Patent Application
20080300115
The present invention relates to exercise treadmills, and more particularly to a treadmill utilizing cushioning members that cushion the impact caused by users when exercising on the treadmill.
It is well established that regular exercise is beneficial. Many exercise enthusiasts, especially those who are older, prefer low impact exercise that results in reduced foot impact shocks to the legs and leg joints as compared to running on a hard surface.
Treadmills allow individuals to walk or run indoors by moving a continuous belt about two rollers. The user walks or runs on the belt, which passes over the supporting deck that supports the user's body weight. The speed of the belt may be controlled by a motor.
Early treadmill designs used supporting decks that were rigidly attached to a frame. Typically, the frame was not provided with a shock absorber for absorbing the shock of foot impact. Recently, treadmills have been introduced that utilize a mechanism to absorb some of the impact generated by a user striking the treadmill while running or walking. Various mechanisms have been implemented for impact absorption.
It is desirable to provide a treadmill cushion mechanism that is simple and low cost, yet effective for reducing impact.
A treadmill is described herein that includes a frame for supporting an endless belt. A forward structure is provided for supporting a first end of the frame. The forward structure preferably includes a base structure, a vertical member attached to the base structure, and a console attached to the vertical member. Examples of typical treadmills include “fold on roller” types, wherein a frame may be pivoted upwardly, but wherein the motor remains in its original position. An example of another type of treadmill is a type wherein an entire unit pivots upwardly with respect to the forward structure, including the motor. For purposes of this application, in each embodiment, the first end of the frame is defined as the end nearest the forward structure, while the second end of the frame is defined as the opposite end, which is raised when the frame is folded into an upright configuration.
A pivoting structure is provided proximate a second end of the frame for supporting the second end of the frame and for cushioning impacts delivered to the frame by running or walking on the belt. The pivoting structure includes a pivot arm having a secured end and a free end, wherein the secured end is pivotally affixed to the frame. The pivot arm preferably has a left flange and a right flange. A roller is mounted on a roller axle proximate the free end of the pivot arm. The pivoting structure is preferably mounted on a pivot anchor provided on an underside of the frame. The left flange and the right flange of the pivot arm are connected via a spanning member that defines an orifice.
A spring is provided that has a first end in communication with the frame and has a second end in communication with the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm away from the frame. A limiter anchor is provided proximate the second end of the frame that extends from an underside of the frame. A limiter is received within the limiter anchor and passes through the orifice of the spanning member. Preferably, the spring surrounds the limiter. The limiter preferably has a head that engages the spanning member for limiting the maximum amount of travel that the pivot arm can extend away from the frame.
Referring first to
A forward structure, as shown in
Rear support or pivoting structure 40 (
In one embodiment (
In use, a user stands on the endless belt mounted on frame 12. During exercise, spring 62, which supports frame 12 and the weight of the user, will be compressed, allowing for movement of pivoting structure 40 on a right and left side of frame 12. Spring 62 and/or polymer sleeves 68 absorb some of the impact of the user's weight on frame 12, thereby absorbing energy and decreasing the amount of impact stress on a user's feet and legs.
The amount of compression resistance may be adjusted by rotating bolt 58 to either increase or decrease compression of spring 62. Roller 64 allows for pivot arm 42 to pivot freely about pivot axle 48, which permits frame 12 to be easily flexed, which in turn allows second end 20 of frame 12 to move toward and away from a floor surface as required to absorb impact.
Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the claims.
