A. Field of Invention
This invention pertains to the art of methods and apparatuses for exercise treadmills. More specifically, it pertains to apparatuses and methods for various features of exercise treadmills, including but not limited to, one touch program buttons, a belt tensioning device, resilient support members to provide shock absorption, and mechanisms for easy treadmill maintenance.
B. Description of the Related Art
It is known in the art that exercise combined with a well balanced diet is important for good general health. Many exercise through various means including working out at home, taking advantage of good weather by jogging or walking outside, and many frequent their local gym. Regardless of the location, walking, jogging, and running are some of the most common and popular methods of achieving a cardiovascular work-out. For the exerciser's convenience, a treadmill is often utilized at home or at a gym. Treadmills to date, have served their intended purpose. They provide a variety of functions, including various speeds, various deck inclination, shock absorption, and even foldability for easy storage when the treadmill is not in use. However, despite the numerous features found in treadmills today, many problems still exist with respect to programming keys, treadmill maintenance, and the ability to maintain proper tension on the treadmill belt.
With respect to programming keys on a console, normally, there are pictures of various programs on the console. As a user chooses which program to use, they must press a “select” key and then an “enter” key. The user may also need to use arrows keys to scroll through the various program choices. This may become cumbersome and frustrating to the user as they try to switch between programs. As such, there is a need in the art to construct a console for a treadmill that has one-touch programmability.
Another problem in the art is the ability to maintain proper belt tension on the treadmill belt. To date, there are mechanisms available to tighten the belt by increasing the distance between the front and rear roller. Usually, it is the rear roller that is adjusted while the front roller remains stationary. It is difficult to use because current devices utilize Allen screws. In some embodiments, the user has two allen screws. One has to be turned clockwise, and the other has to be turned counterclockwise. One of the problems associated with these designs is the awkwardness of fitting an allen wrench into the screws for adjustment.
Another problem with belt tensioning devices is the lack of a visual indicator. Without a visual indicator, a consumer can easily over tighten one side of the rear roller so that it is farther or closer than the other side. If one of the treadmill rollers is even a little bit off, meaning not parallel with the other roller, it can cause the belt to wander and the motor to overstress. By providing a visual indicator on both sides of the roller, the user can easily adjust the distance between the rollers for even belt tension. By providing instant feedback to the user, the adjustment is easy and no guesswork is required.
Still yet, another problem faced by treadmill users is maintenance. Over time, belts need to be lubricated in order to reduce friction between the belt and the deck. The difficulty in lubricating the belt is obtaining access to the deck. Normally, when a user decides to clean the underside of a deck, the preferred method is to lift the belt, which may cause the belt to stretch, and to slide something underneath it. More and more treadmills are manufactured where one side of the belt actually disappears under the side paneling. Because the belt is trained around the rollers at high tension, it is very difficult to access the deck without torquing the belt, stretching the belt, or causing the belt to lift up. As such, there is a need in the art to provide access to the belt so that it can be easily lubricated without compromising the characteristics of the belt.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a new and improved exercise treadmill is provided which comprises a frame having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is parallel to the first end. Two side rails interconnect the first and second ends of the frame. The treadmill may further comprise a motor in order to drive a belt, which is trained over a front roller and a rear roller. A deck is positioned underneath a top run of the belt in order to support the user. At the first end of the treadmill, first and second arms extend upwardly and terminate in the protective shroud. The shroud may further comprise a console which contains push buttons for operating various programs while using the treadmill. The treadmill may further comprise two handles, which extend parallel to the deck.
One object of the present invention is to provide a treadmill that may comprise a console that may have programs which may be started by pushing one button.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a belt tensioning device, which provides a visual indicator so that the rear roller may be moved on each end in equal distance relative to the front roller.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a belt tensioning mechanism, wherein the rear roller may be displaced by turning a knob at the end of the treadmill.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a belt tensioning mechanism, where the visual indication may be by a scale having indicia, such as letters or numbers.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a treadmill that has a visual indicator that is digital.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an exercise treadmill which comprises a space within or beside the side rails so that an extended member may be easily inserted beneath the belt and over the deck in order to lubricate the belt.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an exercise treadmill that may have a maintenance mechanism that comprises a wiper, which may be selectively positioned in order to remove dust and other debris off the underside of the belt.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device, comprising a frame, a rod operatively connected to the frame, protrusion means for turning the rod; and, an indicator adapted to track the number of revolutions of the rod.
Still, another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device, wherein the rod, the protrusion means, and the indicator may be positioned on one side of the exercise device, the exercise device may further comprise a second rod, second protrusion means for turning the second rod, and a second indicator adapted to track the number of revolutions of the second rod.
Further, another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device, wherein the second rod, the second protrusion means, and the second indicator may be laterally spaced from the first rod, the protrusion means and the indicator.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device, wherein the exercise device may be a treadmill having a front roller and a rear roller, the front roller and the rear roller being substantially parallel, wherein the rods, the protrusion means and the visual indicators may be adapted to change the distance between the front roller and the rear roller.
Further yet, another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device, wherein the protrusion means may be a knob.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device, wherein the protrusion means may extend outwardly from the frame such that the protrusion means may be turned without an associated tool.
Still, another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device wherein the protrusion means may extend outwardly from the frame about ½ an inch.
It is yet another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device, wherein the indicator may further comprise indicia and an indication member adapted to move relative to the indicia.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device, wherein the indicia may be an alphanumeric scale.
Further, another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device, wherein at least part of the indicator may be digital.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device, wherein the exercise device may be a treadmill.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a treadmill, which may comprise a frame having a first side rail and a second side rail, wherein the second side rail is oppositely disposed from the first side rail; a front roller; a rear roller; a deck; a belt trained around the front roller and the rear roller, a portion of the belt positioned over the deck; a first belt tensioning mechanism, which may comprise a first rod operatively connected to the first side rail; first protrusion means for turning the first rod; and, a first visual indicator adapted to track the number of revolutions of the first rod; a second belt tensioning mechanism, which may comprise a second rod operatively connected to the second side rail; second protrusion means for turning the second rod; and, a second visual indicator adapted to track the number of revolutions of the second rod.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a treadmill wherein the first belt tensioning device and the second belt tensioning device may be adapted to maintain the rear roller substantially parallel to the front roller.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a treadmill, wherein the rear roller may be adapted to move laterally relative to the front roller.
Further another object of the present invention is to provide a treadmill, wherein the first protrusion means may be a rotatable knob.
Further yet, another object of the present invention to provide a treadmill, wherein each of the rollers may have an axle passing though a longitudinal axis, the axle having first and second ends, the first end and the second end having a hole defined therein, wherein the first protrusion means and the second protrusion means each comprising a knob having the rod extending therefrom, the rod adapted to pass through the respective holes of the axle.
Yet another object of the present invention to provide a treadmill, wherein the first visual indicator may further comprise indicia and an indication member adapted to move relative to the indicia, the indication member operatively connected to the first end of the axle.
Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a treadmill, wherein the indication member may comprise a substantially horizontal base operatively connected to the first end of the axle; an upwardly extending portion operatively connected to the base; and a substantially horizontal pointer operatively connected to the upwardly extending portion, the horizontal pointer adapted to be visibly located near the indicia.
Another object of the present invention to provide a method for placing tension on a belt of an exercise device, the method may comprise the steps of:
providing a frame having a first side rail and a second side rail, wherein the second side rails is oppositely disposed from the first side rail; a front roller; a rear roller; a deck; a belt trained around the front roller and the rear roller, a portion of the belt positioned over the deck; a first belt tensioning mechanism, comprising: a first rod operatively connected to the first side rail; first protrusion means for turning the first rod; and, a first visual indicator adapted to track the number of revolutions of the first rod; a second belt tensioning mechanism, comprising: a second rod operatively connected to the second side rail; second protrusion means for turning the second rod; and, a second visual indicator adapted to track the number of revolutions of the second rod;
turning the first protrusion means;
moving a first end of the rear roller away from the front roller;
turning the second protrusion means;
moving a second end of the rear roller away from the front roller; and,
reading the first visual indicator and the second visual indicator so that a first end and a second end of the rear roller are substantially equidistant from a first end and a second end of the front roller.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for placing tension on a belt of an exercise device, which may further comprise the step of turning the first protrusion means and/or the second protrusion means such that the first visual indicator and the second visual indicator show that the rear roller is substantially parallel to the front roller.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a treadmill, which may comprise a frame having a front end and a rear end, and first and second side rails extending longitudinally between the front end and the rear end; a deck operatively connected to the frame; and a belt trained about a front roller and a rear roller, wherein the first side rail has a space defined therein, the space adapted to provide access for maintenance.
Further another object of the present invention is to provide a treadmill which may comprise a wiper assembly operatively connected to the deck, the wiper assembly adapted to pivot relative to the belt such that a wiper selectively contacts an underside of the belt.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a treadmill, wherein an associated elongated strip may be inserted into the space and then between the deck and the belt so as to spread an associated lubricant between the deck and the belt.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a treadmill wherein the second side rail may have a space defined therein.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a treadmill, wherein an associated elongated strip may be inserted into the space and then between the deck and the belt so that to spread a lubricant between the deck and the belt.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for maintaining a treadmill, which may comprise a frame having a front end and a rear end, and first and second side rails extending longitudinally between the front end and the rear end; a deck operatively connected to the frame; and a belt trained about a front roller and a rear roller, wherein the first side rail has a space defined therein; and an elongated strip adapted to be inserted into the space and then between the deck and the belt so that to spread a lubricant between the deck and the belt.
Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a system for maintaining a treadmill, wherein the elongated strip may have a length greater than or equal to the width of the belt.
It is yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system for maintaining a treadmill, wherein the frame may further comprise a motor operatively connected to the frame, the motor adapted to move the belt, wherein the elongated strip is adapted to remain in the space and between the deck and the belt while the belt is rotating about the rollers.
Still yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a system for maintaining a treadmill, and may further comprise a wiper assembly operatively connected to the deck, the wiper assembly adapted to pivot relative to the belt such that a wiper selectively contacts an underside of the belt. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for lubricating a treadmill belt.
Further yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a system for maintaining a treadmill, wherein the space may have a width sized to receive the elongated strip so that the strip can only move in a transverse direction.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for maintaining a treadmill, wherein the space may have a width sized to received the elongated strip so that the strip can move in transverse and longitudinal directions.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for lubricating a treadmill belt, the method may comprise the steps of:
providing a frame having a front end and a rear end, and first and second side rails extending longitudinally between the front end and the rear end; a deck operatively connected to the frame; and a belt trained about a front roller and a rear roller, wherein the first side rail has a space defined therein; and an elongated strip;
inserting the elongated strip into the space;
positioning the strip between the deck and the belt; and
distributing lubricant.
Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a method for lubricating a treadmill belt, wherein the belt has an outer surface, an inner surface, a top run, and a bottom run.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for lubricating a treadmill belt, wherein the step of positioning the strip between the deck and the belt may further comprise positioning the strip between the inner surface of the top run of the belt and the deck.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for lubricating a treadmill belt, wherein the step of positioning the strip between the deck and the belt may further comprise positioning the strip between the deck and the inner surface of the bottom run.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for lubricating a treadmill belt, wherein the step of distributing lubricant may further comprise the step of moving the elongated strip along a transverse axis.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for lubricating a treadmill belt, wherein the step of distributing lubricant may further comprise the step of moving the elongated strip along a longitudinal axis.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method for lubricating a treadmill belt, wherein the treadmill may further comprise a motor operatively connected to the frame to rotate one of the rollers so as to rotate the belt, wherein the step of distributing lubricant may further comprise distributing lubricant by rotating the belt while the motor is operating.
Further another object of the present invention is to provide a method for lubricating a treadmill belt, which may further comprise a wiper assembly operatively connected to the deck, the wiper assembly comprising a wiper blade operatively connected to an elongated member and a handle operatively connected to the elongated member.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for lubricating a treadmill belt, which may further comprise the steps of:
pivoting the handle, pivoting the elongated member; and
pivoting the wiper blade such that the wiper blade selectively contacts an underside of the belt; and
removing debris from the underside of the belt.
Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
Referring now to the drawings,
With reference now to
With continuing reference to
With reference now to
The first and second belt tension mechanisms 72, 74 offer several advantages. First, the first and second protrusion means 78, 84 enables the user to adjust the first rod 76 and the second rod 82 without the use of a tool. As such, tools are not lost and the mechanisms 72, 74 are easy to adjust. Further, the first indicator 80 and the second indicator 86 enable the user to easily identify whether or not the first and second ends 64, 66 of the rear roller 62 have been moved the same distance relative to the front roller 50. By enabling the user to easily identify the position of the rear roller 62, meaning if it is substantially parallel to the front roller 50, belt tension is even, which results in even wear and prolongs belt life.
With continuing reference to
Still referring to
Operation of the belt tension mechanisms 72, 74 will now be described. Upon detection of slack in the belt 34, the user turns the first protrusion means 78. This moves the first end 64 of the rear roller 62 away from the first end 52 of the front roller. Next, the operator turns the second protrusion means 84. This moves the second end 66 of the rear roller 62 away from the second end 54 of the front roller 50. The user reads the first visual indicator 80 and compares it with the reading of the second visual indicator 86. This ensures that the first end 64 and the second end 66 of the rear roller 62 are substantially equal distance from the first end 52 and the second end 54 respectively of the front roller 50. If the first and second visual indictors 80, 86 have the same reading, the belt 24 is being pulled in tension evenly across its width. However, if the first and second visual indicators 80, 86 are different, the first and/or second protrusion means 78, 84 may be again rotated until the indication means the visual first and second visual indicators 80, 86 have the same reading.
With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 9-14, another feature of the present invention is described. As previously stated, the treadmill frame 14 has a first side rail 20 and second side rail 22 extending longitudinally between the first end 16 and the second end 18 of the treadmill 12. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first side rail 20 has a space 148 defined therein, which is adapted to provide access for maintenance. On occasion, the inner surface 26 of the belt 24 should be cleaned and lubricated to decrease the amount of friction between the top surface 36 of the deck 34 and the inner surface 26 of the top run 30 belt 24. This reduces undo wear of the treadmill belt 24.
In the embodiment of the present invention shown in
The space 148 may be any size chosen in accordance with engineering judgment. The space defined in the side rails 20, 22 of the frame 14 may take any form chosen in accordance with sound engineering judgment, including, but not limited to a notch, a hole, or a groove. This alleviates the need for pulling and twisting the belt 24 in order to place lubricant under the belt 24. However, it is also contemplated that the side rails 20, 24 may be configured such that the space 148 is located between the top of either (or both) side rails 20, 22 and the deck 34. In one embodiment, the space 148 has a width W substantially the same size as the width of the strip 150 to therefore receive the strip 150 yet limit the motion of the strip 150 to the transverse direction, shown by arrow A. In another embodiment of the present invention, the width W of the space 148 is large enough to receive the elongated strip 150 so that the strip can move in transverse direction A as well as the longitudinal direction, shown by arrow B. This space width W impacts the speed of lubricating the belt 24.
In order to use this feature of the present invention, the elongated strip 150 of the treadmill 12 as described herein is provided. The elongated strip 150 is inserted into the space 148. The strip 150 is thus positioned between the deck 34 and the belt 24. The user then distributes the lubricant. When positioning the elongated strip 150 between the deck 34 and the belt 24, the elongated strip 150 may be disposed between the inner surface 26 of the top run 30 of the belt 24 and the top surface 36 of the deck 34. Alternatively, the space 148 may be positioned lower on the rail 20 and thus the elongated strip 150 may be disposed between the bottom surface 38 of the deck 34 and inner surface 26 of the bottom run 32 of the belt 24. As explained above, depending upon the size of the space 148, the elongated strip maybe moved transversely (arrow A) and/or longitudinally (arrow B). As previously described, the motor 40 may rotate one of the rollers 50, 62 to rotate the belt 24. As such, the step of distributing lubricant may further include distribution of the lubricant by rotating the belt 24 while the motor 40 is operating.
With reference now to
The preferred embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
This application claims priority from a provisional patent application having Ser. No. 60/704,303, which was filed Aug. 1, 2005. This application also claims priority from a provisional patent application having Ser. No. 60/710,758, which was filed Aug. 24, 2005. Both provisional patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.
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60710758 | Aug 2005 | US |