between a folding position and a deployment position, where said treadmill (1) is characterized in that the folding system (10) in turn comprises: a) a rotation axis (11) located at a leading end of the platform (3); b) a pair of guide rails (12) coupled inferiorly to the platform (3), arranged longitudinally and parallel to each other, in a position that allows free sliding of the endless belt (4); and c) a pair of actuator mechanisms (13) fixed to the support structure (2) and having a rod (14) whose distal end is housed in the guide rails (12) and is movable through the latter .

2. - Folding treadmill (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide rails (12) further include two cleats (15) of rigid plastic material, which act as stop elements to limit the travel path. the actuators (13), avoiding bumps and annoying noises.

3. - Folding treadmill (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support structure (2) comprises a pair of horizontal bars (20A) parallel to each other, and a pair of perpendicular lateral arms (20B) to said horizontal bars (20A).

4. - Folding treadmill (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the axis of rotation (11) of the platform (3) is located in an advanced position with respect to the lateral arms (20B) of the structure support (2).

5. - Folding treadmill (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the horizontal bars (20A) of the support structure (2) have a length such that in the deployment position of the platform (3), the horizontal bars (20A) have their proximal end (E) located in correspondence with an intermediate zone of the platform length (3).

6. - Folding treadmill (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide rails (12) have a "U" configuration, with their lateral branches facing down in the platform deployment position (3).

7. - Folding treadmill (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the actuator mechanisms (13) are fixed to the horizontal bars (20A) of the support structure (2) through a transverse profile (5) equipped with a pair of "U" plates (7) with through hole.

8. - Folding treadmill (1) according to claims 1 or 7, characterized in that the actuator mechanisms (13) are hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders.

9. - Folding treadmill (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-8, characterized in that it incorporates an exercise machine (100) coupled to the support structure (2), this exercise machine being ( 100) of those used for the realization of chin-ups and leg elevation, for strengthening the muscles of the upper body.

10. - Folding treadmill (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the exercise machine (100) comprises at least:

- two pairs of cantilever bars (110), upper and intermediate, fixed to the lateral arms (20B) of the support structure (2);

- a pair of armrests (120) arranged on the intermediate cantilever bars (110);

- a backrest (130) disposed in an upright and intermediate position between said armrests (120), and fixed to the side arms (20B) by means of a horizontal support (131); Y

- a plurality of handles (140) coupled at the ends of the bars cantilever (110).

11. - Folding treadmill (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the armrests (120) are removable and / or adjustable in position on their longitudinal axis through first closing means (150A) .

12. - Folding treadmill (1) according to claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the armrests (120) are rotatable at an angle of at least 90 ° towards the outer sides of the exercise machine (100 ).

13. - Folding treadmill (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the backrest (130) is removable and adjustable in height through a second means of closure (150B).

14. Folding treadmill (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the horizontal support (131) of the backrest (130) has a bushing (132) that transversely crosses said horizontal support (131); and at least one of the lateral arms (20B) of the support structure (2) has hooking means (170) such that they allow the solidary anchoring of the bushing (132) and therefore the lateral fixing coupling of the backrest (130 ) on said lateral arm (20B).

15. Folding treadmill (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the exercise machine (100) additionally comprises a pair of supports (160) located in a lower position with respect to the armrests (120) and located on inclined tubes (16) joining the horizontal bars (20A) and the perpendicular lateral arms (20B) of the support structure (2), and where said supports (160) have a horizontal surface to allow easy access to the upper handles (140), as well as the exercise of push-ups, among others.