Cushioning mechanism for a treadmill

Abstract

A cushioning system for an exercise device such as a treadmill, and particularly a slat treadmill, that utilizes a springboard effect in mounting the tread deck to provide cushioning to the running surface.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 736,277, filed Sep. 25, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0002]This disclosure relates to cushioning systems for exercise devices, such as treadmills. Specifically, the cushioning system is intended for a slat treadmill or similar treadmill which utilizes rollers in the support for the tread belt.2. Description of the Related Art[0003]Today's conventional treadmills typically operate by employing a motor to rearwardly drive an endless belt upon which the user runs, walks, or otherwise engages in ambulatory leg movement, generally in a direction opposing the motion of the belt. As the user is moving in opposition to the belt, the user therefore “moves” in order to remain in place. Generally, a user of a conventional treadmill is able to vary the speed of the tre...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a cushioning system for a treadmill that uses a springboard effect to provide cushioning to the running surface. The system includes a support structure, a roller frame with roller bearings, a continuous belt, a hinge support, and a compression support. When a force is applied to the continuous belt, the roller frame rotates and compresses the compression support, which helps to absorb the impact and provide a comfortable running experience. The running deck can be designed with sidewalls and the continuous belt can be made of slats or a fabric belt. The treadmill can also have a control panel for user-friendly operation. The technical effects of this invention include improved shock absorption, reduced impact, and improved comfort for users of treadmills.

Problems solved by technology

Alternatively, the user can make the workout more difficult by increasing the incline to simulate moving uphill.

However, these types of treadmills, while simulating the exertion of walking or running, do not actually exercise the user in the same way a user exercises when actually running or walking.

However, they will still conventionally utilize conveyor chains formed from a plurality of slats instead of a single endless belt and that presents some unique design problems.

This creates an extremely firm feeling machine which can cause discomfort while running.

In addition to discomfort, the firmness of the machine can present a possibility of injury.

It is well establishes that the pounding of the feet hitting such a rigid surface can cause injury such as to joints in the knees or hips which can make such treadmills unsuitable for a wide array of users.

This means that while non-motorized slat-type treadmills can provide for a specific type of workout more like that provided by actual running, the workout often includes many of the detriments and not just the positives resulting in a machine which can be difficult to use effectively.

Images