RUNNING DECK WITH ENDLESS SLAT BELT FOR TREADMILL AND ENDLESS SLAT BELT FOR SAME

Abstract

A running deck includes a frame defining two opposing sliding surfaces, and an endless slat belt including a plurality of slats each having an inner surface slidably supported on the sliding surfaces of the frame and a plurality of knuckles arranged at opposing side edges thereof and a plurality of connection devices respectively mounted in the knuckles between each two adjacent slats to pivotally connect each two adjacent slats together. The knuckles at the two opposite side edges are arranged in a staggered manner so that the slats can be closely and pivotally connected to one another by the pivot connection devices, simplifying the structure, reducing the weight, and enhancing the overall sense of beauty.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to treadmill technology and more particularly, to a running deck equipped with an endless slat belt for use in a treadmill. The invention relates also to an endless slat belt for the running deck.

2. Description of the Related Art

U.S. Pat. No. 8,864,627 discloses a manually operated treadmill adapted to generate electrical power comprising a treadmill frame, a running belt supported upon the treadmill frame and adapted for manual rotation, and an electrical power generator mechanically interconnected to the running belt and adapted to convert the manual rotational motion of the running belt into electrical power. However, due to the use of interconnecting members to interconnect belt components of the running belt and the arrangement of rollers in the treadmill frame, this design of treadmill has the drawbacks of having a large amount of component parts and a complicated structure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, Taiwan Patent M404030 discloses a treadmill, which comprises a support frame 11, two turntables 12 pivotally mounted in the support frame 11 and respectively disposed adjacent to opposing front and rear sides thereof, and an endless slat belt 13 mounted around the two turntables 12. The support frame comprises two reinforcing ribs 111 located at the top side thereof. The endless slat belt 13 comprises a plurality of slats 131, a plurality of links 132 respectively pivotally connected between one respective end edge of each of two adjacent slats 131 at each of two opposite lateral sides, a plurality of rollers 133 respectively pivotally connected to the respective ends of each two adjacent links 132, and a plurality of screw bolts 134 respectively and pivotally connecting the respective rollers 133 and the respective pair of links 132 to the respective slats 131.

When the endless slat belt 13 is driven to rotate by an external force, the rollers 133 can be smoothly and rotatably moved along the reinforcing ribs 111. Subject to meshing engagement relationship between the turntables 12 and the endless slat belt 13, the endless slat belt 13 can be smoothly rotated around the turntables 12. Thus, the rollers 133 and the links 132 are interconnected to the slats 131, achieving a streamline configuration.

However, in the aforesaid prior art designs, since the rollers 133 and the links 132 are interconnected to the respective opposite end edges of the slats 131, two large spaces must be respectively provided between the two opposite inner sides of the support frame 11 and the end edges of the slats 131 for accommodating the rollers 133 and the links 132 without interfering with their movement. Thus, a large clearance d is left between each end edge of each slat 131 and the support frame 11, making the overall appearance of the treadmill less aesthetically pleasing. Further, in order to mount the screw bolts 134, the thickness t of the slats 131 must be relatively thick, and thus, the thickness and weight of the slats 131 cannot be minimized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in view of the above identified circumstances. It is one of the main objects of the present invention to provide a running deck with an endless slat belt for a treadmill, which minimizes the thickness and weight of the slats of the endless slat belt thereof and has the characteristics of a simple structure with reduced thickness, light weight, and enhanced overall sense of beauty.

To achieve this and other objects of the present invention, a running deck comprises a frame and an endless slat belt. The frame comprises a plurality of opposing sliding surfaces. The endless slat belt is rotatably mounted around the frame, comprising a plurality of slats and a plurality of pivot connection devices interconnecting the slats. Each slat comprises an inner surface slidably supported on the sliding surfaces of the frame, and a plurality of knuckles arranged at two opposite side edges thereof. The pivot connection devices are respectively mounted in the knuckles of the slats to pivotally connect each two adjacent slats together.

To achieve this and other objects of the present invention, an endless slat belt for use in a running deck of a treadmill is provided. The running deck comprises a frame defining two opposing sliding surfaces. The endless slat belt comprises a plurality of slats and a plurality of pivot connection devices. Each slat comprises an inner surface movably supported on the sliding surfaces of the frame, and a plurality of knuckles arranged at two opposite side edges thereof. The pivot connection devices are respectively mounted in the knuckles of the slats to pivotally connect each two adjacent slats together.

Subject to the arrangement of the pivot connection devices to interconnect the slats for sliding along the sliding surfaces of the frame, the endless slat belt can be smoothly rotated around the frame. Further, the knuckles at the two opposite side edges of each slat are arranged in a staggered manner so that the slats can be closely and pivotally connected to one another, simplifying the structure, reducing the weight, and enhancing the overall sense of beauty.

Other advantages and features of the present invention will be fully understood by reference to the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference signs denote like components of structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a part of a treadmill disclosed in Taiwan Patent M404030.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a part of the treadmill disclosed in Taiwan Patent M404030.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a running deck for treadmill in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a part of the endless slat belt of the running deck in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an oblique top elevational assembly view of the running deck in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional side view of the running deck in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional end view of the running deck in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a part of a running deck for treadmill in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional side view of the running deck in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a running deck for treadmill in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional side view of the running deck in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a running deck for treadmill in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional side view of the running deck in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, a running deck with a slat belt for a treadmill in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The running deck comprises a frame 2, an endless slat belt 3, and an ornamental holder shell 4.

The frame 2 comprises two opposite side panels 21 spaced from each other at a distance, and a plurality of connection rods 22 connected between the two side panels 21. Each side panel 21 defines a sliding surface 211 around the periphery thereof.

The endless slat belt 3 is rotatably mounted around the frame 2, comprising a plurality of slats 31 and a plurality of pivot connection devices 32 interconnecting the slats 31. Each slat 31 is placed across the side panels 21, comprising an inner surface 311 facing toward the sliding surfaces 211 of the frame 2, two opposing end edges 312, two sliding surface portions 313 defined on the inner surface 311 and respectively abutted to the two end edges 312, two opposing side edges 314, and a plurality of knuckles 315 respectively located on the side edges 314 in a staggered manner so that the knuckles 315 at one side edge 314 of one slat 31 can be set into axial alignment with the knuckles 315 at one side edge 314 of one adjacent slat 31. Further, the sliding surface portions 313 of the slats 31 are respectively slidably supported on the sliding surfaces 211 of the respective side panels 21, e.g., using a low friction plastic material and/or lubricant, such as oil. Each pivot connection device 32 comprises a pivot pin 321 inserted through respective knuckles 315 of two adjacent slats 31 to pivotally connect the respective two adjacent slats 31 together.

The ornamental holder shell 4 comprises two opposite side covers 41 respectively covered over respective outer sides of the side panels 21 of the frame 2, a bottom plate 42 connected between the two side covers 41 at a bottom side and adapted to carry the frame 2, and two top covers 43 respectively connected with the respective top sides of the side covers 41 and respectively disposed adjacent to the end edges 312 of the slats 31 of the endless slat belt 3.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, when the endless slat belt 3 is driven to move by an external force, the sliding surface portions 313 of the slats 31 are moved along the respective sliding surfaces 211 around the frame 2. Subject to the pivot connection relationship between the knuckles 315 of the slats 31 and the pivot pins 321 of the pivot connection devices 32, the endless slat belt 3 can be biased to mate with the curvature of the sliding surfaces 211. For example, the endless slat belt 3 is slidably engaged with the sliding surfaces 211, where the endless slat belt 3 maintains engagement with the sliding surfaces 211 utilizing the user's weight, and the curvature of the sliding surface 211 to make the endless slat belt 3 slide.

It is to be noted that, in this first embodiment, the endless slat belt 3 is not driven by the electric power, and therefore, the aforementioned external force for driving the endless slat belt 3 comes from the treading force when the user runs on the endless slat belt 3, however, this power source is not a limitation.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a running deck with an endless slat belt for a treadmill in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. This second embodiment is similar to the aforesaid first embodiment with the exceptions as outlined hereinafter.

Each pivot connection device 32 of the endless slat belt 3 further comprise two rollers 322 respectively pivotally mounted on two opposite ends of the pivot pin 321 thereof and respectively suspended outside the two opposite end edges 312 of the respective two adjacent slats 31.

Thus, when the endless slat belt 3 is driven to move by an external force, the rollers 322 of the pivot connection devices 32 that are suspended outside the two opposite end edges 312 of the slats 31 are moved along the respective sliding surfaces 211 around the frame 2.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a running deck with an endless slat belt for a treadmill in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. This third embodiment is similar to the aforesaid second embodiment with the exceptions as outlined hereinafter.

The frame 2 further comprises two transmission wheel sets 23 respectively pivotally mounted at the two side panels 21 at opposing front and rear sides. Each transmission wheel set 23 comprises two transmission wheels 231 respectively pivotally mounted at the respective inner sides of the side panel 21. Further, each side panel 21 comprises two sliding surfaces 211 located at the inner side thereof at different elevations in a parallel manner.

The endless slat belt 3 is mounted around the transmission wheels 231 of the transmission wheel sets 23 in a way such that an inside of the transmission wheels 231 is provided with a wall surface that can be leaned on so that the whole assembly does not rub against the ornamental holder shell 4, e.g., reduces frictional engagement between the slat belt 3 and the ornamental holder shell 4 and the slat belt 3 is maintained on the transmission wheel 231, e.g., geared alignment such as teeth and grooves. Further, the rollers 322 of the pivot connection devices 32 are movable over the periphery of the transmission wheels 231.

Thus, when the endless slat belt 3 is driven to move by an external force, the rollers 322 of the pivot connection devices 32 that are suspended outside the two opposite end edges 312 of the slats 31 are moved along the respective sliding surfaces 211 around the frame 2 and the periphery of the transmission wheels 231.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a running deck with an endless slat belt for a treadmill in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. This fourth embodiment is similar to the aforesaid third embodiment with the exceptions as outlined hereinafter.

Each transmission wheel set 23 of the transmission wheels 231 of the frame 2 comprises a plurality of recessed portions 2311 spaced around the periphery thereof.

The rollers 322 of the pivot connection devices 32 are configured to mesh with the recessed portions 2311 of the transmission wheels 231.

Thus, when the endless slat belt 3 is driven to move by an external force, the rollers 322 of the pivot connection devices 32 that are suspended outside the two opposite end edges 312 of the slats 31 are moved along the respective sliding surfaces 211 around the frame 2 and forced to rotate the transmission wheels 231 subject to the engageable relationship between the rollers 322 of the pivot connection devices 32 and the recessed portions 2311 of the transmission wheels 231.

Through the above description, some the advantages of the aforesaid embodiments can be summarized as follows:

Subject to the arrangement of the pivot connection devices 32 to interconnect the slats 31 and to slide along the sliding surfaces 211 of the frame 2 and/or over the periphery of the transmission wheels 231, the endless slat belt 3 can be smoothly rotated around the frame 2. It is important that the knuckles 315 at the two opposite side edges 314 are arranged in a staggered manner so that the slats 31 can be closely and pivotally connected to one another, simplifying the structure, reducing the weight, and enhancing the overall sense of beauty.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, where any of the various features can be combined with other embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A running deck, comprising: a frame comprising at least two opposing sliding surfaces; andan endless slat belt rotatably mounted around said frame, said endless slat belt comprising a plurality of slats and a plurality of pivot connection devices interconnecting said slats, each of said slats comprising an inner surface slidably supported on said sliding surfaces of said frame and a plurality of knuckles arranged at two opposite side edges thereof, said pivot connection devices being respectively mounted in said knuckles of said slats to pivotally connect two adjacent slats together.

2. The running deck as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame further comprises two opposing side panels and a plurality of connection rods connected between said two side panels, each said side panel comprising two sliding surfaces located at an inner side thereof at different elevations in a parallel manner

3. The running deck as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame further comprises two opposing side panels and a plurality of connection rods connected between said two side panels, each said side panel comprising one of said at least two sliding surfaces around a periphery thereof.

4. The running deck as claimed in claim 2, wherein each said pivot connection device of said endless slat belt comprises a pivot pin inserted through the respective knuckles at one said side edge of one said slat and the respective knuckles at one said side edge of another said slat to pivotally connect the respective two adjacent slats together, and two rollers respectively pivotally mounted on two opposite ends of said pivot pin and respectively suspended outside respective opposing end edges of the respective said slats and slidably supported on the respective said sliding surfaces.

5. The running deck as claimed in claim 4, wherein said frame further comprises two transmission wheel sets respectively pivotally mounted at said two side panels at opposing front and rear sides, each said transmission wheel set comprising two transmission wheels respectively pivotally mounted at said side panels at an inner side; wherein said rollers of each said pivot connection device of said endless slat belt are respectively movable over a periphery of the respective said transmission wheels of said transmission wheel sets.

6. The running deck as claimed in claim 5, wherein each said transmission wheel comprises a plurality of recessed portions spaced around the periphery thereof for engagement with the respective said rollers of said pivot connection devices.

7. The running deck as claimed in claim 2, wherein said slats of said endless slat belt are placed across said side panels, each further comprising two sliding surface portions defined on the inner surface thereof and respectively abutted to two opposing end edges thereof and respectively slidably supported on said sliding surfaces of said side panels.

8. The running deck as claimed in claim 2, further comprising an ornamental holder shell, said ornamental holder shell comprising two opposite side covers respectively covering respective outer sides of said side panels of said frame, a bottom plate connected between said two side covers at a bottom side and adapted to carry said frame and two top covers respectively connected with respective top sides of said side covers and respectively disposed adjacent to respective end edges of said slats of said endless slat belt.

9. The running deck as claimed in claim 1, wherein said knuckles at the said two opposite side edges of each said slat are arranged in a staggered manner.

10. An endless slat belt for use in a running deck of a treadmill, said running deck comprising a frame, said frame comprising two opposing sliding surfaces, the endless slat belt comprising: a plurality of slats, each said slat comprising an inner surface movably supported on said sliding surfaces of said frame and a plurality of knuckles arranged at two opposite side edges thereof; anda plurality of pivot connection devices respectively mounted in said knuckles of said slats to pivotally connect each two adjacent said slats together.

11. The running deck as claimed in claim 10, wherein each said pivot connection device of said endless slat belt comprises a pivot pin inserted through the respective said knuckles at one said side edge of one said slat and the respective said knuckles at one said side edge of another said slat to pivotally connect the respective two adjacent said slats together, and two rollers respectively pivotally mounted on two opposite ends of said pivot pin and respectively suspended outside respective opposing end edges of the respective said slats and slidably supported on the respective said sliding surfaces.

12. The running deck as claimed in claim 11, wherein said frame further comprises two transmission wheel sets respectively pivotally mounted at said two side panels at an inner side at opposing front and rear sides, each said transmission wheel set comprising two transmission wheels respectively pivotally mounted at said side panels; wherein said rollers of each said pivot connection device of said endless slat belt being respectively movable over the periphery of the respective said transmission wheels of said transmission wheel sets.

13. The running deck as claimed in claim 10, wherein said slats of said endless slat belt are placed across said side panels, each further comprising two sliding surface portions defined on the inner surface thereof and respectively abutted to two opposing end edges thereof and respectively slidably supported on said sliding surfaces of said side panels.

14. The running deck as claimed in claim 10, wherein the said knuckles at the said two opposite side edges of each said slat are arranged in a staggered manner.