CN105142738A - Treadmills with adjustable decks and related methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A treadmill may comprise a base and a deck comprising a treadbelt. A front of the deck may be rotatably coupled to the base, and the deck may be rotatable between an operating position and a storage position. A front deck height adjustment mechanism may be located at a front portion of the deck, and a rear deck height adjustment mechanism may be located at a rear portion of the deck.

Description

Treadmill with adjustable deck and related methods

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application 61/786,019, filed March 14, 2013.

technical field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to treadmills, deck adjustment mechanisms for treadmills, and related methods.

Background technique

Long-distance running has become quite a popular activity, with many runners participating in marathons. Some runners enjoy the challenge of running longer distances than a marathon, such as 100 miles or more. In addition to running races on roads and sidewalks, trail running has become popular. As a result, many long distance races take place on mountain trails. However, conventional treadmills are not configured to simulate this terrain for exercise and training purposes.

Many conventional treadmills can include a platform that can be positioned to provide an incline to facilitate harder workouts for fitness and/or weight loss.

US Patent No. 6,945,912 to Avraham Levi describes a treadmill that provides height adjustment for both the front and rear of the treadmill. The treadmill is taught to move up and down as the user strides to more closely simulate going up a hill without the same stress on the legs that one might experience by exercising on a stair treadmill. Thus, the treadmill can provide a motion that is stronger than a conventional treadmill with less strain on the legs than a stair stepper. This treadmill includes a large surround frame for easy front height adjustment and rear height adjustment of the treadmill. Thus, the treadmill would require a considerable floor space and would be impractical for many users to store in their home.

Contents of the invention

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a treadmill may include a base and a running deck that includes a running belt.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, the front portion of the running board can be rotatably coupled to the base, and the running board is rotatable between an operating position and a storage position.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, the front deck height adjustment mechanism may be located at the front of the deck.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, the rear deck height adjustment mechanism may be located at the rear of the deck.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, the motor may be located at the front of the running deck.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, the motor may be configured to operate the deck height adjustment mechanism via the elongate power transmission.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, the elongated power transmission device may comprise a screw.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, the running deck height adjustment mechanism may include wheeled legs.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, an elongated power transmission device may include a barrel and a piston rod.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, the elongate power transmission may include at least one of a chain, a belt, and a cable.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, the rear deck height adjustment mechanism may be configured to position the deck into an incline.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, a treadmill can include a frame extending from a base.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, a treadmill may include a console supported by a frame.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, the motor and elongate power transmission may be configured to selectively move the running deck between an operative position and a stored position.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, the storage position may comprise a generally vertical orientation of the running board, wherein the rear of the running board is above the front of the running board.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, the rear deck height adjustment mechanism may comprise a scissor jack.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, the rear deck height adjustment mechanism may include a cross bar hinged to a frame of the deck.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, the first leg may extend from the crossbar proximate the first end of the crossbar.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, the second leg may extend from the crossbar near the second end of the crossbar.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, a lever arm may extend from a central region of the crossbar.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, the lever arm may be coupled to the elongate power transmission.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a treadmill may include rotating a treadmill of the treadmill relative to a base of the treadmill about a front of the treadmill to move the treadmill from a storage position to an operating position.

In another aspect that may be combined with other aspects herein, the method may further include raising the rear of the treadmill with a motor coupled to the base of the treadmill.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, the method may further comprise rotating the screw with the motor to raise the rear of the running deck.

In another aspect that may be combined with other aspects herein, raising the rear of the walking deck with a motor located at the front of the walking The front motor between the pivot points to raise the rear of the deck.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, the method may further comprise using the motor as a counterweight to facilitate moving the running deck from the operating position to the storage position.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a treadmill may include providing a base.

In another aspect that may be combined with other aspects herein, the method may further include providing a running board that includes a running belt.

In another aspect that may be combined with other aspects herein, the method may further include rotatably coupling the front portion of the running board to the base to facilitate rotation of the running board between the operating position and the storage position.

In another aspect that may be combined with other aspects herein, the method may further include positioning the front deck height adjustment mechanism at the front of the deck.

In another aspect that may be combined with other aspects herein, the method may further include positioning the rear deck height adjustment mechanism at the rear of the deck.

In another aspect that may be combined with other aspects herein, the method may further include positioning the motor at the front of the running deck.

In another aspect that may be combined with other aspects herein, the method may further include coupling the motor to the deck height adjustment mechanism with an elongated power transmission.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, coupling the motor to the deck height adjustment mechanism with the elongate power transmission may include coupling the motor to the deck height adjustment mechanism with a screw.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, positioning the rear deck height adjustment mechanism at the rear of the deck may include positioning the rear deck height adjustment mechanism including wheeled legs at the rear of the deck. at the rear of the running board.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, coupling the motor to the deck height adjustment mechanism with an elongate power transmission may include coupling the motor to the deck height adjustment mechanism with a barrel and a piston rod. Regulating mechanism.

In another aspect, which may be combined with other aspects herein, coupling the motor to the deck height adjustment mechanism with the elongated power transmission may include coupling the motor with at least one of a chain, a belt, and a cable To the rear running deck height adjustment mechanism.

Description of drawings

The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the method and system 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 thereof.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a treadmill according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a portion of the deck and base of the treadmill of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a portion of the running deck and base of FIG. 2 .

4A is a schematic side view of a portion of the running deck and base of FIG. 2 with the rear running deck height adjustment mechanism in a raised position.

4B is a schematic side view of a portion of the running deck and base of FIG. 2 with the front running deck height adjustment mechanism in a raised position.

5 is a schematic side view of a portion of the running board and base of FIG. 2 with the running board in a stowed position.

6 is a side detail view of an elongated power transmission including a piston rod and cylinder for a treadmill according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

7 is a side detail view of a deck height adjustment mechanism including scissor jacks for a treadmill according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

8 is a schematic side view of a portion of the deck and base of a treadmill in a stowed position in which a motor for operating the rear deck height adjustment mechanism is used to move the deck to the stowed position, and wherein the running deck is in the stowed position.

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

Detailed ways

In some embodiments, treadmill 10 may include a base 12 and a running deck 14 having a front portion 15 pivotally attached to the base 12 . Deck 14 may include a running belt 16 that may provide a continuously running surface during operation of treadmill 10 . A frame 18 may extend from the base 12 and support a console 20 . Additionally, the frame 18 may include one or more armrests 22 to provide support and balance to the user.

As shown in FIG. 2 , deck 14 may be supported by a deck frame 24 , which may include left side rails 26 and right side rails 28 connected by laterally extending cross members 30 . Front rollers 32 (see FIG. 3 ) may be rotatably coupled to and extend between the side rails 26 , 28 at the front portion 15 of the deck frame 24 . Likewise, a rear roller 34 (see FIG. 3 ) may be rotatably coupled to and extend between the side rails 26 , 28 at the rear portion 17 of the deck frame 24 . Additionally, a bearing surface 36 (see FIG. 1 ) may be coupled to and extend between the side rails 26 , 28 at a location between the front roller 32 and the rear roller 34 .

Running belt 16 may be routed around rollers 32 and 34 and support surface 36 to provide a continuously running surface. In some embodiments, a drive motor 40 may be mounted to the deck frame 24 or base 12 of the treadmill 10, and a belt 42 or other power transmission may extend between the drive motor 40 and the front rollers 32 so that the front rollers 32 selectively rotates, and thus rotates, the running belt 16 .

A rear running deck height adjustment mechanism 50 may be located at the rear 17 of the running deck 14 . In one embodiment, rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 may be rotatably coupled to side rails 26 and 28 of deck frame 24 . The rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 may include a crossbar 52, a left leg 54 and a right leg 56, wherein the left leg 54 extends from the crossbar 52 near a first end and the right leg 56 extends from the crossbar 52 at extending near the second end. Each of the left leg 54 and the right leg 56 may include a wheel 58 positioned to contact the underside of the treadmill 10 when the running deck 14 is in the operating position (e.g., a horizontal orientation, see FIGS. 1-4 ). ground.

A lever arm 60 may extend from a central region of the crossbar 52 of the deck height adjustment mechanism 50 . Accordingly, when a force is applied to lever arm 60 , torque may be applied to rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 and legs 54 and 56 of rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 may rotate relative to deck frame 24 .

A first motor 62 for operating the rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 may be located at the front portion 15 of the deck 14 . An elongated power transmission 64 may extend from the first motor 62 to the lever arm 60 of the deck height adjustment mechanism 50 . For example, the elongated power transmission 64 may include a threaded rod 66 extending through a nut 68 . Thus, the helical threads of the screw 66 can intermesh with the corresponding helical threads of the nut 68 . As the first motor rotates, the elongate power transmission 64 also rotates, which moves the helical thread relative to the nut 68 , thereby moving the nut 68 and the crossbar 52 . As crossbar 52 moves, left leg 54 and right leg 56 pivot together relative to running deck 14 , raising or lowering rear 17 of running deck 14 .

In other embodiments, the elongated power transmission device 64 may include a barrel 94 and a piston rod 96 , as shown in FIG. 6 . In yet other embodiments, the elongate power transmission may include at least one of a chain, a belt, and a cable.

Referring again to FIG. 2 , the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70 may be located at the front portion 15 of the deck 14 . In one embodiment, the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70 may be rotatably coupled to the side rails 26 and 28 of the deck frame 24 . The front deck height adjustment mechanism 70 may include a crossbar 72, a left arm 74 and a right arm 76, wherein the left arm 74 extends from the crossbar 72 near a first end and the right arm 76 extends from the crossbar 72 at extending near the second end. Each of the left arm 74 and right arm 76 may also be rotatably coupled to the base 12 of the treadmill 10 .

A lever arm 78 may extend from a central region of the crossbar 72 of the deck height adjustment mechanism 70 . Thus, when a force is applied to the lever arm 78, a torque can be applied to the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70, and the arms 76, 78 of the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70 can move relative to the deck frame 24 of the treadmill 10. And the base 12 rotates.

A second motor 80 for operating the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70 may be located at the front portion 15 of the deck 14 . A power transmission 82 may extend from the second motor 80 to the lever arm 78 of the deck height adjustment mechanism 70 . For example, a threaded rod 84 may extend from the second motor 80 to the lever arm 78 of the deck height adjustment mechanism 70 . A nut 86 may be hinged to the lever arm 78 of the deck height adjustment mechanism 70 and a threaded rod 84 may extend through the nut 86 . Thus, the helical threads of the screw 84 can intermesh with the corresponding helical threads of the nut 86 .

The rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 and the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70 may be actuated independently of each other. Thus, the user, trainer, or program can send commands to the first motor 62 to raise or lower without sending commands to the second motor 80, and can also send commands to the first motor 62 without sending commands to the first motor 62. A command to raise or lower is sent to the second motor 80 . The user can control the front running board height adjustment mechanism 50 or the rear running board height adjustment mechanism 70 through the console of the treadmill. The console can also control the treadmill's running belt speed and other operating parameters. In some examples, the user selects a pre-programmed exercise routine. This program can also send separate commands to the rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 and the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70 . In yet another example, the user runs a program that simulates the terrain of a selected jogging route, and the program sends separate commands to the rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 and the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70 to simulate the selected jogging route upslope and downslope.

In the example shown, the first motor 62 is located in the front 15 of the treadmill 10 and adjacent the underside of the deck 14 . However, in other examples, the first motor 62 is located in the rear 17 of the treadmill 10 . In such an example, power transmission 64 may have a similar length as power transmission 82 .

Rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 may have the ability to vary the incline from zero degrees to 60 degrees relative to the ground on which treadmill 10 is supported. Therefore, the rear running board height adjustment mechanism 50 can make the inclination of the running board 14 be any degree between zero degrees and 60 degrees. For example, the rear running board height adjustment mechanism 50 can make the inclination slope be 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees or any degree between them. Likewise, the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70 may have the ability to vary the forward slope of the deck 14 between zero and 60 degrees. Therefore, the front running board height adjustment mechanism 70 can make the forward slope of the running board 14 be any degree between zero degrees and 60 degrees. For example, the front running board height adjustment mechanism 70 can make the inclination slope be 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees or any degree between them. In some examples, separate signals may be sent to the rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 and the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70 simultaneously. In such an example, the overall slope of deck 14 will depend on the relative heights of front 15 and rear 17 of treadmill 10 .

In addition to utilizing a pole-type deck height adjustment mechanism, in some embodiments at least one of the front deck height adjustment mechanism and the rear deck height adjustment mechanism may include a scissor jack as shown in FIG. 7 98. In such an example, the front portion 15 and/or the rear portion 17 of the running deck 14 may pivot on the wheels without the right or left leg of the height adjustment mechanism as depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B up and down. In the example of FIG. 7 , a jack shaft 700 may be coupled to a first engagement portion 702 and a second engagement portion 704 having a threaded portion 706 . When the threaded portion 706 is rotated in the first direction, the first engaging portion 702 and the second engaging portion 704 move closer to each other, which causes the first jack leg 708 and the second jack leg 710 to extend vertically. This vertical extension can be used to raise either the front 15 or the rear 17 of the running deck 14 .

Likewise, when the threaded portion 706 is rotated in the second, opposite direction, the first engaging portion 702 and the second engaging portion 704 are spaced farther apart. As the joints 702, 704 are further apart, the jack legs 708, 710 retract vertically. This vertical retraction can be used to lower either the front 15 or the rear 17 of the running deck 14 .

In some embodiments, a lift assist device 90 for facilitating movement of the treadmill between the operating position and the storage position may extend between the treadmill frame 24 and the base 12 of the treadmill 10 , as shown in FIG. 5 . Lift assist device 90 may include a pneumatic cylinder 92 extending between base 12 and deck frame 24 . The pneumatic cylinders 92 may be configured to store energy when the deck 14 is lowered from the storage position to the operative position (eg, energy may be stored in the pneumatic cylinders as compressed gas as the length of the pneumatic cylinders 92 shortens). The stored energy in the pneumatic cylinders 92 may then be used to assist in lifting the running deck 14 from the operating position (eg, the compressed gas in the pneumatic cylinders 92 may expand, thereby assisting in extending the length of the pneumatic cylinders 92). In other embodiments, lift assist device 90 may include one or more of springs, counterweights, and pulleys.

The placement of the first motor 62 for the rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 at the front portion 15 of the deck 14 may facilitate movement of the deck 14 between the operating position and the storage position.

In some embodiments, both first motor 62 and second motor 80 may be positioned forward of the hinge point between deck 14 and base 12 of treadmill 10 . In this position, the weight of the first motor 62 and the second motor 80 may provide counterweight to the portion of the treadmill 14 that extends behind the hinge point between the treadmill 14 and the base 12 of the treadmill 10 . Accordingly, the weight that a user will lift to move the running deck 14 from the operative position to the stowed position is reduced.

In other embodiments, first motor 62 may be positioned at or behind the hinge point between deck 14 and base 12 of treadmill 10 . The first motor 62 may be adjacent to the hinge point such that the leverage provided by a length of running deck 14 extending behind the hinge point may facilitate lifting of the first motor 62 .

In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8 , treadmill 100 may be configured to move deck 114 between an operating position and a stored position under power of first motor 162 . In such an embodiment, the first motor 162 may be hingedly attached to the base 112 and positioned such that when the first motor 162 turns the elongated power transmission 164 past a certain point, the rear of the running deck 114 17 can be pushed upwards into the storage position (see Figure 8).

Likewise, the first motor 162 can be rotated in the other direction, and the elongated power transmission 164 can be rotated to lower the running deck 114 from the stored position to the operative position.

In operation, a user may move deck 14 of treadmill 10 (see FIGS. 1-5 ) from a storage position to an operating position. Then, the user can exercise on the treadmill 10 while various inclines are simulated by the treadmill 10 . The generally flat surface can be lowered by treadmill 10 while a user is running on treadmill 10, for example, by lowering front deck height adjustment mechanism 70 and rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 to the full height as shown in FIGS. 1-3 . Lowered position to simulate. By operating the second motor 80, the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70 can be raised to simulate running up an incline, as shown in FIG. 4B. When the front deck height adjustment mechanism 70 is lowered, the first motor 62 can be operated to raise the rear deck height adjustment mechanism 50 to simulate running down an incline, as shown in FIG. 4A .

Industrial Applicability

Long distance running has become quite a popular activity with many runners running marathons. Some runners enjoy the challenge of running longer distances than a marathon, such as 100 miles or more. In addition to running races on roads and sidewalks, trail running has become popular. As a result, many long distance races take place on mountain trails. However, conventional treadmills are not configured to simulate this terrain for exercise and training purposes. Treadmills according to embodiments of the present disclosure provide improvements over such conventional treadmills.

Additionally, by providing an inclined deck, the present treadmill provides the ability to focus on previously underdeveloped muscle groups such as the runner's quadriceps and heart. Additionally, such an incline may help the user train for races that have courses that include downhill portions.

In some embodiments, a treadmill may include a base and a running deck having a front portion pivotally attached to the base. The running deck may include a running belt that may provide a continuously running surface during operation of the treadmill. A frame may extend from the base and support the console. Additionally, the frame may include one or more armrests to provide support and balance to the user.

The deck may be supported by a deck frame, which may include left and right rails connected by laterally extending cross members. Front rollers may be rotatably coupled to the side rails at the front of the deck frame and extend between the side rails. Likewise, rear rollers may be rotatably coupled to the side rails at the rear of the deck frame and extend between the side rails. Additionally, the bearing surface may be coupled to the side rails at a location between the front and rear rollers and extend between the side rails.

The running belt can be routed around the rollers and support surface to provide a continuously running surface. In some embodiments, a drive motor may be mounted to the treadmill's deck frame or base, and a belt or other power transmission may extend between the drive motor and the front rollers to selectively rotate the front rollers and thereby Rotate the running belt.

The rear running deck height adjustment mechanism may be located at the rear of the running deck. In one embodiment, the rear deck height adjustment mechanism may be rotatably coupled to the side rails of the deck frame. The rear deck height adjustment mechanism may include a cross bar, a left leg and a right leg, wherein the left leg extends from the cross bar near the first end and the right leg extends from the cross bar near the second end. Each of the left and right legs may include wheels positioned to contact the ground beneath the treadmill when the treadmill is in an operative position (eg, horizontal orientation).

A lever arm may extend from a central region of the crossbar of the rear deck height adjustment mechanism. Accordingly, when a force is applied to the lever arm, a torque may be applied to the rear deck height adjustment mechanism and the legs of the rear deck height adjustment mechanism may rotate relative to the deck frame.

A first motor for operating the rear deck height adjustment mechanism may be located at the front of the deck. An elongated power transmission may extend from the first motor to the rod of the deck height adjustment mechanism. For example, the elongated power transmission may include a threaded rod extending from the first motor at the front of the deck to the rod of the rear deck height adjustment mechanism. A nut may be hinged to the rod of the deck height adjustment mechanism, and the threaded rod may extend through the nut. Thus, the helical threads of the screw can intermesh with the corresponding helical threads of the nut.

In other embodiments, the elongated power transmission device may include a barrel and a piston rod, as shown in FIG. 6 . In yet other embodiments, the elongate power transmission may include at least one of a chain, a belt, and a cable.

Alternatively, the rear deck height adjustment mechanism and/or the front deck height adjustment mechanism may include any number of height adjustment mechanisms including, but not limited to, scissor jacks, hydraulic pistons, electric solenoid pistons , gear jacks, etc. Additionally, the rear deck height adjustment mechanism and/or the front deck height adjustment mechanism may be actuated in response to any number of inputs including, but not limited to, computer or electrical commands, manual adjustments, and the like.

The front running deck height adjustment mechanism may be located at the front of the running deck. In one embodiment, the front deck height adjustment mechanism may be rotatably coupled to the side rails of the deck frame. The front deck height adjustment mechanism may include a crossbar, a left arm extending from the crossbar proximate a first end, and a right arm extending from the crossbar proximate a second end. Each of the left and right arms may also be rotatably coupled to the base of the treadmill.

A lever arm may extend from a central region of the crossbar of the deck height adjustment mechanism. Accordingly, when a force is applied to the lever arm, a torque may be applied to the front deck height adjustment mechanism and the arm of the front deck height adjustment mechanism may rotate relative to the treadmill's deck frame and base.

In addition to utilizing a pole-type deck height adjustment mechanism, in some embodiments at least one of the front deck height adjustment mechanism and the rear deck height adjustment mechanism may include a scissor jack, as shown in FIG. 7 , Hydraulic pistons, electric solenoid pistons, gear jacks, etc.

A second motor for operating the front deck height adjustment mechanism may be located at the front of the deck. A power transmission may extend from the motor to a lever of the deck height adjustment mechanism. For example, a threaded rod may extend from the motor to the rod of the deck height adjustment mechanism. A nut may be hinged to the rod of the deck height adjustment mechanism, and the threaded rod may extend through the nut. Thus, the helical threads of the screw can intermesh with the corresponding helical threads of the nut.

In addition to utilizing a pole-type deck height adjustment mechanism, in some embodiments at least one of the front deck height adjustment mechanism and the rear deck height adjustment mechanism may include a scissor jack as shown in FIG. 7 .

In some embodiments, a lift assist device for facilitating movement of the treadmill between the operating position and the storage position may extend between the treadmill frame and the base of the treadmill. The lifting aid may include a pneumatic cylinder extending between the base and the deck frame. The pneumatic cylinders may be configured to store energy when the deck is lowered from the storage position to the operative position (eg, energy may be stored in the pneumatic cylinder as compressed gas as the length of the pneumatic cylinder is shortened). The stored energy in the pneumatic cylinders can then be used to assist in raising the running deck from the operating position (eg, the compressed gas in the pneumatic cylinders can expand, thereby assisting in extending the length of the pneumatic cylinders). In other embodiments, the lift assist device may include one or more of springs, counterweights, and pulleys.

The arrangement of the first and second motors at the front of the deck for the rear deck height adjustment mechanism and the front deck height adjustment mechanism respectively may facilitate movement of the deck between the operating and storage positions.

In some embodiments, both the first motor and the second motor may be positioned forward of the hinge point between the treadmill's deck and base. In this position, the weight of the first and second motors may provide counterweight to the portion of the treadmill that extends behind the hinge point between the treadmill's deck and base. Therefore, the weight that the user will lift to move the running deck from the operating position to the stowed position will be reduced.

In other embodiments, the first motor and the second motor may be positioned at or behind the hinge point between the treadmill's deck and base. The first motor and the second motor may be adjacent to the hinge point such that leverage provided by a length of the running deck extending behind the hinge point may facilitate lifting of the running deck and motor.

In other embodiments, the treadmill may be configured to move the running deck between an operating position and a stored position under power of the first motor. In such an embodiment, the first motor can be hingedly attached to the base and positioned so that when the motor turns the elongate power transmission past a certain point, the rear of the deck can be pushed up into storage. Location.

In operation, a user may move the treadmill's deck from a storage position to an operating position. The user can then exercise on the treadmill while various inclines are simulated by the treadmill. A substantially flat surface can be simulated by a treadmill while a user is running on the treadmill, for example, by lowering the front and rear deck height adjustment mechanisms to the fully lowered position as shown in FIGS. 1-3 . By operating the second motor, the front deck height adjustment mechanism can be raised to simulate running up an incline, as shown in Figure 4B. When the front deck height adjustment mechanism is lowered, the first motor can be operated to raise the rear deck height adjustment mechanism to simulate running down an incline, as shown in Figure 4A.

In view of the foregoing, treadmills according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to train for runs on different terrains, including downward slopes. Additionally, for users who cannot exercise at high intensity levels or who are undergoing physical therapy due to injury, treadmills according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be used for low intensity exercise such as walking down an incline.

Claims (20)

1. a treadmill, comprising:

Base;

Run plate, described race plate comprises treadmill belt, and the front portion of described race plate is rotatably attached to described base, and described race plate can rotate between operating position and storage location;

Front race plate height governor motion, runs the front portion place that plate height governor motion is positioned at described race plate before described; And

Rear race plate height governor motion, described rear race plate height governor motion is positioned at the rear portion place of described race plate.

2. treadmill according to claim 1, wherein, described rear race plate height governor motion comprises motor, and described motor is arranged in the described front portion of described race plate, and described motor structure becomes via the described rear race plate height governor motion of microscler actuating unit operation.

3. treadmill according to claim 1, wherein, described microscler actuating unit comprises screw rod.

4. treadmill according to claim 1, wherein, described rear race plate height governor motion comprises wheeled leg.

5. treadmill according to claim 1, wherein, described microscler actuating unit comprises tubular elements and piston rod.

6. treadmill according to claim 1, wherein, described microscler actuating unit comprises at least one in chain, band and cable.

7. treadmill according to claim 1, wherein, described rear race plate height governor motion is configured to described race plate to be positioned to slope.

8. treadmill according to claim 1, also comprises:

Framework, described framework extends from described base; And

Console, described console is supported by described framework.

9. treadmill according to claim 1, wherein, described motor and described microscler actuating unit are configured to described race plate is optionally moved between described operating position and described storage location.

10. treadmill according to claim 1, wherein, described storage location comprises roughly vertical race plate orientation, and wherein, the described rear portion of described race plate is on the described front portion of described race plate.

11. treadmills according to claim 1, wherein, described rear race plate height governor motion comprises scissors jack.

12. treadmills according to claim 1, wherein, described rear race plate height governor motion comprises:

Cross bar, described cross bar is hinged to the framework of described race plate;

First leg, described first leg extends from described cross bar near the first end of described cross bar;

Second leg, described second leg extends from described cross bar near the second end of described cross bar; And

Lever arm, described lever arm extends from the middle section of described cross bar, and described lever arm is attached to described microscler actuating unit.

13. 1 kinds of methods operating treadmill, described method comprises:

The race plate of treadmill is rotated to make described race plate move to operating position from storage location around the front portion of described race plate relative to the base of described treadmill; And

The rear portion of described race plate is raised with the motor at the described front portion place being positioned at described race plate.

14. methods according to claim 13, also comprise and with described motor, screw rod are rotated with the described rear portion raising described race plate.

15. methods according to claim 13, wherein, comprise by the step that the described anterior described motor located being positioned at described race plate raises the described rear portion of described race plate the described rear portion raising described race plate with the motor of the described base being attached to described treadmill.

16. methods according to claim 13, also comprise and described motor are used as counterweight so that make described race plate move to described storage location from described operating position.

17. 1 kinds of treadmills, comprising:

Base;

Run plate, described race plate comprises treadmill belt, and the front portion of described race plate is rotatably attached to described base, and described race plate can rotate between operating position and storage location;

Front race plate height governor motion, runs the front portion place that plate height governor motion is positioned at described race plate before described;

Rear race plate height governor motion, described rear race plate height governor motion is positioned at the rear portion place of described race plate; And

Motor, described motor is positioned at the described front portion place of described race plate, and described motor structure becomes via the described rear race plate height governor motion of microscler actuating unit operation.

18. treadmills according to claim 17, wherein, described microscler actuating unit comprises screw rod.

19. treadmills according to claim 17, wherein, described rear race plate height governor motion comprises wheeled leg.

20. treadmills according to claim 17, wherein, described motor and described microscler actuating unit are configured to described race plate is optionally moved between described operating position and described storage location.