Treadmill with height-adjustable handrail

Abstract

Treadmill with height-adjustable handrail including: a frame, wherein a running platform is arranged on the frame; riser tube assemblies arranged symmetrically on both sides of the front end of the frame, each riser tube assembly comprising a main tube attached to the frame and comprising a telescopically inserted secondary tube into the main tube, wherein the upper end of the secondary tube extends beyond the opening of the main tube and is provided with a handrail; a control console located between the two side pipes; a height locking device comprising a clamping sleeve arranged at the upper opening of the main tube and a seat tube clamp surrounding the clamping sleeve, wherein the clamping sleeve is made of a flexible material and is attached to the outer wall of the auxiliary pipe; wherein when the pipe clamp is tightened, the clamping sleeve undergoes a radial elastic deformation and thereby clamps the outer wall of the auxiliary pipe to effect a mechanical locking of the stroke of the auxiliary pipe.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present utility model relates to the technical field of treadmills, in particular to a treadmill with a height-adjustable handrail. State of the art

[0002] The technical characteristics of common treadmill designs can be summarized as follows: The control console and handrail are integrated into a single unit, with the handrail rigidly connected to the treadmill frame via risers on both sides. While this design offers advantages such as a clean appearance and low manufacturing costs, and fulfills basic training requirements, it exhibits significant ergonomic shortcomings: Firstly, the fixed height of the control unit means that the display and control interface cannot be adjusted for users of different heights (especially those under 160 cm and over 185 cm), resulting in awkward viewing angles and difficult operation during use. Secondly, the handrail lacks height adjustability, which makes stretching after running (e.g.,Leg press exercises) the rigid construction at a fixed height cannot meet the different requirements of people with a height between 150 cm and 190 cm, which leads to a restriction of freedom of movement. Object of the invention

[0003] To overcome the disadvantages inherent in the existing technology, a treadmill is provided whose handrail is height-adjustable.

[0004] The present utility model provides the following technical solution: A treadmill with a height-adjustable handrail comprising: a frame on which a running platform is arranged; riser tube assemblies arranged symmetrically on both sides of the front end of the frame, each riser tube assembly comprising a main tube attached to the frame and a secondary tube telescopically inserted into the main tube, the upper end of the secondary tube extending beyond the upper opening of the main tube and being provided with a handrail; an operating console arranged between the two side tubes; a height locking device comprising a clamping sleeve arranged at the upper opening of the main tube and a seat tube clamp surrounding the clamping sleeve, wherein the clamping sleeve is made of a flexible material and is attached to the outer wall of the side tube; wherein, when the tube clamp is tightened, the clamping sleeve undergoes radial elastic deformation and thereby clamps the outer wall of the side tube, thus achieving a mechanical locking of the stroke of the side tube.

[0005] During use, the user can open the seat tube clamp, releasing the clamping sleeve and allowing the seat tube to be adjusted in height. Once the desired height is reached, the clamp can be tightened again, securing the seat tube in place.

[0006] The seat tube clamp can be any known construction suitable for clamping or releasing pipe components.

[0007] The clamping sleeve can preferably be made of elastically deformable flexible material, such as rubber or plastic.

[0008] In this design, the mechanical locking of the side tube's travel is achieved by tightening or loosening the clamping sleeve via the seat tube clamp, allowing for stepless height adjustment of the handrail. The clamping sleeve is positioned between the seat tube clamp and the side tube and is made of a flexible material. This converts the linear clamping force of the seat tube clamp into a uniformly distributed radial pressure, resulting in a more even load distribution across the outer wall of the side tube. Furthermore, the clamping sleeve, positioned between the side tube and the seat tube clamp, effectively prevents micro-wear between the two components, which can extend the side tube's lifespan.

[0009] In a preferred solution, the clamping sleeve comprises a radial clamping section and an axial extension section. An annular limiting flange, projecting radially outward, is provided between the radial clamping section and the axial extension section. The lower end of the annular limiting flange rests on the opening edge of the main tube. The saddle tube clamp is arranged on the outside of the radial clamping section and rests on the top of the limiting flange. The axial extension section projects into the main tube, with its outer wall abutting the inner wall of the main tube and its inner wall abutting the outer wall of the secondary tube.

[0010] The annular limiting flange restricts the position of the clamping sleeve within the main tube and simultaneously limits the position of the seat tube clamp on the clamping sleeve. By inserting the axial extension section into the main tube and ensuring contact with both the main tube and the secondary tube, the stability of the secondary tube is increased.

[0011] As a preferred solution, the clamping sleeve has several axially extending gaps that penetrate the inner and outer walls as well as the top surface of the clamping sleeve. These gaps divide the clamping sleeve into several elastically deformable deformation plates.

[0012] The arrangement of the gap, which extends to the top of the clamping sleeve, divides it into several elastically deformable deformation plates. This facilitates the deformation of the clamping sleeve under the influence of the seat tube clamp. When tightened, each plate contracts radially inwards and clamps the side tube; when loosened, all plates expand radially outwards simultaneously, releasing the side tube.

[0013] As a preferred solution, several gaps are evenly distributed along the circumference of the clamping sleeve.

[0014] The uniform distribution of the gap allows for a more uniform distribution of radial compressive stresses.

[0015] In a preferred solution, the gap comprises an expansion section and a straight section extending along the axial direction of the support tube assembly. The straight section traverses the radial clamping section and a portion of the axial expansion section, with one end of the straight section penetrating the top of the radial clamping section. The expansion section is located at the other end of the straight section and lies within the region of the axial expansion section. The width of the expansion section is greater than that of the straight section.

[0016] Since the gap penetrates the radial clamping section as well as the axial extension section and has a wider expansion section at the end of the straight section, the elastic deformability of the entire clamping sleeve is further improved. This facilitates both the clamping and the release of the auxiliary tube.

[0017] As a preferred solution, at least one locking mechanism is provided on the outer wall of the lower end of the axial extension section, which can be locked into a corresponding locking opening in the main tube.

[0018] The locking mechanism engages in the locking opening, firmly fixing the clamping sleeve in the main tube. This prevents the clamping sleeve from moving along with the vertical movement of the secondary tube, thus increasing the clamping sleeve's stability.

[0019] As a preferred solution, an axially extending expansion joint is provided on both sides of the locking projection of the axial extension section, extending to the lower end of the axial extension section. The expansion joints divide the area of ​​the locking projection into independently elastically deformable deformation tabs, the thickness of which is less than that of the axial extension section itself.

[0020] This arrangement facilitates the deformation of the lamellae, making it easier to engage the locking mechanism in the locking opening. This supports simple and secure installation of the clamping sleeve in the main tube.

[0021] As a preferred solution, the inner wall of the clamping sleeve has a ribbed area and a smooth, unribbed area. The maximum wall thickness of the ribbed area corresponds to that of the smooth area. The ribbed area is located below the smooth area, and the straight section of the gap runs through the smooth area. The smooth area is located at the upper end of the ribbed area and serves as the main deformation zone. Its inner wall rests tightly against the outer wall of the side tube, ensuring a uniform distribution of the radial clamping force when tightening the seat tube clamp. The ribbed area below, with its axially extending ribs, forms a mechanical force transmission structure that converts the radial contraction deformation of the clamping sleeve into a directed axial compressive stress. This prevents the circular stress diffusion and associated force loss that occur with conventional smooth contact surfaces.This allows the ribbed area to provide additional clamping force and slip resistance against the side tube, despite its distance from the seat tube clamp. Furthermore, the smooth surface and the ribbed area facilitate the demolding of the clamping sleeve during manufacturing.

[0022] In a preferred solution, the seat tube clamp comprises an open, C-shaped clamping ring. Integrated connecting tabs are provided at the opening of the clamping ring, between which a screw passes. One end of the screw is secured with a nut, while the other end is rotatably connected to an eccentric lever. A thickened section is formed on the clamping sleeve in the area of ​​the clamping ring opening, which rests against the connection between the clamping ring and the connecting tabs.

[0023] When the eccentric lever is turned, the distance between the two connecting tabs decreases, thereby reducing the inner diameter of the clamping ring and clamping the side tube. The area between the connecting tabs and the clamping ring is the area with the highest clamping force. To prevent damage to the side tube, the clamping sleeve in this area features a thickened section that acts as protection.

[0024] As a preferred solution, the underside of the axial extension section is designed at an angle.

[0025] The angled design makes it easier to insert the clamping sleeve into the main tube.

[0026] Compared to the prior art, the present invention offers the following advantages: By tightening or loosening the clamping sleeve using the seat tube clamp, the stroke of the secondary tube can be mechanically locked, thus allowing stepless adjustment of the handrail height. The clamping sleeve is located between the seat tube clamp and the secondary tube and consists of a flexible material that converts the linear clamping force of the seat tube clamp into evenly distributed radial compressive forces. This ensures that the secondary tube is loaded evenly around its circumference. Furthermore, the clamping sleeve prevents micro-wear between the secondary tube and the seat tube clamp, thereby extending the service life of both the inner and main tubes. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a structural overview of the present utility model invention; Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the support tube assembly; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the support tube assembly; Fig. Figure 4 is a structural overview of the clamping sleeve and the main tube; Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of Fig. 4 with clamping sleeve and main pipe; Fig. 6 is a structural overview of the in Fig. 5 shown clamping sleeve with mounted seat tube clamp; Fig. 7 is a structural overview of the clamping sleeve; Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the clamping sleeve; Fig. Figure 9 is a structural overview of a deformation sheet. Reference symbol:

[0027] 1. Frame; 2. Running platform; 3. Support tube assembly; 31. Main tube; 311. Detent opening; 32. Side tube; 4. Handrail; 41. Crossbeam; 42. Control console; 5. Seat tube clamp; 51. Clamping ring; 52. Connecting tab; 53. Screw; 54. Eccentric lever; 55. Nut; 6. Clamping sleeve; 61. Radial clamping section; 611. Thickening section; 62. Annular limiting flange; 63. Axial extension section; 71. Expansion joint; 72. Deformation tab; 73. Detent projection; 8. Gap; 81. Straight section; 82. Expansion section; 91. Smooth area; 92. Ribbed area; 10. Deformation sheet. Description of preferred embodiments

[0028] The present utility model application is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings and a specific embodiment.

[0029] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a treadmill with a height-adjustable handrail. It comprises a frame 1 on which a running platform 2 is mounted. A support tube assembly 3 is attached to each of the two front faces of the frame. The support tube assembly 3 comprises a main tube 31 fixed in the frame 1 and a secondary tube 32 that can be inserted into the main tube. The main tube 31 and the secondary tube 32 each have a rectangular cross-section and are hollow. The secondary tube 32 is matched in shape and size to the main tube 31, being smaller so that it can be inserted telescopically into the main tube 31. The upper end of the secondary tube 32 projects from the main tube 31. A handrail 4 is attached to the upper end of the secondary tube 32. A crossbeam 41 is arranged between the two secondary tubes 32, on which an operating console 42 is installed.The control console 42 can be any known control console for regulating the speed and incline of the treadmill.

[0030] As in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. As shown in Figure 9, a height-locking device is provided at the upper end of the main tube 31. This device comprises a clamping sleeve 6 inserted into the open upper end of the main tube 31 and a seat tube clamp 5 surrounding the clamping sleeve 6. The clamping sleeve 6 has a rectangular cross-section that matches the shape of the main tube 31 and the secondary tube 32. The clamping sleeve 6 is made of a flexible material such as rubber or plastic and is attached to the outer wall of the secondary tube 32.

[0031] The clamping sleeve 6 comprises – from bottom to top – a radial clamping section 61 and an axial extension section 63. An annular limiting flange 62 is provided between these two sections, projecting radially outwards. The annular limiting flange 62 is larger than the diameter of the main tube 31, so that its underside rests on the opening of the main tube 31. The saddle tube clamp 5 is mounted on the radial clamping section 61 and rests against the upper surface of the annular limiting flange 62. The axial extension section 63 projects into the main tube 31. Its outer wall rests against the inner wall of the main tube 31, while its inner wall rests against the outer wall of the secondary tube 32.

[0032] The underside of the axial extension section 63 is inclined - the back is deeper than the front - to facilitate the insertion of the clamping sleeve 6 into the main tube 31.

[0033] On the outer wall of the lower end of the axial extension section 63 are two locking projections 73, one on the front and one on the back. Locking openings 311 are provided on the corresponding side walls of the main tube 31, into which the locking projections 73 can be engaged. Expansion joints 71 run along both sides of the locking projections 73, extending to the lower edge of the axial extension section 63. The expansion joints 71 divide the area of ​​the locking projections into two deformation tabs 72, each of which is independently elastically deformable and whose thickness is less than that of the rest of the axial extension section 63.

[0034] As in the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 and Fig. As shown in Figure 9, axially extending gaps 8 are provided on each of the four side walls of the clamping sleeve 6, which are evenly distributed around the circumference. The gaps 8 penetrate the inner and outer walls of the clamping sleeve 6 as well as its upper boundary, thereby dividing the upper region of the clamping sleeve into four deformation plates 10, which are elastically deformable.

[0035] The gap 8 consists of a straight section 81 extending axially along the support tube assembly 3, and an extension section 82 at its lower end. The straight section 81 runs through the radial clamping section 61 and the upper part of the axial extension section 63. Its upper end penetrates the top surface of the radial clamping section 61. The extension section 82 is located at the lower end of the straight section 81 and within the region of the axial extension section 63. The extension section 82 is circular or oval and has a greater width than the straight section 81.

[0036] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the inner wall of the clamping sleeve 6 comprises a smooth area 91 and a ribbed area 92 with axially extending ribs evenly distributed around the circumference. The maximum thickness of the ribbed area 92 corresponds to the thickness of the smooth area 91. The ribbed area 92 is located below the smooth area 91. The straight section 81 of the gap 8 runs through the smooth area 91, while the expansion section 82 is located in the ribbed area 92.

[0037] As in the Fig. 5 and Fig.As shown in Figure 6, the seat tube clamp 5 comprises a clamping ring 51 with an opening, the clamping ring 51 being C-shaped. The cross-section of the clamping ring 51 is adapted to the support tube assembly. A connecting tab 52, formed integrally with the clamping ring 51, is provided at the opening of the clamping ring 51 and extends outwards. A screw 53 runs between the two connecting tabs 52, one end of the screw 53 being screwed to a nut 55 and the other end being rotatably connected to an eccentric lever 54. In the region of the opening of the clamping ring 51, a thickened section 611 is provided on the radial clamping section 61 of the clamping sleeve 6, which abuts the connection point between the clamping ring 51 and the connecting tabs 52.

Claims

[1] Treadmill comprising: a frame, wherein a running platform is arranged on the frame; riser tube assemblies arranged symmetrically on both sides of the front end of the frame, each riser tube assembly comprising a main tube attached to the frame and comprising a telescopically inserted secondary tube into the main tube, wherein the upper end of the secondary tube extends beyond the opening of the main tube and is provided with a handrail; a control console located between the two side pipes; a height locking device comprising a clamping sleeve arranged at the upper opening of the main tube and a seat tube clamp surrounding the clamping sleeve, wherein the clamping sleeve is made of a flexible material and is attached to the outer wall of the auxiliary pipe; wherein when the pipe clamp is tightened, the clamping sleeve undergoes a radial elastic deformation and thereby clamps the outer wall of the auxiliary pipe to effect a mechanical locking of the stroke of the auxiliary pipe. [2] Treadmill with height-adjustable handrail according to claim 1, characterized by, that the clamping sleeve comprises a radial clamping section and an axial extension section, wherein an annular limiting flange is provided between the radial clamping section and the axial extension section, the flange projecting radially outwards, the underside of the annular limiting flange resting on the opening edge of the main tube, and the saddle tube clamp is attached to the outside of the radial clamping section and rests on the upper end of the annular limiting flange; wherein the axial extension section projects into the main tube, the outer wall of the axial extension section rests against the inner wall of the main tube, and the inner wall of the axial extension section rests against the outer wall of the secondary tube. [3] Treadmill with height-adjustable handrail according to claim 1, characterized bythat the clamping sleeve has several axially extending gaps which penetrate the inner and outer walls as well as the top of the clamping sleeve, the gap dividing the clamping sleeve into several elastic deformation sheets. [4] Treadmill with height-adjustable handrail according to claim 3, characterized by that several gaps are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the clamping sleeve. [5] Treadmill with height-adjustable handrail according to claim 3, characterized by, that the gap comprises an expansion section and a straight section extending in the axial direction of the riser assembly, wherein the straight section passes through the radial clamping section and part of the axial expansion section and one end of the straight section passes through the top of the radial clamping section, while the expansion section is located at the other end in the region of the axial expansion section; wherein the width of the expansion section is greater than that of the straight section. [6] Treadmill with height-adjustable handrail according to claim 1, characterized by , that at least one detent projection is located on the outer wall of the lower end of the axial extension section, and that a detent opening corresponding to the detent projection is formed on the main tube. [7] Treadmill with adjustable handrail height according to claim 6, characterized by, that on both sides of the locking projection on the axial extension section there is an expansion joint extending in the axial direction, which extends to the lower end of the axial extension section, wherein the expansion joints divide the area of ​​the locking projection into independently elastically deformable deformation tabs, the thickness of which is less than that of the axial extension section itself. [8] Treadmill with height-adjustable handrail according to claim 5, characterized by , that the inner wall of the clamping sleeve comprises a ribbed area with ribbed strips and a smooth area without ribs, wherein the maximum thickness of the ribbed area corresponds to the thickness of the smooth area, wherein the ribbed area is located below the smooth area and the straight section of the gap passes through the smooth area. [9] Treadmill with height-adjustable handrail according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, that the seat tube clamp comprises a clamping ring provided with an opening, wherein the clamping ring is C-shaped, with connecting tabs integrated into the opening of the clamping ring through which a screw is guided, wherein one end of the screw is screwed to a nut and the other end is rotatably connected to an eccentric lever; wherein a thickened section is provided at the point on the clamping sleeve corresponding to the opening of the clamping ring, which rests against the connection between the clamping ring and the connecting tabs. [10] Treadmill with height-adjustable handrail according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the underside of the axial extension section is inclined.

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