Folding treadmill

Abstract

A folding treadmill includes a tread base supported by a foot structure which has guide plates formed with elongated slots on two sides of the tread base. The tread base is connected pivotally on the base support through pivot members which are mounted movably within the respective slots so that the tread base is turnable between a folded position and an unfolded position and movable rearward when the tread base turns to the folded position or forward when the tread base turns to the unfolded position. The foot structure further includes a guide rail structure on two sides of the tread base to support movably a first roller which is attached to the tread base and a lifting device for lifting the tread base.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 884,443, entitled “Folding Treadmill,” filed Jan. 5, 2006.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates to a treadmill, more particularly to a folding treadmill having a tread base movable rearward or forward relative to a base support when turning to a folded or unfolded position.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Treadmills are popular exercise apparatuses which permit a user to perform physical activities, such as walking, jogging or running movements, so as to exercise the cardiovascular system and the other parts of the body. Since treadmills are bulky and occupy a considerable space, it becomes a trend to design a treadmill with a foldable tread base in order to decrease the volume of the treadmill when the treadmill is stored.[0006]U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,834 discloses a foldable treadmill with a deck having a rear end that is hingedly attach...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a folding treadmill with a tread base that can be moved rearward when folded upward, so as to not interfere with the console or control board mounted on an upright structure. The tread base can be folded to a nearly vertical position without interfering with the console or control board. The folding treadmill also has a stable construction that can stabilize the tread base, especially when the tread base is in a folded position. The folding treadmill includes a base support, guider, pivot member, tread base, and first roller. The tread base can turn between a folded position and an unfolded position and move rearward or forward when turned to the folded or unfolded position, respectively. The folding treadmill provides a convenient and compact exercise device that can be easily moved and stored when not in use.

Problems solved by technology

However, the collapsible design of the handrails renders the handrails unstable.

Thus, when a user grips the handrails for support while walking or jogging on the treadmill, the user may lose balance and fall backward.

However, the handle structures disclosed in the aforesaid patents are weak.

However, since the rollers move only in a vertical direction, the movement of the tread base is restricted by the vertical slide rails so that the tread base moves only upward or downward while the tread base is folded or elevated to its inclined position.

However, the construction of the console is complicated since the console must be pivotal about the hinge in order to avoid interference.

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