US20050148442A1 - Reorienting treadmill - Google Patents
Reorienting treadmill Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050148442A1 US20050148442A1 US11/071,780 US7178005A US2005148442A1 US 20050148442 A1 US20050148442 A1 US 20050148442A1 US 7178005 A US7178005 A US 7178005A US 2005148442 A1 US2005148442 A1 US 2005148442A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- treadmill
- tread base
- support structure
- support
- base
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2210/00—Space saving
- A63B2210/50—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
Definitions
- This invention relates to an exercise treadmill and more specifically to a treadmill with a tread base that may be reoriented from a first or exercise position to a second or upright storage position.
- Typical treadmills include a continuous or endless belt trained about a pair of laterally extending rollers mounted to and between spaced apart longitudinally extending rigid treadmill frame members.
- a deck is secured to and between the frame members or rails; and the endless belt moves over and under the deck upon rotation about the laterally extending rollers positioned at opposite ends of the deck.
- Non-motorized treadmills typically have a flywheel to store energy from the user moving the tread.
- the flywheel delivers the energy to the front roller to maintain even rotation or operation of the tread particularly when the user is moving on the treadmill in such a fashion that the user's feet simultaneously leave the treadmill or substantially leave the treadmill, such as when jogging or running.
- an electric motor is provided to supply rotational torque to the front roller to, in turn, drive the endless belt.
- the motor is typically operated through controls positioned on a control console operable by a user positioned on the endless belt.
- a treadmill has a support structure configured to be freestanding and to stably support the treadmill and more specifically the tread base in multiple orientations.
- the support structure has feet means for positioning on a support surface.
- the support structure also has upright structure extending upwardly from the feet means.
- a tread base has a left side, a right side, a front and a rear.
- An endless belt is positioned between the left side and the right side.
- the tread base is connected to the support structure to be reorientable between a first position in which the endless belt is positioned for operation by a user positioned on the endless belt and a second position in which the rear of the tread base is positioned or moved toward the upright structure.
- the upright structure includes a right upright member and a left upright member spaced from the right upright member and in general alignment therewith.
- the tread base has a front portion extending from the front end of the tread base to a position about midway between the front end and the rear end.
- the front portion of the tread base is rotatably attached to the support structure to rotate about a base axis.
- the tread base has mass and a center of gravity.
- the tread base is formed with the mass distributed and configured to locate the center of gravity above the base axis.
- the treadmill base includes a front roller connected between and to the left side and the right side of the tread base.
- the endless belt is desirably trained around the front roller; and torque means is desirably connected to the front roller to supply rotational torque thereto.
- the torque means is preferably positioned between the base axis and the front end of the tread base.
- the torque means is an electric motor. In another preferred arrangement the torque means is a flywheel. In yet another configuration, the front roller rotates around the base axis.
- the feet means of the support structure includes a left foot mechanically associated with the left upright member and a right foot mechanically associated with the right upright member.
- the left foot and the right foot are each sized to define a foot print to stably support the tread base when the tread base is in the first position, when the tread base is in the second position and when the tread base is moving between the first position and the second position.
- the left foot and the right foot are each desirably elongated members spaced from each other and in general alignment.
- a front cross support is interconnected between the left foot and the right foot.
- a rear cross support is similarly interconnected to and between the left foot and the right foot spaced from the front cross support.
- the support structure also includes a cross member extending between and connected to the left upright member and the right upright member, preferably proximate to the upper or distal ends of the left upright member and the right upright member.
- the treadmill includes latching means adapted to the tread base and the upright structure.
- the latching means is operable to attach the tread base in the second position to the upright structure.
- the treadmill includes a left rigid handle pivotally connected to the left upright member.
- the left rigid handle includes a portion positioned for grasping by a user positioned on the endless belt with the tread base in the first position.
- the treadmill includes a right rigid handle pivotally connected to the right upright member and configured with a portion for grasping by a user positioned on the endless belt with the tread base in the said first position.
- a left non-movable rigid handle is attached to the left upright to be graspable by a user on the endless belt when the tread base is in the first position.
- the treadmill also includes a right non-movable rigid handle attached to the right upright to be grasped by a user positioned on the endless belt when the tread base is in the first position.
- the non-movable left and right rigid handles each preferably include a first portion that extends from the left upright and the right upright, respectively, toward the rear end of the tread base.
- the left and right rigid non-movable handles also include a second portion connected to the respective first portions to extend downwardly toward the feet means.
- the left and right non-movable handles also each have a third portion connected to the second portion to extend toward the left upright member.
- the left non-movable rigid handle and the right non-movable rigid handle define a space thereinbetween. The space is over the part of the front portion of the treadmill.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a reorienting treadmill of the present invention with the tread base positioned in a first position for a user to perform exercises;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of a reorienting treadmill of FIG. 1 with the tread base reoriented to a second or storage position;
- FIG. 3 is a partial, simplified plan view of a portion of a alternate configuration of a reorienting treadmill of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is a partial view of portions of the reorienting treadmill of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a partial perspective exploded view of an inclination assembly for use with the treadmill of the present invention to vary the inclination of the treadmill base relative to the support surface;
- FIG. 6 is a partial schematic side view of an inclination assembly for use ng treadmill of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 shows a portion of an inclination structure for use with a reorienting treadmill of the present invention
- FIG. 8 is a partial perspective of a portion of a reorienting treadmill including a latching structure associated therewith;
- FIG. 9 is a partial cross sectional view of a latching structure of the type shown in FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 10 is a partial side view of a reorienting treadmill of the present invention with the tread base oriented in a second or stored position and with the treadmill shown in phantom oriented for movement;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a reorienting treadmill of the present invention with movable handles and with the tread base oriented in a first position to receive a user for performing exercises;
- FIG. 12 is a simplified partial side view of an alternate reorienting treadmill of the present invention having lift assist means and with a tread base in a first position;
- FIG. 13 is a simplified partial side view of the reorienting treadmill of FIG. 12 with a tread base in a second or stored position;
- FIG. 14 is a simplified partial side view of an alternate reorienting treadmill of the present invention having elevation structure associated with the tread base in its first position;
- FIG. 15 is a simplified side view of the alternate reorienting treadmill of FIG. 14 with alternate elevation structure.
- FIG. 16 is a simplified side view of portions of the alternate elevation structure of FIG. 15 .
- a reorienting treadmill 10 is shown in FIG. 1 to have a tread base 12 which is movably connected to support structure 14 .
- the tread base 12 has a left side 16 and a right side 18 . As can be seen, the left side 16 and the right side 18 are spaced apart and in general alignment.
- the tread base also has a front end member 20 and a rear end member 22 . As here shown, the front end member 20 and the rear end member 22 are each cross members that form part of the overall frame of the tread base 12 . That is, the frame may be said to include the front end member 20 , the rear end member 22 , the left side 16 and the right side 18 .
- the frame may also include other structural members.
- front end member 20 and the rear end member 22 denote specific structural members. However, in some contexts the front end and rear end may refer to the region or area proximate the front or the rear of the tread base 12 .
- the tread base 12 has an endless belt 24 positioned between the left side 16 and the right side 18 .
- the endless belt 24 or tread is configured to receive a user thereon to perform exercises such as running walking, jogging or the like.
- the user also may perform stationary exercises such as bending, stretching or the like while positioned on the endless belt 24 .
- the machine principally is intended for use in performing walking, running or jogging exercise.
- the tread base 12 as here shown in FIG. 1 has a left side rail 26 positioned over the top of the left side and a right side rail 28 positioned over the top of the right side 18 .
- the left side rail 26 and the right side rail 28 are configured and positioned to support a user. That is, a user seeking to dismount from the moving endless belt 24 or tread may simply place the user's left foot on the left rail 26 and the user's right foot on the right rail 28 to dismount or leave the moving surface to terminate the exercise before terminating movement of the endless belt 24 .
- the tread base 12 has a front cover 30 positioned over structure such as pulley 144 associated with the drive mechanism for driving the front roller 252 not illustrated in FIG. 1 , but illustrated and discussed more fully hereinafter with respect to FIG. 4 .
- the front cover 30 is also provided for aesthetics and for safety to minimize the risk of materials entering into the area thereunder and interfering with operation of mechanism or otherwise becoming entangled therewith.
- the tread base 12 of FIG. 1 also includes an underside rigid surface 32 or pan secured to the left side 16 , the right side 18 , the front end member 20 and the rear end member 22 as more fully discussed hereinafter.
- the tread base 12 also has rear feet means for positioning and supporting the tread base on the support surface.
- the rear feet means include specifically a left foot 160 ( FIG. 4 ) and a right foot 34 which is rotatably secured to the right side to rotate about a pin 36 . That is, the right foot 34 and the left foot 160 rotate about pin 36 and pin 161 ( FIG. 4 ), to move toward and away from the endless belt 24 to, in turn, vary the inclination of the tread base 12 relative to the support surface.
- the support structure 14 of the reorienting treadmill 10 of FIG. 1 has feet means 38 .
- the support structure 14 as shown is configured to be free-standing and to stably support the treadmill and more specifically the tread base 12 in the first orientation of the tread base 12 as shown in FIG. 1 and in the second or storage orientation of the tread base as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the feet means 38 includes a left foot 60 ( FIG. 2 ) and a right foot 40 .
- the support structure 14 also includes an upright structure 42 to extend upwardly from the feet means 38 . More specifically, the upright structure includes a left upright member 44 and a right upright member 46 spaced from the left upright member and in general alignment therewith.
- the tread base 12 has a front portion 48 that extends 49 from the front end member 20 to a position or point 50 about midway between the front end member 20 and the rear end member 22 . It may be Iloted that the midway point 50 is here shown to be at a distance halfway between the front end member 20 and the rear end member 22 . However, those skilled in art will recognize that the actual midpoint or midway position 50 need only be approximate and is here defined to indicate that the front portion 48 is essentially that half of the tread base 12 which may be said to be frontward or forward of a similar half portion which may be said to be rearward.
- the front portion 48 of the tread base 12 is rotatably attached to the support structure 14 to rotate around a base axis 52 .
- the tread base 12 rotates with or around bolts or pins 54 and 56 which function as an axle and are connected to the right upright 46 and the left upright 44 .
- the pins 54 and 56 connect to pivoting straps 55 and 57 which are attached to their respective right and left sides 18 and 16 to extend upwardly therefrom. With the straps 55 and 57 extending upwardly, the base axis 52 may be located above the tread base 12 when the tread base is in the first position as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the length or height of the straps 55 and 57 and the orientation to extend upwardly from the sides 16 and 18 or downwardly from the sides 16 and 18 may be selected to position the center of gravity of the tread base 12 relative to the base axis 52 . That is, the necessary force or leverage to lift and move the tread base 12 from the first position to the second position may be varied by varying the distance between the center of gravity and the base axis 52 as discussed more fully hereinafter.
- the support structure 14 and more particularly the feet means 38 is shown to include a forward cross member 58 which is connected to the right foot 40 to extend to the left foot 60 .
- the foot means 38 includes a rear cross support 62 that extends between and is connected by nuts and bolts 61 and 63 to brackets 65 and 67 to the right foot 40 and the left foot 60 spaced rearward 62 from the front cross member 58 a distance 63 selected to rigidly support the right foot 40 and left foot 60 .
- the cross members 58 and 62 also may be connected by welding, brazing or the like as desired.
- the right foot 40 and left foot 60 are each sized in length and spaced apart a distance 67 to provide the support structure 14 with a footprint so that the support structure is freestanding and also stably supports the tread deck 12 in the first position, in the second position and in movement thereinbetween.
- the footprint may be regarded as the perimeter of the geometric figure projected on the support surface that is defined by left foot 60 and right foot 40 .
- the footprint could be in any desired geometric shape to have a length 65 and width 67 .
- the length 65 and width 67 are selected so that the distance 69 between the vertical location of the center of gravity 71 (projected onto the support surface) of entire treadmill 10 is selected so that the force necessary to tip the treadmill 10 is necessarily more or higher than that applied by a nudge or accidental bump.
- the feet 40 and 60 extend a similar distance 73 selected so that the tipping force F 1 necessary to cause rotation or tip of the treadmill exceeds a nominal sum (e.g., 1 pound) and indeed is at least a somewhat larger sum (e.g., 10 to 20 lbs.) and even more preferably a significantly larger sum.
- the distance 73 preferably is selected so that tipping can be effected only by a user deliberately seeking to rotate or tip the treadmill 110 in normal use.
- the distance 67 of the treadmill 10 is selected so that the distance 75 between the center of gravity 71 and the feet 40 and 60 will resist accidental tipping by a bump or nudge. That is, the treadmill 10 cannot be tipped over sideways except upon application of a force F 2 that exceeds a nominal sum (e.g., 1 pound) and is about the same as force F 1 .
- a force F 2 that exceeds a nominal sum (e.g., 1 pound) and is about the same as force F 1 .
- the right foot 40 has a right wheel 64 rotatably positioned at its forward end 68 to rotate about an axle 66 .
- the right foot 40 angles rearwardly 77 toward a lower edge 70 thereby exposing the wheel 64 to facilitate rotation of the support structure 14 onto the wheel 64 for movement of the treadmill 10 on the support surface.
- the left foot 60 ( FIG. 2 ) has a left wheel 72 positioned to rotate about an axle 74 .
- the left wheel 72 is exposed to facilitate rotation and movement inasmuch as the left foot 60 is formed to have a front portion 76 that angulates rearward and downward 74 towards the lower edge 76 of the left foot 60 .
- the left foot 60 and the right foot 40 are both made of a rectangular, (in cross section) hollow tube to contain the wheels 72 and 64 . Therefore the support structure 14 can be tipped or rotated onto the left wheel 72 and right wheel 64 .
- the support structure has associated therewith a pair of rigid non-movable handles.
- the left rigid non-movable handle 80 includes a first portion 82 that is connected to the left upright 44 near its upper or distal end 81 .
- the first portion 82 extends rearwardly to a second portion 84 that extends downwardly towards the foot means 38 .
- a third portion 86 is interconnected to the second portion to extend inwardly toward the upright 44 and is here preferably shown to be rigidly secured such as by welding 88 to the left upright 44 .
- the right rigid non-movable handle 90 is here shown to include a first portion 92 that is connected at the upper end 91 of the upright 46 to extend rearward from the right upright member 46 .
- a second portion 94 is shown connected to the first portion 92 to extend downwardly toward the foot means 38 .
- a third portion 96 extends from the second portion inwardly toward the right upright member 46 and is here shown to be secured such as by welding 98 to the right upright 46 .
- the pair of rigid non-movable handles 80 define a space 100 therein between. That space 100 may be said to create a cage-like effect because the rigid handles 90 and 80 extend rearwardly (toward the rear end member 22 ) when the tread deck 12 is oriented in the first position shown in FIG. 1 .
- the space 100 is here oriented over the forward part of the endless belt 24 .
- the length 83 of the upper portions 82 and 92 of the handles 80 and 90 may be selected to increase or decrease the size of the space 100 and more particularly the volume.
- a user positioned at or proximate the mid point 50 on the endless belt 24 may perceive the handles 80 and 90 as near the user's hands for easy grasping to maintain balance when on the endless belt 24 and perceive the space 100 as a cage-like area toward which the user may move; and in turn the user may feel more stable or secure.
- the exercise treadmill 10 of the present invention has a control console 102 which is connected to a support bar 104 that is attached to and extends between the left upright 44 and the right upright 46 .
- the console 102 has operating controls such as actuator 106 to operate the treadmill 10 and indication means which may be used by the operator to determine various parameters associated with the exercise being performed.
- the console 102 may also have a cup or glass holder 108 so that the user may position a liquid refreshment for use during the course of performing exercise.
- the treadmill of FIG. 1 also includes a latching structure and more particularly a receiving mechanism 110 , which is more fully discussed hereinafter. It may also be seen in FIG. 1 that the left rigid non-movable handle 80 is fastened to the left upright 44 at its upper end 81 by a mechanical clamping structure 368 to be discussed more fully hereinafter. Similarly, the right rigid non-movable handle 90 is similarly attached by a clamping structure 114 is more fully discussed hereinafter.
- the control console 102 of FIG. 1 also has associated therewith a safety lock or key mechanism 116 with a loop structure 118 associated therewith for attachment about the waist or to the user.
- the safety lock or key structure 116 is configured so that if a user moves toward the rear end member 22 on the endless belt 24 , a key (not shown) is removed from the control console thereby interrupting the electrical power to the motor driving the endless belt for a motorized treadmill.
- the reorienting treadmill is shown with the tread base 12 reoriented relative to the support structure 14 to the second position in which the rear end member 22 of the tread base 12 is positioned towards the upright structure 42 of the support structure 14 .
- the treadmill 10 is significantly more compact, occupying less floor space of the associated support surface.
- the tread base 12 , the left side 16 and the right side 18 are here formed to present relatively flat mating surfaces.
- the front end member 20 and rear end member 22 each present a flat surface to receive a portion of the perimeter 122 of the pan or rigid surface 32 . That is, the flat surface portion 124 of the left side, the flat surface portion 126 of the rear end member 22 , the flat surface portion 128 of the right side 18 and the flat surface portion 130 of the front end member 20 are desirably formed to be in substantially the same plane to present a substantially flat surface to mate and register with the flat surface 132 formed along the perimeter 122 of the rigid surface 32 .
- the rigid surface 32 is here shown to be unitarily formed of a plastic-like material to present an essentially rigid underside 120 . Although rigid, it may be made of material thin enough to be flexible or to deflect without breaking.
- the rigid surface 32 here has a recess 134 formed in it proximate the rear end 22 to provide a convenient hand position for the user to move or reorient the tread deck 12 from the first position or exercise position shown in FIG. 1 to the second position or storage position shown in FIG. 2 .
- rigid surface 32 has a housing portion 136 formed proximate the front end member 20 to cover operating structure such as the motor 138 , the flywheel 140 , and the driving belt 148 .
- the housing 136 also covers the electrical motor controlling mechanism 150 , as well as the mechanism necessary to operate the inclination structure as more fully discussed hereinafter.
- the underside 120 of the tread base 12 is here shown with the pan or rigid surface 32 in position.
- the tread base 12 without the pan or rigid surface 32 leaves operating structure such as the motor 138 , electrical components 150 and the inclination system 152 exposed ( FIG. 4 ).
- the exposed components can be hazardous providing sharp edges, points and structure against which items or things may bump or snag.
- electrical components there is a risk of exposing electrical components to moisture, as wel ⁇ as exposing the user to an electrical shock hazard if the treadmill is inadvertently not turned off.
- the rigid surface 32 may be formed to cover only a portion of the exposed components or may be formed into multiple removable sections, if desired, to facilitate assembly or repair.
- the flat surfaces 126 , 128 , 130 and 124 have a plurality of apertures 154 formed therein to receive screws 156 to secure the rigid surface 32 or pan to form the underside of the tread base 12 .
- the rigid surface 32 has an aperture 158 formed therein for the left leg 160 to extend therethrough.
- a similar aperture 162 is formed to pass the right leg 34 therethrough.
- the right leg 34 has a wheel 164 appended proximate its distal end 166 .
- the left leg 160 has a wheel 168 appended proximate its distal end 170 .
- the wheels 164 and 168 are rotatably attached to facilitate movement on a support surface when the tread deck 12 is positioned in the first position. Other guides, skids or the like may be used to facilitate movement of both the legs 134 and 160 on the support surface.
- FIG. 3 an alternate configuration of a reorienting treadmill is shown, which is similar to the reorienting treadmill shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- a reorienting treadmill 200 has a right foot 204 and a left foot 202 . It also has a right upright 208 and a left upright 210 attached to and extending upward from the right foot 204 and a left foot 202 .
- a tread base 216 has a front end 218 with a protective cap 220 positioned as shown.
- the tread base 216 has a left side 222 and a right side 224 with an endless belt 226 positioned between to receive a user comparable to the endless belt 24 in FIG. 1 .
- a front roller 228 is positioned to extend between the left side 222 and the right side 224 .
- the front roller 228 has an axis 230 with an axle 232 extending therethrough to rotate about axis 230 .
- the front roller 228 extends into the right upright 206 and the left upright 210 to function as a base axis similar to base axis 52 .
- the right foot 204 has a wheel 234 rotatably mounted by axle 236 within the right foot 204 .
- the left foot 202 has a left wheel 238 rotatably positioned within the left foot 202 by an axle 240 .
- FIG. 4 shows a portion of the treadmill 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the treadmill 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is preferably a motor driven treadmill having a controller 150 interconnected by conductors 250 to motor 138 .
- the motor rotates to operate a pulley 146 , as well as a flywheel 140 .
- the pulley 146 drives a belt 148 which, in turn, drives a pulley 144 connected to the front or drive pulley 252 about which the endless belt 256 is trained.
- the front roller or drive pulley 252 is connected to the right side 18 by a bushing 258 .
- the pulley 252 is similarly connected to the left side 16 by a bushing 260 .
- the motor 138 and the controller 150 are positioned between the front end member 20 and the rotation or base axis 52 to, in turn, position their mass or weight and control the location of the center of gravity. That is, the weight of the motor and the electrical components 150 create a cantilever effect because the mass thereof is displaced toward the front end member 20 a distance 262 to act as a counter balance upon rotation of the tread deck 12 from the first position shown in FIG. 1 to the second position shown in FIG. 2 , as well as here in FIG. 4 .
- a cross support 264 is interconnected such as by welding between the left side 16 and the right side 18 in order to receive the incline mechanism 152 .
- an incline mechanism 152 shown here in FIG. 4 includes a motor 265 interconnected through a reduction gear mechanism 266 and pinion 270 to a rack 268 . Operation of motor 265 causes the pinion 270 to drive the rack 268 forward and rearward 272 to, in turn, drive an extension 274 .
- the rack 268 is connected to the extension 274 by a pin 276 or any other acceptable mechanical means.
- the motor 264 and the reduction gear 266 are connected by a metal or rigid strap 278 to a bracket 280 .
- the strap 278 has an aperture formed therein to receive a pin 282 .
- Spacer 284 maintains the strap 278 in alignment.
- the motor 264 with reduction gear 266 is pivotally connected to the cross member 264 .
- the motor 264 is electrically controlled via conductors 286 from the controller 150 which, in turn, receives control signals from the control panel 102 .
- the extension 274 is here rotatably connected by a pin 288 to a cantilever 290 that is secured such as by welding to a cross member 292 .
- the cross member 292 is connected to extend between and to be secured such as by welding to the right foot 34 and the left foot 160 .
- the rack 268 is connected by a pin 276 which is here secured by a threaded nut 294 or by a compression nut (not here shown).
- the extension 274 is rotatably connected by pin 288 to the cantilever 290 by a pin 288 held in place by a cotter pin 296 .
- the right leg 34 has wheel 164 secured thereto by a bolt 298 secured in place by nut 300 .
- the left leg 166 has a left wheel 168 secured thereto by bolt 302 and nut 304 .
- FIG. 6 An alternate configuration of an inclination system is shown in FIG. 6 .
- a leg 306 with a wheel 308 appended at its distal end 310 is rotatably secured to a side 312 of a tread base to rotate about an axle 314 .
- a cantilever 320 is secured such as by welding to the cross member 318 .
- An extension 322 is rotatably attached to the cantilever to rotate about a bolt or pin 324 .
- the extension 322 is connected at its proximal end 325 by a pin or nut and bolt 326 to a pneumatic spring 328 .
- the pneumatic spring 328 contains gas under pressure, a chamber and a movable piston.
- the pneumatic spring 328 is operable by operation means which here includes an actuation means. More specifically, the operation means includes a cable 330 within a sheath 332 .
- the cable 330 is connected to actuation means such as actuator 333 for operation by a user positioned on the endless belt of the tread deck when the tread deck is positioned in the first position for use in performing exercises. Movement of the actuator 333 causes the cable to move, in turn, operating the lever 334 to contact a pin 336 associated with the pneumatic cylinder 328 .
- Compression of the pin 336 operates the cylinder to cause the piston rod 338 to extend or retract to thereby move rearward 340 or forward thereby causing the cantilever 320 to rotate clockwise 342 and, in turn, cause the cross member 318 to rotate 319 clockwise (increase inclination) or counter clockwise (to decrease inclination) as here shown in FIG. 6 .
- Rotation of the shaft 318 clockwise 342 causes the foot 306 to rotate relative to the side 312 and, in turn, the endless belt to in turn vary the inclination of the side 312 and the endless belt relative to the support surface.
- the user may move his weight rearward on the endless belt. That is, the user may move (such as in FIG. 1 ) from the forward portion of the tread base towards the rear portion of the tread base to, in turn, vary the lever arm and increase the force downward on the foot 306 to, in turn, urge the shaft 322 inward or outward and, in turn, cause the inclination to increase or decrease.
- the force of the user moving rearward on the front deck is sufficient to overcome and exceed the force being exerted by the pneumatic cylinder 328 .
- the pneumatic cylinder 328 is secured to a bracket 345 that is rotatably attached by a pin 344 to a cross member 346 which is secured to and in between the opposite sides of a tread base (not here shown) such as side 312 .
- a coil spring 350 is positioned within a cylindrical housing 352 shown in cutaway.
- the cylindrical housing 352 is rotatably attached to rotate about a pin 354 at one end.
- the cylindrical housing 352 also has an extension 356 with an aperture 358 for rotatable connection to an extension such as extension 324 .
- the spring mechanism of FIG. 7 may be used to vary the inclination of the endless belt of the tread base by the user varying the rotation of associated feet, such as foot 306 .
- the foot may be pinned by positioning a pin or bolt through an aperture passing through one or both sides of the tread base, such as side 312 , and one of a plurality of apertures formed in the foot such as foot 306 .
- the user may use his hand or his foot to apply downward pressure to the tread base in order to vary the inclination to overcome the force of the spring 350 .
- the latching mechanism 110 is here shown in an exploded view in association with the left upright member 44 of the support structure 42 .
- the upward or distal end 360 of the upright 44 reveals that the upright 44 is, in fact, a hollow rectangular channel.
- One surface 362 of the upright 44 is formed with an arcuate recess 364 formed to receive the circular in cross section left non-movable rigid handle 80 and more particularly the first portion 82 of the left non-movable handle.
- the inner end 366 of the first portion 82 is positioned within the hollow portion of the upright 44 as shown.
- a top clamp 368 is sized and configured to snugly fit over the distal end 360 of the upright 44 .
- the top clamp 368 has apertures 370 formed in one side 372 . Similar apertures 374 are formed in the opposite side 376 ( FIG. 9 ). Associated screws 378 and 380 pass through the apertures 370 and 374 to register with corresponding apertures formed in the upright 44 to secure the top clamp and the inner end 366 thereto.
- the clamping structure 368 has a semi-circular portion 384 formed to register with the first portion 82 of the left rigid handle structure to snugly hold the first portion 82 of the left rigid handle structure 80 in place and to resist or inhibit outward 386 movement of the first portion 82 of the left rigid handle structure.
- top clamp 368 securely receives the support bar 104 into an appropriately sited aperture 388 .
- the cross member 104 is sized in cross section to snugly and slidably insert into the aperture 388 .
- a base 390 is shown secured or fastened to the cross member 104 .
- the base 390 is fastened by either welding, gluing, brazing or similar means as desired.
- the control console 102 is fastened to the base 390 .
- the treadmill 10 of the present invention may include latching means adapted to the tread base 12 and to the upright structure 42 .
- the latching means is operable for releasably attaching the tread base 12 in the second position to the upright structure 42 .
- the latching means includes a receiving mechanism 391 which is configured to receive a latch member 392 such as latch bar 393 ( FIG. 4 ).
- the latch member 392 is configured to removably connect to the receiving mechanism 391 .
- the receiving mechanism 391 is attached to the top clamp 368 which functions as a housing.
- the top clamp 368 is positioned at the distal end 360 of the left upright 44 .
- the latch member 392 is shown in FIG. 4 to be a cylindrically shaped bar 393 that extends outwardly and normally from the left side 16 .
- the latch member 392 moves inwardly 394 towards the cam surface 396 of lever member 398 .
- the lever member 398 is rotatably attached to the top clamp 368 within a housing 399 to rotate about a pin 400 that functions like an axle. The lever member 398 rotates between a first position, as shown in FIG. 9 , and a second position in which the lever member 398 is rotated counterclockwise 402 .
- the spring means may be any form of acceptable spring, including a coil spring, a leaf spring or even a clock spring associated with the pin 400 .
- the spring as here shown is a block of an elastically deformable polyurethane sponge 406 or any other rubber-like or elastically compressible substance. In other words, any acceptable spring may be used to urge the lever member 398 from a displaced or second position to the at rest or first position as shown in FIG. 9 .
- the lever member 398 has a lower surface 408 configured to act against the sponge 406 to compress it upon counterclockwise rotation 402 .
- Counterclockwise rotation 402 can also be affected by grasping the handle means 410 formed at a distal end 412 .
- the handle means is formed by shaping the distal end 412 to provide a space 414 between the distal end 412 and the upper surface 416 of the top clamp 368 so the user may place one's finger about the distal end 412 and more particular, about the handle. 410 in order to urge it in a counterclockwise direction 402 out of the housing 399 . Therefore, the lever member 398 may be manually rotated so that the latch member 392 may be moved from the receiving portion 418 .
- the receiving portion 418 is a cylindrically shaped recess sized and shaped to receive the cylindrically shaped latch member 393 .
- the tread base 12 may be moved from the first position as shown in FIG. 1 to the second position or storage position in FIG. 2 .
- the latch member 393 is urged against the cam surface 396 as hereinbefore stated.
- the user may grasp the left rigid handle structure 80 , the right rigid handle structure 90 , or both, while pushing on the rear end 22 or the rigid surface 32 to urge the tread base 12 and, in turn, the latch member 392 into the receiving portion 418 .
- the sponge means 406 may operate to urge the lever member 398 from a displaced position (not shown) to the first position as shown in FIG. 9 .
- a receiving portion 418 may be used in order to facilitate an automatic latching arrangement of the type herein described.
- the lever member 398 may be configured in a variety of shapes in order to permit displacement by a latch member on a cam surface following which the latch member enters a space or area provided to inhibit movement of the latch member from that space.
- lever member 398 may be positioned either on the distal end 360 of the left upright 44 or similarly on the distal end 91 of the right upright 46 .
- lever 398 with a housing may be positioned on the tread base 12 to intersect with a latch member associated with the left upright 44 or right upright 46 , as desired.
- FIG. 10 a simplified representation of a reorienting treadmill 420 is shown similar to the treadmill 10 shown in FIG. 1 .
- the treadmill 420 is shown from the side view with a right upright 422 connected to a right foot 424 at an angle 426 here shown to be about 15°.
- the angle 426 may be from about zero to about 25°.
- the angle 426 is selected in order to position the center of gravity 446 of tread base 434 , as well as the center of gravity of the overall treadmill 458 , as more fully discussed hereinafter.
- the illustrated treadmill has a control panel 428 connected to a cross support 430 which extends between the right upright 422 and the left upright (not shown).
- the treadmill 420 also has a right rigid handle structure 432 connected to the right upright 422 . It also similarly has a left rigid handle structure connected to the left upright (not here shown).
- the tread base 434 has a rear end 436 which extends upwardly as shown when the tread base 434 is positioned in the second or storage position as shown in FIG. 10 .
- the tread base 436 is rotatably connected to rotate about a base axis 438 .
- the center of gravity 440 of the tread base 434 is positioned to be spaced upwardly 444 from the base axis 438 . That is, from FIG. 4 it can be seen that the tread base 12 ( FIG. 1 ) and similarly the tread base 434 have mass.
- Various components such as the motor 138 and electronics 150 ( FIG. 4 ) are positioned so that the center of gravity 440 of the tread base 434 is above base axis or axis of rotation 438 .
- the center of gravity 440 passes through vertical alignment 446 with the axis of rotation.
- the tread base 434 is rotated until it is displaced clockwise past the vertical 446 a distance 448 selected to stably retain the tread base 434 in the second position with or without a latching means as hereinbefore discussed. That is, the location of the center of gravity 440 of the tread base 434 clockwise past the vertical 446 creates a lever arm to hold the tread base 434 in the second or stored position as shown.
- the center of gravity 440 is selected to be displaced above the axis of rotation 438 at a preselected distance 444 .
- the distance 444 is selected so that the weight or mass of the tread base 434 when acting downwardly at the center of gravity 440 is displaced toward the axis of rotation 438 to minimize the amount of upward or lifting force needed at the rear end 436 to lift the tread base 434 and move it from the first position toward and into the second position.
- the location of the center of gravity 440 may vary based on the size, weight, construction and shape of each individual model of treadmill.
- the center of gravity 440 and more particularly the location of the center of gravity 440 is selected so that the total amount of lifting force necessary to lift the rear end 436 when the tread base 434 is in the first position is such that a normal user may be able to easily lift and rotate the tread base from the first position to the second position.
- the foot 424 has an angulated forward surface 450 .
- the wheel 452 positioned in the front or forward end 454 of the right foot 424 is positioned to rotate about an axle 456 .
- the wheel 452 is positioned so that it does not contact the support surface until the upright or support structure 422 is rotated or displaced from a first or standing position to a displaced position here shown phantom as 420 with the upright identified as 422 .
- the center of gravity 458 of the entire treadmill 420 is determined by the weight and mass of all of the components of the treadmill 420 and may be the same as or displaced from the center of gravity 440 of the tread base 434 .
- the center of gravity 458 of the entire treadmill 420 is desirably positioned at a height or distance 460 which may be above or below the center of rotation 438 but nonetheless close to the center of rotation 438 . However, it must be placed above the foot 424 in order to facilitate rotation of the treadmill 420 from the configuration and position shown in solid in FIG. 10 to that shown in phantom in FIG. 10 .
- the center of gravity 458 is rotatable to a position 458 ′ to be generally positioned over the axle 456 of the wheel 452 to minimize the downward force or the lifting force necessary to be exerted by the user when holding the treadmill 420 in the position shown in phantom in FIG. 10 .
- the position shown in phantom in FIG. 10 is the position for moving or pushing the treadmill 420 about the support surface from one location to another.
- the treadmill of FIG. 10 is formed to have a left handle and a right handle available for grasping by the user to facilitate holding and moving the treadmill 420 when in the position shown in phantom in FIG. 10 .
- the left handle and the right handle may be any structural component readily available for grasping by the user, while the user is moving the treadmill 420 when the treadmill 420 is in the orientation shown in phantom in FIG. 10 .
- the rigid handle structure 432 on both the left side and the right side may be grasped by the user potentially along the first portion such as the first portion 92 and 82 of the rigid handles shown in FIG. 2 and in FIG. 1 .
- the user may be able to grasp and hold a portion of the support bar 430 in order to hold on to and urge or move the treadmill 420 when supported on the right wheel 452 , as well as the corresponding left wheel (not here shown).
- a portion of the top clamp 368 as well as the bracket 114 shown in FIG. 4 extends outwardly or over the respective distal ends 81 and 91 of the upright supports 44 and 46 . That is, the clamp 460 shown in FIG. 10 and the clamp on the left side (not shown) may be grasped by the user to support and hold the treadmill 420 for movement about the support surface while supported by the wheel 452 on the right side, as well as a wheel similarly positioned on the left side.
- an alternate configuration of the treadmill 470 has a tread base 472 comparable to tread base 12 in FIGS. 1 and 2 . Similarly, it has support structure 474 including a left upright 476 and a right upright 478 . It also has left rigid handle structure 480 and right rigid handle structure 482 . As also shown, the treadmill 470 has a movable left handle 484 which is rotatably attached to the left upright 476 with a hand-operated knob 478 useful to tighten or secure the handle 485 and increase resistance or decrease resistance to rotation. As can be seen, the handle 484 has a gripping portion 486 configured for grasping by a user. A right handle 490 is here shown to be pivotally attached at an axis 488 to rotate thereabout. The right handle 490 also has a grip portion 492 positioned for grasping or movement by a user in a back and forth 480 or pivotal movement when the user is positioned on the endless belt 494 .
- the tread base 12 has a deck 500 which extends between and is connected to the left side 16 and the right side 18 .
- the tread deck 500 may be formed of any acceptable rigid material which may be acceptable plywood materials with a wax or slippery upper surface over which the endless belt 24 is trained and moves.
- the tread deck 12 of FIG. 4 has a rear pulley 502 connected to extend between the left side and the right side.
- the rear pulley 502 is adjustably positioned and movable forwardly and rearwardly by a bolt structure 504 on the left side.
- a bolt structure 506 with an associated spring 508 is provided to provide movable or adjustable tension to the rear pulley 502 so that in use, the endless belt remains centered on the front pulley 252 and the rear pulley 502 .
- guides 510 and 512 may be secured to the deck, 500 to extend away therefrom. The return portion 513 of the endless belt 24 may ride against the guides 510 and 512 to further facilitate centering of the endless belt 24 on the roller 252 and rear roller 502 .
- the tread base 12 has a length 514 which is here selected to facilitate performance of walking, jogging or running exercises as desired. That is, the length 514 may vary for treadmills configured for walking and treadmills configured for jogging and running. In turn, the length of the tread 24 itself will vary as desired.
- the user must first move the tread base 12 from the upright or the stored position shown in FIG. 2 and 4 , to the first or operating position shown in FIG. 1 .
- the user stands on the endless belt 24 and walks, jogs or runs to perform exercises.
- the user may operate the switch on the control panel 102 to electrically operate the electrical auto-incline system shown in FIGS. 5 and 4 .
- the user may operate or manipulate an actuation member to, in turn, actuate a pneumatic cylinder of an inclination system such as that shown in FIG.
- control panel 102 Through the use of safety switches and operating switches to energize the motor, such as motor 138 to, in turn, power the tread while performing exercises.
- the user In order to operate the treadmill in an electric configuration, the user must obviously provide energy to the system by inserting the plug 516 ( FIG. 4 ) into a conveniently available wall outlet.
- the reorienting treadmill 500 is similar to the treadmill of FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 . It has support structure 502 with a tread base 504 .
- the support structure 502 has a left foot 506 and a comparable spaced apart right foot (not shown) with interconnecting cross supports (not shown) to define a footprint similar to the footprint for the treadmill of FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the support structure 502 also has a left upright 508 and a spaced apart right upright (not shown), each secured to the respective left foot 506 and right foot by any means to provide a secure connection. Welding bolts or the like are contemplated as acceptable means.
- the tread base 504 is rotatably attached to and between the left upright 508 and the right upright such as by bolts 510 or other similar pins, bars or the like to function as an axel.
- the tread base 504 is rotatable between a first position 512 , seen in FIG. 12 , and a second or stored position 514 , seen in FIG. 13 .
- the tread base 504 rotates about the bolts 510 .
- the amount of lifting force (LF) necessary to rotate the tread base 504 upward or counterclockwise (as shown) from the first position 512 toward the second position 514 may be large enough so that rotation is difficult.
- components such as an inertia wheel or motor may be located forwardly 516 and, more specifically, forward 516 of the bolts 510 .
- the weight of such components and the related portion of the tread base 504 forward 516 of the bolts 510 will act as a counterbalance to reduce the lifting force (LF) required to reorient the tread base 504 between the first 512 and second 514 positions.
- LF lifting force
- a lift assistance assembly is also provided to apply a force or torque urging the tread base 504 from the first position 512 toward the second position 514 .
- gas cylinder 505 is rotatably attached at one end to bracket 503 secured to the tread base 504 . That is, the piston rod 505 A has a bushing 505 B that is attached by a pin or bolt 505 C. At its other end, the gas cylinder 505 is attached to bracket 501 which is itself attached to the left foot 506 or a cross member 506 (not shown) extending between the left foot 506 and the right foot. Alternatively, the gas cylinder may be attached to the right foot and the right side of the tread base 504 (not shown).
- the gas cylinder 505 has a bushing 505 D held to the bracket 501 by a pin or bolt 505 E.
- the gas cylinder 505 applies a torque force (TF) in the direction illustrated.
- the torque force (TF) is spaced from the axel bolts 510 a distance D that may be varied to increase the leverage and in turn the torque in foot-pounds. That is, gravitational forces (GF) are exerted on the mass of the tread base 504 to develop a torque causing the tread base 504 to rotate toward the first position.
- the force and the torque (TF) exerted by the cylinder 505 is selected so that the resulting required lifting force (LF) may be nominal (e.g., 5 to 20 pounds).
- FIGS. 12 and 13 also show the left foot 506 with a plurality of floor supports 499 A and 499 B attached thereto and extending therebelow for contact with the support surface.
- the floor supports 499 A and 499 B are preferably made of a material that may have a high coefficient of friction to avoid sliding or walking of the machine on the support surface.
- the floor supports 499 A and 499 B are also sufficiently soft to reduce the risk of scratching or marring a support surface such as wood or tile.
- a pivotal handle 498 is also shown rotatably attached by a bracket 497 fixedly secured to the upright 508 by bolts 497 A and 497 B.
- a resistance knob 496 is also shown that is operable by the user to vary the resistance to movement of the handle 498 .
- a fixed handle 495 is also shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 .
- FIG. 14 an alternative form of reorienting treadmill 590 is shown. It has a tread base 592 that is reorientable 593 from a first position 594 to a second position similar to the treadmills of FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the tread base 592 rotates 593 about bolts 596 which are attached to left upright 598 and right upright (not shown).
- the left upright 598 and the right upright (not shown) are each attached to a respective left foot support 600 and a right foot support (not shown).
- a pair of spaced apart supports are attached to support the tread base on a support surface.
- the left and right supports each have a leg 604 that is snugly and slidably movable in a housing 606 .
- the leg 604 has a plurality of apertures 608 which can be placed in registration with an aperture 610 in both sides of the housing.
- a pin 612 is insertable through the apertures 610 and 608 to position the leg 604 at a selected distance from the tread base 592 and to, in turn, vary the inclination of the tread base 592 relative to the support surface.
- the treadmill 590 of FIG. 14 is shown with a flywheel housing 614 at its front end.
- the flywheel is connected to the endless belt (not shown) and receives energy from the user operating the endless belt of the tread base 592 . It also delivers energy to that endless belt as the user performs walking, running or jogging exercise when the user is suspended and not in contact with the endless belt.
- FIGS. 15 and 16 an alternate elevation system 511 is shown attached proximate the rear 602 of tread base 592 .
- the elevation system may have two spaced apart assemblies comparable to the assembly 513 shown.
- the assembly 513 has a generally rectangular planar member 519 which is secured to the tread base 592 in a generally vertical orientation.
- the planar member 519 may be fabricated of metal and secured to the metal frame of the treadmill by bolts, welding or the like.
- the assembly 513 has a support 515 that is an elongate planar member having a first end 514 and a second end 516 .
- the first end 514 is shaped to be an elongate finger-like extension which functions as a stop for the pawl 518 .
- the support 512 farther has a ratchet section having a plurality of recesses or notches 520 along its perimeter. In the support 515 illustrated in FIG.
- the first notch 520 A substantially corresponds to the perimeter of a section of the pawl 518 whereby the pawl 518 may be surrounded on a plurality of its sides when that pawl 518 is inserted into the first notch 520 A.
- the second notch 520 B is defined by the sides 528 and 530 of the perimeter 521 of the support 515 .
- the third notch 520 e is defined by the sides 532 and 534 of the support 515 .
- the extension 536 may be viewed as being substantially a rectangularly configured section having a longitudinal axis 538 which is oriented to a horizontal axis 539 at an angle A. Given the essentially rectangular configuration of extension 536 it should be understood that linear side 540 would also be oriented at an angle A to the horizontal. In a preferred construction, angle A may be within the range of 125 to 136 degrees and preferably 131 degrees.
- the side 522 which extends from side 540 is oriented at an angle B from the horizontal.
- angle B may be within the range of zero to ten degrees, preferably four degrees.
- Side 524 which extends from side 522 , is oriented at an angle C from the horizontal.
- Angle C is within the range of 22 to 34 degrees and preferably approximately 28 degrees.
- Side 526 which extends from side 524 is oriented at an angle D from the vertical.
- angle D may be within the range of 36 to 48 degrees and preferably 43 degrees.
- Side 528 which extends from side 526 is oriented at an angle E from the horizontal.
- angle E is within the range of four to 15 degrees and preferably nine degrees.
- Side 530 extending from side 528 , defines an angle F with the vertical.
- Angle F is preferably within the range of 17 to 29 degrees and preferably 23 degrees.
- Side 532 which extends from side 530 , is oriented at an angle G from the horizontal.
- Angle G is within the range of five to fifteen degrees and preferably ten degrees.
- Side 534 which extends from side 532 , is oriented vertically upright, i.e., at an angle of 90 degrees to the horizontal.
- Sides 526 and 530 are dimensioned to provide sufficiently deep notches to enable the top of the pawl 518 to be received in the notches 520 B and 520 C and form a detachable union with each notch to retain the support in a fixed orientation relative to the exercise apparatus.
- the support 515 is rotatably connected to the planar member 519 by means of a pivot axle 542 .
- the pivot axle 542 is an elongate cylindrical member which extends outwardly and perpendicularly from the surface 521 of the planar member 510 .
- the axle 542 extends through a circular aperture 544 formed in the support 515 .
- the axle 542 may be fixedly secured to the planar member 519 while the support 515 is rotatable about the axle 542 .
- the axle 542 may be fixedly secured to the support 515 and rotatably secured to the planar member 519 .
- the axle 542 may also be rotatably secured to the planar member 519 while the support 515 is rotatably secured to the axle 542 .
- the end 516 of the support 512 may be adapted to a connection bar 546 which extends between two spaced apart supports.
- the opposing ends 548 of the bar 546 are fitted with end caps 550 .
- the end caps 550 are preferably fabricated from a material having a high coefficient of friction.
- the end caps 550 rest directly on the support surface and form the point of contact between the incline adjustment mechanism and the support surface.
- the opposite supports may be further interconnected to one another by means of a spacer bar 552 .
- the pawl 518 is also a planar member having a somewhat rectangular configuration on one end 554 thereof and an angled surface 556 on its other end 558 .
- the pawl 518 is rotatably secured to the planar member 519 by a pivot axle 560 .
- Axle 560 may be configured as an elongate cylindrical shaft which is either fixedly or rotatably secured to the planar member 519 so that the pawl 518 is rotatable with respect to the planar member 519 .
- a substantially V-shaped spring 562 is secured at its first end 564 to the planar member 519 by means of a pin 566 .
- the end 564 is formed into a substantially circular configuration which in turn is wrapped around the pin 566 .
- the opposing end 568 of the spring 562 is also formed into a generally circular configuration which in turn is also secured about a pin 570 which is affixed to the pawl 518 .
- the spring 562 is constructed to exert a force in the direction of arrow 572 . The spring 562 therefore urges the pawl 518 , and more specifically, the surface 556 to rotate clockwise into abutment against the support 515 proximate the notches 520 A, 520 B and 520 e of that support.
- the pawl 518 is urged against the perimeter 521 of the support 515 which defines the notches. As the surface 556 of the pawl 518 is urged into one of the notches, the pawl 518 forms a detachable connection with the support 515 .
- the support 515 When the support 515 engages the support surface, such as a floor, the support 515 is urged to rotate in a counterclockwise direction about its pivot axle 542 . Should the pawl 518 be secured in notch 520 A of the support 512 counterclockwise rotation of support 515 is precluded by the pawl 518 . When the end 602 of the treadmill is lifted vertically, the weight of the bar 546 and other components at the end 516 of the support 515 urges the support 515 to rotate clockwise about the axle 542 .
- the spring 562 is configured such that the force applied to the pawl 518 is less than the torque or force urging clockwise rotation of the support 515 .
- a weight 572 may be attached to the pawl 518 to urge it to rotate clockwise from notch 520 A to notch 520 B and 520 C, but to rotate counterclockwise when the pawl 518 is urged to a more upright orientation by corner 574 .
- the operation of the assembly 513 is described more fully in U.S. patent application Ser. 539,249 filed Oct. 5, 1995, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- a non-motorized arrangement may also be used in which an inertia wheel comparable to a flywheel 140 is provided to provide or deliver torque or energy to the endless belt 24 while the user is walking, jogging or running.
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/942,810, filed on Oct. 2, 1997, entitled “Reorienting Treadmill”, which is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/593,796, filed on Jan. 30, 1996, and entitled “Reorienting Treadmill”, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,453, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. No new matter is being introduced in this continuation application.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to an exercise treadmill and more specifically to a treadmill with a tread base that may be reoriented from a first or exercise position to a second or upright storage position.
- 2. State of the Art
- Typical treadmills include a continuous or endless belt trained about a pair of laterally extending rollers mounted to and between spaced apart longitudinally extending rigid treadmill frame members. A deck is secured to and between the frame members or rails; and the endless belt moves over and under the deck upon rotation about the laterally extending rollers positioned at opposite ends of the deck.
- Non-motorized treadmills typically have a flywheel to store energy from the user moving the tread. The flywheel delivers the energy to the front roller to maintain even rotation or operation of the tread particularly when the user is moving on the treadmill in such a fashion that the user's feet simultaneously leave the treadmill or substantially leave the treadmill, such as when jogging or running.
- In a typical motorized treadmill, an electric motor is provided to supply rotational torque to the front roller to, in turn, drive the endless belt. The motor is typically operated through controls positioned on a control console operable by a user positioned on the endless belt.
- Many treadmills have an upright post or column with a control console positioned at the front end of the treadmill to contain controls or present information desirable or useful to the user. For example, time, speed, pulse, calorie-burn and other similar information may be presented in one or more different combinations. Controls for speed, inclination, exercise program or the like, may also be part of the control console. In other circumstances, a tape player, disc player or similar device may be mounted or attached to the upright post for operation by the user during the exercise period.
- A treadmill has a support structure configured to be freestanding and to stably support the treadmill and more specifically the tread base in multiple orientations. The support structure has feet means for positioning on a support surface. The support structure also has upright structure extending upwardly from the feet means.
- A tread base has a left side, a right side, a front and a rear. An endless belt is positioned between the left side and the right side. The tread base is connected to the support structure to be reorientable between a first position in which the endless belt is positioned for operation by a user positioned on the endless belt and a second position in which the rear of the tread base is positioned or moved toward the upright structure.
- In a preferred arrangement the upright structure includes a right upright member and a left upright member spaced from the right upright member and in general alignment therewith. Preferably the tread base has a front portion extending from the front end of the tread base to a position about midway between the front end and the rear end. The front portion of the tread base is rotatably attached to the support structure to rotate about a base axis. The tread base has mass and a center of gravity. Desirably the tread base is formed with the mass distributed and configured to locate the center of gravity above the base axis.
- Preferably the treadmill base includes a front roller connected between and to the left side and the right side of the tread base. The endless belt is desirably trained around the front roller; and torque means is desirably connected to the front roller to supply rotational torque thereto. The torque means is preferably positioned between the base axis and the front end of the tread base.
- In one preferred arrangement the torque means is an electric motor. In another preferred arrangement the torque means is a flywheel. In yet another configuration, the front roller rotates around the base axis.
- In a preferred assembly, the feet means of the support structure includes a left foot mechanically associated with the left upright member and a right foot mechanically associated with the right upright member. The left foot and the right foot are each sized to define a foot print to stably support the tread base when the tread base is in the first position, when the tread base is in the second position and when the tread base is moving between the first position and the second position.
- The left foot and the right foot are each desirably elongated members spaced from each other and in general alignment. A front cross support is interconnected between the left foot and the right foot. A rear cross support is similarly interconnected to and between the left foot and the right foot spaced from the front cross support.
- The support structure also includes a cross member extending between and connected to the left upright member and the right upright member, preferably proximate to the upper or distal ends of the left upright member and the right upright member.
- In a more preferred arrangement, the treadmill includes latching means adapted to the tread base and the upright structure. The latching means is operable to attach the tread base in the second position to the upright structure. In an alternate configuration, the treadmill includes a left rigid handle pivotally connected to the left upright member. The left rigid handle includes a portion positioned for grasping by a user positioned on the endless belt with the tread base in the first position. Similarly, the treadmill includes a right rigid handle pivotally connected to the right upright member and configured with a portion for grasping by a user positioned on the endless belt with the tread base in the said first position.
- In yet another configuration, a left non-movable rigid handle is attached to the left upright to be graspable by a user on the endless belt when the tread base is in the first position. The treadmill also includes a right non-movable rigid handle attached to the right upright to be grasped by a user positioned on the endless belt when the tread base is in the first position. The non-movable left and right rigid handles each preferably include a first portion that extends from the left upright and the right upright, respectively, toward the rear end of the tread base. The left and right rigid non-movable handles also include a second portion connected to the respective first portions to extend downwardly toward the feet means. The left and right non-movable handles also each have a third portion connected to the second portion to extend toward the left upright member. The left non-movable rigid handle and the right non-movable rigid handle define a space thereinbetween. The space is over the part of the front portion of the treadmill.
- In the drawings which illustrate what is presently regarded to be the best mode for carrying out the invention:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a reorienting treadmill of the present invention with the tread base positioned in a first position for a user to perform exercises; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of a reorienting treadmill ofFIG. 1 with the tread base reoriented to a second or storage position; -
FIG. 3 is a partial, simplified plan view of a portion of a alternate configuration of a reorienting treadmill of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a partial view of portions of the reorienting treadmill ofFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a partial perspective exploded view of an inclination assembly for use with the treadmill of the present invention to vary the inclination of the treadmill base relative to the support surface; -
FIG. 6 is a partial schematic side view of an inclination assembly for use ng treadmill of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 shows a portion of an inclination structure for use with a reorienting treadmill of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a partial perspective of a portion of a reorienting treadmill including a latching structure associated therewith; -
FIG. 9 is a partial cross sectional view of a latching structure of the type shown inFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 10 is a partial side view of a reorienting treadmill of the present invention with the tread base oriented in a second or stored position and with the treadmill shown in phantom oriented for movement; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a reorienting treadmill of the present invention with movable handles and with the tread base oriented in a first position to receive a user for performing exercises; -
FIG. 12 is a simplified partial side view of an alternate reorienting treadmill of the present invention having lift assist means and with a tread base in a first position; -
FIG. 13 is a simplified partial side view of the reorienting treadmill of FIG.12 with a tread base in a second or stored position; -
FIG. 14 is a simplified partial side view of an alternate reorienting treadmill of the present invention having elevation structure associated with the tread base in its first position; -
FIG. 15 is a simplified side view of the alternate reorienting treadmill ofFIG. 14 with alternate elevation structure; and -
FIG. 16 is a simplified side view of portions of the alternate elevation structure ofFIG. 15 . - A reorienting
treadmill 10 is shown inFIG. 1 to have atread base 12 which is movably connected to supportstructure 14. Thetread base 12 has aleft side 16 and aright side 18. As can be seen, theleft side 16 and theright side 18 are spaced apart and in general alignment. The tread base also has afront end member 20 and arear end member 22. As here shown, thefront end member 20 and therear end member 22 are each cross members that form part of the overall frame of thetread base 12. That is, the frame may be said to include thefront end member 20, therear end member 22, theleft side 16 and theright side 18. The frame may also include other structural members. - It should be noted that the
front end member 20 and therear end member 22 denote specific structural members. However, in some contexts the front end and rear end may refer to the region or area proximate the front or the rear of thetread base 12. - The
tread base 12 has anendless belt 24 positioned between theleft side 16 and theright side 18. Theendless belt 24 or tread is configured to receive a user thereon to perform exercises such as running walking, jogging or the like. The user also may perform stationary exercises such as bending, stretching or the like while positioned on theendless belt 24. However, the machine principally is intended for use in performing walking, running or jogging exercise. - The
tread base 12 as here shown inFIG. 1 , has aleft side rail 26 positioned over the top of the left side and aright side rail 28 positioned over the top of theright side 18. Theleft side rail 26 and theright side rail 28 are configured and positioned to support a user. That is, a user seeking to dismount from the movingendless belt 24 or tread may simply place the user's left foot on theleft rail 26 and the user's right foot on theright rail 28 to dismount or leave the moving surface to terminate the exercise before terminating movement of theendless belt 24. - It can also been seen that the
tread base 12 has afront cover 30 positioned over structure such aspulley 144 associated with the drive mechanism for driving thefront roller 252 not illustrated inFIG. 1 , but illustrated and discussed more fully hereinafter with respect toFIG. 4 . Thefront cover 30 is also provided for aesthetics and for safety to minimize the risk of materials entering into the area thereunder and interfering with operation of mechanism or otherwise becoming entangled therewith. - The
tread base 12 ofFIG. 1 , also includes an undersiderigid surface 32 or pan secured to theleft side 16, theright side 18, thefront end member 20 and therear end member 22 as more fully discussed hereinafter. - The
tread base 12 also has rear feet means for positioning and supporting the tread base on the support surface. The rear feet means include specifically a left foot 160 (FIG. 4 ) and aright foot 34 which is rotatably secured to the right side to rotate about apin 36. That is, theright foot 34 and theleft foot 160 rotate aboutpin 36 and pin 161 (FIG. 4 ), to move toward and away from theendless belt 24 to, in turn, vary the inclination of thetread base 12 relative to the support surface. - The
support structure 14 of the reorientingtreadmill 10 ofFIG. 1 has feet means 38. Thesupport structure 14 as shown is configured to be free-standing and to stably support the treadmill and more specifically thetread base 12 in the first orientation of thetread base 12 as shown inFIG. 1 and in the second or storage orientation of the tread base as shown inFIG. 2 . - The feet means 38 includes a left foot 60 (
FIG. 2 ) and aright foot 40. Thesupport structure 14 also includes anupright structure 42 to extend upwardly from the feet means 38. More specifically, the upright structure includes aleft upright member 44 and aright upright member 46 spaced from the left upright member and in general alignment therewith. - The
tread base 12 has afront portion 48 that extends 49 from thefront end member 20 to a position orpoint 50 about midway between thefront end member 20 and therear end member 22. It may be Iloted that themidway point 50 is here shown to be at a distance halfway between thefront end member 20 and therear end member 22. However, those skilled in art will recognize that the actual midpoint ormidway position 50 need only be approximate and is here defined to indicate that thefront portion 48 is essentially that half of thetread base 12 which may be said to be frontward or forward of a similar half portion which may be said to be rearward. - The
front portion 48 of thetread base 12 is rotatably attached to thesupport structure 14 to rotate around abase axis 52. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 4 , thetread base 12 rotates with or around bolts or pins 54 and 56 which function as an axle and are connected to theright upright 46 and theleft upright 44. Thepins straps sides straps base axis 52 may be located above thetread base 12 when the tread base is in the first position as shown inFIG. 1 . The length or height of thestraps sides sides tread base 12 relative to thebase axis 52. That is, the necessary force or leverage to lift and move thetread base 12 from the first position to the second position may be varied by varying the distance between the center of gravity and thebase axis 52 as discussed more fully hereinafter. - In
FIG. 1 thesupport structure 14 and more particularly the feet means 38 is shown to include aforward cross member 58 which is connected to theright foot 40 to extend to theleft foot 60. Similarly, the foot means 38 includes arear cross support 62 that extends between and is connected by nuts andbolts brackets right foot 40 and theleft foot 60 spaced rearward 62 from the front cross member 58 adistance 63 selected to rigidly support theright foot 40 and leftfoot 60. Thecross members - The
right foot 40 and leftfoot 60 are each sized in length and spaced apart adistance 67 to provide thesupport structure 14 with a footprint so that the support structure is freestanding and also stably supports thetread deck 12 in the first position, in the second position and in movement thereinbetween. The footprint may be regarded as the perimeter of the geometric figure projected on the support surface that is defined byleft foot 60 andright foot 40. The footprint could be in any desired geometric shape to have alength 65 andwidth 67. Thelength 65 andwidth 67 are selected so that thedistance 69 between the vertical location of the center of gravity 71 (projected onto the support surface) ofentire treadmill 10 is selected so that the force necessary to tip thetreadmill 10 is necessarily more or higher than that applied by a nudge or accidental bump. That is, a rearward 62 force FI applied at therear end member 22 of thetread base 12 in the second position would tend to tip thetreadmill 10 rearwardly. A force exerted forwardly would, of course, tend to tip thetreadmill 10 forwardly. Thus, thefeet similar distance 73 selected so that the tipping force F 1 necessary to cause rotation or tip of the treadmill exceeds a nominal sum (e.g., 1 pound) and indeed is at least a somewhat larger sum (e.g., 10 to 20 lbs.) and even more preferably a significantly larger sum. Thedistance 73 preferably is selected so that tipping can be effected only by a user deliberately seeking to rotate or tip thetreadmill 110 in normal use. - Similarly, the
distance 67 of thetreadmill 10 is selected so that the distance 75 between the center ofgravity 71 and thefeet treadmill 10 cannot be tipped over sideways except upon application of a force F2 that exceeds a nominal sum (e.g., 1 pound) and is about the same as force F1. - It may also be seen that the
right foot 40 has aright wheel 64 rotatably positioned at itsforward end 68 to rotate about anaxle 66. At theforward end 68, theright foot 40 angles rearwardly 77 toward alower edge 70 thereby exposing thewheel 64 to facilitate rotation of thesupport structure 14 onto thewheel 64 for movement of thetreadmill 10 on the support surface. - Similarly, the left foot 60 (
FIG. 2 ) has aleft wheel 72 positioned to rotate about anaxle 74. Theleft wheel 72 is exposed to facilitate rotation and movement inasmuch as theleft foot 60 is formed to have afront portion 76 that angulates rearward and downward 74 towards thelower edge 76 of theleft foot 60. Theleft foot 60 and theright foot 40 are both made of a rectangular, (in cross section) hollow tube to contain thewheels support structure 14 can be tipped or rotated onto theleft wheel 72 andright wheel 64. - It may also been seen in
FIG. 1 that the support structure has associated therewith a pair of rigid non-movable handles. The left rigid non-movable handle 80 includes afirst portion 82 that is connected to theleft upright 44 near its upper ordistal end 81. Thefirst portion 82 extends rearwardly to asecond portion 84 that extends downwardly towards the foot means 38. Athird portion 86 is interconnected to the second portion to extend inwardly toward theupright 44 and is here preferably shown to be rigidly secured such as by welding 88 to theleft upright 44. - The right rigid non-movable handle 90 is here shown to include a
first portion 92 that is connected at theupper end 91 of the upright 46 to extend rearward from theright upright member 46. Asecond portion 94 is shown connected to thefirst portion 92 to extend downwardly toward the foot means 38. Athird portion 96 extends from the second portion inwardly toward theright upright member 46 and is here shown to be secured such as by welding 98 to theright upright 46. - It can be seen that the pair of rigid non-movable handles 80 define a
space 100 therein between. Thatspace 100 may be said to create a cage-like effect because therigid handles tread deck 12 is oriented in the first position shown inFIG. 1 . Thespace 100 is here oriented over the forward part of theendless belt 24. Thelength 83 of theupper portions handles space 100 and more particularly the volume. Thus, a user positioned at or proximate themid point 50 on theendless belt 24 may perceive thehandles endless belt 24 and perceive thespace 100 as a cage-like area toward which the user may move; and in turn the user may feel more stable or secure. - In
FIG. 1 , it can also be seen that theexercise treadmill 10 of the present invention has acontrol console 102 which is connected to asupport bar 104 that is attached to and extends between theleft upright 44 and theright upright 46. Theconsole 102 has operating controls such asactuator 106 to operate thetreadmill 10 and indication means which may be used by the operator to determine various parameters associated with the exercise being performed. Theconsole 102 may also have a cup orglass holder 108 so that the user may position a liquid refreshment for use during the course of performing exercise. - The treadmill of
FIG. 1 also includes a latching structure and more particularly areceiving mechanism 110, which is more fully discussed hereinafter. It may also be seen inFIG. 1 that the left rigid non-movable handle 80 is fastened to theleft upright 44 at itsupper end 81 by amechanical clamping structure 368 to be discussed more fully hereinafter. Similarly, the right rigid non-movable handle 90 is similarly attached by a clampingstructure 114 is more fully discussed hereinafter. - The
control console 102 ofFIG. 1 also has associated therewith a safety lock orkey mechanism 116 with aloop structure 118 associated therewith for attachment about the waist or to the user. The safety lock orkey structure 116 is configured so that if a user moves toward therear end member 22 on theendless belt 24, a key (not shown) is removed from the control console thereby interrupting the electrical power to the motor driving the endless belt for a motorized treadmill. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , the reorienting treadmill is shown with thetread base 12 reoriented relative to thesupport structure 14 to the second position in which therear end member 22 of thetread base 12 is positioned towards theupright structure 42 of thesupport structure 14. In this configuration, it can be seen that thetreadmill 10 is significantly more compact, occupying less floor space of the associated support surface. - As can be better seen in
FIG. 4 , thetread base 12, theleft side 16 and theright side 18 are here formed to present relatively flat mating surfaces. Similarly, thefront end member 20 andrear end member 22 each present a flat surface to receive a portion of theperimeter 122 of the pan orrigid surface 32. That is, theflat surface portion 124 of the left side, theflat surface portion 126 of therear end member 22, theflat surface portion 128 of theright side 18 and theflat surface portion 130 of thefront end member 20 are desirably formed to be in substantially the same plane to present a substantially flat surface to mate and register with theflat surface 132 formed along theperimeter 122 of therigid surface 32. - The
rigid surface 32 is here shown to be unitarily formed of a plastic-like material to present an essentiallyrigid underside 120. Although rigid, it may be made of material thin enough to be flexible or to deflect without breaking. Therigid surface 32 here has arecess 134 formed in it proximate therear end 22 to provide a convenient hand position for the user to move or reorient thetread deck 12 from the first position or exercise position shown inFIG. 1 to the second position or storage position shown inFIG. 2 . - It may also be seen that
rigid surface 32 has ahousing portion 136 formed proximate thefront end member 20 to cover operating structure such as themotor 138, theflywheel 140, and the drivingbelt 148. Thehousing 136 also covers the electricalmotor controlling mechanism 150, as well as the mechanism necessary to operate the inclination structure as more fully discussed hereinafter. - In
FIG. 2 , theunderside 120 of thetread base 12 is here shown with the pan orrigid surface 32 in position. Thetread base 12 without the pan orrigid surface 32 leaves operating structure such as themotor 138,electrical components 150 and theinclination system 152 exposed (FIG. 4 ). Aside from an undesirable visual appearance, the exposed components can be hazardous providing sharp edges, points and structure against which items or things may bump or snag. Similarly, there is a risk of exposing electrical components to moisture, as wel˜as exposing the user to an electrical shock hazard if the treadmill is inadvertently not turned off. - It may also be noted that the
rigid surface 32 may be formed to cover only a portion of the exposed components or may be formed into multiple removable sections, if desired, to facilitate assembly or repair. - As better seen in
FIG. 4 , theflat surfaces apertures 154 formed therein to receivescrews 156 to secure therigid surface 32 or pan to form the underside of thetread base 12. - As better seen in
FIG. 2 , therigid surface 32 has anaperture 158 formed therein for theleft leg 160 to extend therethrough. Asimilar aperture 162 is formed to pass theright leg 34 therethrough. It may be noted that theright leg 34 has awheel 164 appended proximate itsdistal end 166. Similarly, theleft leg 160 has awheel 168 appended proximate itsdistal end 170. Thewheels tread deck 12 is positioned in the first position. Other guides, skids or the like may be used to facilitate movement of both thelegs - Turning now to
FIG. 3 , an alternate configuration of a reorienting treadmill is shown, which is similar to the reorienting treadmill shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 . As shown inFIG. 3 , a reorientingtreadmill 200 has aright foot 204 and aleft foot 202. It also has aright upright 208 and aleft upright 210 attached to and extending upward from theright foot 204 and aleft foot 202. Atread base 216 has afront end 218 with aprotective cap 220 positioned as shown. Thetread base 216 has aleft side 222 and aright side 224 with anendless belt 226 positioned between to receive a user comparable to theendless belt 24 inFIG. 1 . - As here shown in
FIG. 3 , afront roller 228 is positioned to extend between theleft side 222 and theright side 224. Thefront roller 228 has anaxis 230 with anaxle 232 extending therethrough to rotate aboutaxis 230. Thefront roller 228 extends into theright upright 206 and theleft upright 210 to function as a base axis similar tobase axis 52. It may be also noted that theright foot 204 has awheel 234 rotatably mounted byaxle 236 within theright foot 204. Similarly, theleft foot 202 has aleft wheel 238 rotatably positioned within theleft foot 202 by anaxle 240. - As earlier noted,
FIG. 4 shows a portion of thetreadmill 10 ofFIGS. 1 and 2 . Thetreadmill 10 ofFIGS. 1 and 2 is preferably a motor driven treadmill having acontroller 150 interconnected byconductors 250 tomotor 138. The motor rotates to operate apulley 146, as well as aflywheel 140. Thepulley 146 drives abelt 148 which, in turn, drives apulley 144 connected to the front or drivepulley 252 about which theendless belt 256 is trained. - As can be seen in
FIG. 4 , the front roller or drivepulley 252 is connected to theright side 18 by abushing 258. Thepulley 252 is similarly connected to theleft side 16 by abushing 260. - As can be seen in
FIG. 4 , themotor 138 and thecontroller 150 are positioned between thefront end member 20 and the rotation orbase axis 52 to, in turn, position their mass or weight and control the location of the center of gravity. That is, the weight of the motor and theelectrical components 150 create a cantilever effect because the mass thereof is displaced toward the front end member 20 adistance 262 to act as a counter balance upon rotation of thetread deck 12 from the first position shown inFIG. 1 to the second position shown inFIG. 2 , as well as here inFIG. 4 . - As also seen in
FIG. 4 , across support 264 is interconnected such as by welding between theleft side 16 and theright side 18 in order to receive theincline mechanism 152. That is, anincline mechanism 152 shown here inFIG. 4 , as well as in the exploded view ofFIG. 5 , includes amotor 265 interconnected through areduction gear mechanism 266 andpinion 270 to arack 268. Operation ofmotor 265 causes thepinion 270 to drive therack 268 forward and rearward 272 to, in turn, drive anextension 274. Therack 268 is connected to theextension 274 by apin 276 or any other acceptable mechanical means. - The
motor 264 and thereduction gear 266 are connected by a metal orrigid strap 278 to abracket 280. Thestrap 278 has an aperture formed therein to receive apin 282.Spacer 284 maintains thestrap 278 in alignment. Thus, themotor 264 withreduction gear 266 is pivotally connected to thecross member 264. Themotor 264 is electrically controlled viaconductors 286 from thecontroller 150 which, in turn, receives control signals from thecontrol panel 102. - The
extension 274 is here rotatably connected by apin 288 to acantilever 290 that is secured such as by welding to across member 292. Thecross member 292 is connected to extend between and to be secured such as by welding to theright foot 34 and theleft foot 160. - As better seen in
FIG. 5 , therack 268 is connected by apin 276 which is here secured by a threadednut 294 or by a compression nut (not here shown). Similarly, theextension 274 is rotatably connected bypin 288 to thecantilever 290 by apin 288 held in place by acotter pin 296. - As also seen
FIG. 5 , theright leg 34 haswheel 164 secured thereto by abolt 298 secured in place bynut 300. Theleft leg 166 has aleft wheel 168 secured thereto bybolt 302 andnut 304. - An alternate configuration of an inclination system is shown in
FIG. 6 . Aleg 306 with awheel 308 appended at itsdistal end 310 is rotatably secured to aside 312 of a tread base to rotate about anaxle 314. Acantilever 320 is secured such as by welding to thecross member 318. Anextension 322 is rotatably attached to the cantilever to rotate about a bolt orpin 324. - The
extension 322 is connected at itsproximal end 325 by a pin or nut and bolt 326 to apneumatic spring 328. Thepneumatic spring 328 contains gas under pressure, a chamber and a movable piston. - The
pneumatic spring 328 is operable by operation means which here includes an actuation means. More specifically, the operation means includes acable 330 within asheath 332. Thecable 330 is connected to actuation means such asactuator 333 for operation by a user positioned on the endless belt of the tread deck when the tread deck is positioned in the first position for use in performing exercises. Movement of theactuator 333 causes the cable to move, in turn, operating thelever 334 to contact apin 336 associated with thepneumatic cylinder 328. Compression of thepin 336 operates the cylinder to cause thepiston rod 338 to extend or retract to thereby move rearward 340 or forward thereby causing thecantilever 320 to rotate clockwise 342 and, in turn, cause thecross member 318 to rotate 319 clockwise (increase inclination) or counter clockwise (to decrease inclination) as here shown inFIG. 6 . Rotation of theshaft 318 clockwise 342 causes thefoot 306 to rotate relative to theside 312 and, in turn, the endless belt to in turn vary the inclination of theside 312 and the endless belt relative to the support surface. - In order to increase the elevation, the user may move his weight rearward on the endless belt. That is, the user may move (such as in
FIG. 1 ) from the forward portion of the tread base towards the rear portion of the tread base to, in turn, vary the lever arm and increase the force downward on thefoot 306 to, in turn, urge theshaft 322 inward or outward and, in turn, cause the inclination to increase or decrease. The force of the user moving rearward on the front deck is sufficient to overcome and exceed the force being exerted by thepneumatic cylinder 328. It can be seen that thepneumatic cylinder 328 is secured to abracket 345 that is rotatably attached by apin 344 to across member 346 which is secured to and in between the opposite sides of a tread base (not here shown) such asside 312. - A reference to
FIG. 7 , instead of a pneumatic cylinder, acoil spring 350 is positioned within acylindrical housing 352 shown in cutaway. Thecylindrical housing 352 is rotatably attached to rotate about apin 354 at one end. Thecylindrical housing 352 also has anextension 356 with anaperture 358 for rotatable connection to an extension such asextension 324. - In operation, the spring mechanism of
FIG. 7 may be used to vary the inclination of the endless belt of the tread base by the user varying the rotation of associated feet, such asfoot 306. The foot may be pinned by positioning a pin or bolt through an aperture passing through one or both sides of the tread base, such asside 312, and one of a plurality of apertures formed in the foot such asfoot 306. The user may use his hand or his foot to apply downward pressure to the tread base in order to vary the inclination to overcome the force of thespring 350. - Turning now to
FIG. 8 , thelatching mechanism 110 is here shown in an exploded view in association with theleft upright member 44 of thesupport structure 42. As can be seen inFIG. 8 , the upward ordistal end 360 of theupright 44 reveals that theupright 44 is, in fact, a hollow rectangular channel. Onesurface 362 of theupright 44 is formed with anarcuate recess 364 formed to receive the circular in cross section left non-movablerigid handle 80 and more particularly thefirst portion 82 of the left non-movable handle. Theinner end 366 of thefirst portion 82 is positioned within the hollow portion of the upright 44 as shown. Atop clamp 368 is sized and configured to snugly fit over thedistal end 360 of theupright 44. Thetop clamp 368 hasapertures 370 formed in oneside 372.Similar apertures 374 are formed in the opposite side 376 (FIG. 9 ).Associated screws apertures inner end 366 thereto. - As can be seen, the clamping
structure 368 has asemi-circular portion 384 formed to register with thefirst portion 82 of the left rigid handle structure to snugly hold thefirst portion 82 of the leftrigid handle structure 80 in place and to resist or inhibit outward 386 movement of thefirst portion 82 of the left rigid handle structure. - In
FIG. 8 , it can also be seen that thetop clamp 368 securely receives thesupport bar 104 into an appropriately sitedaperture 388. Thecross member 104 is sized in cross section to snugly and slidably insert into theaperture 388. Abase 390 is shown secured or fastened to thecross member 104. Thebase 390 is fastened by either welding, gluing, brazing or similar means as desired. Thecontrol console 102 is fastened to thebase 390. - As hereinbefore discussed, the
treadmill 10 of the present invention may include latching means adapted to thetread base 12 and to theupright structure 42. The latching means is operable for releasably attaching thetread base 12 in the second position to theupright structure 42. The latching means includes areceiving mechanism 391 which is configured to receive a latch member 392 such as latch bar 393 (FIG. 4 ). The latch member 392 is configured to removably connect to thereceiving mechanism 391. As here shown, thereceiving mechanism 391 is attached to thetop clamp 368 which functions as a housing. Thetop clamp 368 is positioned at thedistal end 360 of theleft upright 44. - The latch member 392 is shown in
FIG. 4 to be a cylindrically shapedbar 393 that extends outwardly and normally from theleft side 16. As thetread base 12 is rotated upwardly from the first position towards the second or storage position, the latch member 392 moves inwardly 394 towards thecam surface 396 oflever member 398. As here seen, thelever member 398 is rotatably attached to thetop clamp 368 within ahousing 399 to rotate about apin 400 that functions like an axle. Thelever member 398 rotates between a first position, as shown inFIG. 9 , and a second position in which thelever member 398 is rotated counterclockwise 402. That is, the latch member 392 is urged against thecam surface 396 thereby generating a force to urge thecam end 404 of thelever member 398 downwardly against a resistance. That resistance is here provided by a spring means. The spring means may be any form of acceptable spring, including a coil spring, a leaf spring or even a clock spring associated with thepin 400. However, as illustrated inFIG. 9 , the spring as here shown is a block of an elasticallydeformable polyurethane sponge 406 or any other rubber-like or elastically compressible substance. In other words, any acceptable spring may be used to urge thelever member 398 from a displaced or second position to the at rest or first position as shown inFIG. 9 . - The
lever member 398 has alower surface 408 configured to act against thesponge 406 to compress it uponcounterclockwise rotation 402.Counterclockwise rotation 402 can also be affected by grasping the handle means 410 formed at adistal end 412. The handle means is formed by shaping thedistal end 412 to provide aspace 414 between thedistal end 412 and theupper surface 416 of thetop clamp 368 so the user may place one's finger about thedistal end 412 and more particular, about the handle. 410 in order to urge it in acounterclockwise direction 402 out of thehousing 399. Therefore, thelever member 398 may be manually rotated so that the latch member 392 may be moved from the receivingportion 418. As here seen, the receivingportion 418 is a cylindrically shaped recess sized and shaped to receive the cylindrically shapedlatch member 393. - In use, the
tread base 12 may be moved from the first position as shown inFIG. 1 to the second position or storage position inFIG. 2 . In moving from the first position to the second position, thelatch member 393 is urged against thecam surface 396 as hereinbefore stated. The user may grasp the leftrigid handle structure 80, the rightrigid handle structure 90, or both, while pushing on therear end 22 or therigid surface 32 to urge thetread base 12 and, in turn, the latch member 392 into the receivingportion 418. Upon entry of the latch member 392 into the receivingportion 418, the sponge means 406 may operate to urge thelever member 398 from a displaced position (not shown) to the first position as shown inFIG. 9 . - Those skilled in the art may recognize that other forms and shapes of a receiving
portion 418, as well as a latch member 392 may be used in order to facilitate an automatic latching arrangement of the type herein described. Similarly, thelever member 398 may be configured in a variety of shapes in order to permit displacement by a latch member on a cam surface following which the latch member enters a space or area provided to inhibit movement of the latch member from that space. - It may also be recognized that the
lever member 398 may be positioned either on thedistal end 360 of theleft upright 44 or similarly on thedistal end 91 of theright upright 46. Similarly, thelever 398 with a housing may be positioned on thetread base 12 to intersect with a latch member associated with theleft upright 44 orright upright 46, as desired. - Turning now to
FIG. 10 , a simplified representation of a reorientingtreadmill 420 is shown similar to thetreadmill 10 shown inFIG. 1 . Thetreadmill 420 is shown from the side view with aright upright 422 connected to aright foot 424 at anangle 426 here shown to be about 15°. Theangle 426 may be from about zero to about 25°. Theangle 426 is selected in order to position the center ofgravity 446 oftread base 434, as well as the center of gravity of theoverall treadmill 458, as more fully discussed hereinafter. - As can be seen in
FIG. 10 , the illustrated treadmill has acontrol panel 428 connected to across support 430 which extends between theright upright 422 and the left upright (not shown). Thetreadmill 420 also has a rightrigid handle structure 432 connected to theright upright 422. It also similarly has a left rigid handle structure connected to the left upright (not here shown). As here shown, thetread base 434 has arear end 436 which extends upwardly as shown when thetread base 434 is positioned in the second or storage position as shown inFIG. 10 . - The
tread base 436 is rotatably connected to rotate about abase axis 438. The center ofgravity 440 of thetread base 434 is positioned to be spaced upwardly 444 from thebase axis 438. That is, fromFIG. 4 it can be seen that the tread base 12 (FIG. 1 ) and similarly thetread base 434 have mass. Various components such as themotor 138 and electronics 150 (FIG. 4 ) are positioned so that the center ofgravity 440 of thetread base 434 is above base axis or axis ofrotation 438. Thus, upon movement of thetread base 434 from its first position to its stored or second position as shown inFIG. 10 , the center ofgravity 440 passes throughvertical alignment 446 with the axis of rotation. Thetread base 434 is rotated until it is displaced clockwise past the vertical 446 adistance 448 selected to stably retain thetread base 434 in the second position with or without a latching means as hereinbefore discussed. That is, the location of the center ofgravity 440 of thetread base 434 clockwise past the vertical 446 creates a lever arm to hold thetread base 434 in the second or stored position as shown. - As hereinbefore stated, the center of
gravity 440 is selected to be displaced above the axis ofrotation 438 at apreselected distance 444. Thedistance 444 is selected so that the weight or mass of thetread base 434 when acting downwardly at the center ofgravity 440 is displaced toward the axis ofrotation 438 to minimize the amount of upward or lifting force needed at therear end 436 to lift thetread base 434 and move it from the first position toward and into the second position. The location of the center ofgravity 440 may vary based on the size, weight, construction and shape of each individual model of treadmill. However, the center ofgravity 440 and more particularly the location of the center ofgravity 440 is selected so that the total amount of lifting force necessary to lift therear end 436 when thetread base 434 is in the first position is such that a normal user may be able to easily lift and rotate the tread base from the first position to the second position. - It may also be seen in
FIG. 10 , that thefoot 424 has an angulatedforward surface 450. Thewheel 452 positioned in the front orforward end 454 of theright foot 424 is positioned to rotate about anaxle 456. Thewheel 452 is positioned so that it does not contact the support surface until the upright orsupport structure 422 is rotated or displaced from a first or standing position to a displaced position here shown phantom as 420 with the upright identified as 422. - It may be noted that in the standing position, the center of
gravity 458 of theentire treadmill 420 is determined by the weight and mass of all of the components of thetreadmill 420 and may be the same as or displaced from the center ofgravity 440 of thetread base 434. The center ofgravity 458 of theentire treadmill 420 is desirably positioned at a height ordistance 460 which may be above or below the center ofrotation 438 but nonetheless close to the center ofrotation 438. However, it must be placed above thefoot 424 in order to facilitate rotation of thetreadmill 420 from the configuration and position shown in solid inFIG. 10 to that shown in phantom inFIG. 10 . - Desirably, the center of
gravity 458 is rotatable to aposition 458′ to be generally positioned over theaxle 456 of thewheel 452 to minimize the downward force or the lifting force necessary to be exerted by the user when holding thetreadmill 420 in the position shown in phantom inFIG. 10 . Of course the position shown in phantom inFIG. 10 is the position for moving or pushing thetreadmill 420 about the support surface from one location to another. - The treadmill of
FIG. 10 is formed to have a left handle and a right handle available for grasping by the user to facilitate holding and moving thetreadmill 420 when in the position shown in phantom inFIG. 10 . The left handle and the right handle may be any structural component readily available for grasping by the user, while the user is moving thetreadmill 420 when thetreadmill 420 is in the orientation shown in phantom inFIG. 10 . More particularly, therigid handle structure 432 on both the left side and the right side may be grasped by the user potentially along the first portion such as thefirst portion FIG. 2 and inFIG. 1 . Similarly, the user may be able to grasp and hold a portion of thesupport bar 430 in order to hold on to and urge or move thetreadmill 420 when supported on theright wheel 452, as well as the corresponding left wheel (not here shown). Also, a portion of thetop clamp 368 as well as thebracket 114 shown inFIG. 4 , extends outwardly or over the respective distal ends 81 and 91 of the upright supports 44 and 46. That is, theclamp 460 shown inFIG. 10 and the clamp on the left side (not shown) may be grasped by the user to support and hold thetreadmill 420 for movement about the support surface while supported by thewheel 452 on the right side, as well as a wheel similarly positioned on the left side. - Turning now to
FIG. 11 , an alternate configuration of thetreadmill 470 has atread base 472 comparable to treadbase 12 inFIGS. 1 and 2 . Similarly, it hassupport structure 474 including aleft upright 476 and aright upright 478. It also has leftrigid handle structure 480 and rightrigid handle structure 482. As also shown, thetreadmill 470 has a movableleft handle 484 which is rotatably attached to theleft upright 476 with a hand-operatedknob 478 useful to tighten or secure the handle 485 and increase resistance or decrease resistance to rotation. As can be seen, thehandle 484 has agripping portion 486 configured for grasping by a user. Aright handle 490 is here shown to be pivotally attached at anaxis 488 to rotate thereabout. Theright handle 490 also has agrip portion 492 positioned for grasping or movement by a user in a back and forth 480 or pivotal movement when the user is positioned on theendless belt 494. - Returning now to
FIG. 4 , it may also noted that thetread base 12 has adeck 500 which extends between and is connected to theleft side 16 and theright side 18. Thetread deck 500 may be formed of any acceptable rigid material which may be acceptable plywood materials with a wax or slippery upper surface over which theendless belt 24 is trained and moves. - It may also be noted that the
tread deck 12 ofFIG. 4 has arear pulley 502 connected to extend between the left side and the right side. Therear pulley 502 is adjustably positioned and movable forwardly and rearwardly by abolt structure 504 on the left side. On the right side, abolt structure 506 with an associatedspring 508 is provided to provide movable or adjustable tension to therear pulley 502 so that in use, the endless belt remains centered on thefront pulley 252 and therear pulley 502. Similarly, guides 510 and 512 may be secured to the deck, 500 to extend away therefrom. Thereturn portion 513 of theendless belt 24 may ride against theguides endless belt 24 on theroller 252 andrear roller 502. - It may be also noted from
FIG. 4 that thetread base 12 has alength 514 which is here selected to facilitate performance of walking, jogging or running exercises as desired. That is, thelength 514 may vary for treadmills configured for walking and treadmills configured for jogging and running. In turn, the length of thetread 24 itself will vary as desired. - To use the reorienting treadmill of
FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, can be seen that the user must first move thetread base 12 from the upright or the stored position shown inFIG. 2 and 4, to the first or operating position shown inFIG. 1 . In the first or operating position, the user stands on theendless belt 24 and walks, jogs or runs to perform exercises. If the user desires to vary the inclination, the user may operate the switch on thecontrol panel 102 to electrically operate the electrical auto-incline system shown inFIGS. 5 and 4 . Alternately, the user may operate or manipulate an actuation member to, in turn, actuate a pneumatic cylinder of an inclination system such as that shown inFIG. 6 and move his or her weight back and forth on the endless belt to vary the downward movement and control inclination. Upon selection of the desired inclination, the user may, thereafter, operatecontrol panel 102 through the use of safety switches and operating switches to energize the motor, such asmotor 138 to, in turn, power the tread while performing exercises. In order to operate the treadmill in an electric configuration, the user must obviously provide energy to the system by inserting the plug 516 (FIG. 4 ) into a conveniently available wall outlet. - Referring now to
FIGS. 13 and 14 , analternate reorienting treadmill 500 is shown. The reorientingtreadmill 500 is similar to the treadmill ofFIGS. 1, 2 and 4. It hassupport structure 502 with atread base 504. Thesupport structure 502 has aleft foot 506 and a comparable spaced apart right foot (not shown) with interconnecting cross supports (not shown) to define a footprint similar to the footprint for the treadmill ofFIGS. 1 and 2 . Thesupport structure 502 also has aleft upright 508 and a spaced apart right upright (not shown), each secured to the respectiveleft foot 506 and right foot by any means to provide a secure connection. Welding bolts or the like are contemplated as acceptable means. - The
tread base 504 is rotatably attached to and between theleft upright 508 and the right upright such as bybolts 510 or other similar pins, bars or the like to function as an axel. Thetread base 504 is rotatable between afirst position 512, seen inFIG. 12 , and a second or storedposition 514, seen inFIG. 13 . Thetread base 504 rotates about thebolts 510. - For some users, the amount of lifting force (LF) necessary to rotate the
tread base 504 upward or counterclockwise (as shown) from thefirst position 512 toward thesecond position 514, may be large enough so that rotation is difficult. - In some configurations, components such as an inertia wheel or motor may be located forwardly 516 and, more specifically, forward 516 of the
bolts 510. The weight of such components and the related portion of thetread base 504 forward 516 of thebolts 510 will act as a counterbalance to reduce the lifting force (LF) required to reorient thetread base 504 between the first 512 and second 514 positions. - In
FIGS. 12 and 13 , a lift assistance assembly is also provided to apply a force or torque urging thetread base 504 from thefirst position 512 toward thesecond position 514. More specifically, itgas cylinder 505 is rotatably attached at one end tobracket 503 secured to thetread base 504. That is, thepiston rod 505A has abushing 505B that is attached by a pin or bolt 505C. At its other end, thegas cylinder 505 is attached tobracket 501 which is itself attached to theleft foot 506 or a cross member 506 (not shown) extending between theleft foot 506 and the right foot. Alternatively, the gas cylinder may be attached to the right foot and the right side of the tread base 504 (not shown). Thegas cylinder 505 has abushing 505D held to thebracket 501 by a pin or bolt 505E. - In operation, the
gas cylinder 505 applies a torque force (TF) in the direction illustrated. The torque force (TF) is spaced from the axel bolts 510 a distance D that may be varied to increase the leverage and in turn the torque in foot-pounds. That is, gravitational forces (GF) are exerted on the mass of thetread base 504 to develop a torque causing thetread base 504 to rotate toward the first position. The force and the torque (TF) exerted by thecylinder 505 is selected so that the resulting required lifting force (LF) may be nominal (e.g., 5 to 20 pounds). -
FIGS. 12 and 13 also show theleft foot 506 with a plurality of floor supports 499A and 499B attached thereto and extending therebelow for contact with the support surface. The floor supports 499A and 499B are preferably made of a material that may have a high coefficient of friction to avoid sliding or walking of the machine on the support surface. The floor supports 499A and 499B are also sufficiently soft to reduce the risk of scratching or marring a support surface such as wood or tile. - A
pivotal handle 498 is also shown rotatably attached by abracket 497 fixedly secured to the upright 508 bybolts resistance knob 496 is also shown that is operable by the user to vary the resistance to movement of thehandle 498. A fixedhandle 495 is also shown inFIGS. 12 and 13 . - Referring now to
FIG. 14 , an alternative form of reorientingtreadmill 590 is shown. It has atread base 592 that is reorientable 593 from afirst position 594 to a second position similar to the treadmills ofFIGS. 1 and 2 . Thetread base 592 rotates 593 aboutbolts 596 which are attached to left upright 598 and right upright (not shown). Theleft upright 598 and the right upright (not shown) are each attached to a respectiveleft foot support 600 and a right foot support (not shown). Near the rear 602 of thetread base 592, a pair of spaced apart supports are attached to support the tread base on a support surface. The left and right supports each have aleg 604 that is snugly and slidably movable in ahousing 606. Theleg 604 has a plurality ofapertures 608 which can be placed in registration with anaperture 610 in both sides of the housing. Apin 612 is insertable through theapertures leg 604 at a selected distance from thetread base 592 and to, in turn, vary the inclination of thetread base 592 relative to the support surface. - The
treadmill 590 ofFIG. 14 is shown with aflywheel housing 614 at its front end. The flywheel is connected to the endless belt (not shown) and receives energy from the user operating the endless belt of thetread base 592. It also delivers energy to that endless belt as the user performs walking, running or jogging exercise when the user is suspended and not in contact with the endless belt. - Turning now to
FIGS. 15 and 16 , analternate elevation system 511 is shown attached proximate the rear 602 oftread base 592. The elevation system may have two spaced apart assemblies comparable to theassembly 513 shown. - The
assembly 513 has a generally rectangularplanar member 519 which is secured to thetread base 592 in a generally vertical orientation. Theplanar member 519 may be fabricated of metal and secured to the metal frame of the treadmill by bolts, welding or the like. Theassembly 513 has asupport 515 that is an elongate planar member having afirst end 514 and asecond end 516. Thefirst end 514 is shaped to be an elongate finger-like extension which functions as a stop for thepawl 518. Thesupport 512 farther has a ratchet section having a plurality of recesses ornotches 520 along its perimeter. In thesupport 515 illustrated inFIG. 15 , threedistinct notches perimeter 521. In other configurations, 2 or 4 or more notches may be present. Thefirst notch 520A substantially corresponds to the perimeter of a section of thepawl 518 whereby thepawl 518 may be surrounded on a plurality of its sides when thatpawl 518 is inserted into thefirst notch 520A. - The
second notch 520B is defined by thesides perimeter 521 of thesupport 515. The third notch 520e is defined by thesides support 515. - The
extension 536 may be viewed as being substantially a rectangularly configured section having alongitudinal axis 538 which is oriented to ahorizontal axis 539 at an angle A. Given the essentially rectangular configuration ofextension 536 it should be understood thatlinear side 540 would also be oriented at an angle A to the horizontal. In a preferred construction, angle A may be within the range of 125 to 136 degrees and preferably 131 degrees. - The
side 522 which extends fromside 540 is oriented at an angle B from the horizontal. In preferred constructions, angle B may be within the range of zero to ten degrees, preferably four degrees.Side 524, which extends fromside 522, is oriented at an angle C from the horizontal. Angle C is within the range of 22 to 34 degrees and preferably approximately 28 degrees.Side 526 which extends fromside 524 is oriented at an angle D from the vertical. In preferred constructions, angle D may be within the range of 36 to 48 degrees and preferably 43 degrees. -
Side 528 which extends fromside 526 is oriented at an angle E from the horizontal. In a preferred construction, angle E is within the range of four to 15 degrees and preferably nine degrees.Side 530, extending fromside 528, defines an angle F with the vertical. Angle F is preferably within the range of 17 to 29 degrees and preferably 23 degrees.Side 532, which extends fromside 530, is oriented at an angle G from the horizontal. Angle G is within the range of five to fifteen degrees and preferably ten degrees.Side 534, which extends fromside 532, is oriented vertically upright, i.e., at an angle of 90 degrees to the horizontal.Sides pawl 518 to be received in thenotches - The
support 515 is rotatably connected to theplanar member 519 by means of apivot axle 542. Thepivot axle 542 is an elongate cylindrical member which extends outwardly and perpendicularly from thesurface 521 of theplanar member 510. Theaxle 542 extends through acircular aperture 544 formed in thesupport 515. Theaxle 542 may be fixedly secured to theplanar member 519 while thesupport 515 is rotatable about theaxle 542. Alternatively, theaxle 542 may be fixedly secured to thesupport 515 and rotatably secured to theplanar member 519. Theaxle 542 may also be rotatably secured to theplanar member 519 while thesupport 515 is rotatably secured to theaxle 542. - The
end 516 of thesupport 512 may be adapted to aconnection bar 546 which extends between two spaced apart supports. The opposing ends 548 of thebar 546 are fitted withend caps 550. The end caps 550 are preferably fabricated from a material having a high coefficient of friction. The end caps 550 rest directly on the support surface and form the point of contact between the incline adjustment mechanism and the support surface. The opposite supports may be further interconnected to one another by means of a spacer bar 552. - The
pawl 518 is also a planar member having a somewhat rectangular configuration on oneend 554 thereof and anangled surface 556 on itsother end 558. Thepawl 518 is rotatably secured to theplanar member 519 by apivot axle 560. -
Axle 560 may be configured as an elongate cylindrical shaft which is either fixedly or rotatably secured to theplanar member 519 so that thepawl 518 is rotatable with respect to theplanar member 519. - A substantially V-shaped
spring 562 is secured at itsfirst end 564 to theplanar member 519 by means of apin 566. Theend 564 is formed into a substantially circular configuration which in turn is wrapped around thepin 566. Theopposing end 568 of thespring 562 is also formed into a generally circular configuration which in turn is also secured about apin 570 which is affixed to thepawl 518. Thespring 562 is constructed to exert a force in the direction ofarrow 572. Thespring 562 therefore urges the pawl518, and more specifically, thesurface 556 to rotate clockwise into abutment against thesupport 515 proximate thenotches support 515 is rotated in a clockwise direction aboutaxle 542, for example by the operation of gravity as theend 602 of thetread base 592 is lifted, thepawl 518 is urged against theperimeter 521 of thesupport 515 which defines the notches. As thesurface 556 of thepawl 518 is urged into one of the notches, thepawl 518 forms a detachable connection with thesupport 515. - When the
support 515 engages the support surface, such as a floor, thesupport 515 is urged to rotate in a counterclockwise direction about itspivot axle 542. Should thepawl 518 be secured innotch 520A of thesupport 512 counterclockwise rotation ofsupport 515 is precluded by thepawl 518. When theend 602 of the treadmill is lifted vertically, the weight of thebar 546 and other components at theend 516 of thesupport 515 urges thesupport 515 to rotate clockwise about theaxle 542. Thespring 562 is configured such that the force applied to thepawl 518 is less than the torque or force urging clockwise rotation of thesupport 515. - In lieu of the
spring 562, aweight 572 may be attached to thepawl 518 to urge it to rotate clockwise fromnotch 520A to notch 520B and 520C, but to rotate counterclockwise when thepawl 518 is urged to a more upright orientation bycorner 574. The operation of theassembly 513 is described more fully in U.S. patent application Ser. 539,249 filed Oct. 5, 1995, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. - It should be understood, however, that a non-motorized arrangement may also be used in which an inertia wheel comparable to a
flywheel 140 is provided to provide or deliver torque or energy to theendless belt 24 while the user is walking, jogging or running. - Reference herein to the details of the illustrated embodiment is not intended to limit the scope of the claims which themselves recite those features, which are regarded as essential to the invention.
Claims (32)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/071,780 US20050148442A1 (en) | 1996-01-30 | 2005-03-03 | Reorienting treadmill |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/593,796 US5674453A (en) | 1996-01-30 | 1996-01-30 | Reorienting treadmill |
US08/942,810 US6974404B1 (en) | 1996-01-30 | 1997-10-02 | Reorienting treadmill |
US11/071,780 US20050148442A1 (en) | 1996-01-30 | 2005-03-03 | Reorienting treadmill |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/942,810 Continuation US6974404B1 (en) | 1996-01-30 | 1997-10-02 | Reorienting treadmill |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050148442A1 true US20050148442A1 (en) | 2005-07-07 |
Family
ID=34713293
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/942,810 Expired - Fee Related US6974404B1 (en) | 1996-01-30 | 1997-10-02 | Reorienting treadmill |
US11/071,859 Expired - Fee Related US7540828B2 (en) | 1996-01-30 | 2005-03-03 | Reorienting treadmill |
US11/071,780 Abandoned US20050148442A1 (en) | 1996-01-30 | 2005-03-03 | Reorienting treadmill |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/942,810 Expired - Fee Related US6974404B1 (en) | 1996-01-30 | 1997-10-02 | Reorienting treadmill |
US11/071,859 Expired - Fee Related US7540828B2 (en) | 1996-01-30 | 2005-03-03 | Reorienting treadmill |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US6974404B1 (en) |
Cited By (37)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070225127A1 (en) * | 2006-03-22 | 2007-09-27 | Forhouse Corporation | Cushion device for exercise machine |
US20080280734A1 (en) * | 2007-05-09 | 2008-11-13 | Spark Innovations, Inc. | Folding treadmill |
US20090069159A1 (en) * | 2007-09-10 | 2009-03-12 | Leao Wang | Folding mechanism of a treadmill |
US20090111666A1 (en) * | 2007-10-31 | 2009-04-30 | Leao Wang | Folding mechanism for a handrail frame assembly of a treadmill |
US20090124465A1 (en) * | 2007-11-13 | 2009-05-14 | Leao Wang | Engaging mechanism for a folding apparatus of a treadmill |
ITCH20100004A1 (en) * | 2010-01-26 | 2010-04-27 | Nessfit World Srl | AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM FOR THE CONTINUOUS ADJUSTMENT OF TAPIS ROULANT MECHANICS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, BASED ON A KINEMATISM USED BY A LOCKING GAS SPRING, AGENT ON THE REAR OF THE TOOL, WHICH ALLOWS THE ATHLETE |
US20120165162A1 (en) * | 2010-12-24 | 2012-06-28 | Tai-Yang Lu | Apparatus for Pivoting a Platform of a Treadmill |
CN104056429A (en) * | 2014-06-27 | 2014-09-24 | 河南科技大学 | Outdoor mechanical treadmill |
US20180154208A1 (en) * | 2016-12-05 | 2018-06-07 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Offsetting Treadmill Deck Weight During Operation |
US10188890B2 (en) | 2013-12-26 | 2019-01-29 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Magnetic resistance mechanism in a cable machine |
US10220259B2 (en) | 2012-01-05 | 2019-03-05 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | System and method for controlling an exercise device |
US10226396B2 (en) | 2014-06-20 | 2019-03-12 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Post workout massage device |
US10252109B2 (en) | 2016-05-13 | 2019-04-09 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Weight platform treadmill |
US10258828B2 (en) | 2015-01-16 | 2019-04-16 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Controls for an exercise device |
US10272317B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2019-04-30 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Lighted pace feature in a treadmill |
US10279212B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2019-05-07 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength training apparatus with flywheel and related methods |
US10293211B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2019-05-21 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Coordinated weight selection |
US10335632B2 (en) * | 2015-12-31 | 2019-07-02 | Nautilus, Inc. | Treadmill including a deck locking mechanism |
US10343017B2 (en) | 2016-11-01 | 2019-07-09 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Distance sensor for console positioning |
US10376736B2 (en) | 2016-10-12 | 2019-08-13 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cooling an exercise device during a dive motor runway condition |
US10391361B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2019-08-27 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Simulating real-world terrain on an exercise device |
US10426989B2 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2019-10-01 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cable system incorporated into a treadmill |
US10433612B2 (en) | 2014-03-10 | 2019-10-08 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Pressure sensor to quantify work |
US10441840B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2019-10-15 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Collapsible strength exercise machine |
US10441844B2 (en) | 2016-07-01 | 2019-10-15 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cooling systems and methods for exercise equipment |
US10449416B2 (en) | 2015-08-26 | 2019-10-22 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength exercise mechanisms |
US10471299B2 (en) | 2016-07-01 | 2019-11-12 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Systems and methods for cooling internal exercise equipment components |
US10493349B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2019-12-03 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Display on exercise device |
US10500473B2 (en) | 2016-10-10 | 2019-12-10 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Console positioning |
US10561894B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2020-02-18 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Treadmill with removable supports |
US10625137B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2020-04-21 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Coordinated displays in an exercise device |
US10661114B2 (en) | 2016-11-01 | 2020-05-26 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Body weight lift mechanism on treadmill |
US10671705B2 (en) | 2016-09-28 | 2020-06-02 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Customizing recipe recommendations |
US10729965B2 (en) | 2017-12-22 | 2020-08-04 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Audible belt guide in a treadmill |
US10940360B2 (en) | 2015-08-26 | 2021-03-09 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength exercise mechanisms |
US10953305B2 (en) | 2015-08-26 | 2021-03-23 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength exercise mechanisms |
US11451108B2 (en) | 2017-08-16 | 2022-09-20 | Ifit Inc. | Systems and methods for axial impact resistance in electric motors |
Families Citing this family (62)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7537549B2 (en) * | 2000-02-02 | 2009-05-26 | Icon Ip, Inc. | Incline assembly with cam |
US7862483B2 (en) | 2000-02-02 | 2011-01-04 | Icon Ip, Inc. | Inclining treadmill with magnetic braking system |
US7455626B2 (en) * | 2001-12-31 | 2008-11-25 | Nautilus, Inc. | Treadmill |
KR100587159B1 (en) * | 2003-02-21 | 2006-06-08 | 주식회사 두비원 | Inclination controlling device of treadmill |
US7621850B2 (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2009-11-24 | Nautilus, Inc. | Dual deck exercise device |
US7517303B2 (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2009-04-14 | Nautilus, Inc. | Upper body exercise and flywheel enhanced dual deck treadmills |
US20050277520A1 (en) * | 2004-05-28 | 2005-12-15 | Richard Van Waes | Adjustable hand grip for exercise machine |
US7736280B2 (en) | 2004-08-17 | 2010-06-15 | Nautilus, Inc. | Treadmill deck locking mechanism |
US20070232463A1 (en) * | 2006-04-03 | 2007-10-04 | Wu Yu F | Treadmill with lifting function |
US20080287262A1 (en) * | 2007-05-18 | 2008-11-20 | King I Tech Corporation | Control system of an electric treadmill |
US20090093347A1 (en) * | 2007-10-04 | 2009-04-09 | Leao Wang | Integrated folding mechanism of a treadmill |
US7569000B2 (en) * | 2008-01-03 | 2009-08-04 | Leao Wang | Integrated folding mechanism of a treadmill |
NL1035236C2 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2009-10-01 | Forcelink B V | Device and method for offering target indications for foot placement to persons with a walking disorder. |
US7794363B2 (en) * | 2008-08-25 | 2010-09-14 | Leao Wang | Rear drive type electric treadmill |
TWM361878U (en) * | 2009-01-09 | 2009-08-01 | Master Maxs Health Technology Inc | Treadmill for pet use |
US7717830B1 (en) | 2009-10-01 | 2010-05-18 | Dynamic Fitness Equipment, Llc | Exercise device |
US9289063B2 (en) * | 2010-02-18 | 2016-03-22 | Lamplight Development, Llc | Convertible headboard table apparatus and method of use |
US10575631B2 (en) | 2010-02-18 | 2020-03-03 | Lamplight Development, Llc | Convertible headboard table apparatus and method of use |
US8079939B1 (en) * | 2010-06-15 | 2011-12-20 | Leao Wang | Electric treadmill with a folding mechanism by use of a swivel piece |
TWM400335U (en) | 2010-09-20 | 2011-03-21 | Rexon Ind Corp Ltd | Folding treadmill |
US9138615B2 (en) | 2011-11-15 | 2015-09-22 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Exercise device with rack and pinion incline adjusting mechanism |
US9039578B2 (en) | 2011-12-06 | 2015-05-26 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Exercise device with latching mechanism |
US8986165B2 (en) * | 2012-03-07 | 2015-03-24 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | User identification and safety key for exercise device |
US11610664B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2023-03-21 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US9174085B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2015-11-03 | John Paul Foley | Exercise system and method |
US9345948B2 (en) | 2012-10-19 | 2016-05-24 | Todd Martin | System for providing a coach with live training data of an athlete as the athlete is training |
US9764184B2 (en) | 2014-12-19 | 2017-09-19 | True Fitness Technology, Inc. | High-incline treadmill |
TWI603758B (en) * | 2015-11-18 | 2017-11-01 | 力山工業股份有限公司 | Foldable treadmill |
US10398932B2 (en) | 2015-12-31 | 2019-09-03 | Nautilus, Inc. | Treadmill including a lift assistance mechanism |
US11058914B2 (en) | 2016-07-01 | 2021-07-13 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cooling methods for exercise equipment |
US10561893B2 (en) | 2016-10-12 | 2020-02-18 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Linear bearing for console positioning |
US10918905B2 (en) | 2016-10-12 | 2021-02-16 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Systems and methods for reducing runaway resistance on an exercise device |
TWI672164B (en) | 2016-12-05 | 2019-09-21 | 美商愛康運動與健康公司 | Tread belt locking mechanism |
TWI648081B (en) | 2016-12-05 | 2019-01-21 | 美商愛康運動與健康公司 | Pull rope resistance mechanism in treadmill |
WO2018232415A1 (en) * | 2017-06-16 | 2018-12-20 | Core Health & Fitness, Llc | Apparatus, system, and method for flexible treadmill deck |
US10816177B1 (en) * | 2017-06-30 | 2020-10-27 | Woodway Usa, Inc. | Lighting system and method of using same with exercise and rehabilitation equipment |
US11187285B2 (en) | 2017-12-09 | 2021-11-30 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Systems and methods for selectively rotationally fixing a pedaled drivetrain |
CN111491700B (en) | 2017-12-22 | 2022-03-04 | 艾肯运动与健康公司 | Tiltable exercise machine |
US11000730B2 (en) | 2018-03-16 | 2021-05-11 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Elliptical exercise machine |
WO2019241073A1 (en) | 2018-06-11 | 2019-12-19 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Increased durability linear actuator |
TWI721460B (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2021-03-11 | 美商愛康運動與健康公司 | Cycling shoe power sensors |
CN109513169B (en) * | 2019-01-24 | 2023-08-04 | 小乔(浙江)智能制造有限公司 | Concealed upright standing foot of running machine |
TWI724767B (en) | 2019-01-25 | 2021-04-11 | 美商愛康運動與健康公司 | Systems and methods for an interactive pedaled exercise device |
US11298577B2 (en) | 2019-02-11 | 2022-04-12 | Ifit Inc. | Cable and power rack exercise machine |
US11426633B2 (en) | 2019-02-12 | 2022-08-30 | Ifit Inc. | Controlling an exercise machine using a video workout program |
US11794070B2 (en) | 2019-05-23 | 2023-10-24 | Ifit Inc. | Systems and methods for cooling an exercise device |
US11534651B2 (en) | 2019-08-15 | 2022-12-27 | Ifit Inc. | Adjustable dumbbell system |
TWI776250B (en) | 2019-10-11 | 2022-09-01 | 美商愛康有限公司 | Modular exercise device |
US11673036B2 (en) | 2019-11-12 | 2023-06-13 | Ifit Inc. | Exercise storage system |
US11310997B2 (en) * | 2019-11-21 | 2022-04-26 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Treadmill having attachment module |
US11412709B2 (en) | 2019-11-21 | 2022-08-16 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Treadmill having deodorizer |
US11691046B2 (en) | 2019-11-21 | 2023-07-04 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Treadmill having two belts |
US11503807B2 (en) | 2019-11-21 | 2022-11-22 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Treadmill having fragrance assembly |
US11510394B2 (en) | 2019-11-22 | 2022-11-29 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Portable and storable treadmill having handle |
US11565146B2 (en) | 2019-11-21 | 2023-01-31 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Treadmill having adjustable inclination |
US11510395B2 (en) | 2019-11-22 | 2022-11-29 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Control method for treadmill |
US11576352B2 (en) | 2019-11-21 | 2023-02-14 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Treadmill having sterilizer |
US11576351B2 (en) | 2019-11-21 | 2023-02-14 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Treadmill |
US11503808B2 (en) | 2019-11-22 | 2022-11-22 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Control method for treadmill based on sensors |
US11559041B2 (en) | 2019-11-22 | 2023-01-24 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Treadmill having sensors |
WO2021188662A1 (en) | 2020-03-18 | 2021-09-23 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Systems and methods for treadmill drift avoidance |
US11878199B2 (en) | 2021-02-16 | 2024-01-23 | Ifit Inc. | Safety mechanism for an adjustable dumbbell |
Citations (94)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US881521A (en) * | 1906-12-24 | 1908-03-10 | Stephen G Wilson | Mechanical chair. |
US1016729A (en) * | 1911-02-28 | 1912-02-06 | Timothy R Barrett | Apparatus for athletic and theatrical purposes. |
US1020777A (en) * | 1909-07-26 | 1912-03-19 | John Peterson | Music-bench. |
US1211765A (en) * | 1915-01-09 | 1917-01-09 | Adrian Peter Schmidt | Health-exerciser. |
US1850530A (en) * | 1929-05-10 | 1932-03-22 | George K Brown | Exercising apparatus |
US1902694A (en) * | 1932-02-08 | 1933-03-21 | Reid A Edwards | Gymnastic apparatus |
US2067136A (en) * | 1933-02-02 | 1937-01-05 | Standard Power Bed Company | Wall bed |
US2632645A (en) * | 1952-07-16 | 1953-03-24 | Barkschat Eric | Exercising apparatus and cabinet |
US2874971A (en) * | 1955-12-23 | 1959-02-24 | Philco Corp | Appliance cabinet structure |
US3127171A (en) * | 1964-03-31 | figure | ||
US3378259A (en) * | 1964-11-13 | 1968-04-16 | Edward C. Kupchinski | Exercising cot |
US3642279A (en) * | 1970-02-11 | 1972-02-15 | John W Cutter | Treadmill jogger |
US3643943A (en) * | 1969-07-28 | 1972-02-22 | Curtis L Erwin Jr | Exerciser with work-indicating mechanism |
US3650529A (en) * | 1970-03-02 | 1972-03-21 | Vincent A Salm | Treadmill exercising device |
US3858938A (en) * | 1971-12-02 | 1975-01-07 | Landstingens Inkopscentral | Chair having leg and foot supporting means |
US3874657A (en) * | 1970-06-04 | 1975-04-01 | Frank J Niebojewski | Exercise apparatus including stall bars and exercise equipment mounted thereon |
US4066257A (en) * | 1975-11-07 | 1978-01-03 | Moller Bynum W | Treadmill exercising device |
US4248476A (en) * | 1978-12-11 | 1981-02-03 | Phelps Melvin B | Convertible seat assembly |
US4370766A (en) * | 1980-12-04 | 1983-02-01 | Murphy Door Bed Company, Inc. | Panel bed and counterbalancing mechanism for panel bed |
US4374587A (en) * | 1980-08-05 | 1983-02-22 | Ralph Ogden | Exercise treadmill |
USD277304S (en) * | 1982-07-19 | 1985-01-22 | David B. Smith | Rowing machine |
US4502679A (en) * | 1982-09-21 | 1985-03-05 | Fred De Lorenzo | Motorized variable speed treadmill |
US4566689A (en) * | 1980-08-05 | 1986-01-28 | Ajay Enterprises Corporation | Adjustable motor mount arrangement for exercise treadmills |
US4572500A (en) * | 1984-07-23 | 1986-02-25 | Eugene Weiss | Rowing exercise device |
US4576352A (en) * | 1980-08-05 | 1986-03-18 | Ajay Enterprises Corp. | Exercise treadmill |
USD283239S (en) * | 1984-01-19 | 1986-04-01 | Precor, Incorporated | Exercise treadmill |
US4580983A (en) * | 1984-03-23 | 1986-04-08 | C.I.M. Costruzioni Industriali Metalliche S.N.C. Di Germano Cassini & C. | Stand device for holding a bicycle stationary while simulating road running conditions |
US4635928A (en) * | 1985-04-15 | 1987-01-13 | Ajax Enterprises Corporation | Adjustable speed control arrangement for motorized exercise treadmills |
US4635927A (en) * | 1985-03-04 | 1987-01-13 | Del Mar Avionics | Low power treadmill |
US4643418A (en) * | 1985-03-04 | 1987-02-17 | Battle Creek Equipment Company | Exercise treadmill |
US4645197A (en) * | 1984-09-26 | 1987-02-24 | Mcfee Richard | Bounce board exerciser |
US4659074A (en) * | 1985-03-14 | 1987-04-21 | Landice Products, Inc. | Passive-type treadmill having an improved governor assembly and an electromagnetic speedometer integrated into the flywheel assembly |
US4659077A (en) * | 1985-09-30 | 1987-04-21 | Fitness Quest, Inc. | Exercise device |
US4729558A (en) * | 1985-10-11 | 1988-03-08 | Kuo Hai P | Running exerciser |
USD299669S (en) * | 1986-01-31 | 1989-01-31 | Harter Craig L | Stationary bicycle exerciser |
US4805901A (en) * | 1987-04-09 | 1989-02-21 | Kulick John M | Collapsible exercise device |
USD300046S (en) * | 1987-02-06 | 1989-02-28 | Precor Incorporated | Exercise bicycle |
US4813743A (en) * | 1987-06-30 | 1989-03-21 | Mizelle Ned W | Reclining back mechanism for a seating unit |
US4822029A (en) * | 1985-12-18 | 1989-04-18 | Sarno Gregory G | Exerciser simulator having a frame rotatably mounted on a fulcrum point |
US4905330A (en) * | 1989-02-23 | 1990-03-06 | Jacobs Lawrence I | Combination furniture and exercise device |
USD306468S (en) * | 1986-12-22 | 1990-03-06 | Weslo, Inc. | Treadmill exerciser |
USD306891S (en) * | 1986-12-29 | 1990-03-27 | Weslo, Inc. | Treadmill exerciser |
US4913423A (en) * | 1988-06-06 | 1990-04-03 | Farran Mitchell R | Exercise furniture |
US4913396A (en) * | 1988-10-12 | 1990-04-03 | Weslo, Inc. | Adjustable incline system for exercise equipment |
USD313826S (en) * | 1988-10-12 | 1991-01-15 | Precor Incorporated | Exercise treadmill |
US4984810A (en) * | 1987-11-25 | 1991-01-15 | Stearns & Mcgee | Treadmill |
US4998725A (en) * | 1989-02-03 | 1991-03-12 | Proform Fitness Products, Inc. | Exercise machine controller |
US5002271A (en) * | 1988-05-17 | 1991-03-26 | Gonzales Ike T | Portable leg exerciser |
USD315765S (en) * | 1989-02-03 | 1991-03-26 | Proform Fitness Products, Inc. | Treadmill |
USD316124S (en) * | 1989-01-19 | 1991-04-09 | Weslo, Inc. | Treadmill with siderail |
US5007630A (en) * | 1988-10-07 | 1991-04-16 | Precor Incorporated | Exercise treadmill |
USD323009S (en) * | 1990-01-31 | 1992-01-07 | Proform Fitness Products, Inc. | Treadmill exerciser |
USD323199S (en) * | 1990-01-31 | 1992-01-14 | Proform Fitness Products, Inc. | Treadmill exerciser |
USD323198S (en) * | 1990-01-31 | 1992-01-14 | Proform Fitness Products, Inc. | Treadmill exerciser |
US5085426A (en) * | 1990-07-30 | 1992-02-04 | Precor Incorporated | Integrated drive and elevation system for exercise apparatus |
US5088729A (en) * | 1990-02-14 | 1992-02-18 | Weslo, Inc. | Treadmill frame and roller bracket assembly |
US5102380A (en) * | 1989-02-01 | 1992-04-07 | Proform Fitness Products, Inc. | Cooling exercise treadmill |
US5178599A (en) * | 1991-02-20 | 1993-01-12 | Scott Edwin R | Bidirectional, synchronous, total body exercise machine |
US5184988A (en) * | 1990-01-10 | 1993-02-09 | Precor Incorporated | Exercise treadmill |
USD333330S (en) * | 1991-04-01 | 1993-02-16 | Tunturi, Inc. | Treadmill |
US5192255A (en) * | 1988-10-12 | 1993-03-09 | Weslo, Inc. | Adjustable incline system for exercise equipment |
US5195935A (en) * | 1990-12-20 | 1993-03-23 | Sf Engineering | Exercise apparatus with automatic variation of provided passive and active exercise without interruption of the exercise |
US5279528A (en) * | 1990-02-14 | 1994-01-18 | Proform Fitness Products, Inc. | Cushioned deck for treadmill |
US5282776A (en) * | 1992-09-30 | 1994-02-01 | Proform Fitness Products, Inc. | Upper body exerciser |
US5284461A (en) * | 1992-09-16 | 1994-02-08 | William T. Wilkinson | Combination twister and stepper exercise device |
USD344557S (en) * | 1993-05-25 | 1994-02-22 | Proform Fitness Products, Inc. | Treadmill |
US5295928A (en) * | 1989-01-31 | 1994-03-22 | Rennex Brian G | Bi-directional stair/treadmill/reciprocating-pedal exerciser |
US5299992A (en) * | 1992-01-21 | 1994-04-05 | Wilkinson William T | Combination stationary bicycle and step/stair climber exercise device |
US5378212A (en) * | 1992-09-24 | 1995-01-03 | Pin-Kuo; Hai | Elevating structure for a motor driven treadmill |
US5382209A (en) * | 1993-02-08 | 1995-01-17 | Pasier; Paul A. | Apparatus for adjusting inclination of an exercise machine |
US5385519A (en) * | 1994-04-19 | 1995-01-31 | Hsu; Chi-Hsueh | Running machine |
US5403254A (en) * | 1994-06-06 | 1995-04-04 | Physiq, Inc. | Foldable step climber exercise machine |
US5484362A (en) * | 1989-06-19 | 1996-01-16 | Life Fitness | Exercise treadmill |
US5496235A (en) * | 1995-08-04 | 1996-03-05 | Stevens; Clive G. | Walking exeriser |
US5595556A (en) * | 1992-09-30 | 1997-01-21 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Treadmill with upper body system |
US5603675A (en) * | 1996-05-31 | 1997-02-18 | Wu; Tien L. | Foldable striding exerciser |
US5607375A (en) * | 1994-12-24 | 1997-03-04 | Dalebout; William T. | Inclination mechanism for a treadmill |
US5704879A (en) * | 1996-01-30 | 1998-01-06 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cabinet treadmill with latch |
US5708060A (en) * | 1992-07-23 | 1998-01-13 | Precor Incorporated | Belt and deck assembly for an exercise treadmill |
US5707319A (en) * | 1996-08-21 | 1998-01-13 | Riley; Ronald J. | Treadmill adaptive speed control |
US5709632A (en) * | 1996-09-27 | 1998-01-20 | Precor Incorporated | Curved deck treadmill |
US5711745A (en) * | 1996-11-21 | 1998-01-27 | Yang; Li-Hsiang | Multi-purpose exercise machine |
US5718657A (en) * | 1996-01-30 | 1998-02-17 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cabinet treadmill with repositioning assist |
US5722922A (en) * | 1991-01-23 | 1998-03-03 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Aerobic and anaerobic exercise machine |
US5733228A (en) * | 1996-05-28 | 1998-03-31 | Stevens; Clive Graham | Folding treadmill exercise device |
US5855537A (en) * | 1996-11-12 | 1999-01-05 | Ff Acquisition Corp. | Powered folding treadmill apparatus and method |
US5860894A (en) * | 1994-02-03 | 1999-01-19 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Aerobic and anaerobic exercise machine |
US5868648A (en) * | 1996-05-13 | 1999-02-09 | Ff Acquisition Corp. | Foldable treadmill apparatus and method |
US6013011A (en) * | 1997-03-31 | 2000-01-11 | Precor Incorporated | Suspension system for exercise apparatus |
US6033347A (en) * | 1997-10-28 | 2000-03-07 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Fold-out treadmill |
US6174268B1 (en) * | 1999-01-29 | 2001-01-16 | Pat J. Novak | Energy absorbing system for exercise equipment |
US6179753B1 (en) * | 1998-10-14 | 2001-01-30 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Suspension system for exercise apparatus |
US6350218B1 (en) * | 1997-10-28 | 2002-02-26 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Fold-out treadmill |
US6672140B2 (en) * | 2000-05-09 | 2004-01-06 | Cbc Materials Co., Ltd. | Method for measuring viscosity of liquid, and method and apparatus for measuring visco-elasticity of liquid |
Family Cites Families (76)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US321388A (en) | 1885-06-30 | ruebsam | ||
US284294A (en) | 1883-09-04 | Dental chair | ||
US663486A (en) | 1899-08-07 | 1900-12-11 | Alfred Boren | Combined folding chair and couch. |
US674391A (en) | 1901-02-07 | 1901-05-21 | Frank W Baker | Exercising device. |
US937795A (en) | 1908-05-02 | 1909-10-26 | Leslie S Hackney | Exercising-machine. |
US897722A (en) | 1908-05-04 | 1908-09-01 | Alfred Day | Exerciser. |
US931394A (en) | 1909-04-28 | 1909-08-17 | Alfred Day | Exercising device. |
US1064968A (en) | 1911-10-20 | 1913-06-17 | Claude Lauraine Hagen | Training-machine. |
US1082940A (en) | 1913-03-01 | 1913-12-30 | Sharp & Smith | Exercising appliance. |
GB307116A (en) | 1927-12-07 | 1929-03-07 | William Augustine Spain | Improvements in rowing machines |
US1766089A (en) | 1928-08-06 | 1930-06-24 | A J Wood | Treadmill exercising device |
US1778635A (en) | 1929-02-26 | 1930-10-14 | Gen Electric | Motion-picture projector |
US1928089A (en) | 1929-07-29 | 1933-09-26 | Blickman Inc | Exercising apparatus |
US1824406A (en) | 1930-02-10 | 1931-09-22 | Ira M Petersime | Folding walker |
US1973945A (en) | 1933-06-30 | 1934-09-18 | Marion I Chavin | Combination exercising and massaging apparatus |
US2165700A (en) | 1935-07-25 | 1939-07-11 | Glynn Henry | Invalid walking support |
US2117957A (en) | 1937-03-05 | 1938-05-17 | Harry C Ritter | Exercising device |
US2219219A (en) | 1938-09-01 | 1940-10-22 | Ernest J Boger | Exercising apparatus |
US2255864A (en) | 1940-07-05 | 1941-09-16 | Goebel M Stephens | Exercise and massage machine |
US2399915A (en) | 1945-11-13 | 1946-05-07 | Ward A Drake | Exercising apparatus |
US2855200A (en) | 1955-12-01 | 1958-10-07 | Blickman Harry | Home exercising apparatus |
US2842365A (en) | 1956-02-07 | 1958-07-08 | Thomas F Kelley | Physical exerciser |
US3035671A (en) | 1961-01-19 | 1962-05-22 | Karl L Sicherman | Portable folding steps |
US3193287A (en) | 1963-09-27 | 1965-07-06 | Harold J Robinson | Treadmill exercising device |
US3444830A (en) | 1965-12-10 | 1969-05-20 | Stabilus Ind Handels Gmbh | Adjustable gas spring supported drawing table |
NO117726B (en) | 1967-07-01 | 1969-09-15 | Johannes Oestensjoe & Co A S | |
US3518985A (en) | 1968-02-15 | 1970-07-07 | Wayne E Quinton | Control system for an exercise machine using patient's heart rate and heart rate acceleration |
US3606320A (en) | 1968-06-06 | 1971-09-20 | Curtis L Erwin Jr | Treadmill |
US3589715A (en) | 1968-10-07 | 1971-06-29 | Morris Mark | Convertible foldable exercise cot |
DE1803963B2 (en) | 1968-10-18 | 1977-02-17 | Jaeger, Erich, 8700 Würzburg | TREADMILL ERGOMETER |
US3592466A (en) | 1969-01-21 | 1971-07-13 | Billie D Parsons | Revolving step exerciser with adjustable slope |
US3614097A (en) | 1969-01-28 | 1971-10-19 | Blickman Inc | Weight lifting exercising apparatus |
US3659845A (en) | 1970-04-10 | 1972-05-02 | Quinton Instr | Exercise treadmill and belt support apparatus |
US3608898A (en) | 1970-05-19 | 1971-09-28 | Evan H Berlin | Treadmill with curved axles supporting the belt |
US3689066A (en) | 1970-09-04 | 1972-09-05 | Oscar M Hagen | Treadmill exercising device with yieldable belt support |
US3703284A (en) | 1970-12-31 | 1972-11-21 | Del Mar Eng Lab | Diagnostic and therapeutic exercise treadmill |
US3731917A (en) | 1971-02-25 | 1973-05-08 | Townsend Engineering Co | Treadmill exercising device |
US3741538A (en) | 1971-03-22 | 1973-06-26 | R Useldinger | Friction type exercising device mounted on a collapsible structure |
US3686776A (en) | 1971-04-12 | 1972-08-29 | Hartzell Corp | Motorcycle riding simulator |
US3918710A (en) | 1973-03-29 | 1975-11-11 | Frank J Niebojewski | Rowing lever exercise apparatus |
US3904196A (en) | 1973-04-27 | 1975-09-09 | Daniel Berlin | Exercising device |
US3826491A (en) | 1973-06-18 | 1974-07-30 | Del Mar Eng Lab | Exercise treadmill |
ES199516Y (en) * | 1974-01-15 | 1975-12-16 | Pardo Herrera | CUSHIONED ARTICULATION DEVICE FOR BASCU-LANTES FURNITURE. |
DE2408052C3 (en) | 1974-02-20 | 1978-04-13 | Suspa-Federungstechnik Fritz Bauer & Soehne Ohg, 8503 Altdorf | Length-adjustable gas spring |
US3892404A (en) | 1974-10-30 | 1975-07-01 | Theodore Martucci | Exercise device |
US4026545A (en) * | 1975-11-25 | 1977-05-31 | Schoenenberger Rolf | Physical exercise apparatus |
FR2334018A1 (en) | 1975-12-06 | 1977-07-01 | Volkswagenwerk Ag | SUPPORT DEVICE CONTAINING AT LEAST ONE FLUID UNDER PRESSURE AND INTENDED IN PARTICULAR FOR THE TAILGATE OF A VEHICLE |
DE2638363A1 (en) | 1976-08-26 | 1978-03-02 | Suspa Federungstech | LENGTH ADJUSTABLE GAS SPRING |
US4151988A (en) | 1977-05-26 | 1979-05-01 | Nabinger Herman G | Brake mechanism for a treadmill |
US4406451A (en) | 1978-12-26 | 1983-09-27 | Salvatore Gaetano | Collapsible bidirectional jogging apparatus |
US4274625A (en) | 1978-12-26 | 1981-06-23 | Salvatore Gaetano | Exercising apparatus |
JPS5628714A (en) | 1979-08-20 | 1981-03-20 | Tokico Ltd | Locking chair |
US4344616A (en) | 1980-08-05 | 1982-08-17 | Ralph Ogden | Exercise treadmill |
US4602779A (en) | 1980-08-05 | 1986-07-29 | Ajax Enterprises Corporation | Exercise treadmill |
US4363480A (en) | 1980-09-30 | 1982-12-14 | Mgi Strength/Fitness, Inc. | Exercise device |
US4300761A (en) | 1980-10-06 | 1981-11-17 | Howard William E | Spring type exercising device |
US4350336A (en) | 1980-10-14 | 1982-09-21 | Hanford Norris E | Exercise treadmill shock-absorbing improvement |
USD270555S (en) | 1981-11-16 | 1983-09-13 | Ralph Ogden | Exercise treadmill |
US4422635A (en) | 1982-01-27 | 1983-12-27 | Herod James V | Portable multiple use exerciser |
US4452448A (en) | 1982-03-05 | 1984-06-05 | Ausherman Harry S | Exercising machine |
USD280002S (en) | 1983-04-14 | 1985-08-06 | Precor Incorporated | Treadmill |
US4544152A (en) | 1983-07-25 | 1985-10-01 | Taitel Charles M | Passive-type treadmill |
US4687195A (en) | 1984-02-06 | 1987-08-18 | Tri-Tech, Inc. | Treadmill exerciser |
US4591147A (en) | 1984-09-06 | 1986-05-27 | Precor Incorporated | System for elevating an exercise treadmill |
US4625962A (en) | 1984-10-22 | 1986-12-02 | The Cleveland Clinic Foundation | Upper body exercise apparatus |
US4544153A (en) | 1984-11-05 | 1985-10-01 | Babcock Michael A | Slalom waterskiing simulator |
USD291821S (en) | 1984-12-13 | 1987-09-08 | Tunturipyora Oy | Exercise treadmill |
US4664646A (en) * | 1985-01-25 | 1987-05-12 | Rorabaugh Barre L | Treadmill motor drive |
USD284597S (en) | 1985-01-29 | 1986-07-08 | Precor Incorporated | Inclined physical exerciser |
USD289668S (en) | 1985-01-29 | 1987-05-05 | Dart Industries Inc. | Exercise treadmill |
US4679787A (en) | 1985-02-14 | 1987-07-14 | The Stouffer Corporation | Combined exercise station and sleeping bed |
US4664371A (en) | 1985-05-16 | 1987-05-12 | Tunturipyora Oy | Exercise treadmill for walking or running exercises |
US4759540A (en) * | 1986-10-14 | 1988-07-26 | Industrial Technology Research Institute | Compact structure for a treadmill |
US5207622A (en) * | 1992-09-16 | 1993-05-04 | William T. Wilkinson | Universally adaptable adjustable arm exercise device to supplement leg exercising |
US5353452A (en) * | 1993-09-08 | 1994-10-11 | Rulis Robert A | Folding bed assembly |
US5407408A (en) * | 1994-01-21 | 1995-04-18 | Wilkinson; William T. | Combination treadmill and twister exercise device |
-
1997
- 1997-10-02 US US08/942,810 patent/US6974404B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2005
- 2005-03-03 US US11/071,859 patent/US7540828B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-03-03 US US11/071,780 patent/US20050148442A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (100)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3127171A (en) * | 1964-03-31 | figure | ||
US881521A (en) * | 1906-12-24 | 1908-03-10 | Stephen G Wilson | Mechanical chair. |
US1020777A (en) * | 1909-07-26 | 1912-03-19 | John Peterson | Music-bench. |
US1016729A (en) * | 1911-02-28 | 1912-02-06 | Timothy R Barrett | Apparatus for athletic and theatrical purposes. |
US1211765A (en) * | 1915-01-09 | 1917-01-09 | Adrian Peter Schmidt | Health-exerciser. |
US1850530A (en) * | 1929-05-10 | 1932-03-22 | George K Brown | Exercising apparatus |
US1902694A (en) * | 1932-02-08 | 1933-03-21 | Reid A Edwards | Gymnastic apparatus |
US2067136A (en) * | 1933-02-02 | 1937-01-05 | Standard Power Bed Company | Wall bed |
US2632645A (en) * | 1952-07-16 | 1953-03-24 | Barkschat Eric | Exercising apparatus and cabinet |
US2874971A (en) * | 1955-12-23 | 1959-02-24 | Philco Corp | Appliance cabinet structure |
US3378259A (en) * | 1964-11-13 | 1968-04-16 | Edward C. Kupchinski | Exercising cot |
US3643943A (en) * | 1969-07-28 | 1972-02-22 | Curtis L Erwin Jr | Exerciser with work-indicating mechanism |
US3642279A (en) * | 1970-02-11 | 1972-02-15 | John W Cutter | Treadmill jogger |
US3650529A (en) * | 1970-03-02 | 1972-03-21 | Vincent A Salm | Treadmill exercising device |
US3874657A (en) * | 1970-06-04 | 1975-04-01 | Frank J Niebojewski | Exercise apparatus including stall bars and exercise equipment mounted thereon |
US3858938A (en) * | 1971-12-02 | 1975-01-07 | Landstingens Inkopscentral | Chair having leg and foot supporting means |
US4066257A (en) * | 1975-11-07 | 1978-01-03 | Moller Bynum W | Treadmill exercising device |
US4248476A (en) * | 1978-12-11 | 1981-02-03 | Phelps Melvin B | Convertible seat assembly |
US4566689A (en) * | 1980-08-05 | 1986-01-28 | Ajay Enterprises Corporation | Adjustable motor mount arrangement for exercise treadmills |
US4576352A (en) * | 1980-08-05 | 1986-03-18 | Ajay Enterprises Corp. | Exercise treadmill |
US4374587A (en) * | 1980-08-05 | 1983-02-22 | Ralph Ogden | Exercise treadmill |
US4370766A (en) * | 1980-12-04 | 1983-02-01 | Murphy Door Bed Company, Inc. | Panel bed and counterbalancing mechanism for panel bed |
USD277304S (en) * | 1982-07-19 | 1985-01-22 | David B. Smith | Rowing machine |
US4502679A (en) * | 1982-09-21 | 1985-03-05 | Fred De Lorenzo | Motorized variable speed treadmill |
USD283239S (en) * | 1984-01-19 | 1986-04-01 | Precor, Incorporated | Exercise treadmill |
US4580983A (en) * | 1984-03-23 | 1986-04-08 | C.I.M. Costruzioni Industriali Metalliche S.N.C. Di Germano Cassini & C. | Stand device for holding a bicycle stationary while simulating road running conditions |
US4572500A (en) * | 1984-07-23 | 1986-02-25 | Eugene Weiss | Rowing exercise device |
US4645197A (en) * | 1984-09-26 | 1987-02-24 | Mcfee Richard | Bounce board exerciser |
US4635927A (en) * | 1985-03-04 | 1987-01-13 | Del Mar Avionics | Low power treadmill |
US4643418A (en) * | 1985-03-04 | 1987-02-17 | Battle Creek Equipment Company | Exercise treadmill |
US4659074A (en) * | 1985-03-14 | 1987-04-21 | Landice Products, Inc. | Passive-type treadmill having an improved governor assembly and an electromagnetic speedometer integrated into the flywheel assembly |
US4635928A (en) * | 1985-04-15 | 1987-01-13 | Ajax Enterprises Corporation | Adjustable speed control arrangement for motorized exercise treadmills |
US4659077A (en) * | 1985-09-30 | 1987-04-21 | Fitness Quest, Inc. | Exercise device |
US4729558A (en) * | 1985-10-11 | 1988-03-08 | Kuo Hai P | Running exerciser |
US4822029A (en) * | 1985-12-18 | 1989-04-18 | Sarno Gregory G | Exerciser simulator having a frame rotatably mounted on a fulcrum point |
USD299669S (en) * | 1986-01-31 | 1989-01-31 | Harter Craig L | Stationary bicycle exerciser |
USD306468S (en) * | 1986-12-22 | 1990-03-06 | Weslo, Inc. | Treadmill exerciser |
USD306891S (en) * | 1986-12-29 | 1990-03-27 | Weslo, Inc. | Treadmill exerciser |
USD300046S (en) * | 1987-02-06 | 1989-02-28 | Precor Incorporated | Exercise bicycle |
US4805901A (en) * | 1987-04-09 | 1989-02-21 | Kulick John M | Collapsible exercise device |
US4813743A (en) * | 1987-06-30 | 1989-03-21 | Mizelle Ned W | Reclining back mechanism for a seating unit |
US4984810A (en) * | 1987-11-25 | 1991-01-15 | Stearns & Mcgee | Treadmill |
US5002271A (en) * | 1988-05-17 | 1991-03-26 | Gonzales Ike T | Portable leg exerciser |
US4913423A (en) * | 1988-06-06 | 1990-04-03 | Farran Mitchell R | Exercise furniture |
US5007630A (en) * | 1988-10-07 | 1991-04-16 | Precor Incorporated | Exercise treadmill |
US5591106A (en) * | 1988-10-12 | 1997-01-07 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Adjustable incline system for exercise equipment |
US4913396B2 (en) * | 1988-10-12 | 1995-06-20 | Weslo Inc | Adjustable incline system for exercise equipment |
USD313826S (en) * | 1988-10-12 | 1991-01-15 | Precor Incorporated | Exercise treadmill |
US5192255B1 (en) * | 1988-10-12 | 1995-01-31 | Citicorp North America Inc | Adjustable incline system for exercise equipment |
US4913396A (en) * | 1988-10-12 | 1990-04-03 | Weslo, Inc. | Adjustable incline system for exercise equipment |
US5192255A (en) * | 1988-10-12 | 1993-03-09 | Weslo, Inc. | Adjustable incline system for exercise equipment |
US4913396B1 (en) * | 1988-10-12 | 1993-05-18 | Weslo Inc | Adjustable incline system for exercise equipment |
USD316124S (en) * | 1989-01-19 | 1991-04-09 | Weslo, Inc. | Treadmill with siderail |
US5295928A (en) * | 1989-01-31 | 1994-03-22 | Rennex Brian G | Bi-directional stair/treadmill/reciprocating-pedal exerciser |
US5102380A (en) * | 1989-02-01 | 1992-04-07 | Proform Fitness Products, Inc. | Cooling exercise treadmill |
US4998725A (en) * | 1989-02-03 | 1991-03-12 | Proform Fitness Products, Inc. | Exercise machine controller |
USD315765S (en) * | 1989-02-03 | 1991-03-26 | Proform Fitness Products, Inc. | Treadmill |
US4905330A (en) * | 1989-02-23 | 1990-03-06 | Jacobs Lawrence I | Combination furniture and exercise device |
US5599259A (en) * | 1989-06-19 | 1997-02-04 | Life Fitness | Exercise treadmill |
US5484362A (en) * | 1989-06-19 | 1996-01-16 | Life Fitness | Exercise treadmill |
US5184988A (en) * | 1990-01-10 | 1993-02-09 | Precor Incorporated | Exercise treadmill |
USD323198S (en) * | 1990-01-31 | 1992-01-14 | Proform Fitness Products, Inc. | Treadmill exerciser |
USD323199S (en) * | 1990-01-31 | 1992-01-14 | Proform Fitness Products, Inc. | Treadmill exerciser |
USD323009S (en) * | 1990-01-31 | 1992-01-07 | Proform Fitness Products, Inc. | Treadmill exerciser |
US5279528A (en) * | 1990-02-14 | 1994-01-18 | Proform Fitness Products, Inc. | Cushioned deck for treadmill |
US5088729A (en) * | 1990-02-14 | 1992-02-18 | Weslo, Inc. | Treadmill frame and roller bracket assembly |
US5085426A (en) * | 1990-07-30 | 1992-02-04 | Precor Incorporated | Integrated drive and elevation system for exercise apparatus |
US5195935A (en) * | 1990-12-20 | 1993-03-23 | Sf Engineering | Exercise apparatus with automatic variation of provided passive and active exercise without interruption of the exercise |
US5722922A (en) * | 1991-01-23 | 1998-03-03 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Aerobic and anaerobic exercise machine |
US5178599A (en) * | 1991-02-20 | 1993-01-12 | Scott Edwin R | Bidirectional, synchronous, total body exercise machine |
USD333330S (en) * | 1991-04-01 | 1993-02-16 | Tunturi, Inc. | Treadmill |
US5299992A (en) * | 1992-01-21 | 1994-04-05 | Wilkinson William T | Combination stationary bicycle and step/stair climber exercise device |
US5708060A (en) * | 1992-07-23 | 1998-01-13 | Precor Incorporated | Belt and deck assembly for an exercise treadmill |
US5284461A (en) * | 1992-09-16 | 1994-02-08 | William T. Wilkinson | Combination twister and stepper exercise device |
US5378212A (en) * | 1992-09-24 | 1995-01-03 | Pin-Kuo; Hai | Elevating structure for a motor driven treadmill |
US5282776A (en) * | 1992-09-30 | 1994-02-01 | Proform Fitness Products, Inc. | Upper body exerciser |
US5595556A (en) * | 1992-09-30 | 1997-01-21 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Treadmill with upper body system |
US5382209A (en) * | 1993-02-08 | 1995-01-17 | Pasier; Paul A. | Apparatus for adjusting inclination of an exercise machine |
USD344557S (en) * | 1993-05-25 | 1994-02-22 | Proform Fitness Products, Inc. | Treadmill |
US5860894A (en) * | 1994-02-03 | 1999-01-19 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Aerobic and anaerobic exercise machine |
US5385519A (en) * | 1994-04-19 | 1995-01-31 | Hsu; Chi-Hsueh | Running machine |
US5403254A (en) * | 1994-06-06 | 1995-04-04 | Physiq, Inc. | Foldable step climber exercise machine |
US5607375A (en) * | 1994-12-24 | 1997-03-04 | Dalebout; William T. | Inclination mechanism for a treadmill |
US5496235A (en) * | 1995-08-04 | 1996-03-05 | Stevens; Clive G. | Walking exeriser |
US5704879A (en) * | 1996-01-30 | 1998-01-06 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cabinet treadmill with latch |
US5860893A (en) * | 1996-01-30 | 1999-01-19 | Icon Health & Fitness | Treadmill with folding handrails |
US5718657A (en) * | 1996-01-30 | 1998-02-17 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cabinet treadmill with repositioning assist |
US5868648A (en) * | 1996-05-13 | 1999-02-09 | Ff Acquisition Corp. | Foldable treadmill apparatus and method |
US5733228A (en) * | 1996-05-28 | 1998-03-31 | Stevens; Clive Graham | Folding treadmill exercise device |
US5603675A (en) * | 1996-05-31 | 1997-02-18 | Wu; Tien L. | Foldable striding exerciser |
US5707319A (en) * | 1996-08-21 | 1998-01-13 | Riley; Ronald J. | Treadmill adaptive speed control |
US5709632A (en) * | 1996-09-27 | 1998-01-20 | Precor Incorporated | Curved deck treadmill |
US5855537A (en) * | 1996-11-12 | 1999-01-05 | Ff Acquisition Corp. | Powered folding treadmill apparatus and method |
US5711745A (en) * | 1996-11-21 | 1998-01-27 | Yang; Li-Hsiang | Multi-purpose exercise machine |
US6013011A (en) * | 1997-03-31 | 2000-01-11 | Precor Incorporated | Suspension system for exercise apparatus |
US6033347A (en) * | 1997-10-28 | 2000-03-07 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Fold-out treadmill |
US6350218B1 (en) * | 1997-10-28 | 2002-02-26 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Fold-out treadmill |
US6179753B1 (en) * | 1998-10-14 | 2001-01-30 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Suspension system for exercise apparatus |
US6174268B1 (en) * | 1999-01-29 | 2001-01-16 | Pat J. Novak | Energy absorbing system for exercise equipment |
US6672140B2 (en) * | 2000-05-09 | 2004-01-06 | Cbc Materials Co., Ltd. | Method for measuring viscosity of liquid, and method and apparatus for measuring visco-elasticity of liquid |
Cited By (38)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070225127A1 (en) * | 2006-03-22 | 2007-09-27 | Forhouse Corporation | Cushion device for exercise machine |
US20080280734A1 (en) * | 2007-05-09 | 2008-11-13 | Spark Innovations, Inc. | Folding treadmill |
US20090069159A1 (en) * | 2007-09-10 | 2009-03-12 | Leao Wang | Folding mechanism of a treadmill |
US20090111666A1 (en) * | 2007-10-31 | 2009-04-30 | Leao Wang | Folding mechanism for a handrail frame assembly of a treadmill |
US20090124465A1 (en) * | 2007-11-13 | 2009-05-14 | Leao Wang | Engaging mechanism for a folding apparatus of a treadmill |
ITCH20100004A1 (en) * | 2010-01-26 | 2010-04-27 | Nessfit World Srl | AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM FOR THE CONTINUOUS ADJUSTMENT OF TAPIS ROULANT MECHANICS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, BASED ON A KINEMATISM USED BY A LOCKING GAS SPRING, AGENT ON THE REAR OF THE TOOL, WHICH ALLOWS THE ATHLETE |
US20120165162A1 (en) * | 2010-12-24 | 2012-06-28 | Tai-Yang Lu | Apparatus for Pivoting a Platform of a Treadmill |
US10220259B2 (en) | 2012-01-05 | 2019-03-05 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | System and method for controlling an exercise device |
US10279212B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2019-05-07 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength training apparatus with flywheel and related methods |
US10188890B2 (en) | 2013-12-26 | 2019-01-29 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Magnetic resistance mechanism in a cable machine |
US10433612B2 (en) | 2014-03-10 | 2019-10-08 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Pressure sensor to quantify work |
US10426989B2 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2019-10-01 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cable system incorporated into a treadmill |
US10226396B2 (en) | 2014-06-20 | 2019-03-12 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Post workout massage device |
CN104056429A (en) * | 2014-06-27 | 2014-09-24 | 河南科技大学 | Outdoor mechanical treadmill |
US10258828B2 (en) | 2015-01-16 | 2019-04-16 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Controls for an exercise device |
US10391361B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2019-08-27 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Simulating real-world terrain on an exercise device |
US10953305B2 (en) | 2015-08-26 | 2021-03-23 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength exercise mechanisms |
US10940360B2 (en) | 2015-08-26 | 2021-03-09 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength exercise mechanisms |
US10449416B2 (en) | 2015-08-26 | 2019-10-22 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength exercise mechanisms |
US10335632B2 (en) * | 2015-12-31 | 2019-07-02 | Nautilus, Inc. | Treadmill including a deck locking mechanism |
US10493349B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2019-12-03 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Display on exercise device |
US10561894B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2020-02-18 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Treadmill with removable supports |
US10441840B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2019-10-15 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Collapsible strength exercise machine |
US10293211B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2019-05-21 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Coordinated weight selection |
US10272317B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2019-04-30 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Lighted pace feature in a treadmill |
US10625137B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2020-04-21 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Coordinated displays in an exercise device |
US10252109B2 (en) | 2016-05-13 | 2019-04-09 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Weight platform treadmill |
US10441844B2 (en) | 2016-07-01 | 2019-10-15 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cooling systems and methods for exercise equipment |
US10471299B2 (en) | 2016-07-01 | 2019-11-12 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Systems and methods for cooling internal exercise equipment components |
US10671705B2 (en) | 2016-09-28 | 2020-06-02 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Customizing recipe recommendations |
US10500473B2 (en) | 2016-10-10 | 2019-12-10 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Console positioning |
US10376736B2 (en) | 2016-10-12 | 2019-08-13 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cooling an exercise device during a dive motor runway condition |
US10661114B2 (en) | 2016-11-01 | 2020-05-26 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Body weight lift mechanism on treadmill |
US10343017B2 (en) | 2016-11-01 | 2019-07-09 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Distance sensor for console positioning |
US10543395B2 (en) | 2016-12-05 | 2020-01-28 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Offsetting treadmill deck weight during operation |
US20180154208A1 (en) * | 2016-12-05 | 2018-06-07 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Offsetting Treadmill Deck Weight During Operation |
US11451108B2 (en) | 2017-08-16 | 2022-09-20 | Ifit Inc. | Systems and methods for axial impact resistance in electric motors |
US10729965B2 (en) | 2017-12-22 | 2020-08-04 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Audible belt guide in a treadmill |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20050148443A1 (en) | 2005-07-07 |
US6974404B1 (en) | 2005-12-13 |
US7540828B2 (en) | 2009-06-02 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7540828B2 (en) | Reorienting treadmill | |
US5772560A (en) | Reorienting treadmill with lift assistance | |
US5662557A (en) | Reorienting treadmill with latch | |
US5676624A (en) | Portable reorienting treadmill | |
US5674453A (en) | Reorienting treadmill | |
US5672140A (en) | Reorienting treadmill with inclination mechanism | |
US5674156A (en) | Reorienting treadmill with covered base | |
US5702325A (en) | Cabinet treadmill with handle | |
US5860893A (en) | Treadmill with folding handrails | |
US5683332A (en) | Cabinet treadmill | |
US5743833A (en) | Cabinet treadmill with door | |
US6241638B1 (en) | Fold-up exercise treadmill and method | |
US5718657A (en) | Cabinet treadmill with repositioning assist | |
US7192388B2 (en) | Fold-out treadmill | |
US5282776A (en) | Upper body exerciser | |
US5803874A (en) | Universally adaptable adjustable arm exercise device to supplement leg exercising | |
EP0591729B1 (en) | Exerciser with an arm exercise unit and a leg exercise unit | |
US5460586A (en) | Universal adaptable adjustable arm exercise device to supplement leg exercising | |
US6350218B1 (en) | Fold-out treadmill | |
US5669857A (en) | Treadmill with elevation | |
US6142914A (en) | Exercising attachments for wheelchairs | |
EP1027110B1 (en) | Fold-out treadmill | |
US5509876A (en) | Weight-bar support structure with retractable arms | |
US4627616A (en) | Exercise apparatus | |
US20060019804A1 (en) | Recumbent strength trainer |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT,MAS Free format text: PATENT COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:ICON IP, INC.;REEL/FRAME:016735/0410 Effective date: 20051031 Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, MA Free format text: PATENT COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:ICON IP, INC.;REEL/FRAME:016735/0410 Effective date: 20051031 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BACK BAY CAPITAL FUNDING LLC, MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:ICON IP, INC.;REEL/FRAME:016844/0452 Effective date: 20051031 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |