CN103372280A - Treadbelts comprising a specialized surface, treadmills including such treadbelts, and related methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A treadbelt for a treadmill includes a major surface including a plurality of tufts extending therethrough. The running belt may also include a first fabric layer and a plurality of fibers extending through the first fabric layer to provide the plurality of tufts. Additionally, the plurality of fibers can be sized, shaped and positioned to give the appearance of tufts. Additional running belts may include a major surface, wherein the major surface includes a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom. The plurality of protrusions may be spatially distributed in an irregular and non-repeating configuration over the major surface of the running belt and may include an irregular and non-repeating shape. In some embodiments, the running belt can include a major surface configured to approximate the impact response to a runner by at least one of turf, sand, trails, vulcanized rubber tracks, and hardwood surfaces.

Description

Running belt including specialized surface, treadmill including running belt, and related methods

technical field

In general, the present disclosure relates to an exercise device and components for the exercise device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a treadbelt for a treadmill including a specialized surface, a treadmill including such a treadbelt, and related methods.

Background technique

A conventional treadmill may include a running belt with a relatively flat surface that fits into the running shoes. Such running belts can be effective for exercising and can provide a relatively comfortable surface for the user. However, such running belts do not provide the user with the feel and response of a variety of common running surfaces. A running belt for a soccer player is no different than a running belt for a track or beach volleyball player. Therefore, if athletes cannot train on their actual field or environment, they cannot currently approach the running conditions of their sports on a treadmill. Furthermore, conventional treadmills are not configured for use with shoes other than running shoes.

Similarly, conventional treadmills are also not specialized for barefoot running. Barefoot running has become increasingly popular with runners because running without traditional running shoes is believed to improve the runner's physique, reduce foot and leg injuries, and make the runner more enjoyable. As a result, many runners now run without shoes, or only with shoes with soles that have little cushioning. Thus, these runners now tactilely experience the terrain beneath their feet. Barefoot runners using a regular treadmill with a continuous, smooth, unchanging surface will not have the same tactile experience as they would if they were running outside.

U.S. Patent No. 8,096,925 issued to Peter E. Radding et al. and assigned to Veyance Technologies, Inc. discloses a treadmill belt. In this patent, a treadmill belt comprising a fabric base and a foamed cushioning layer is disclosed. However, only one conventional outer wear layer is disclosed.

Contents of the invention

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a treadbelt for a treadmill may include a major surface having a plurality of tufts extending therethrough.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features and may further include a first fabric layer and a plurality of fibers extending through the first fabric layer to provide the plurality of tufts.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features and may also include a plurality of fibers sized, shaped and positioned to give the appearance of turf.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the features described above and may also include fibers having a cross-sectional shape exhibiting a breadth that is greater than their width.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features and may also include fibers having a cross-section sized and shaped approximately according to the cross-section of a blade of grass.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the features described above and may also include fibers having a generally circular cross-sectional shape.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features and may also include polymer fibers.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features and may also include at least one of polyamide fibers and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features and may further include a plurality of fibers extending over a portion of the first face of the first fabric layer, and a free end of each fiber in the plurality of fibers Extending from an opposite second side of the first fabric layer.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features and may further include a first fabric layer, wherein the first fabric layer comprises a woven fabric layer.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features and may further include a second fabric layer adhered to the first side of the first fabric layer and in each of said plurality of fibers The fibers extend over the middle portion.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features and may also include a first fabric layer having polyester yarn.

Another aspect of the present disclosure can include any combination of the above features and can also include fibers extending substantially linearly from the second face of the first fabric layer.

Another aspect of the present disclosure can include any combination of the above features and can also include fibers extending in a generally helical shape from the second face of the first fabric layer.

Another aspect of the present disclosure can include any combination of the above features and can also include a major surface, wherein the major surface includes a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features and may also include a plurality of protrusions spatially distributed on the major surface of the running belt in an irregular and non-repeating configuration.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features and may also include a plurality of protrusions exhibiting an irregular and non-repeating shape.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features and may also include the appearance of a naturally occurring rock shape.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features and may further include a surface configured to give the runner an approximation to at least one of turf, sand, trail, vulcanized rubber track, and hardwood surface. The shock response of the principal surface.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features and may further include a major surface configured to give a runner a visual appearance that approximates at least one of turf, sand, trail, vulcanized rubber track, and hardwood surface.

Description of drawings

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the methods and systems and are a part of this specification. The illustrated implementations are merely examples of the present systems and methods and do not limit the scope of the present systems and methods.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a treadmill including a running belt having tufts extending therefrom, according to a disclosed embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates an interior plan view of the base portion of the treadmill of Figure 1, according to one embodiment.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the running belt of Figure 1, according to one embodiment.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional detail view of a portion of the running belt of Figure 1 according to one embodiment.

5-9 illustrate cross-sectional views of fibers of a running belt, such as that shown in FIG. 1 , according to various embodiments.

10 shows a plan view of the interior of a base portion of a treadmill, such as that shown in FIG. 1 , with a running belt having protrusions extending therefrom, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional detail view of a portion of the running belt of Figure 10, according to one embodiment.

12 shows a cross-sectional detail view of a portion of a sandy beach-like running belt according to embodiments disclosed herein.

13 shows a cross-sectional detail view of a portion of a running belt approximating a running track, according to embodiments disclosed herein.

14 shows a cross-sectional detail view of a portion of a running belt that approximates a hardwood floor, according to embodiments disclosed herein.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numbers indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

Detailed ways

The present disclosure provides a running belt for a treadmill that includes a specialized surface, such as a tufted surface and/or a surface that resembles a natural surface. This specialized surface on the running belt can provide the user with a similar feel and response to a specific running surface, such as turf, a trail, or other running surface, which can facilitate training for specific running conditions and sports .

Unless otherwise indicated or limited, the terms "connected" and "associated with" are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect connections and associations. Additionally, these terms are not limited to mechanical attachments, but also include frictional attachments, adhesive attachments, magnetic attachments, and other attachments.

A treadmill including a running belt according to a disclosed embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 . As shown, treadmill 10 may include a frame 12 , a running belt 14 and a deck 16 . Frame 12 may include various components of treadmill 10 and may impart structural stability and/or support to treadmill 10 . When mounted on a treadmill, running belt 14 is exposed at an upper region of deck 16 and provides a movable surface on which a user may walk and/or run. Treadmill 10 may additionally include a drive motor 18 associated with running belt 14 arranged and configured to drive running belt 14 , as shown in FIG. 2 . For example, drive motor 18 may be connected to rollers 20 by belt 22 and running belt 14 may be disposed over rollers 20 .

In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 3 , running belt 14 may include a major surface 24 including a plurality of tufts 26 extending therefrom. A plurality of fibers 28, 30 may extend from the surface 24 of the running belt 14 to form the tuft 26 and may be sized, shaped and positioned to exhibit the appearance of the tuft. Additionally, the plurality of tufts 26 can provide a surface 24 on the running belt 14 that exhibits a similar feel and/or impact response to turf. The running belt 14 may include one or more fabric layers 32, 34, and the plurality of fibers 28, 30 may extend through at least one fabric layer 32 to provide the plurality of fibers extending from the major surface 24 of the running belt 14. 26 tufts.

As shown in FIG. 4, the running belt 14 may include a first fabric layer 32 and a second fabric layer 34, and optionally additional layers. The first fabric layer 32 may comprise a woven fabric including weft yarns interwoven with warp yarns, which may extend perpendicular to the weft yarns. The yarns of the first fabric layer 32 may be made from a synthetic material such as a polymer (eg polyester). The fibers 28 , 30 may pass between and around the yarns of the first fabric layer 32 . The middle portion 36 of each fiber in the plurality of fibers 28, 30 may extend over a portion of the first face 38 of the first fabric layer 32, and the free portion of each fiber in the plurality of fibers 28, 30 End 40 may extend from an opposite second side 42 of first fabric layer 32 . In some embodiments, the intermediate portion 36 of the fibers 28 , 30 may extend around the warp yarns of the first fabric layer 32 . In a further embodiment, the intermediate portion 36 of the fibers 28 , 30 may extend around the weft yarns of the first fabric layer 32 . In still further embodiments, the intermediate portion 36 of the fibers 28 , 30 may extend around both the warp and weft yarns of the first fabric layer 32 .

The second fabric layer 34 may be adhered to the first face 38 of the first fabric layer 32 and may extend over the intermediate portion 36 of the fibers 28 , 30 . The second fabric layer 34 may also comprise a woven fabric. The second fabric layer 34 and the adhesive 44 between the first fabric layer 32 and the second fabric layer 34 can hold the fibers 28, 30 in place and prevent the fibers 28, 30 from being pulled during normal operation of the treadmill 10. The first fabric layer 32 is removed. The second fabric layer 34 may also form the second major surface of the running belt 14 (ie, the inner surface of the running belt). Accordingly, second fabric layer 34 of running belt 14 may contact rollers 20 and deck 16 of treadmill 10 when mounted on treadmill 10 and may provide a relative Low friction interface. Additional layers of material may also be disposed adjacent to the second fabric layer 34 to provide an interface between the deck 16 of the treadmill 10 and the running belt 14 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , a cushioning layer 46 may be provided on the second side 42 of the first fabric layer 32 and the fibers 28 , 30 may extend through the cushioning layer 46 . For example, cushioning layer 46 may include one or more of a polymeric material, a polymeric foam, and a nonwoven. Cushioning layer 46 in combination with tufts 26 may be selected to provide a turf-like impact response (ie, foot feel).

The fibers 28, 30 may have one or more cross-sectional shapes that affect the appearance and/or feel of the fibers 28, 30 (e.g., give the fibers 28, 30 the appearance and/or feel of blades of grass). look and/or feel). In some embodiments, the plurality of fibers 28, 30 may include fibers 28, 30 resembling blades of grass, the fibers 28, 30 having cross-sections exhibiting a magnitude greater than their width, as shown in FIGS. shown in 8. For example, the fibers 28 , 30 may have a generally rectangular cross-section as shown in FIG. 5 or a rounded rectangular cross-section as shown in FIG. 6 . For another embodiment, the fibers 28 , 30 may have a generally V-shaped cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 7 . For yet another embodiment, the fibers 28 , 30 may have an arcuate cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 8 . For yet another embodiment, the fibers 28 , 30 may have a circular cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 9 .

Returning again to FIG. 4, the plurality of fibers 28, 30 forming the tuft 26 may include fibers 28 extending generally straight in a relaxed state (i.e., straight fibers) and may include fibers 30 extending in a generally helical shape (i.e., crimped fibers). fiber). Straight fibers 28 may extend beyond curly fibers 30 and look like blades of grass. The crimped fibers 30 may be slightly obscured from view by the straight fibers 28, but may provide a structure that keeps the straight fibers 28 extending generally perpendicular to the surface of the treadbelt and reduces tangling of the fibers 28. Additionally, crimped fibers 30 may provide elasticity to tuft 26 and provide cushioning for a runner running on treadmill 10 . The fibers 28, 30 may comprise synthetic materials, such as polymers. For example, the plurality of fibers 28, 30 may include at least one of polymer fibers, polyamide fibers, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers.

In a further embodiment, the running belt may include another specialized surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a treadbelt 50 for a treadmill may include a major surface 52 having protrusions 54 extending therefrom. The protrusions 54 may be spatially distributed over the major surface 52 of the running belt 50 in an irregular and non-repeating configuration so as to approximate the look and/or feel of a trail or another natural footpath. Protrusions 54 may include irregular and non-repeating shapes. For example, protrusion 54 may exhibit the appearance of a naturally occurring rock shape. As shown in FIG. 11 , the running belt may include at least one fabric layer 56 , 58 and a textured layer 60 , and optionally a cushioning layer 62 . First fabric layer 56 may be a woven fabric that may provide structural strength (eg, tensile strength) to running belt 50 . Accordingly, the first fabric layer 56 may be formed at least in part from high strength synthetic yarns, such as polymer yarns (eg, polyester filaments). In one embodiment, the second fabric layer 58 may be adhered to the first side 64 of the first fabric layer 56 , such as by an adhesive material, and the second fabric layer 58 may provide the interior exterior surface of the running belt 50 . Thus, the second fabric layer 58 may provide a relatively low friction interface between the running belt 50 and the deck of the treadmill. Texture layer 60 may be formed from a relatively stiff polymeric material and may include the plurality of protrusions 54 molded or formed thereon. The optional cushioning layer 62 may be disposed on a second side 66 (opposite the first side) of the first fabric layer 56 between the first fabric layer 56 and the textured layer 60 . The cushioning layer 62 may be adhered to the second side of the first fabric layer 56 by an adhesive, or may comprise a polymer, wherein the polymer is applied to the first fabric layer 56 in an incompletely cured state and cured on the first fabric layer 56. on layer 56. For example, cushioning layer 62 may comprise a foamed polymer. As additional examples, cushioning layer 62 may include at least one of a polymeric material, a polymeric foam, and a non-woven fabric. The cushioning layer 62 can also be configured to approximate the impact response of a trail. Accordingly, cushioning layer 62 may provide an impact response similar to that of compacted soil.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, running belt 70 may approximate the look and/or feel of a sandy beach. The running belt 70 may include an impact response similar to wet or dry packed sand and may have a textured surface 72 that approximates the feel of sand. The running belt 70 may include at least one fabric layer 74 , 76 , a cushioning layer 78 and a textured layer 80 . The first fabric layer 74 may be a woven fabric that may provide structural strength (eg, tensile strength) to the running belt 70 . Accordingly, the first fabric layer 74 may include high strength synthetic yarns such as polymer yarns (eg, polyester filaments). Optionally, a second fabric layer 76 may be adhered to the first side of the first fabric layer 74 , such as by an adhesive material, and the second fabric layer 76 may provide the interior exterior surface of the running belt 70 . Thus, the second fabric layer 76 may provide a relatively low friction interface between the running belt 70 and the treadmill deck. A cushioning layer 78 may be disposed on the second side of the first fabric layer 74 . The cushioning layer 78 may be adhered to the second side of the first fabric layer 74 by an adhesive, a mechanical fastener, or may comprise a polymer which is applied to the first fabric layer 74 in an incompletely cured state and Cured on the first fabric layer 74 . For example, cushioning layer 78 may comprise a foamed polymer. As additional examples, cushioning layer 78 may include at least one of a polymeric material, a polymeric foam, and a nonwoven fabric.

Texture layer 80 may be disposed on cushioning layer 78, may provide the exterior of the outer surface of running belt 70, may provide an interface between running belt 70 and a user, and may approximate a sandy texture. Instead of using actual sand to form the surface 72 of the running belt 70 , the texture layer 80 may include a texture formed from a polymer that may be less abrasive than sand. For example, a polymeric material may be applied to the surface of treadbelt 70 using a sputtering process that may provide a textured surface on treadbelt 70 . In a further embodiment, sand may be used for texture, but not exposed on the surface 72 of the running belt 70 . For example, sand can be mixed into the polymer and applied to the major surface of running belt 70, or a layer of polymer can be formed on top of the sand layer to provide a sand-like feel but without the same abrasive properties as sand. In view of the foregoing, texture layer 80 and cushioning layer 78 may approximate the impact response of sand (eg, compacted sand). Such an embodiment can approximate the feel and impact response of running on sand, especially for a barefoot runner.

In addition to providing specialized surfaces that approximate natural surfaces, some embodiments may provide specialized surfaces that simulate man-made surfaces. In some embodiments, vulcanized rubber 82 may be applied to major surface 84 of running belt 86 to provide a specialized surface that approximates a racetrack surface, as shown in FIG. 13 . In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, a relatively high hardness polymer can be applied to the major surface 92 of the running belt 94 to approximate a hardwood surface (eg, a basketball court). For example, a polymeric layer 96 having a durometer durometer of about 80 Shore A to about 90 Shore A can be applied to major surface 92 of running belt 94 . The specialized surface of running belt 94 may also have a surface roughness similar to that of a polished hardwood floor.

Industrial Applicability

Currently, for many athletes, it is impossible to get close to running on a treadmill. Conventional treadmills may include a running belt with a relatively flat surface that is compatible with running shoes, but may not be compatible with other shoes, such as cleats. Accordingly, such running belts do not provide the user with the feel and response of various common running surfaces. A running belt for a soccer player is no different than a running belt for a track or beach volleyball player.

Also, conventional treadmills are not designed for barefoot running. As a result, barefoot runners using current treadmills will not have the same tactile experience as they would if they were running outdoors because the running belt has a continuous, smooth, unchanging surface.

The present disclosure provides a running belt for a treadmill that includes a specialized surface, such as a tufted surface and/or a surface that resembles a natural surface. This specialized surface on the running belt can provide the user with a feel and response similar to that of a specialized running surface, such as turf, a trail, or other running surface, which can facilitate a specific run Condition and sport training.

In some embodiments, the running belt can include tufts extending from a major surface. The tufts may include a plurality of fibers sized, shaped and positioned to give the appearance of turf. In addition, the tufts can provide a surface that exhibits a turf-like feel.

In a further embodiment, the running belt may comprise a major surface comprising protrusions spatially distributed across the major surface of the running belt in an irregular and non-repeating configuration. Such an embodiment may approximate the look and/or feel of a trail or another natural walkway.

In further embodiments, the running belt may approximate the look and/or feel of a beach, may exhibit an impact response similar to wet or dry compacted sand, and may have a textured surface that approximates the feel of sand.

In addition to providing specialized surfaces that approximate natural surfaces, some embodiments may provide specialized surfaces that mimic man-made surfaces or hardwood surfaces, such as a basketball court.

In view of the foregoing, a user may select a running belt with a specialized surface for a particular training or exercise. For example, an athlete playing on turf, such as a football player, can train on a treadmill having a running belt with a surface that resembles turf. In addition, athletes can also wear shoes used in competitions, such as cleats, to run on specialized surfaces. This may allow the user to better train for the competition and may assist in evaluating the competition shoe. As another example, athletes who compete on sand, such as beach volleyball players, could train on a treadmill with a running belt that approximates the impact response and feel of sand.

A treadmill that includes a running belt with a specialized surface may also provide a better running experience for runners who prefer a particular running surface, especially barefoot runners.

Claims (20)

1. race band that is used for treadmill, described race band comprises first type surface, a plurality of tuftings that wherein said first type surface comprises top surface and extends through described top surface.

2. race band according to claim 1 also comprises:

The first tissue layer, described the first tissue layer have first surface and opposite second, and wherein said first surface defines described top surface; And

Plurality of fibers, described plurality of fibers extend through described the first tissue layer so that described a plurality of tufting to be provided.

3. race band according to claim 2 is wherein set size, shape and the position of described plurality of fibers to show the outward appearance of turf.

4. race band according to claim 3, wherein said plurality of fibers comprise having the fiber that shows greater than the shape of cross section of the amplitude of its width.

5. race band according to claim 4, wherein said plurality of fibers comprise having roughly the fiber of setting the size and dimension of cross section according to the cross section of the blade of grass.

6. race band according to claim 3, wherein said plurality of fibers comprises the fiber with circular shape of cross section.

7. race band according to claim 2, wherein said plurality of fibers comprises polymer fiber.

8. race band according to claim 7, wherein said plurality of fibers comprise in Fypro and the polytetrafluoroethylene fibre one of at least.

9. race band according to claim 2, the mid portion of every fiber in the wherein said plurality of fibers extends in described second part of described the first tissue layer, and the free end of every fiber in the described plurality of fibers is from the described first surface extension of described the first tissue layer.

10. race band according to claim 9, wherein said the first tissue layer comprises woven fabric layer.

11. race band according to claim 9 also comprises the second tissue layer, the described mid portion that described the second tissue layer adheres to described second and the every fiber in described plurality of fibers of described the first tissue layer extends.

12. race band according to claim 9, wherein said the first tissue layer comprises dacron thread.

13. race band according to claim 9, wherein said plurality of fibers comprise from the substantially linearly extended fiber of the described first surface of described the first tissue layer.

14. race band according to claim 13, wherein said plurality of fibers also comprise the fiber that extends with spiral in shape roughly from the described first surface of described the first tissue layer.

15. a race band that is used for treadmill, described race band comprises first type surface, and wherein said first type surface comprises top surface and a plurality of projections of extending from described top surface.

16. race band according to claim 15, wherein said a plurality of projections with irregular and unduplicated configuration spatial distribution on the described first type surface of described race band.

17. race band according to claim 16, wherein said a plurality of projections comprise irregular and unduplicated shape.

18. race band according to claim 16, wherein said a plurality of projections show the outward appearance of the rock shape of natural formation.

19. a race band that is used for treadmill, described race band comprises first type surface, and described first type surface is configured to give the runner and is similar to shock response one of at least in turf, sand, trail, vulcanized rubber runway and the hardwood surface.

20. race band according to claim 19, wherein said first type surface are configured to give the runner and are similar to visual appearance one of at least in turf, sand, trail, vulcanized rubber runway surface and the hardwood surface.

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