Treadmill systems and methods

Abstract

A treadmill comprising: a track assembly, a motor assembly configured to move the track assembly, a drivebelt configured to mechanically connect the motor assembly and the track assembly; and a brake release assembly configured to adjust tension in the drivebelt. The release assembly comprising: a lever arm having a pivot point; a spring attached to the lever arm. The lever arm is configured to rotate about the pivot point between: an engaged position wherein the lever arm is biased against the drivebelt by the spring to engage the motor assembly and the track assembly to prevent movement of the track assembly when a brake of the treadmill is activated; and a disengaged position wherein the lever arm is not biased against the drivebelt to disengage the track assembly and the motor assembly to allow movement of the track assembly independent from the motor assembly when the brake is activated.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 768,793 filed March 7, 2025 and entitled "TREADMILL SYSTEMS AND METHODS" which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application is related to U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 992,446 filed March 7, 2025 and entitled "TREADMILL" which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] One or more embodiments relate generally to exercise equipment and, more particularly, to treadmill systems and methods.BACKGROUND

[0003] Exercise has become an increasingly important aspect of daily life, and most exercise regimens commonly involve the use of exercise equipment, such as treadmills. Having such exercise equipment in a residence has become commonplace; however, maintenance of such exercise equipment can be a complicated and even hazardous process for the common consumer and / or servicers, who may often be unfamiliar with specific models of exercise equipment and / or can only carry a limited number and / or size of tools when traveling to remote locations (e.g., residences) for scheduled maintenance. Therefore, there may be a desire to address the deficiencies noted above, other deficiencies known in the industry, or at least offer an alternative to current techniques.SUMMARY

[0004] Systems and methods are provided for a treadmill. Conventional treadmills, such as slat treadmills, typically require the slat assembly to be removed and / or disassembled to reach serviceable components of the treadmill. Often as a safety precaution, a brake of the treadmill may be engaged and / or activated to prevent undesirable movement of the slat assembly when the treadmill is not in use. Releasing this brake for service procedures and / or maintenance may be highly complex since the brake may be often located within a region of the treadmill that is difficult to access, such as at least partially disposed and / or enclosed within the lower assembly (e.g., chassis) of the treadmill. A brake release assembly may provide a mechanism and / or method for allowing the slat assembly to freely move without having to access the brake. More specifically, using a tensioner (e.g., lever arm) that is readily accessible on the lower assembly, the slat assembly may be disengaged from the brake so that the slat assembly may move independently from a connected motor assembly (e.g., while the motor and brake remain static and engaged). This has the additional benefit of accomplishing an easily accessible brake release while also providing a belt tensioning mechanism that does not require tedious manual adjustment to obtain the correct belt tension (e.g., the spring applies the correct and / or desired belt tension without requiring manual adjustments).

[0005] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the treadmill may include a track assembly (e.g., slat assembly, belt assembly, or the like) configured to be rotated about a chassis of the treadmill, a motor assembly configured to move the track assembly, a drivebelt configured to mechanically connect the motor assembly and the track assembly, and a brake release assembly configured to adjust tension in the drivebelt. The release assembly includes a lever arm having a pivot point and a spring attached to the lever arm. The lever arm is configured to rotate about the pivot point between an engaged position wherein the lever arm is biased against the drivebelt by the spring to engage the motor assembly and the track assembly to prevent movement of the track assembly when a brake of the treadmill is activated, and a disengaged position wherein the lever arm is not biased against the drivebelt to disengage the track assembly and the motor assembly to allow movement of the track assembly independent from the motor assembly when the brake is activated.

[0006] In various embodiments, a method is provided that includes selectively engaging a brake with a motor assembly to prevent rotation of one or more components of the motor assembly, wherein the motor assembly is mechanically connected to a track assembly of the treadmill by a drivebelt. The method further includes rotating, by a user, a lever arm of a brake release assembly about a pivot point in a first direction to position the lever arm in a disengaged position such that the lever arm is not biased against the drivebelt. The method further includes independently moving the track assembly relative to the motor assembly. The method further includes rotating, by the user, the lever arm about the pivot point in a second direction to position the lever arm in an engaged position so that the lever arm biases against the drivebelt using a spring attached to the lever arm so that the lever arm prevents movement of the track assembly when the brake of the treadmill is activated. The method further includes deactivating the brake assembly of the treadmill to allow movement of the motor assembly.

[0007] In some aspects, it may be desirable to a user to be able to rapidly change an angle and / or incline of a treadmill. However, safety risks with decreasing or increasing an incline angle too quickly may pose safety risks or concerns, such as creating pinch points or causing a user to become unsteady on the treadmill. Conventionally, manufacturers are required to have treadmill incline movements limited based on regulatory requirements considering there are multiple areas for potential pinch points on treadmills. By controlling a lift motor with a variable frequency, the rate at which the incline of the treadmill may be adjusted can be based on a direction of movement and / or a current position of the deck (e.g., chassis) of the treadmill. This allows for efficient and quick adjustments of the incline when there are no pinch hazards and slow and cautious adjustments of the incline when a user should be more cautious (e.g., there is a possibility of pinch points or other hazards).

[0008] In various embodiments, a treadmill is provided that includes a chassis, a logic device, a leg assembly movably secured to the chassis, and a variable-speed mechanism configured to selectively move the leg assembly in a first direction or a second direction to selectively increase or decrease, respectively, an incline of the chassis, wherein the mechanism is configured to move the leg assembly relative to the chassis to adjust the incline of the chassis at a particular speed.

[0009] In various embodiments, a method is provided that includes receiving a command to adjust an incline of a treadmill, and adjusting the incline of the treadmill based on the command. The adjusting the incline includes selectively moving, using a variable-speed mechanism of the treadmill, a leg assembly movably secured to the chassis of the treadmill in a first direction to selectively increase the incline of the chassis; and / or selectively moving, using the variable-speed mechanism of the treadmill, the leg assembly in a second direction to selectively decrease the incline of the chassis. In one or more embodiments, the mechanism is configured to move the leg assembly relative to the chassis to adjust the incline of the chassis at a particular speed.

[0010] In some aspects, slat assemblies of treadmills may be tensioned in order for the treadmill to perform properly. Typically slat assemblies on treadmills are tensioned by taking a measurement from the slat assembly to the frame or from one side of the slat assembly to the other, however, such an approach often uses specialized tools that fit under the treadmill and / or the removal of components of the treadmill (e.g., covers) in order to make the measurements, which may be subject to measuring errors if the tool is precisely used (e.g., angled correctly). Using an aperture (e.g., sight window) of the treadmill allows a user to determine a tension value and / or range of the slat assembly without any tools and / or having to disassemble the treadmill. In some embodiments, sight window may also be used in conjunction with a standard tool. For example, a 5mm hex wrench that can be inserted through the sight window so then a user (e.g., a servicer) can feel for where the tool contacts the slat assembly if the treadmill is within tolerance.

[0011] In various embodiments, a treadmill is provided that includes a track assembly, a chassis configured to enclose at least a portion of the track assembly, where the chassis has a first end and a second end, and an aperture disposed in the chassis and positioned between the first end and the second end. The aperture may permit identification of a tension status associated with a current position of at least a portion of the track assembly relative to the chassis.

[0012] In various embodiments, a method is provided for identifying a tensions status of a treadmill. The method includes aligning with an optical axis of an aperture disposed in a chassis of a treadmill and positioned between a first end and a second end of the chassis. The method further includes identifying, using the aperture, a tension status associated with a current position of at least a portion of a track assembly of the treadmill relative to the chassis. The method further includes adjusting a tension of the track assembly based on the tension status.

[0013] Slat assembly replacement can be a tedious and time-consuming process, which can intimidate consumers and affect marketplace penetration. Therefore, allowing for a slat assembly of a treadmill to be removed and / or replaced while minimizing interfere with electrical components of the treadmill can lessen the complexity of the process and make maintenance more efficient and affordable.

[0014] In various embodiments, a treadmill is provided that includes a chassis, an electrical component, a track assembly at least partially encircling the chassis, a pair of posts extending from the chassis, and a crossbar joining the pair of posts. In some embodiments, a first post of the pair of posts is configured to selectively attach to the chassis and crossbar to permit removal of the track assembly from the chassis without interfering with the electrical component.

[0015] In various embodiments, a method of removing a track assembly is provided that includes providing an electrical component within a treadmill, selectively removing one of a pair of posts from a chassis of the treadmill to permit removal of a track assembly of the treadmill without interfering with the electrical component, and removing the track assembly that at least partially encircles the chassis from the chassis.

[0016] In various embodiments, a treadmill is provided. The treadmill includes a chassis, a track assembly at least partially encircling the chassis, and a tensioner configured to selectively adjust a tension of the track assembly. The tensioner is configured to create slack in the track assembly to permit displacement of the track assembly away from the chassis to provide access to one or more internal components disposed within the chassis.

[0017] In various embodiments, a method of accessing components within the chassis is provided. The method includes adjusting, using a tensioner of a treadmill, a tension of a track assembly that at least partially encircles a chassis of the treadmill to create slack in the track assembly; displacing the track assembly away from the chassis to define an opening between a portion of the track assembly and a portion of the chassis; and accessing one or more internal components disposed within the chassis through the opening.

[0018] Additional features are set forth in part in the description that follows and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification and drawings or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this disclosure.

[0019] One of skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances. Accordingly, individual aspects can be claimed separately or in combination with other aspects and features. Thus, the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the claimed invention or its applications or uses. It is to be understood that structural and / or logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail and no limitation as to the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, or the like in this summary. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. Moreover, for the purposes of clarity, detailed descriptions of certain features will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the art so as not to obscure the description of the present disclosure. The claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the arrangements illustrated herein, with the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures in which components may not be drawn to scale, which are presented as various embodiments of the mounting system for a treadmill described herein and should not be construed as a complete depiction of the scope of the treadmill system. FIGS. 1-8 illustrate various views of a treadmill in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of the treadmill in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 10-11 illustrate various views of a release assembly of the treadmill with slats and a side panel of the chassis removed for illustrative purposes in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate views of an operation of the release assembly in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 12C-12D illustrate various views of an opening used during operation of the release assembly in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 illustrates an incline actuator of the treadmill with a portion of a track assembly removed for illustrative purposes in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 14A-14B illustrates various views of an adjustment of an incline of the treadmill using the actuator in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an aperture of the treadmill in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of an aperture of the treadmill in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pair of apertures as seen along the lines of the section 17 - 17 taken in FIG. 16 in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate various views of identifying a tension status of the track assembly using the aperture in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 illustrates a removal of a track assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 illustrates a lateral sliding of the track assembly during a removal of the track assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 illustrates a chassis with a side panel and a post removed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 22A-22B illustrate an adjustment of tension in the track in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 23A-23B illustrate an adjustment of tension in the track in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 24 illustrates a flowchart for a process of operating a release assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 25 illustrates a flowchart for a process of operating a leg assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 26 illustrates a flowchart for a process of identifying a tension status in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 27 illustrates a flowchart for a process of removing a track assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 28 illustrates a flowchart for a process of removing a component from the chassis using a tensioner in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Embodiments of the disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals may be used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] According to the present disclosure, systems and methods for a treadmill are provided. The treadmill may include a track assembly (e.g., slat assembly, belt assembly, or the like) configured to be rotated about a chassis of the treadmill. In various embodiments, the treadmill may include a motor assembly configured to move the track assembly. The treadmill may further include a drivebelt configured to mechanically connect the motor assembly and the track assembly. In various embodiments, the treadmill may include a release assembly configured to adjust tension in the drivebelt. The release assembly may include a lever arm having a pivot point and a spring attached to the lever arm. The lever arm may be configured to rotate about the pivot point between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the lever arm is biased against the drivebelt by the spring to engage the motor assembly and the track assembly to prevent movement of the track assembly when a brake of the treadmill is activated. In the disengaged position, the lever arm is not biased against the drivebelt to disengage the track assembly and the motor assembly to allow movement of the track assembly independent from the motor assembly when the brake is activated.

[0024] In various embodiments, a treadmill is provided that includes a chassis, a logic device, a leg assembly movably secured to the chassis, and a variable-speed actuator. The variable-speed actuator may be configured to selectively move the leg assembly in a first direction or a second direction to selectively increase or decrease, respectively, an incline of the chassis, wherein the actuator is configured to move the leg assembly relative to the chassis to adjust the incline of the chassis at a particular speed.

[0025] In various embodiments, a treadmill is provided that includes a track assembly. The treadmill further includes a chassis configured to enclose at least a portion of the track assembly, where the chassis includes a first end and a second end. The treadmill further includes a pair of opposing apertures disposed in the chassis and positioned between the first end and the second end. In one or more embodiments, the pair of apertures may permit a user to view both apertures simultaneously and to identify a tension status associated with a current position of at least a portion of the track assembly relative to the chassis.

[0026] Referring now to the drawings, where the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-8 illustrate several various views of a treadmill 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, treadmill 100 may include a lower assembly and an upper assembly. The lower assembly may include a chassis 102 (e.g., frame). In various embodiments, lower assembly may include a belt and / or a track assembly 104 (e.g., slat assembly, belt assembly, or the like), configured to movably mount onto chassis 102. Track assembly 104 may be rotatable relative to at least a part of chassis 102 and, in particular, may be configured to revolve or otherwise move around (e.g., encircle) at least part of chassis 102 during use and / or operation of treadmill 100. For instance, track assembly 104 may be configured to rotate about chassis 102 using a motor. In several embodiments, treadmill 100 may include a deck, where the deck includes an area of track assembly 104 that is configured to be contacted by the user and / or support a user's weight during operation (e.g., running surface), such as an area that the user stands, walks, or runs on. For instance, the deck may include the area of treadmill 100 that provides support for the user while the user is working out on treadmill 100. In various embodiments, track assembly 104 may include a belt composed of a solid piece of cloth, rubber, or other flexible material. In other embodiments, track assembly may include a belt having individual components, such as slats (e.g., a plurality of slats) mounted to, for example, one or more bands and / or belts.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the lower assembly (e.g., chassis 102) may house and / or support one or more motors of treadmill 100 that are configured to increase, decrease, and / or otherwise change an incline of chassis 102 relative to a support surface (e.g., floor and / or ground) on which treadmill 100 is disposed. For example, chassis 102 may support a first motor (e.g., primary motor), as further discussed herein, configured to increase, decrease, and / or otherwise change a rotational speed of track assembly 104 connected to chassis 102. Track assembly 104 may be rotatable relative to chassis 102. For instance, in one or more embodiments, track assembly 104 may be configured to revolve around (e.g., encircle) chassis 102 during operation and / or use of treadmill 100. For example, track assembly 104 may support a user and may repeatedly rotate about (e.g., encircle) chassis 102 as the user runs, walks, and / or otherwise works out on treadmill 100. In several embodiments, track assembly 104 may include a continuous track movably connected to a motor (e.g., a primary motor) directly or indirectly (e.g., using a gear, flywheel, pulley, and / or other component of treadmill 100 that may be, for example, housed at least partially within chassis 102. In such examples, such a gear, flywheel, pulley, and / or other component of chassis 102 may be connected to an output shaft or other component of the motor, as discussed further below herein. In such examples, rotation of the output shaft or other components of the motor may drive commensurate rotation of track assembly 104.

[0028] In some embodiments, chassis 102 may support and / or house (e.g., at least partially enclose) a second motor (e.g., incline motor), as discussed further herein, configured to adjust an angle of chassis relative to a support surface. For example, incline motor may be connected to one or more linkages and configured to, for example, raise and lower chassis 102, and thus the deck, by acting on the support surface (e.g., applying a force to and / or biasing against the support surface) during operation of the incline motor.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, track assembly 104 may include a continuous band of material, a plurality of slats, or the like. For instance, and without limitation, track assembly 102 may include a slat assembly, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, connected to the one or more continuous tracks. As shown in FIG. 1, each slat 108 may extend substantially parallel to at least one adjacent slat 108. Additionally, each slat 108 may be hingedly, pivotally, and / or otherwise movably connected to the one or more continuous tracks movably secured to chassis 102 using one or more securing components and / or fasteners (e.g., a bracket, pin, screw, clip, bolt, and / or one or more other fastening components configured to secure a respective slat to the continuous track while allowing the slat to pivot, rotate, and / or otherwise move relative to the track as the track assembly revolves about chassis 102). In some embodiments, each slat may include a texture and / or patterned surface. For example, a surface of a slat 108, such as an upper surface, may have stippling, a plurality of recesses (as shown in FIGS. 1-8), divots, and so on. Each slat may have a texture or pattern that provides grip and / or traction for a user during use of the treadmill. The slats may be moveably connected (e.g., hingedly connected) to each other. Each slat may be composed of various materials, such as rubber, carbon fiber, or the like.

[0030] Still referring to FIGS. 1-8, treadmill 100 (e.g., chassis 102) may include one or more side panels 110 (e.g., sidewalls and / or trim sides). One or more side panels 110 may include opposing side panels disposed on opposite sides of chassis 102 (e.g., a right side as shown in FIG. 5 and a left side as shown in FIG. 6). For example, and without limitation, treadmill 100 may include a first side panel 110a on a right side of chassis 102 and a second side panel 110b on the left side of chassis 102. In one or more embodiments, treadmill 100 (e.g., chassis) may include a front panel 122, as shown in FIG. 2, disposed on a front of chassis 102. Front panel 122 (e.g., front cover and / or hood) may be selectively secured to chassis 102. In various embodiments, side panels 110 and / or front panel 122 may be selectively secured to chassis 102 using one or more securing components and / or fasteners. Side panels 110 and / or front panel 122 may be composed of (e.g., made from) metal, alloys, cloth, foam, plastic, rubber, polymers, and / or the like. In some embodiments, side panels 110 and / or front panel 122 may be configured to assist in damping and / or otherwise reducing noise generated by one or more of the motors and / or other components of chassis 102 by, for example, at least partially enclosing such components within chassis 102.

[0031] Still referring to FIGS. 1-8, treadmill 100 may include one or more posts 112 (e.g., targas) extending from chassis 102 (e.g., extending upwardly from chassis 102). In one or more embodiments, one or more posts 112 may include a pair of posts. For example, treadmill 100 may include a first post 112a extending from the right side of chassis 102 and a second post 112b extending from the left side of chassis 102. Posts 112 may be composed of, for example and without limitation, a metal, alloy, plastic, polymer, and / or other rigid material.

[0032] In various embodiments, treadmill 100 may include corner castings 172 that are positioned at a base (e.g., bottom) of post 112. Corners castings 172 may include a pair of opposing corner castings that are located on either side of front panel 122. Corner castings 172 may be implemented with post 112 (e.g., lower portion of the post and / or extrusion). In some embodiments, the corner castings and posts may be separate components, or the corner castings may be integrated into the post (e.g., monolithic component). In various embodiments, treadmill 100 may include end caps 174, which may include curved end caps abutting side panels of treadmill 100. End caps 174 may be located at the rear of the treadmill. In some embodiments, end caps 174 may be composed of aluminum.

[0033] In various embodiments, posts 112 may be each attached to a crossbar 114 such that crossbar 114 may extend from first post 112a to second post 112b. For example, treadmill 100 may include crossbar 114, which joins pair of posts 112a-b. In one or more embodiments, crossbar 114 may include a dashboard configured to support a display 116. In various embodiments, treadmill 100 may also include a hinge, joint, pivot, bracket, and / or other similar components for fastening display 116 to crossbar 114 (e.g., dashboard) and / or to allow for adjustment of the position or orientation of display 116 relative to the user when they are exercising (e.g., walking, jogging, running, and / or otherwise working out using treadmill 100), or working out near or adjacent to treadmill 100.

[0034] Crossbar 114 may include one or more hand rests and / or handles (e.g., front handle 120 or push bars 168) that a user may grip for support during operation of treadmill 100 (e.g., while exercising using treadmill 100). In some embodiments, one or more of posts 112 and crossbar 114 may form a single integral component of the upper assembly of treadmill 100. In other embodiments, one or more of posts 112 and crossbar 114 may be separate components that are configured to be secured to each other to provide the upper assembly. In such examples, one or more brackets, endcaps, and / or the like may be used to selectively and / or permanently secure the one or more posts 112 to crossbar 114. In one or more embodiments, crossbar 114 may include a dashboard storage component 160 (as shown in FIG. 7) configured to receive one or more personal items while a user is exercising. For example, dashboard storage component 160 may include a cup holder, key dish, or other surfaces for supporting objects of the user. In various embodiments, handrails 118 may extend from posts 112 to provide support for the user during operation of treadmill 100. In various embodiments, handrails 118 may each be substantially parallel to an upper surface of chassis 102. In other embodiments, handrails 118 may be angled relative to the upper surface of chassis 102.

[0035] Now referring to FIG. 9, a block diagram of treadmill 100 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, treadmill 100 includes display 116, as previously mentioned in FIGS. 1-8. Display 116 may include a screen, which is communicatively connected to a logic device 124 of treadmill 100, and / or any other components of treadmill 100, and configured to show content and provide a user interface. Screen may include an image display component or device (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), head-up display, projection, LED, LED screen, cathode ray tube (CRT), touchscreen) or various other types of generally known video displays or monitors. In one or more embodiments, display 116 may include a camera, which is configured to capture one or more images (e.g., frames) of a scene that is within a field of view (FOV) of the camera. In several embodiments, a user may be within the scene, and the camera may be used to capture images and / or videos of the scene. In various embodiments, the camera may include analog-to-digital converters to digitize images captured by the camera. Images captured by the camera (e.g., imaging device) may be stored in a memory 128 of treadmill 100. In one or more embodiments, suitable image processing may be performed by logic device 124, which can be a software or firmware programmed computer processor or a hardwired processor.

[0036] In some embodiments, display 116 may be configured to render information (e.g., commands, workout progress, entertainment, and so on) to a user. For example, display device 100 may render one or more video streams, a range of performance metrics, images, or other visual representations. In some embodiments, display 116 may include or function as a user interface, such as display 116 having a range of controls (e.g., user controls 150). In some embodiments, display 116 may be used to access membership information, login or logout of an exercise management system, present live and / or archived exercise classes, and other content. In some embodiments, display 116 may be configured to mount to and / or be communicatively connected to (e.g., wired or wirelessly interact with) exercise equipment, such as treadmill 100. Display 116 may include a simple display device (e.g., an LCD screen, an LED screen, etc.), a portion of a computing device (e.g., a tablet, a laptop, etc.), or a portion of a distributed display system, among other examples. In various embodiments, user controls 150 may include one or more rotary controls 170 (as shown in FIG. 1). Rotary control 170 may include, for example, a periphery user control located on handrail 118 of treadmill 100. Rotary control may be used to control one or more features of the treadmill in response to a rotation of the rotary control in a first or second direction. In some embodiments, rotary control may be configured to rotate and / or depress relative to handrail 118.

[0037] In various embodiments, treadmill 100 may include a logic device 124. Logic device 124 may be implemented as any appropriate logic device, such as, for example, a computing device, a controller, single-core processor, multi-core processor, control circuit, processor, microprocessor, programmable logic device (PLD) configured to perform processing operations, processing device, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processing (DSP) device, field programmable gate array (FPGA), system on a chip (SOC), memory storage device, memory reader, and / or any other appropriate combinations of processing devices and / or memory to execute instructions to perform appropriate operations, such as, for example, software instructions implementing a control loop for controlling various operations of treadmill 100. Such software instructions may also implement methods for processing images, processing sensor signals, determining a type of exercise equipment, retrieving software compatible with the type of exercise equipment, and so on.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, logic device 124 may include any number of logic devices working in concert or independently. In some embodiments, one or more of such logic devices, possibly all of them, can be provided externally, outside of treadmill 100, possibly remotely, and can communicate with treadmill 100 over a computer network (e.g., network 134), such as the Internet, using a communication component 132 of treadmill 100. Communication component 132 may provide wired and / or wireless connections to circuits, components, and / or devices (e.g., remote device 134) inside and outside of treadmill 100.

[0039] In some embodiments, logic device 124 may include one or more PCBAs that may include circuitry and / or components configured to control operation of treadmill 100. For example, the one or more PCBAs may include one or more drivers, chipsets, or other logic devices configured to control operation of screen treadmill 100 and / or components thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more PCBAs may include one or more cards dedicated to a particular system of treadmill 100. For instance, the one or more PCBAs may include one or more graphics cards, one or more sound cards, one or more CPU cards, and the like.

[0040] Logic device 124 may include, be included in, and / or communicate with any component of treadmill 100. In some embodiments, logic device 124 may include a single logic device operating independently. In other embodiments, logic device 124 may include two or more logic devices operating in parallel, in concert, or sequentially. In various embodiments, logic device 124 may include a plurality of logic devices in a single integrated unit. In other embodiments, logic device 124 may include a plurality of logic devices part of two or more computing devices or systems. For instance, logic device 124 may include a singular logic device or a cluster of logic devices in a first location, and a second logic device or cluster of logic devices in a second location. In various embodiments, logic device 124 may be implemented as a memory, wherein logic device may include one or more logic devices dedicated to data storage. In various embodiments, logic device 124 may distribute tasks and / or processes, as described herein, across a plurality of logic devices, where the plurality of logic devices may operate in series, in parallel, redundantly, and / or in any other manner appropriate for treadmill 100. In one or more embodiments, logic device 124 may be configured to perform any process, step, and / or sequence of steps described herein in any order and with any degree of repetition.

[0041] Logic device 124 may be communicatively connected to any components described in this disclosure and configured to interface and / or communicate with the various components of treadmill 100. In various embodiments, it should be appreciated that processing operations and / or instructions may be integrated in software and / or hardware as part of logic device 124, or code (e.g., software or configuration data) which may be stored in a memory device, such as memory 128. Embodiments of processing operations and / or instructions disclosed in this disclosure may be stored by a machine-readable medium in a non-transitory manner (e.g., a memory, a hard drive, a compact disk, a digital video disk, or a flash memory) to be executed by a computing device (e.g., logic or processor-based system) to perform various operations. In one or more embodiments, logic device 124 may include a processor configured to execute instructions stored in a first memory and / or a programmable logic device (PLD) operable in accordance with a configuration of programmable logic blocks stored in a second memory.

[0042] In some embodiments, treadmill 100 includes memory 128, which may store software instructions and / or databases used by logic device 124. In one or more embodiments, treadmill 100 and / or memory 128 may include a machine-readable medium (e.g., a machine-readable medium 138) that may be provided for storing non-transitory instructions for loading into and execution by logic device 124. In various embodiments, memory 128 may be included as part of logic device 124 and / or separate from logic device 124, with stored instructions provided to logic device 124 by communicatively connecting memory 128 to logic device 124. In various embodiments, as described herein, instructions provide for real time applications of processing various images of a user.

[0043] In some embodiments, memory 128 may include one or more memory devices (e.g., one or more memories) to store data and information. The one or more memory devices may include various types of memory including volatile and non-volatile memory devices, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically-Erasable Read-Only Memory), or other types of memory. In some embodiments, memory 128 may include RAM (e.g., static and / or dynamic) memory and / or flash memory, clock-related circuitry (e.g., clock sources, phase-locked loop (PLL) circuits, and / or delay-locked loop (DLL) circuits), and / or various routing resources (e.g., interconnect and appropriate switching logic to provide paths for routing signals throughout logic device 124, such as for clock signals, data signals, or others) as appropriate.

[0044] As previously mentioned, logic device 124 may be configured to execute software stored in memory 128 to perform various methods, processes, and / or operations in a manner as described herein. In various embodiments, memory 128 may be implemented as a volatile memory, non-volatile memory, one or more interfaces, and / or various analog and / or digital components for interfacing with devices and / or components of treadmill 100. For example, memory 128 may be adapted to store images (e.g., image data or sensor information), parameters for image transformations, operation parameters, calibration parameters, and / or other operational parameters. In some embodiments, memory 128 may be adapted to execute one or more feedback loops for operation of treadmill 100. In some embodiments, a feedback loop may include processing images, sensor signals, and / or parameters in order to control one or more operations of treadmill 100 (e.g., resistance).

[0045] In some embodiments, treadmill 100 includes communication component 132, where communication component 132 may be implemented as a connector (e.g., to interface one or more electronic components to an external device), a network interface component (NIC) configured for communication with a network including other devices in the network, and / or other implementations. For instance, communication components may include cables, accessory ports, power ports, wireless communication, Bluetooth, wired communication, and so on. In various embodiments, communication component may include one or more wired or wireless communication components, such as an Ethernet connection, a wireless local area network (WLAN) component based on the IEEE 802.11 standards, a wireless broadband component, mobile cellular component, a wireless satellite component, or various other types of wireless communication components including radio frequency (RF), microwave frequency (MWF), and / or infrared frequency (IRF) components configured for communication with a network, a LAN card, a modem, and any combination thereof. As such, communication component 132 may include an antenna coupled thereto for wireless communication purposes. In other embodiments, communication component 132 may be configured to interface with a DSL (e.g., Digital Subscriber Line) modem, a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) modem, an Ethernet device, and / or various other types of wired and / or wireless network communication devices configured for communication with a network.

[0046] Communication components 132 may be implemented as any wired and / or wireless communications module and / or device configured to transmit and receive analog and / or digital signals between components of treadmill 100 and / or remote devices (e.g., remote device 134) and / or systems. For example, communication component 132 may be configured to receive control signals and / or data and provide them to logic devices and / or memories. In other embodiments, communication component 132 may be configured to receive images and / or other sensor information from camera, logic device 124, sensors, and / or the like, and relay the corresponding data within treadmill 100 and / or to external systems. Wireless communication links may include one or more analog and / or digital radio communication links, such as Wi-Fi and others, as described herein, and may be direct communication links, for example, or may be relayed through one or more wireless relay stations configured to receive and retransmit wireless communications. Communication links established by communication component 132 may be configured to transmit data between components of treadmill 100 substantially continuously throughout operation of treadmill 100, where such data includes various types of image data (e.g., images), sensor data, control parameters, and / or other data, as described herein.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, logic device 124 may interface or communicate with one or more additional devices and / or systems using communication component 132. Communication component 132 may be configured to communicative connect logic device 124 to one or more networks and / or one or more devices. Examples of a network interface device include, but are not limited to, a network interface card (e.g., a network may employ a wired and / or a wireless mode of communication). In general, any network topology may be used. Information (e.g., data, software, and the like) may be communicated to and / or from a computer and / or a computing device. Examples of a network may include, but are not limited to, a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), telephone network, data network, a direct connection between two computing devices (e.g., logic device 124 and another device and / or system), or any combinations thereof.

[0048] In some embodiments, network 158 may be implemented as a single network or a combination of multiple networks. For example, in various embodiments, the network may include the internet and / or one or more intranets, landline networks, wireless networks, and / or other appropriate types of communication networks. In another example, the network may include a wireless telecommunications network (e.g., cellular phone network) configured to communicate with other communication networks, such as the internet. As such, in various embodiments, display device 100 and / or its individual associated components may be associated with a particular network link such as for example a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), an IP (Internet Protocol) address, and / or a mobile phone number.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, treadmill 100 may include one or more motors as previously mentioned in FIGS. 1-8. For instance, treadmill 100 may include primary motor 140 (e.g., first motor) of treadmill 100 and / or incline motor 146 (e.g., second motor) of a variable-speed mechanism, such as a variable-speed actuator (e.g., an incline actuator 144). A motor may include a machine that provides motive power (e.g., transforms non-mechanical energy into mechanical energy) for the purposes of this disclosure. Motors 140 and 146 may include electric motors. In some embodiments, motors 140 and 146 may be driven by direct current (DC) electric power and include, for example and without limitation, a brushless DC motor, brushed DC motor, a reluctance motor (e.g., switched reluctance motor (SRM), and / or the like. In other embodiments, motors 140 and 146 may include alternating current (AC) motors, such as an asynchronous motor (i.e. induction motor), synchronous motor, AC linear motor, and / or the like. Motors 140 and 146 may be communicatively connected to logic device 124 and / or include electronic controllers or other components for regulating operation of the motors. For example, motors 140 and 146 may each include controllers for regulating motor speed, rotation direction, braking, and / or the like. In some embodiments, a brake, such as brake 142 may be connected to primary motor 140 and apply a force to primary motor 140 to prevent and / or stop primary motor 140 from moving. Brake 142 may include, for example, a solenoid brake, magnetic particle brake, calipers, and / or the like. In various embodiments, brake 142 may include an electrically controlled brake configured to engage one or more components of primary motor 140 to prevent undesirable movement of primary motor 140 and, thus, of track assembly 104. In various embodiments, treadmill 100 may include a second brake (not shown) configured to interact with incline motor 146.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, incline actuator 144 may be configured to operate a leg assembly (e.g., leg assembly 130, shown in FIG. 2) to adjust an incline angle of chassis 102, as discussed further in this disclosure below. Incline actuator 144 may further include one or more sensors, such as incline sensor 148. In several embodiments, incline sensor 148 may include a sensor configured to detect a position of one or more components of linear actuator and / or incline motor 146, as discussed further below in this disclosure. For example, and without limitation, incline sensor 148 may include a potentiometer, rotary encoder, position sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, and / or the like.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, incline actuator 144 may be configured for simplified removal and replacement without requiring disassembly of structural components of treadmill 100. For instance, incline actuator 144 may be designed to be serviceable by removing one or more covers (e.g., side panels 110a,b) to access electrical connections, rather than requiring removal of chassis components.

[0052] In some aspects, incline actuator 144 may be electrically connected to a main control board (MCB) through accessible electrical connectors that may be reached by removing the one or more covers of treadmill 100. In other various embodiments, the electrical connector for incline actuator 144 may be positioned proximate to incline actuator 144 within chassis 102 to facilitate maintenance access. For example, the electrical connector may be located near incline actuator 144 rather than requiring access to a remotely located MCB. This configuration may allow for removal and replacement of incline actuator 144 and / or corresponding electrical components using methods described in FIGS. 23A-23B without accessing the MCB or removing additional components of treadmill 100.

[0053] The serviceability design of incline actuator 144 may provide advantages for field maintenance and repair operations. In some embodiments, a technician may disconnect incline actuator 144 by accessing a local electrical connector, removing mounting hardware, and lifting the actuator from its installed position through an opening defined by track 104 and chassis 102 and created by movement of the front shaft of treadmill 100 using a tensioner, as described further in FIGS. 22A-23B. This approach may reduce service time and complexity compared to designs that require extensive disassembly of treadmill components to access electrical connections or mounting points.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, treadmill 100 may include user controls 150. In several embodiments, user controls may be configured to operate treadmill 100. For instance, user controls 150 may include power controls, navigation controls, speed controls, incline angle controls, and / or the like. User controls 150 may include, for example, one or more buttons, switches, sliders, touchscreens, touch pads, wheels, levers, trackball, knobs, joysticks, and / or any other devices or components configured to receive a user input to control treadmill 100. In several embodiments, user controls 150 may include a plurality of executable controls configured to modify an incline of chassis 102 and / or other parameters of treadmill 100. For example, user controls 150 may include incline user controls configured to receive one or more inputs from the user while the user is exercising (e.g., participating in an exercise class) using treadmill 100 to modify the incline (e.g., gradient) of chassis 102 based at least in part on the user input. In various embodiments, user controls 150 may transmit a signal based on a user input to, for example, incline actuator 144 to adjust an incline angle of chassis 102. For instance, chassis 102 may be moved to a first position associated with a first incline angle, to a second position associated with a second incline angle, a third position associated with a third incline angle, and so on. In some embodiments, incline angles of chassis may be discrete values that are preprogrammed into treadmill (e.g., pushing a button of user controls 150 may move chassis to a 1% gradient, pushing the button a second time may move chassis to a 3% gradient, pushing the button a third time may move chassis to a 5% gradient, and so on). In other embodiments, incline angles may be continuous values (e.g., holding down a switch of user controls 150 may cause gradual movement in a particular direction to adjust an incline angle of chassis), as discussed further herein below.

[0055] In some embodiments, treadmill 100 may include other components 136. For instance, in some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, other components 136 may include one or more sensors, as previously discusses herein. Sensor may include a device configured to detect an input and / or physical stimulus. Sensors may include, for example, voltmeters, current sensors, level sensors, temperature sensors (e.g., thermocouples), infrared sensors, proximity sensors, motion sensors, pressure sensors, photoelectric sensors, magnetometers, imaging devices (e.g., cameras), global positioning systems (GPS), Hall sensors, one or more microphones, and the like. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors may include an array of sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, gyroscopes, accelerometers, imaging devices, and so on). In various embodiments, sensors may provide for representing (e.g., converting) input from a physical environment of treadmill 100 into digital data (e.g., via an analog-to-digital converter included as part of the sensor or separate from the sensor as part of treadmill 100). In some embodiments, other components 136 may include optical sensors, such as, for example, imaging devices (e.g., cameras), light sensors, and the like.

[0056] As previously mentioned, treadmill 100 may include one or more user controls 150 configured to receive input from a user. Treadmill 100 may further include one or more sensors (e.g., incline sensor 148 and / or sensors of other components 136) configured to sense, detect, and / or otherwise determine one or more performance parameters of the user before, during, and / or after the user participates in an exercise class using treadmill 100. In any of the examples described herein, the user controls 150 and the one or more sensors may be operably and / or otherwise connected to one or more controllers, processors, logic device (e.g., logic device 124), memory (e.g., memory 128), and / or other digital hardware of treadmill 100. The digital hardware associated with treadmill 100 may be connected to or integrated with treadmill 100, or it may be located remotely and wired or wirelessly connected to treadmill 100. The digital hardware may include digital storage (e.g., a hard drive or other such memory), one or more processors (e.g., a microprocessor) or other like computers or controllers, communications hardware, software, and / or one or more media input / output devices such as displays, cameras, microphones, keyboards, touchscreens, headsets, and / or audio speakers. In various exemplary embodiments these components may be connected to and / or otherwise integrated with treadmill 100. All communications between and among such components of the digital hardware may be multichannel, multi-directional, and wireless or wired, using any appropriate protocol or technology. In various exemplary embodiments, the digital hardware of treadmill 100 may include associated mobile and web-based application programs that provide access to account, performance, and other relevant information to users from local or remote exercise machines, processors, controllers, personal computers, laptops, mobile devices, or any other digital device or digital hardware. In any of the examples described herein, the one or more controllers, processors, and / or other digital hardware associated with treadmill 100 may be operable to perform one or more functions associated with control logic of treadmill 100. Such control logic may include one or more rules, programs, or other instructions stored in a memory of the digital hardware. For example, one or more processors included in the digital hardware may be programmed to perform operations in accordance with rules, programs, or other instructions of the control logic, and such processors may also be programmed to perform one or more additional operations in accordance with and / or at least partly in response to input received via one or more of user controls 150 via one or more of the sensors, and / or via various controls, user interfaces, or other components of treadmill 100. In any of the examples described herein, display 116 may include a touchscreen, a touch-sensitive (e.g., capacitance-sensitive) display, and / or any other device configured to display content and receive input (e.g., a touch input, tap input, swipe input, etc.) from the user.

[0057] Now referring to FIGS. 10-11, various views of a brake release assembly 200 of treadmill 100 with a side panel (e.g., side panel 110b) of chassis 102 removed for illustrative purposes are shown in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. As previously mentioned herein, treadmill 100 may include one or more motors. For instance, treadmill may include a motor assembly 210 configured to move track assembly 104 and that includes at least primary motor 140. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, primary motor 140 may be directly or indirectly mechanically connected to track assembly 104 of treadmill 100. As previously mentioned, motor 140 may be configured to convert an electrical energy and / or signal into a mechanical movement, such as a mechanical movement of a track assembly 104 (e.g., rotational movement and / or encircling of track assembly 104 about chassis 102). For example, track assembly 104 may move in parallel to a longitudinal axis of chassis 102 using motor 140. In one or more embodiments, motor 140 may include electronic speed controllers or other components for regulating motor speed, dynamic braking, rotation direction, torque, and / or the like.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, treadmill 100 may include drivebelt 204. Drivebelt 204 may be configured to mechanically connect motor assembly 210 and track assembly 104. More specifically, drivebelt 204 may be configured to engage motor 140 to mechanically connect motor 140 to track assembly 104. Drivebelt 204 may be wrapped about a portion of a pulley assembly 220 (also referred to herein as a "pulley system") of treadmill 100. For instance, drivebelt 206 may be secured to (e.g., wrapped about) a wheel 222 so that, when lever arm 206 is in the engaged position, wheel 222 is rotated by motor assembly 210 using drivebelt 204, thus in turn rotating track assembly 104. In one or more embodiments, drivebelt 204 may be moveably secured to at least a portion of motor assembly 210, such as a shaft 224 of motor 140, so that motor 140 may turn pulley assembly 220 using drivebelt 204. Shaft 224 may extend through a side of a frame of chassis 102 so that lever arm 206 is easily accessible by a user. In various embodiments, drivebelt 204 may be composed of polymer, rubber, cloth, polyurethane, and / or similar materials.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, treadmill 100 may include brake release assembly 200 (also referred to herein as a "release assembly"). Brake release assembly 200 may be configured to adjust tension in drivebelt 204. Release assembly 200 may include a lever arm 206, having a pivot point 208. Treadmill 100 includes brake 142 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 11), where brake 142 is configured to selectively engage motor assembly 210 to prevent rotation of one or more components of motor assembly 210. In various embodiments, lever arm 206 may include an aperture 218 that is configured to receive a key (e.g., a complementarily shaped key) that a user may use to manually rotate lever arm 206 between the engaged and disengaged position. In some embodiments, the key may be a screwdriver, Allen wrench, Torx key, pin, rod, and / or the like. For example, an Allen wrench may be inserted into aperture 218 and used to torque lever arm 206 away from drivebelt 204 to reduce a tension of drivebelt 204, as discussed further below herein.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, lever arm 206 may include a wheel 214. Wheel 214 may be rotatably attached to lever arm 206 and have a surface 216 configured to abut drivebelt 204 of track assembly 104 to tension drivebelt 204 when in lever arm 206 is in the engaged position, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0061] In several embodiments, release assembly 200 may include a spring 212 attached to lever arm 206 and configured to apply a force (e.g., torque) to lever arm 206 so that lever arm 206 biases drivebelt 204 when lever arm is in the engaged position. Spring 212 may include various types of springs, such as a tension spring (e.g., dual-hook tension spring attached to chassis 102 and lever arm 206). In one or more embodiments, lever arm 206 may be configured to rotate about pivot point 208 between an engaged position and a disengaged position, as discussed further in FIGS. 12A-B. Spring 212 is shown as a tension spring in FIGS. 10-11, however, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, spring 212 may include one or more various types of springs, such as a torsion spring, leaf spring, or the like. In some embodiments, spring 212 may be replaced by, for example, a screw configured to be rotated in a first direction to increase tension in drivebelt and rotated in a second direction to reduce tension in drivebelt.

[0062] Now referring to FIGS. 12A-B, views of an operation of brake release assembly 200 in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. As shown in FIG. 12A, in the engaged position, lever arm 206 is biased against drivebelt 204 by spring 212 to engage motor assembly (e.g., motor 140) and track assembly 104 to prevent movement of track assembly 104 when a brake (e.g., brake 142) of treadmill 100 is activated. In one or more embodiments, spring 212 may include a first end 228a connected to chassis 202 of the treadmill and a second end 228b connected to lever arm 206. In several embodiments, lever arm 206 includes a proximal end 230a attached to the chassis of the treadmill at, for example, pivot point 208 and distal end 230b extending from pivot point 208.

[0063] In the engaged position, spring 212 may be configured to pull distal end 230b of lever arm 206 into drivebelt 204 to create tension in drivebelt 204. More specifically, second end 228b of spring 212 may be connected to distal end 230b of lever arm 206 such that spring 212 may apply a continuous force on distal end 230b, pulling distal end 230b, and wheel 214, toward drivebelt 204. As a result, spring 212 pulls distal end 230b of lever arm 206 into drivebelt so that lever arm 206 (e.g., wheel 214) biases against drivebelt 204 to create tension in drivebelt 204 so that track assembly 104 and motor assembly 210 are mechanically connected and move or rest in unison (e.g., track assembly does not move independently of motor assembly).

[0064] As shown in FIG. 12B, in a disengaged position, lever arm 206 is not biased against drivebelt 204 to disengage track assembly 104 and motor assembly (e.g., motor 140) to allow movement of track assembly 104 independent from the motor assembly when brake 142 is activated. In the disengaged position, the tension in drivebelt 204 is reduced relative to when lever arm 206 is in the engaged position. This reduction in tension allows for drivebelt 204 to loosen and thus move freely from primary motor 140, so that a user may rotate track assembly 104 without disengaging and / or releasing brake 142.

[0065] In some embodiments, release assembly 200 may include a locking component 232 configured to selectively secure lever arm 206 in the engaged or disengaged position. For example, locking component 232 (e.g., locking mechanism) may include a screw, bolt with a nut, pin, clamp, and / or any other component configured to secure lever arm 206 in a desired position. In various embodiments, lever arm 206 may include an arcuate slot 234. Locking component 232 may include a protrusion extending from chassis 102 of treadmill 100 and through arcuate slot 234 so that arcuate slot 234 may act as a guide and / or track. To reduce tension in drivebelt 204, lever arm 206 may be rotated (e.g., in direction 236) about pivot point 208 so arcuate slot 234 is displaced relative to locking component 232.

[0066] When locking component 232 is unlocked, lever arm 206 may be able to rotate about pivot point 208 between at least the engaged and disengaged position, and, when locking component 232 is locked, lever arm 206 may be fixed relative to chassis 102 in the engaged or disengaged position. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, lever arm 206 is locked in an engaged position and the protrusion of locking component 232 may be at a first position x within arcuate slot 234 (e.g., locking component 232 is a distance d from a first end of arcuate slot 234. In another example, as shown in FIG. 12B, lever arm 206 is locked in a disengaged position and protrusion may be at a second position x' within arcuate slot 234 (e.g., locking component 232 is a distance d' from a first end of arcuate slot 234).

[0067] In other embodiments, release assembly 200 may not include locking component 232 and / or protrusion. When release assembly 200 does not include locking component 232, the tension of spring 212 (e.g., the force applied by spring 212 on lever arm 206) may be sufficient to prevent movement of lever arm when in the engaged position. When in the disengaged position, the key, as previously discussed herein, may be used to maintain the disengaged position of lever arm 206. In other embodiments, spring 212 may be detached from lever arm 206 and / or chassis 102 to reduce tension in drivebelt 204 and / or prevent lever arm 206 from biasing against drivebelt 204.

[0068] Now referring to FIG. 12C, an opening 162 of side panel 110 is shown in accordance an embodiment of the present disclosure. In alternative embodiments, a user may access lever arm 206 without removing side panel 110. For instance, a user may extend a tool, such as a hex key, through opening 162 to interact with locking component 232. In some embodiments, opening 162 may include a circular hole, as shown in FIGS. 12C-D. In other embodiments, opening 162 may include other shaped openings, such a linear slot, arcuate slot, or the like.

[0069] Now referring to FIG. 12D, an alignment of opening 162 of side panel 110 and lever arm 206, where side panel is shown a transparent for the purposes of illustration, is shown in accordance an embodiment of the present disclosure. Opening 162 may be aligned with at least a portion of locking mechanism 232 so that locking component 232 may be accessed and / or interacted with by a user without removing panel 110 and / or disassembling treadmill 100. For example, in response to locking component 232 being rotated in a first direction, locking component 232 may be unlocked so that lever arm 206 may be moved relative to drivebelt 204. In another example, in response to locking component 232 being rotated in a second direction, locking component 232 may be locked to prevent movement of lever arm 206 relative to drivebelt 204.

[0070] FIG. 13 illustrates incline actuator 144 of treadmill 100 with track assembly 104 removed for illustrative purposes in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, treadmill 100 includes leg assembly 130 and a variable-speed mechanism, such as a variable-speed actuator (e.g., incline actuator 144, shown in FIG. 9) that is configured to selectively move leg assembly 130 in a first direction or a second direction to selectively increase or decrease, respectively, an incline of chassis 102. Variable-speed actuator (also referred to herein as an "incline actuator") may be configured to move leg assembly 130 relative to chassis 102 to adjust the incline of chassis 102 at a particular speed. In one or more embodiments, leg assembly 130 may be configured to a least partially rest on a support surface 402, as shown in FIGS. 14A-B. Though shown as a linear actuator in the drawings, as understood by one of skilled in the art, variable-speed actuator may include other mechanism configured to move leg assembly (e.g., mechanisms that include pinion gears, chains, piezoelectric actuators, hydraulic actuators, and so on)

[0071] Now referring to FIGS. 14A-B, views of an adjustment of an incline of treadmill 100 using a variable-speed mechanism, such as incline actuator 144, in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, leg assembly 130 may include a pair of opposing legs 304 (e.g., a first leg and a second leg). Each leg 304 may include a proximal end 306 attached to chassis 102 at pivot point 308 and a distal end 310 extending from chassis 102. In several embodiments, leg assembly 130 may include a central shaft 312 that extends between proximal ends 306 of legs 304. In some embodiments, opposing legs 304 and central shaft 312 may be integral components. In other embodiments, legs 304 and central shaft 312 may be separate components that are assembled (e.g., secured and / or fastened) together. Leg assembly 130 may further include one or more stretchers 314 that each extend between distal ends 310 of legs 304. Stretchers 314 may be configured to provide support to legs 304. In one or more embodiments, the movement of leg assembly 130 may include simultaneous rotation of legs 304 about pivot points 308 in response to an actuation by incline actuator 144. Though treadmill 100 is discussed as using a single incline actuator to adjust an incline angle, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, treadmill 100 may also use two dependent or independent incline actuators (e.g., a first incline actuator and a second incline actuator), where each actuator moves a respective leg 304 (e.g., first leg and second leg, respectively) of leg assembly 130 without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0072] In various embodiments, each leg may include one or more wheels (e.g., a wheel 316) rotatably attached to distal end 310 of leg 304 so that, when leg assembly 130 rotates in the first direction, distal ends of legs 304 translate downward (e.g., in a direction opposite of arrow 404) toward support surface 402 (e.g., floor and / or ground of an environment) to increase an incline of chassis 102 relative to a current incline of chassis 102, and, when leg assembly 130 rotates in the second direction, distal ends 310 of legs 304 translate toward an underside of chassis 102 to reduce the incline of chassis 102 relative to the current incline value.

[0073] The incline of chassis 102 may be adjusted using incline actuator 144, as previously discussed herein. In some embodiments, incline actuator 144 may include a linear actuator having a threaded component (not shown) disposed within a tubular housing 318 and configured to displace within tubular housing 318 to move leg assembly 130. In some embodiments, tubular housing 318 may be rotatably secured to central shaft 312 and / or proximal ends 306 of legs 304 at a pivot point, such as pivot point 308. For instance, linear actuator (e.g., tubular housing 318) may be configured to rotatably attached to central shaft 312 of leg assembly 130.

[0074] In various embodiments, treadmill 100 may include a potentiometer configured to generate a position signal associated with a current position of chassis 102. For instance, the position signal may be based on a detection, by the potentiometer, of a position of the threaded component relative to tubular housing 318. In another instance, position signal may be based on a detection, by the potentiometer, of a position of one or more components of incline motor 146. For example, the potentiometer may provide position signal based on motor rotation, directly or indirectly. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, knowing a gear ratio between incline motor 146 and threaded component (e.g., thread shaft) and pitch of the threads of the threaded component, the potentiometer and / or logic device may calculate a position of the incline actuator (e.g., threaded component within tubular housing) based on a rotation of rotating components (e.g., incline motor 146). In some embodiments, the potentiometer may be located near or on the incline motor shaft (e.g., rotor shaft). The potentiometer may include a resistor with a sliding or rotating contact (e.g., knob or shaft connected to a wiper element) that provides an adjustable voltage divider by sliding across a resistive element. The angular movement of the contact results in a variance of the resistance and thus the output of the potentiometer. The potentiometer may, in one or more embodiments, may be in contact with at least a portion of incline actuator. For instance, the potentiometer may be disposed within the tubular element of incline actuator 144. In one or more embodiments, incline actuator 144 may include an electric motor, as previously discussed in FIG. 9. Logic device 124 may be configured to generate a control signal at least in part in response to the position signal generated by the potentiometer.

[0075] In various embodiments, the particular speed may include a plurality of speeds. For instance, the particular speed may include a first speed, a second speed, a third speed, or any number of speeds (e.g., the plurality of speeds may be continuous and / or incremental relative to each other). In the instance of the particular speed including at least a first speed and a second speed, the control signal may include a corresponding first control signal and second control signal, and incline actuator 144 may be configured to increase the incline at the first speed based on the first control signal and decrease the incline at the second speed based on the second control signal. In various embodiments, the first control signal may include a voltage having a first frequency and the second control signal may include a voltage having a second frequency, where the first frequency is higher than the second frequency and the first speed is faster than the second speed. In some embodiments, treadmill 100 may include a position sensor configured to generate a position signal associated with a current position of chassis 102. The control signal may be based on the position signal and logic device 124c may be configured to determine when to adjust the speed of leg assembly 130 based on comparing position data associated with the position signal to a predetermined threshold.

[0076] In one or more embodiments, the particular speed may include a first speed and a second speed, and the control signal may include a first control signal and a second control signal. Logic device 124 may be configured to operate at a first duty cycle, based on the first control signal, to adjust the incline at the first speed, and operate at a second duty cycle, based on the second control signal, to adjust the incline at the second speed, where the first speed is different from the second speed.

[0077] In non-limiting embodiments, logic device 124 may be configured to adjust the incline of chassis 102 based on received inputs (e.g., command and / or control signal). For example, in some embodiments, user controls 150 (shown in FIG. 9) may transmit a control signal to logic device 124 to adjust an incline of chassis 102 based on a user input. In such examples, upon receipt of a user input via user controls 150, logic device 124 and / or other digital hardware of treadmill 100 may control primary motor 140 of chassis 102, controlling the incline of chassis 102 to increase or decrease the incline angle (e.g., incline angle θ shown in FIG. 14B) so that the incline of chassis 102 matches the incline associated with the user input (e.g., via an executable control).

[0078] In another example, logic device 124 may receive a control signal from a remote device or application via a network. For example, logic device 124 may adjust one or more parameters (e.g., speed, incline, and so on) based on an exercise class the user is participating in (e.g., based on selections by the program and / or class or selections by an instructor). In another example, logic device may determine an incline of chassis 102 based on, for example, aggregate user data associated with past performances, selections, or other workouts of the user. In such examples, for instance, the logic device and / or other digital hardware of treadmill 100 may sense, collect, and / or otherwise determine user data including belt speeds and / or incline angle (e.g., chassis incline) that the user commonly selects during participation in exercise classes using treadmill 100. In such examples, the logic device and / or other digital hardware of treadmill 100 may select, identify, and / or otherwise determine a frequently selected incline based at least in part on such user data

[0079] In some examples, inclines of chassis 102 (e.g., first incline, second incline, third incline, and so on) associated with the executable controls may include respective default inclines stored in memory 128, a database, and / or the like. Alternatively, in other examples the inclines of chassis 102 associated with the executable controls may be entered, customized, and / or otherwise selected by the user, when establishing a user profile unique to the user, before the user begins participating in the current exercise class, while the user is participating in the exercise class, and / or at any other time. Accordingly, in such examples the user may select respective inclines at which the user desires chassis 102 (e.g., deck and / or walking surface) to be positioned, relative to a support surface (e.g., support surface 402 in FIGS. 14A-B) on which treadmill 102 is disposed, when user selects and / or otherwise provides an input via the various executable controls, such as user controls 150. In such examples, the respective inclines of chassis 102 may be stored as part of the user profile of the user in the memory associated with digital hardware and / or in, for example, a database, memory 128, memories associated with the one or more servers of the system, and so on.

[0080] FIGS. 15-16 illustrate views of a pair of apertures 510 of treadmill 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, treadmill 100 may include one or more apertures 510 used to identify a tension status of track assembly 104. In various embodiments, chassis 102 is configured to enclose at least a portion of track assembly 104. Chassis 102 may include a first end 502 and a second end 504. Chassis 102 may further include a pair of opposing apertures 510 disposed in chassis 102 and positioned between first end 502 and second end 504. The pair of apertures 510 may permit a user to view both apertures simultaneously and to identify a tension status associated with a current position of at least a portion of track assembly 104 relative to chassis 102. The pair of apertures may include a first aperture 510a and a second aperture 510b that are configured to align with each other along a longitudinal axis to frame a region of interest for viewing by the user. Each of the apertures 510 may define a plane parallel to a surface of chassis 102. The longitudinal axis may be, for example, orthogonal to the plane.

[0081] In some embodiments, a user may identify a tension status, which may indicate a current condition of the track assembly associated with tension. For example, the tension status may include a plurality of tension statuses, such as a first, second, and / or third tension status. In some embodiments, the current position of the at least a portion of track assembly 104 may include a first position associated with the first tension status, where track assembly 104 is outside of the region of interest (e.g., an area framed and / or defined by the edges of the aperture). In other embodiments, the current position of the at least a portion of track assembly 104 may include a second position associated with the second tension status, where track assembly 104 partially fills at least a portion of the region of interest. In other embodiments, the current position of the at least a portion of track assembly 104 may include a third position associated with the third tension status, wherein track assembly 104 substantially fills (e.g., mostly or entirely fills) the region of interest. In some embodiments, at least a portion of track assembly 104 includes a vertex of a catenary curve of track assembly 104. In one or more embodiments, one or more optical sensors may be used to identify the tension status of track assembly 104. For instance, optical sensors may include imaging devices (e.g., imaging devices described in FIG. 9) configured to provide one or more images and / or videos (e.g., one or more image frames) of a scene (e.g., an image of the region of interest) to logic device 124. Logic device 124 may be configured to process the one or more images and identify, based on the one or more images, the tension status of track assembly 104. Optical sensors may include, but are not limited to, imaging devices (e.g., cameras), position sensors, light sensors, or the like. In some embodiments, optical sensors may be used in conjunction with apertures 510. In other embodiments, optical sensors may be used instead of apertures 510. In some embodiments, the oscillation frequency of a bottom of a span of track assembly 104 (e.g., belt) may be used to determine the tension status using, for example, sensors, and / or logic device 124.

[0082] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the pair of apertures 510 is configured to receive a key to facilitate tactile confirmation of the tension status by a user. For instance, a user may insert a hex key into one of the pair of apertures 510 to determine a position of track assembly 104 based on whether the hex key contacts at least a portion of track assembly 104. Each of the apertures may include various shapes and sizes, such as rectangular, circular, triangular, polygonal, freeform, or any other shaped. For instance, apertures 510 may each be a rectangular aperture. In such as example, each of the pair of apertures may be defined by at least a straight upper edge of the chassis. The straight edge of the aperture allows for a user to accurate determine a position of track assembly within the region of interest. Though identifying a tension status is discussed in terms of using a pair of apertures 510a-b, tension status, and / or any of the steps described herein associated with the tensions status, may also be identified using one aperture 510a or 510b. For example, a user may look through aperture 510a or 510b for a visual confirmation and / or dispose a tool, such as an Allen wrench, through aperture 510a or 510b for tactile confirmation of the tension status.

[0083] Now referring to FIG. 17 a cross-sectional view of the pair of apertures 510a-b as seen along the lines of the section 17 - 17 taken in FIG. 16 in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, each of the pair of the apertures 510a-b may be positioned at a location along chassis 102 that is substantially central to a length L of the track assembly 104. In other embodiments, the pair of apertures 510a-b may not be central to length L. For instance, in some embodiments, apertures 510a-b may be located along a length L of chassis 102 where the expected catenary curve will be if track assembly has a tension that is lower than a particular threshold. Region of interest 512 may be located between the pair of apertures 510a-b when the apertures are fully aligned relative to each other.

[0084] FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate views of identifying a tension status of a track assembly using the aperture in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. As previously mentioned, the tension status of track assembly 104 may include first, second, and third tension status, as shown in FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C, respectively. As shown in FIG. 18A, the current position of the at least a portion of track assembly 104 may include a first position associated with the first tension status, where track assembly 104 is outside of region of interest 512. First track status may include an indication that track assembly 104 is too taut (e.g., tension value is higher than a desirable threshold and / or range of tension) and thus suggests performing maintenance for proper operation of treadmill 102. As shown in FIG. 18B, the current position of the at least a portion of track assembly 104 may include a second position associated with the second tension status, where track assembly 104 partially fills at least a portion of the region of interest. Second tension status may include an indication that track assembly is within an acceptable tension tolerance value and / or threshold is operational. As shown in FIG. 18C, the current position of the at least a portion of track assembly 104 may include a third position associated with the third tension status, wherein track assembly 104 entirely fills the region of interest. Second tension status may include an indication that the tension of track assembly 104 is too low and thus outside of an acceptable tension tolerance value and / or threshold and suggests maintenance to adjust the tension. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the track assembly comprises a vertex of a catenary curve of the track assembly.

[0085] FIG. 19 illustrates a removal of track assembly 104 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As previously mentioned in FIG. 9, treadmill 100 may include one or more electrical components (e.g., wires, printed board circuits, motors, or the like). In one or more embodiments, track assembly 104 may be removed from chassis 102 without affecting the one or more electrical components. For example, at least one side panel 110 may be configured to selectively attached to chassis 102 to permit removal of track assembly 104 from chassis 102 without interfering with one or more electrical components. The electrical component may include, for example, a motor assembly, wiring, and / or a circuit board. In other embodiments, one post 112, such as post 112a may be configured to be removed from treadmill without interfering with one or more electrical components of treadmill 100. For example, post 112a may be selectively attached to chassis 102 and crossbar 114 so that post 112a may be detached from each (e.g., slid off or removed in a linear movement relative to chassis 102 and crossbar 114) without interfering with one or more electrical components of tread mill 100.

[0086] FIG. 19 illustrates an example removal process 1900 of track assembly 104 from chassis 102. Any step, sub-step, sub-process, or block of process 1900 may be performed in an order or arrangement different from the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 19, some may be omitted, others may be added, and some may be performed simultaneously as appropriate. Though shown as being upright, treadmill 100 may be place on a side to allow a user to remove one or more components therefrom during process 1900. As shown in step 1902, treadmill 100 may be provided and tension of track assembly 104 may be reduced. Treadmill 100 (e.g., chassis 102) may include a tensioner 2102 (shown in FIGS. 21 and FIGS. 22A-B) disposed within chassis 102 and configured to selectively adjust a tension of track assembly 104 to secure track assembly 103 to chassis 102. In various embodiments, tensioner 2102 may be configured to reduce tension of track assembly 104 in response to a rotation of tensioner 2101 in a first direction. In some embodiments, tensioner 2102 may be rotated by a user without removing side panels 110 or front panel 122. For instance, tensioner 2102 may be accessed through a hole 152 (as shown in FIG. 3) so that tension of track assembly 104 may be adjusted by a user without disassembling treadmill 100. The tension of track assembly 104 may be adjusted by rotating tensioner 2102 in a first direction and creating slack in track assembly, as discussed further herein below. In one or more embodiments, tensioner 2102 may include a pair of threaded members selectively secured to pulley assembly 220.

[0087] As shown in step 1904, front panel 122 may be removed to expose pulley assembly 220. More specifically, treadmill 100 may include front panel 122, which may be selectively attached to a front of chassis 102. Front panel 122 may include an aperture (e.g., hole 152) that permits a user to rotate tensioner 2102 in a first or second direction without removing front panel 122 from chassis 102.

[0088] As shown in step 1906, a side panel 110 (e.g., right side panel 110a) may be selectively removed from chassis 102. Depending on the securing mechanism or fasteners used to attached side panel 110 to chassis 102, side panel may be pried, slid, or unfastened (e.g., using bolts, screws, clamps, or the like). In some embodiments, removal of side panel 110 may be optional.

[0089] As shown in step 1908, post 112 (e.g., targa) may be detached from chassis 102 and crossbar 114. For instance, first post 112a of pair of posts 112 may be configured to selectively detach from chassis 102 and crossbar 114 to permit removal of track assembly 104. More specifically, a first post of the pair of posts may be laterally removed from chassis 102 and crossbar 114 to permit removal of track assembly 104 from chassis 102 without interfering with the electrical component.

[0090] As shown in step 1910, trim 154 (e.g., landing cover), shown in FIG. 1, may be selectively removed from chassis 102. In some embodiments, side panels 110 and trim 154 may be integrated. In other embodiments, side panel 110 and trim 154 may be separate components that are selectively secured to each other, as described on process 1900.

[0091] FIG. 20 illustrates a lateral sliding of track assembly 104 during the removal in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in step 1912, track assembly 104 may be selectively removed from chassis 102. In one or more embodiments, pulley assembly 220 may be configured to move track assembly 104 during operation of treadmill 100, and track assembly 104 may be configured to laterally slide off the track assembly when the at least one side panel and / or post is detached from chassis 102. For example, in various embodiments, track assembly 104 may slide laterally off chassis 102 until track assembly 104 no longer encircles chassis 102, allowing, for example, maintenance to be done on track assembly 104 (e.g., replacement of entire track assembly, replacement of one or more slats, and so on).

[0092] FIG. 21 illustrates chassis 102 with side panel 110 (e.g., right side panel 110a) and a post 112 (e.g., right post 110a) removed from treadmill 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, pulley assembly 220 may include a pair of opposing front wheels 2104 and a pair of opposing rear wheels 2106 (e.g., wheels 220).

[0093] FIGS. 22A-22B illustrate an operation of tensioner 2102 of front wheels 2104 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, tensioner 2102 may include a pair of threaded members 2108 selectively secured to pulley assembly 220. The reduction of the tension in track assembly 104 may be in response to a rotation of tensioner 2102 in the first direction, which reduces a distance D between the pair of front wheels 2104 and the pair of rear wheels 2106. In one or more embodiments, the reduction of distance comprises moving the pair of front wheels 2104 closer to the pair of rear wheels 2106 (e.g., in direction 2120). The movement of front wheels 2104 toward the rear of chassis 102 and away from the front panel of treadmill 100, may create a gap 2118, shown in FIG. 22B, between track assembly104 and front wheels 2104 to allow space for track assembly 104 to slide over front and rear wheels 2104 and 2106.

[0094] FIGS. 23A-23B illustrate an operation of removing and / or adjusting components at least partially disposed within chassis 102 using the tensioner in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, bearing rails 2202 may be configured to support track assembly 104 during operation of treadmill 100, as shown in FIG. 23A. For instance, bearing rails 2202 may be positioned to guide movement of track assembly 104 as it rotates about chassis 102. In some embodiments, bearing rails 2202 may each include a plurality of bearings 2204 which may be arranged along a longitudinal axis of bearing rails 2202. In some aspects, bearing rails 2202 may extend along at least a portion of chassis 102 to provide continuous support for track assembly 104 during operation. In various embodiments, the individual bearings may include rollers having wheels configured to facilitate smooth movement of track assembly 104. The rollers may be rotatably mounted along the bearing rails and may include wheels that contact and support track assembly 104 as it moves about chassis 102. In some aspects, the wheels of the rollers may be composed of materials such as polyurethane, rubber, or any other suitable materials that provide low friction contact with track assembly 104. The rollers may be spaced at regular intervals along the bearing rails to distribute the load of track assembly 104 and provide consistent support during operation.

[0095] In various embodiments, one or more components disposed at least partially within chassis 102, such as bearing rails 2202 and / or individual bearings 2204, may be configured to be replaced without removing other components or covers of treadmill 100. In various embodiments, replacement of the internal components may be facilitated by the longer travel of front shaft 2208 (e.g., travel of front shaft 2208 facilitated by tensioner 2112, as shown in FIGS. 22A-22B), which may provide increased access to such internal components, such as bearing rails 2202. The longer travel of front shaft 2208 may allow for easier maintenance and replacement procedures compared to conventional treadmill designs. For instance, by front shaft 2208 translating in direction 2303, track assembly 104 may then be pulled away from chassis 102 in direction 2301 to allow a user access to internal components (e.g., bearings, motor, incline actuator 144, electrical components, or the like) of treadmill 100 (e.g., chassis 102).

[0096] In some embodiments, the increased slack in track assembly 104 created by tensioner 2112 may allow a user to lift or pull track assembly 104 away from chassis 102 in a direction 2301, (as shown in FIG. 23B), providing clearance for an internal component to be slid out from beneath track assembly 104. In various embodiments, other components disposed at least partially within chassis 102 may be removed and / or adjusted by utilizing the tensioner to reduce the distance between the front shaft and the rear shaft. For example, electrical components such as wiring harnesses, sensors, or control boards positioned beneath track assembly 104 and within chassis 102 may be accessed by creating slack in track assembly 104 using the tensioner. In some aspects, mechanical components such as support structures, dampening elements, or mounting brackets may be adjusted or replaced through the clearance provided by the tensioner operation. The tensioner may allow a user to access components that would otherwise be obstructed by track assembly 104 during normal operation, thereby reducing the need for extensive disassembly of treadmill 100 during maintenance procedures.

[0097] In a non-limiting example, bearing rails 2202 may be removed by pulling track assembly 104 away from chassis 102 along direction 2301. In various aspects, bearing rails 2202 may be selectively attached to chassis 102 using fasteners such as screws, bolts, or clips that allow for removal without requiring disassembly of other components. The displacement of track assembly 104 may allow for access to internal components, such as bearing rails 2202, within chassis 102 for maintenance, replacement, or cleaning. In some cases, once the securing fasteners are removed, one or more bearing rails 2202 may be adjusted or removed (e.g., lifted out of) from treadmill 100 (e.g., chassis 102) by removing the bearing rails 2202 through an opening 2304 defined by a portion of chassis 102 and a portion of track assembly 104. This configuration may allow for efficient servicing of internal components, such as the bearing system, without requiring extensive disassembly of treadmill 100. In various embodiments, individual bearings 2204 may be removed or replaced by accessing the bearing rails through the gap (e.g., opening 2304) created between the track assembly 104 and chassis 102. The tensioner may provide sufficient travel to allow removal of one or more bearings without requiring complete disassembly of the track assembly from chassis 102, as previously discussed.

[0098] FIG. 24 illustrates a flowchart for a process 2400 of operating a brake release assembly (e.g., brake release 200) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Any step, sub-step, sub-process, or block of process 2400 may be performed in an order or arrangement different from the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 24, some may be omitted, others may be added, and some may be performed simultaneously as appropriate. Although process 2400 is described with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-23B, process 2400 may be applied to other embodiments.

[0099] In block 2405, process 2400 includes activating brake 142. In various embodiments, activating brake 142 may include brake 142 engaging primary motor 140 of treadmill 100.

[0100] In block 2410, process 2400 includes unlocking locking mechanism (e.g., locking component 232) so that lever arm 206 may freely move relative to locking mechanism 232 and chassis 102 (e.g., interior surface of a sidewall of chassis 102 that lever arm 206 is pivotably mounted to).

[0101] In block 2415, process 2400 includes inserting a key into aperture 218 of lever arm 206. A complementary key may be inserted into aperture 218 of lever arm 206 to displace lever arm 206 relative to chassis 102.

[0102] In block 2420, process 2400 includes rotating lever arm in first direction into a disengaged position. The key may torque lever arm 206 about pivot point 208, moving the distal end of lever arm 206 away from drivebelt 218.

[0103] In block 2425, process 2400 includes moving track assembly independently of motor while brake 142 remains activated. When lever arm 206 is in the disengaged position, track assembly may be moved freely relative to primary motor 140, which may remain static due to brake 142 being activated.

[0104] In block 2430, process 2400 includes rotating lever arm 206 in a second direction into engaged position. In the engaged position, lever arm may bias against drivebelt 218 so that motor 140 and track assembly 104 move in unison.

[0105] In block 2435, process 2400 includes locking lock mechanism 232.

[0106] FIG. 25 illustrates a flowchart for a process of operating a leg assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Any step, sub-step, sub-process, or block of process 2500 may be performed in an order or arrangement different from the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 25, some may be omitted, others may be added, and some may be performed simultaneously as appropriate. Although process 2500 is described with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-23B, process 2500 may be applied to other embodiments.

[0107] In block 2505, process 2500 includes receiving a command (e.g., control signal) to adjust an incline angle of treadmill 100.

[0108] In block 2510, process 2500 includes receiving a signal from incline sensor. Incline sensor 148 may include, for example, a position sensor, potentiometer, or the like. Incline sensor may provide information associated with a position and / or orientation (e.g., incline angle) of chassis 102.

[0109] In block 2515, process 2500 includes identifying current incline angle (e.g., incline angle θ, as shown in FIG. 14B) based on the incline sensor signal. Identifying the current incline angle may include identifying the angle based on the received incline sensor data.

[0110] In block 2520, process 2500 includes operating incline motor 142 in an up or down direction in response to the command.

[0111] In block 2525, process 2500 includes adjusting speed of incline motor 142 in response to identified incline angle. In one or more embodiments, incline motor 142 may move at a particular speed based on the identified incline angle. For example, if chassis is being lowered toward the ground (e.g., incline angle is decreasing), then the incline motor may reduce the current speed. Incline motor 142 decreasing a speed in response to chassis aids a user in avoiding, for example, pinch points. In another example, if chassis is being raised away from the ground (e.g., incline angle is increasing), then the incline motor 142 may increase the current speed. In other embodiments, speed may be adjusted based on user settings (e.g., user inputted a command for speed adjustment of incline motor) and / or current mode of operation of treadmill 100. For instance, if a user has selected a first mode of operation (e.g., a "high performance" mode of operation) that is intended to achieve a particular level of intensity (measured by a general standard, heartrate of the user, cadence of the user, and the like), then logic device 124 may be configured to adjust the speed of the incline motor by increasing the speed of the incline motor and the rate at which the incline angle is changing. Similarly, if a user has selected a second mode of operation (e.g., a "low performance" mode of operation) that is intended to achieve a particular level of intensity (measured by a general standard, heartrate of the user, cadence of the user, and the like), then logic device 124 may be configured to adjust the speed of the incline motor by, for example, decreasing the speed of the incline motor and the rate at which the incline angle is changing.

[0112] In block 2530, process 2500 includes determining if a desire angle has been achieved. If not, then logic device may repeat process 2500 beginning at block 2510. If the desired angle has been achieved, then process 2500 includes the step shown in block 2535, stopping incline motor 14.

[0113] FIG. 26 illustrates a flowchart for a process of identifying a tension status in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Any step, sub-step, sub-process, or block of process 2600 may be performed in an order or arrangement different from the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 26, some may be omitted, others may be added, and some may be performed simultaneously as appropriate. Although process 2600 is described with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-23B, process 2600 may be applied to other embodiments.

[0114] In block 2605, process 2600 includes aligning optical axis A (shown in FIG. 15) with pair of apertures 510. In some embodiments, process 2600 may include aligning the pair of apertures relative to each other. For example, process 2600 may include aligning the pair of apertures with each other along a longitudinal axis to frame a region of interest for viewing by the user. In other embodiments, process 2600 may include a user aligning with an optical axis of a single aperture to frame a region of interest for viewing by the user. In one or more embodiments, the region of interest may include a portion of the treadmill and / or surrounding environment viewable and / or visible through the aperture.

[0115] In block 2610, process 2600 includes identifying a tension status based on position of track assembly viewed along optical axis A (e.g., longitudinal axis between the apertures).

[0116] In block 2615, process 2600 includes determining if the tension status is acceptable for operation of treadmill 100. If not, then process 2600 is repeated beginning at block 2605. If the tension status is acceptable, then process 2600 terminates, as shown in block 2625.

[0117] FIG. 27 illustrates a flowchart for a process of removing a track assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Any step, sub-step, sub-process, or block of process 2700 may be performed in an order or arrangement different from the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 27, some may be omitted, others may be added, and some may be performed simultaneously as appropriate. Although process 2700 is described with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-23B, process 2700 may be applied to other embodiments.

[0118] In block 2705, process 2700 includes adjusting tension of track assembly 104 using tensioner 2102.

[0119] In block 2710, process 2700 includes removing front panel 122 from chassis 102.

[0120] In block 2715, process 2700 includes removing side panel 110 from chassis 102. In some embodiments, removal of side panel 110 may be optional.

[0121] In block 2720, process 2700 includes disconnecting a targa (e.g., post 112) from chassis 102 and crossbar 114.

[0122] In block 2725, process 2700 includes dismounting tack assembly 104 from pulley assembly 220.

[0123] FIG. 28 illustrates a flowchart for a process of removing and / or adjusting a component within the chassis in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Any step, sub-step, sub-process, or block of process 2800 may be performed in an order or arrangement different from the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 28, some may be omitted, others may be added, and some may be performed simultaneously as appropriate. Although process 2800 is described with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-23B, process 2800 may be applied to other embodiments.

[0124] In block 2805, process 2800 includes adjusting tension of track assembly 104 using tensioner 2102.

[0125] In block 2810, process 2800 includes pulling track assembly away from chassis 102.

[0126] In block 2815, process 2800 includes accessing an internal component within chassis 102. In some embodiments, internal component may include ball bearings. In other embodiments, internal component may include an electrical component, such as a cable electrically connected to a motor (e.g., actuator). In other embodiments, the internal component may include an actuator and / or motor or any other component that may be at least partially disposed within chassis 102.

[0127] Where applicable, various embodiments provided by the present disclosure can be implemented using hardware, software, or combinations of hardware and software. Also, where applicable, the various hardware components and / or software components set forth herein can be combined into composite components comprising software, hardware, and / or both without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Where applicable, the various hardware components and / or software components set forth herein can be separated into sub-components comprising software, hardware, or both without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, where applicable, it is contemplated that software components can be implemented as hardware components, and vice versa.

[0128] Software in accordance with the present disclosure, such as non-transitory instructions, program code, and / or data, can be stored on one or more non-transitory machine-readable mediums. It is also contemplated that software identified herein can be implemented using one or more general purpose or specific purpose computers and / or computer systems, networked and / or otherwise. Where applicable, the ordering of various steps described herein can be changed, combined into composite steps, and / or separated into sub-steps to provide features described herein.

[0129] All relative and directional references (including up, down, upper, lower, top, bottom, side, front, rear, and so forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader's understanding of the examples described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims.

[0130] The foregoing description is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. Embodiments described above illustrate but do not limit the invention. It is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and / or modifications to the present invention, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the following claims.

[0131] The present teaching may also extend to the features of one or more of the following clauses: 21. A treadmill comprising: a chassis; a logic device; a leg assembly movably secured to the chassis; a variable-speed mechanism configured to selectively move the leg assembly in a first direction or a second direction to selectively increase or decrease, respectively, an incline of the chassis, wherein the mechanism is configured to move the leg assembly relative to the chassis to adjust the incline of the chassis at a particular speed. 22. The treadmill of clause 21, further comprising a potentiometer configured to generate a position signal associated with a current position of the chassis; wherein the mechanism is an electric motor; wherein the logic device is configured to generate a control signal at least in part in response to the position signal. 23. The treadmill of clause 22, wherein: the particular speed comprises a first speed and a second speed; the control signal comprises a first control signal and a second control signal; and the logic device is configured to: operate at a first duty cycle, based on the first control signal, to adjust the incline at the first speed; operate at a second duty cycle, based on the second control signal, to adjust the incline at the second speed; and wherein the first speed is different from the second speed. 24. The treadmill of clause 22, wherein: the particular speed comprises a first speed and a second speed; the control signal comprises a first control signal and a second control signal; and the mechanism is configured to: increase the incline at the first speed based on the first control signal; and decrease the incline at the second speed based on the second control signal. 25. The treadmill of clause 24, wherein the first control signal comprises a voltage having a first frequency, and the second control signal comprises a voltage having a second frequency, wherein the first frequency is higher than the second frequency, and wherein the first speed is faster than the second speed. 26. The treadmill of clause 21, further comprising a position sensor configured to generate a position signal associated with a current position of the chassis, and wherein a control signal is based on the position signal, wherein the logic device is configured to determine when to adjust the speed of the leg assembly based on comparing position data associated with the position signal to a predetermined threshold. 27. The treadmill of clause 21, wherein the leg assembly comprises: a pair of opposing legs, wherein each leg comprises a proximal end attached to the chassis at a pivot point and a distal end extending from the chassis; a central shaft that extends between the proximal ends of the legs; and wherein the movement of the leg assembly comprises a simultaneous rotation of the legs about the pivot points. 28. The treadmill of clause 27, wherein the mechanism comprises: a first mechanism configured to move a first one of the legs; a second mechanism configured to move a second one of the legs; and wherein each leg further comprises at least one wheel rotatably attached to the distal end of the leg so that, when the leg assembly rotates in the first direction, the distal ends of the legs translate downward toward a supporting surface and, when the leg assembly rotates in the second direction, the distal ends of the legs translate toward an underside of the chassis. 29. The treadmill of clause 27, wherein: the mechanism comprises a linear actuator having a threaded component disposed within a tubular housing and configured to displace within the tubular housing to move the leg assembly; the linear actuator is configured to rotatably attached to the central shaft of the leg assembly; and a position signal is based on a detection, by a potentiometer, of a position of the threaded component relative to the tubular housing. 30. The treadmill of clause 21, wherein the leg assembly is configured to a least partially rest on a support surface. 31. A method comprising: receiving a command to adjust an incline of a treadmill; adjusting the incline of the treadmill based on the command, wherein adjusting the incline comprises: selectively moving, using a variable-speed mechanism of the treadmill, a leg assembly movably secured to a chassis of the treadmill in a first direction to selectively increase the incline of the chassis; and / or selectively moving, using the variable-speed mechanism of the treadmill, the leg assembly in a second direction to selectively decrease the incline of the chassis; and wherein the mechanism is configured to move the leg assembly relative to the chassis to adjust the incline of the chassis at a particular speed. 32. The method of clause 31, further comprising: generating, using a potentiometer, a position signal associated with a current position of the chassis; generating a control signal in response to the position signal; and wherein the mechanism is an electric motor. 33. The method of clause 32, wherein: the particular speed comprises a first speed and a second speed; the control signal comprises a first control signal and a second control signal; and the method further comprises: operating at a first duty cycle, based on the first control signal, to adjust the incline at the first speed; operating at a second duty cycle, based on the second control signal, to adjust the incline at the second speed; and wherein the first speed is different from the second speed. 34. The method of clause 32, wherein: the particular speed comprises a first speed and a second speed; the control signal comprises a first control signal and a second control signal; and the method further comprises: increasing, using the mechanism, the incline at the first speed based on the first control signal; and decrease, using the mechanism, the incline at the second speed based on the second control signal. 35. The method of clause 34, wherein the first control signal comprises a voltage having a first frequency, and the second control signal comprises a voltage having a second frequency, wherein the first frequency is higher than the second frequency, and wherein the first speed is faster than the second speed. 36. The method of clause 31, further comprising generating, using a position sensor, a position signal associated with a current position of the chassis, and wherein a control signal is based on the position signal; and determining when to adjust the speed of the leg assembly based on comparing position data associated with the position signal to a predetermined threshold. 37. The method of clause 31, wherein the leg assembly comprises: a pair of opposing legs, wherein each leg comprises a proximal end attached to the chassis at a pivot point and a distal end extending from the chassis; a central shaft that extends between the proximal ends of the legs; a stretcher that extends between the distal ends of the legs and is configured to provide support to the legs; and wherein the movement of the leg assembly comprises a simultaneous rotation of the legs about the pivot points. 38. The method of clause 37, wherein each leg further comprises at least one wheel rotatably attached to the distal end of the leg so that, when the leg assembly rotates in the first direction, the distal ends of the legs translate downward toward a supporting surface floor and, when the leg assembly rotates in the second direction, the distal ends of the legs translate toward an underside of the chassis. 39. The method of clause 37, wherein: the mechanism comprises a linear actuator having a threaded component disposed within a tubular housing and configured to displace within the tubular housing to move the leg assembly; the linear actuator is configured to rotatably attached to the central shaft of the leg assembly; and a position signal is based on a detection, by a potentiometer, of a position of the threaded component relative to the tubular housing. 40. The method of clause 31, wherein the leg assembly is configured to a least partially rest on a support surface. 41. A treadmill comprising: a track assembly; a chassis configured to enclose at least a portion of the track assembly, wherein the chassis comprises a first end and a second end; an aperture disposed in the chassis and positioned between the first end and the second end; and wherein the aperture permits identification of a tension status associated with a current position of at least a portion of the track assembly relative to the chassis. 42. The treadmill of clause 41, wherein the aperture comprises a first aperture, and wherein the treadmill further comprises a second aperture, wherein the pair of apertures are configured to align with each other along a longitudinal axis to frame a region of interest for viewing by a user. 43. The treadmill of clause 41, wherein the aperture defines a plane parallel to a surface of the chassis, wherein a longitudinal axis extending from the aperture is orthogonal to the plane. 44. The treadmill of clause 41, wherein the tension status comprises a first, second, and third tension status, and wherein the current position of the at least a portion of the track assembly comprises: a first position associated with the first tension status, wherein the track assembly is outside of a region of interest defined by the aperture; a second position associated with the second tension status, wherein the track assembly partially fills at least a portion of the region of interest; or a third position associated with the third tension status, wherein the track assembly entirely fills the region of interest. 45. The treadmill of clause 41, wherein the aperture is configured to receive a key to facilitate tactile confirmation of the tension status by a user. 46. The treadmill of clause 41, wherein the at least a portion of the track assembly comprises a vertex of a catenary curve of the track assembly. 47. The treadmill of clause 41, wherein the track assembly comprises a slat assembly. 48. The treadmill of clause 41, wherein the aperture comprises a rectangular aperture. 49. The treadmill of clause 41, wherein the aperture is defined by at least a straight upper edge of the chassis. 50. The treadmill of clause 41, wherein the aperture is positioned at a location along the chassis that is central to a length of the track assembly. 51. A method comprising: aligning with an optical axis of an aperture disposed in a chassis of a treadmill and positioned between a first end and a second end of the chassis; identifying, using the aperture, a tension status associated with a current position of at least a portion of a track assembly of the treadmill relative to the chassis; and adjusting a tension of the track assembly based on the tension status. 52. The method of clause 51, wherein the aperture comprises a first aperture, and wherein the treadmill further comprises a second aperture, wherein the method further comprises aligning the pair of apertures with each other along a longitudinal axis to frame a region of interest for viewing by a user. 53. The method of clause 51, wherein the aperture defines a plane parallel to a surface of the chassis, wherein a longitudinal axis of the aperture is orthogonal to the plane. 54. The method of clause 51, wherein the tension status comprises a first, second, and third tension status, and wherein the current position of the at least a portion of the track assembly comprises: a first position associated with the first tension status, wherein the track assembly is outside of a region of interest defined by the aperture; a second position associated with the second tension status, wherein the track assembly partially fills at least a portion of the region of interest; or a third position associated with the third tension status, wherein the track assembly entirely fills the region of interest. 55. The method of clause 51, the method further comprising receiving a key to facilitate tactile confirmation of the tension status by a user. 56. The method of clause 51, wherein the at least a portion of the track assembly comprises a vertex of a catenary curve of the track assembly. 57. The method of clause 51, wherein the track assembly comprises a slat assembly. 58. The method of clause 51, wherein the aperture comprises a rectangular aperture. 59. The method of clause 51, wherein the aperture is defined by at least a straight upper edge of the chassis. 60. The method of clause 51, wherein the aperture is positioned at a location along the chassis that is central to a length of the track assembly. 61. A treadmill comprising: a chassis; an electrical component; a track assembly at least partially encircling the chassis; a pair of posts extending from the chassis; a crossbar joining the pair of posts; and wherein a first post of the pair of posts is configured to selectively attach to the chassis and crossbar to permit removal of the track assembly from the chassis without interfering with the electrical component. 62. The treadmill of clause 61, further comprising: at least one side panel configured to be selectively attached to the chassis to permit removal of the track assembly from the chassis without interfering with the electrical component. 63. The treadmill of clause 61, wherein the electrical component comprises a motor assembly, wiring, and / or a circuit board. 64. The treadmill of clause 61, further comprising a tensioner disposed within the chassis and configured to selectively adjust a tension of the track assembly to secure the track assembly to the chassis, wherein the tensioner is configured to reduce tension of the track assembly in response to a rotation of the tensioner in a first direction. 65. The treadmill of clause 64, wherein the tensioner comprises a pair of threaded members. 66. The treadmill of clause 64, further comprising a pulley assembly selectively secured to the tensioner and configured to receive the track assembly; and wherein: the pulley assembly is configured to move the track assembly during operation of the treadmill; and the track assembly is configured to laterally slide off the track assembly when the at least one post is detached from the chassis. 67. The treadmill of clause 66, wherein the pulley assembly further comprises a pair of opposing front wheels and a pair of opposing rear wheels, wherein the reduction of the tension in the track assembly in response to the rotation of the tensioner in the first direction comprises reducing a distance between the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels. 68. The treadmill of clause 67, wherein the reduction of distance comprises moving the pair of front wheels closer to the pair of rear wheels. 69. The treadmill of clause 64, further comprising a front panel selectively attached to a front of the chassis, wherein the front panel comprises an aperture that permits a user to rotate the tensioner without removing the front panel from the chassis. 70. The treadmill of clause 61, wherein the track assembly comprises a slat assembly. 71. A method comprising: providing an electrical component within a treadmill; selectively removing one of a pair of posts from a chassis of the treadmill to permit removal of a track assembly of the treadmill without interfering with the electrical component; and removing the track assembly that at least partially encircles the chassis from the chassis. 72. The method of clause 71, further comprising selectively removing at least one side panel from a chassis of the treadmill. 73. The method of clause 71, wherein the electrical component comprises a motor assembly, wiring, and / or a circuit board. 74. The method of clause 71, further comprising a tensioner disposed within the chassis and configured to selectively adjust a tension of the track assembly to secure the track assembly to the chassis, wherein the tensioner is configured to reduce tension of the track assembly in response to a rotation of the tensioner in a first direction. 75. The method of clause 74, wherein the tensioner comprises a pair of threaded members. 76. The method of clause 74, further comprising a pulley assembly selectively secured to the tensioner and configured to receive the track assembly; and wherein: the pulley assembly is configured to move the track assembly during operation of the treadmill; and the track assembly is configured to laterally slide off the track assembly when the at least one post is detached from the chassis. 77. The method of clause 76, wherein the pulley assembly further comprises a pair of opposing front wheels and a pair of opposing rear wheels, wherein the reduction of the tension in the track assembly in response to the rotation of the tensioner in the first direction comprises reducing a distance between the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels. 78. The method of clause 77, wherein the reduction of distance comprises moving the pair of front wheels closer to the pair of rear wheels. 79. The method of clause 77, further comprising a front panel selectively attached to a front of the chassis, wherein the front panel comprises an aperture that permits a user to rotate the tensioner without removing the front panel from the chassis. 80. The method of clause 71, wherein the track assembly comprises a slat assembly. 81. A treadmill comprising: a chassis; a track assembly at least partially encircling the chassis; a tensioner configured to selectively adjust a tension of the track assembly; and wherein the tensioner is configured to create slack in the track assembly to permit displacement of the track assembly away from the chassis to provide access to one or more internal components disposed within the chassis. 82. The treadmill of clause 81, wherein the displacement of the track assembly away from the chassis defines an opening between a portion of the chassis and a portion of the track assembly, and wherein the one or more internal components are configured to be removed through the opening. 83. The treadmill of clause 81, further comprising a pair of bearing rails secured to the chassis and configured to support the track assembly during operation of the treadmill, wherein the one or more internal components comprise at least one of the pair of bearing rails. 84. The treadmill of clause 83, wherein the one or more internal components comprise an electrical component, and wherein the electrical component is configured to be disconnected without removing the track assembly from the chassis. 85. The treadmill of clause 81, wherein the one or more internal components comprise an incline actuator configured to adjust an angle of the chassis. 86. A method comprising: adjusting, using a tensioner of a treadmill, a tension of a track assembly that at least partially encircles a chassis of the treadmill to create slack in the track assembly; displacing the track assembly away from the chassis to define an opening between a portion of the track assembly and a portion of the chassis; and accessing one or more internal components disposed within the chassis through the opening. 87. The method of clause 86, wherein the displacement of the track assembly away from the chassis defines an opening between a portion of the chassis and a portion of the track assembly; and the method further comprising removing at least one of the one or more internal components from the chassis through the opening. 88. The method of clause 86, wherein the one or more internal components comprise a bearing rail configured to support the track assembly during operation of the treadmill. 89. The method of clause 86, wherein the one or more internal components comprise an electrical component, and wherein the method further comprises disconnecting the electrical component from the chassis without removing the track assembly from the chassis. 90. The method of clause 86, wherein the one or more internal components comprise an incline actuator configured to adjust an angle of the chassis.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0023]According to the present disclosure, systems and methods for a treadmill are provided. The treadmill may include a track assembly (e.g., slat assembly, belt assembly, or the like) configured to be rotated about a chassis of the treadmill. In various embodiments, the treadmill may include a motor assembly configured to move the track assembly. The treadmill may further include a drivebelt configured to mechanically connect the motor assembly and the track assembly. In various embodiments, the treadmill may include a release assembly configured to adjust tension in the drivebelt. The release assembly may include a lever arm having a pivot point and a spring attached to the lever arm. The lever arm may be configured to rotate about the pivot point between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the lever arm is biased against the drivebelt by the spring to engage the motor assembly and the track assembly to prevent movement of the track assembly wh...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 768,793 filed March 7, 2025 and entitled "TREADMILL SYSTEMS AND METHODS" which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application is related to U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 992,446 filed March 7, 2025 and entitled "TREADMILL" which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] One or more embodiments relate generally to exercise equipment and, more particularly, to treadmill systems and methods.BACKGROUND

[0003] Exercise has become an increasingly important aspect of daily life, and most exercise regimens commonly involve the use of exercise equipment, such as treadmills. Having such exercise equipment in a residence has become commonplace; however, maintenance of such exercise equipment can be a complicated and even hazardous process for the common consumer and / or servicers, who may often be unfamiliar with specific models of exercise equipment and / or can only carry a limited number and / or size of tools when traveling to remote locations (e.g., residences) for scheduled maintenance. Therefore, there may be a desire to address the deficiencies noted above, other deficiencies known in the industry, or at least offer an alternative to current techniques.SUMMARY

[0004] Systems and methods are provided for a treadmill. Conventional treadmills, such as slat treadmills, typically require the slat assembly to be removed and / or disassembled to reach serviceable components of the treadmill. Often as a safety precaution, a brake of the treadmill may be engaged and / or activated to prevent undesirable movement of the slat assembly when the treadmill is not in use. Releasing this brake for service procedures and / or maintenance may be highly complex since the brake may be often located within a region of the treadmill that is difficult to access, such as at least partially disposed and / or enclosed within the lower assembly (e.g., chassis) of the treadmill. A brake release assembly may provide a mechanism and / or method for allowing the slat assembly to freely move without having to access the brake. More specifically, using a tensioner (e.g., lever arm) that is readily accessible on the lower assembly, the slat assembly may be disengaged from the brake so that the slat assembly may move independently from a connected motor assembly (e.g., while the motor and brake remain static and engaged). This has the additional benefit of accomplishing an easily accessible brake release while also providing a belt tensioning mechanism that does not require tedious manual adjustment to obtain the correct belt tension (e.g., the spring applies the correct and / or desired belt tension without requiring manual adjustments).

[0005] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the treadmill may include a track assembly (e.g., slat assembly, belt assembly, or the like) configured to be rotated about a chassis of the treadmill, a motor assembly configured to move the track assembly, a drivebelt configured to mechanically connect the motor assembly and the track assembly, and a brake release assembly configured to adjust tension in the drivebelt. The release assembly includes a lever arm having a pivot point and a spring attached to the lever arm. The lever arm is configured to rotate about the pivot point between an engaged position wherein the lever arm is biased against the drivebelt by the spring to engage the motor assembly and the track assembly to prevent movement of the track assembly when a brake of the treadmill is activated, and a disengaged position wherein the lever arm is not biased against the drivebelt to disengage the track assembly and the motor assembly to allow movement of the track assembly independent from the motor assembly when the brake is activated.

[0006] In various embodiments, a method is provided that includes selectively engaging a brake with a motor assembly to prevent rotation of one or more components of the motor assembly, wherein the motor assembly is mechanically connected to a track assembly of the treadmill by a drivebelt. The method further includes rotating, by a user, a lever arm of a brake release assembly about a pivot point in a first direction to position the lever arm in a disengaged position such that the lever arm is not biased against the drivebelt. The method further includes independently moving the track assembly relative to the motor assembly. The method further includes rotating, by the user, the lever arm about the pivot point in a second direction to position the lever arm in an engaged position so that the lever arm biases against the drivebelt using a spring attached to the lever arm so that the lever arm prevents movement of the track assembly when the brake of the treadmill is activated. The method further includes deactivating the brake assembly of the treadmill to allow movement of the motor assembly.

[0007] In some aspects, it may be desirable to a user to be able to rapidly change an angle and / or incline of a treadmill. However, safety risks with decreasing or increasing an incline angle too quickly may pose safety risks or concerns, such as creating pinch points or causing a user to become unsteady on the treadmill. Conventionally, manufacturers are required to have treadmill incline movements limited based on regulatory requirements considering there are multiple areas for potential pinch points on treadmills. By controlling a lift motor with a variable frequency, the rate at which the incline of the treadmill may be adjusted can be based on a direction of movement and / or a current position of the deck (e.g., chassis) of the treadmill. This allows for efficient and quick adjustments of the incline when there are no pinch hazards and slow and cautious adjustments of the incline when a user should be more cautious (e.g., there is a possibility of pinch points or other hazards).

[0008] In various embodiments, a treadmill is provided that includes a chassis, a logic device, a leg assembly movably secured to the chassis, and a variable-speed mechanism configured to selectively move the leg assembly in a first direction or a second direction to selectively increase or decrease, respectively, an incline of the chassis, wherein the mechanism is configured to move the leg assembly relative to the chassis to adjust the incline of the chassis at a particular speed.

[0009] In various embodiments, a method is provided that includes receiving a command to adjust an incline of a treadmill, and adjusting the incline of the treadmill based on the command. The adjusting the incline includes selectively moving, using a variable-speed mechanism of the treadmill, a leg assembly movably secured to the chassis of the treadmill in a first direction to selectively increase the incline of the chassis; and / or selectively moving, using the variable-speed mechanism of the treadmill, the leg assembly in a second direction to selectively decrease the incline of the chassis. In one or more embodiments, the mechanism is configured to move the leg assembly relative to the chassis to adjust the incline of the chassis at a particular speed.

[0010] In some aspects, slat assemblies of treadmills may be tensioned in order for the treadmill to perform properly. Typically slat assemblies on treadmills are tensioned by taking a measurement from the slat assembly to the frame or from one side of the slat assembly to the other, however, such an approach often uses specialized tools that fit under the treadmill and / or the removal of components of the treadmill (e.g., covers) in order to make the measurements, which may be subject to measuring errors if the tool is precisely used (e.g., angled correctly). Using an aperture (e.g., sight window) of the treadmill allows a user to determine a tension value and / or range of the slat assembly without any tools and / or having to disassemble the treadmill. In some embodiments, sight window may also be used in conjunction with a standard tool. For example, a 5mm hex wrench that can be inserted through the sight window so then a user (e.g., a servicer) can feel for where the tool contacts the slat assembly if the treadmill is within tolerance.

[0011] In various embodiments, a treadmill is provided that includes a track assembly, a chassis configured to enclose at least a portion of the track assembly, where the chassis has a first end and a second end, and an aperture disposed in the chassis and positioned between the first end and the second end. The aperture may permit identification of a tension status associated with a current position of at least a portion of the track assembly relative to the chassis.

[0012] In various embodiments, a method is provided for identifying a tensions status of a treadmill. The method includes aligning with an optical axis of an aperture disposed in a chassis of a treadmill and positioned between a first end and a second end of the chassis. The method further includes identifying, using the aperture, a tension status associated with a current position of at least a portion of a track assembly of the treadmill relative to the chassis. The method further includes adjusting a tension of the track assembly based on the tension status.

[0013] Slat assembly replacement can be a tedious and time-consuming process, which can intimidate consumers and affect marketplace penetration. Therefore, allowing for a slat assembly of a treadmill to be removed and / or replaced while minimizing interfere with electrical components of the treadmill can lessen the complexity of the process and make maintenance more efficient and affordable.

[0014] In various embodiments, a treadmill is provided that includes a chassis, an electrical component, a track assembly at least partially encircling the chassis, a pair of posts extending from the chassis, and a crossbar joining the pair of posts. In some embodiments, a first post of the pair of posts is configured to selectively attach to the chassis and crossbar to permit removal of the track assembly from the chassis without interfering with the electrical component.

[0015] In various embodiments, a method of removing a track assembly is provided that includes providing an electrical component within a treadmill, selectively removing one of a pair of posts from a chassis of the treadmill to permit removal of a track assembly of the treadmill without interfering with the electrical component, and removing the track assembly that at least partially encircles the chassis from the chassis.

[0016] In various embodiments, a treadmill is provided. The treadmill includes a chassis, a track assembly at least partially encircling the chassis, and a tensioner configured to selectively adjust a tension of the track assembly. The tensioner is configured to create slack in the track assembly to permit displacement of the track assembly away from the chassis to provide access to one or more internal components disposed within the chassis.

[0017] In various embodiments, a method of accessing components within the chassis is provided. The method includes adjusting, using a tensioner of a treadmill, a tension of a track assembly that at least partially encircles a chassis of the treadmill to create slack in the track assembly; displacing the track assembly away from the chassis to define an opening between a portion of the track assembly and a portion of the chassis; and accessing one or more internal components disposed within the chassis through the opening.

[0018] Additional features are set forth in part in the description that follows and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification and drawings or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this disclosure.

[0019] One of skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances. Accordingly, individual aspects can be claimed separately or in combination with other aspects and features. Thus, the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the claimed invention or its applications or uses. It is to be understood that structural and / or logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail and no limitation as to the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, or the like in this summary. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. Moreover, for the purposes of clarity, detailed descriptions of certain features will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the art so as not to obscure the description of the present disclosure. The claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the arrangements illustrated herein, with the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures in which components may not be drawn to scale, which are presented as various embodiments of the mounting system for a treadmill described herein and should not be construed as a complete depiction of the scope of the treadmill system. FIGS. 1-8 illustrate various views of a treadmill in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of the treadmill in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 10-11 illustrate various views of a release assembly of the treadmill with slats and a side panel of the chassis removed for illustrative purposes in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate views of an operation of the release assembly in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 12C-12D illustrate various views of an opening used during operation of the release assembly in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 illustrates an incline actuator of the treadmill with a portion of a track assembly removed for illustrative purposes in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 14A-14B illustrates various views of an adjustment of an incline of the treadmill using the actuator in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an aperture of the treadmill in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of an aperture of the treadmill in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pair of apertures as seen along the lines of the section 17 - 17 taken in FIG. 16 in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate various views of identifying a tension status of the track assembly using the aperture in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 illustrates a removal of a track assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 illustrates a lateral sliding of the track assembly during a removal of the track assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 illustrates a chassis with a side panel and a post removed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 22A-22B illustrate an adjustment of tension in the track in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 23A-23B illustrate an adjustment of tension in the track in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 24 illustrates a flowchart for a process of operating a release assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 25 illustrates a flowchart for a process of operating a leg assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 26 illustrates a flowchart for a process of identifying a tension status in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 27 illustrates a flowchart for a process of removing a track assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 28 illustrates a flowchart for a process of removing a component from the chassis using a tensioner in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Embodiments of the disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals may be used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] According to the present disclosure, systems and methods for a treadmill are provided. The treadmill may include a track assembly (e.g., slat assembly, belt assembly, or the like) configured to be rotated about a chassis of the treadmill. In various embodiments, the treadmill may include a motor assembly configured to move the track assembly. The treadmill may further include a drivebelt configured to mechanically connect the motor assembly and the track assembly. In various embodiments, the treadmill may include a release assembly configured to adjust tension in the drivebelt. The release assembly may include a lever arm having a pivot point and a spring attached to the lever arm. The lever arm may be configured to rotate about the pivot point between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the lever arm is biased against the drivebelt by the spring to engage the motor assembly and the track assembly to prevent movement of the track assembly when a brake of the treadmill is activated. In the disengaged position, the lever arm is not biased against the drivebelt to disengage the track assembly and the motor assembly to allow movement of the track assembly independent from the motor assembly when the brake is activated.

[0024] In various embodiments, a treadmill is provided that includes a chassis, a logic device, a leg assembly movably secured to the chassis, and a variable-speed actuator. The variable-speed actuator may be configured to selectively move the leg assembly in a first direction or a second direction to selectively increase or decrease, respectively, an incline of the chassis, wherein the actuator is configured to move the leg assembly relative to the chassis to adjust the incline of the chassis at a particular speed.

[0025] In various embodiments, a treadmill is provided that includes a track assembly. The treadmill further includes a chassis configured to enclose at least a portion of the track assembly, where the chassis includes a first end and a second end. The treadmill further includes a pair of opposing apertures disposed in the chassis and positioned between the first end and the second end. In one or more embodiments, the pair of apertures may permit a user to view both apertures simultaneously and to identify a tension status associated with a current position of at least a portion of the track assembly relative to the chassis.

[0026] Referring now to the drawings, where the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-8 illustrate several various views of a treadmill 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, treadmill 100 may include a lower assembly and an upper assembly. The lower assembly may include a chassis 102 (e.g., frame). In various embodiments, lower assembly may include a belt and / or a track assembly 104 (e.g., slat assembly, belt assembly, or the like), configured to movably mount onto chassis 102. Track assembly 104 may be rotatable relative to at least a part of chassis 102 and, in particular, may be configured to revolve or otherwise move around (e.g., encircle) at least part of chassis 102 during use and / or operation of treadmill 100. For instance, track assembly 104 may be configured to rotate about chassis 102 using a motor. In several embodiments, treadmill 100 may include a deck, where the deck includes an area of track assembly 104 that is configured to be contacted by the user and / or support a user's weight during operation (e.g., running surface), such as an area that the user stands, walks, or runs on. For instance, the deck may include the area of treadmill 100 that provides support for the user while the user is working out on treadmill 100. In various embodiments, track assembly 104 may include a belt composed of a solid piece of cloth, rubber, or other flexible material. In other embodiments, track assembly may include a belt having individual components, such as slats (e.g., a plurality of slats) mounted to, for example, one or more bands and / or belts.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the lower assembly (e.g., chassis 102) may house and / or support one or more motors of treadmill 100 that are configured to increase, decrease, and / or otherwise change an incline of chassis 102 relative to a support surface (e.g., floor and / or ground) on which treadmill 100 is disposed. For example, chassis 102 may support a first motor (e.g., primary motor), as further discussed herein, configured to increase, decrease, and / or otherwise change a rotational speed of track assembly 104 connected to chassis 102. Track assembly 104 may be rotatable relative to chassis 102. For instance, in one or more embodiments, track assembly 104 may be configured to revolve around (e.g., encircle) chassis 102 during operation and / or use of treadmill 100. For example, track assembly 104 may support a user and may repeatedly rotate about (e.g., encircle) chassis 102 as the user runs, walks, and / or otherwise works out on treadmill 100. In several embodiments, track assembly 104 may include a continuous track movably connected to a motor (e.g., a primary motor) directly or indirectly (e.g., using a gear, flywheel, pulley, and / or other component of treadmill 100 that may be, for example, housed at least partially within chassis 102. In such examples, such a gear, flywheel, pulley, and / or other component of chassis 102 may be connected to an output shaft or other component of the motor, as discussed further below herein. In such examples, rotation of the output shaft or other components of the motor may drive commensurate rotation of track assembly 104.

[0028] In some embodiments, chassis 102 may support and / or house (e.g., at least partially enclose) a second motor (e.g., incline motor), as discussed further herein, configured to adjust an angle of chassis relative to a support surface. For example, incline motor may be connected to one or more linkages and configured to, for example, raise and lower chassis 102, and thus the deck, by acting on the support surface (e.g., applying a force to and / or biasing against the support surface) during operation of the incline motor.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, track assembly 104 may include a continuous band of material, a plurality of slats, or the like. For instance, and without limitation, track assembly 102 may include a slat assembly, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, connected to the one or more continuous tracks. As shown in FIG. 1, each slat 108 may extend substantially parallel to at least one adjacent slat 108. Additionally, each slat 108 may be hingedly, pivotally, and / or otherwise movably connected to the one or more continuous tracks movably secured to chassis 102 using one or more securing components and / or fasteners (e.g., a bracket, pin, screw, clip, bolt, and / or one or more other fastening components configured to secure a respective slat to the continuous track while allowing the slat to pivot, rotate, and / or otherwise move relative to the track as the track assembly revolves about chassis 102). In some embodiments, each slat may include a texture and / or patterned surface. For example, a surface of a slat 108, such as an upper surface, may have stippling, a plurality of recesses (as shown in FIGS. 1-8), divots, and so on. Each slat may have a texture or pattern that provides grip and / or traction for a user during use of the treadmill. The slats may be moveably connected (e.g., hingedly connected) to each other. Each slat may be composed of various materials, such as rubber, carbon fiber, or the like.

[0030] Still referring to FIGS. 1-8, treadmill 100 (e.g., chassis 102) may include one or more side panels 110 (e.g., sidewalls and / or trim sides). One or more side panels 110 may include opposing side panels disposed on opposite sides of chassis 102 (e.g., a right side as shown in FIG. 5 and a left side as shown in FIG. 6). For example, and without limitation, treadmill 100 may include a first side panel 110a on a right side of chassis 102 and a second side panel 110b on the left side of chassis 102. In one or more embodiments, treadmill 100 (e.g., chassis) may include a front panel 122, as shown in FIG. 2, disposed on a front of chassis 102. Front panel 122 (e.g., front cover and / or hood) may be selectively secured to chassis 102. In various embodiments, side panels 110 and / or front panel 122 may be selectively secured to chassis 102 using one or more securing components and / or fasteners. Side panels 110 and / or front panel 122 may be composed of (e.g., made from) metal, alloys, cloth, foam, plastic, rubber, polymers, and / or the like. In some embodiments, side panels 110 and / or front panel 122 may be configured to assist in damping and / or otherwise reducing noise generated by one or more of the motors and / or other components of chassis 102 by, for example, at least partially enclosing such components within chassis 102.

[0031] Still referring to FIGS. 1-8, treadmill 100 may include one or more posts 112 (e.g., targas) extending from chassis 102 (e.g., extending upwardly from chassis 102). In one or more embodiments, one or more posts 112 may include a pair of posts. For example, treadmill 100 may include a first post 112a extending from the right side of chassis 102 and a second post 112b extending from the left side of chassis 102. Posts 112 may be composed of, for example and without limitation, a metal, alloy, plastic, polymer, and / or other rigid material.

[0032] In various embodiments, treadmill 100 may include corner castings 172 that are positioned at a base (e.g., bottom) of post 112. Corners castings 172 may include a pair of opposing corner castings that are located on either side of front panel 122. Corner castings 172 may be implemented with post 112 (e.g., lower portion of the post and / or extrusion). In some embodiments, the corner castings and posts may be separate components, or the corner castings may be integrated into the post (e.g., monolithic component). In various embodiments, treadmill 100 may include end caps 174, which may include curved end caps abutting side panels of treadmill 100. End caps 174 may be located at the rear of the treadmill. In some embodiments, end caps 174 may be composed of aluminum.

[0033] In various embodiments, posts 112 may be each attached to a crossbar 114 such that crossbar 114 may extend from first post 112a to second post 112b. For example, treadmill 100 may include crossbar 114, which joins pair of posts 112a-b. In one or more embodiments, crossbar 114 may include a dashboard configured to support a display 116. In various embodiments, treadmill 100 may also include a hinge, joint, pivot, bracket, and / or other similar components for fastening display 116 to crossbar 114 (e.g., dashboard) and / or to allow for adjustment of the position or orientation of display 116 relative to the user when they are exercising (e.g., walking, jogging, running, and / or otherwise working out using treadmill 100), or working out near or adjacent to treadmill 100.

[0034] Crossbar 114 may include one or more hand rests and / or handles (e.g., front handle 120 or push bars 168) that a user may grip for support during operation of treadmill 100 (e.g., while exercising using treadmill 100). In some embodiments, one or more of posts 112 and crossbar 114 may form a single integral component of the upper assembly of treadmill 100. In other embodiments, one or more of posts 112 and crossbar 114 may be separate components that are configured to be secured to each other to provide the upper assembly. In such examples, one or more brackets, endcaps, and / or the like may be used to selectively and / or permanently secure the one or more posts 112 to crossbar 114. In one or more embodiments, crossbar 114 may include a dashboard storage component 160 (as shown in FIG. 7) configured to receive one or more personal items while a user is exercising. For example, dashboard storage component 160 may include a cup holder, key dish, or other surfaces for supporting objects of the user. In various embodiments, handrails 118 may extend from posts 112 to provide support for the user during operation of treadmill 100. In various embodiments, handrails 118 may each be substantially parallel to an upper surface of chassis 102. In other embodiments, handrails 118 may be angled relative to the upper surface of chassis 102.

[0035] Now referring to FIG. 9, a block diagram of treadmill 100 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, treadmill 100 includes display 116, as previously mentioned in FIGS. 1-8. Display 116 may include a screen, which is communicatively connected to a logic device 124 of treadmill 100, and / or any other components of treadmill 100, and configured to show content and provide a user interface. Screen may include an image display component or device (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), head-up display, projection, LED, LED screen, cathode ray tube (CRT), touchscreen) or various other types of generally known video displays or monitors. In one or more embodiments, display 116 may include a camera, which is configured to capture one or more images (e.g., frames) of a scene that is within a field of view (FOV) of the camera. In several embodiments, a user may be within the scene, and the camera may be used to capture images and / or videos of the scene. In various embodiments, the camera may include analog-to-digital converters to digitize images captured by the camera. Images captured by the camera (e.g., imaging device) may be stored in a memory 128 of treadmill 100. In one or more embodiments, suitable image processing may be performed by logic device 124, which can be a software or firmware programmed computer processor or a hardwired processor.

[0036] In some embodiments, display 116 may be configured to render information (e.g., commands, workout progress, entertainment, and so on) to a user. For example, display device 100 may render one or more video streams, a range of performance metrics, images, or other visual representations. In some embodiments, display 116 may include or function as a user interface, such as display 116 having a range of controls (e.g., user controls 150). In some embodiments, display 116 may be used to access membership information, login or logout of an exercise management system, present live and / or archived exercise classes, and other content. In some embodiments, display 116 may be configured to mount to and / or be communicatively connected to (e.g., wired or wirelessly interact with) exercise equipment, such as treadmill 100. Display 116 may include a simple display device (e.g., an LCD screen, an LED screen, etc.), a portion of a computing device (e.g., a tablet, a laptop, etc.), or a portion of a distributed display system, among other examples. In various embodiments, user controls 150 may include one or more rotary controls 170 (as shown in FIG. 1). Rotary control 170 may include, for example, a periphery user control located on handrail 118 of treadmill 100. Rotary control may be used to control one or more features of the treadmill in response to a rotation of the rotary control in a first or second direction. In some embodiments, rotary control may be configured to rotate and / or depress relative to handrail 118.

[0037] In various embodiments, treadmill 100 may include a logic device 124. Logic device 124 may be implemented as any appropriate logic device, such as, for example, a computing device, a controller, single-core processor, multi-core processor, control circuit, processor, microprocessor, programmable logic device (PLD) configured to perform processing operations, processing device, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processing (DSP) device, field programmable gate array (FPGA), system on a chip (SOC), memory storage device, memory reader, and / or any other appropriate combinations of processing devices and / or memory to execute instructions to perform appropriate operations, such as, for example, software instructions implementing a control loop for controlling various operations of treadmill 100. Such software instructions may also implement methods for processing images, processing sensor signals, determining a type of exercise equipment, retrieving software compatible with the type of exercise equipment, and so on.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, logic device 124 may include any number of logic devices working in concert or independently. In some embodiments, one or more of such logic devices, possibly all of them, can be provided externally, outside of treadmill 100, possibly remotely, and can communicate with treadmill 100 over a computer network (e.g., network 134), such as the Internet, using a communication component 132 of treadmill 100. Communication component 132 may provide wired and / or wireless connections to circuits, components, and / or devices (e.g., remote device 134) inside and outside of treadmill 100.

[0039] In some embodiments, logic device 124 may include one or more PCBAs that may include circuitry and / or components configured to control operation of treadmill 100. For example, the one or more PCBAs may include one or more drivers, chipsets, or other logic devices configured to control operation of screen treadmill 100 and / or components thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more PCBAs may include one or more cards dedicated to a particular system of treadmill 100. For instance, the one or more PCBAs may include one or more graphics cards, one or more sound cards, one or more CPU cards, and the like.

[0040] Logic device 124 may include, be included in, and / or communicate with any component of treadmill 100. In some embodiments, logic device 124 may include a single logic device operating independently. In other embodiments, logic device 124 may include two or more logic devices operating in parallel, in concert, or sequentially. In various embodiments, logic device 124 may include a plurality of logic devices in a single integrated unit. In other embodiments, logic device 124 may include a plurality of logic devices part of two or more computing devices or systems. For instance, logic device 124 may include a singular logic device or a cluster of logic devices in a first location, and a second logic device or cluster of logic devices in a second location. In various embodiments, logic device 124 may be implemented as a memory, wherein logic device may include one or more logic devices dedicated to data storage. In various embodiments, logic device 124 may distribute tasks and / or processes, as described herein, across a plurality of logic devices, where the plurality of logic devices may operate in series, in parallel, redundantly, and / or in any other manner appropriate for treadmill 100. In one or more embodiments, logic device 124 may be configured to perform any process, step, and / or sequence of steps described herein in any order and with any degree of repetition.

[0041] Logic device 124 may be communicatively connected to any components described in this disclosure and configured to interface and / or communicate with the various components of treadmill 100. In various embodiments, it should be appreciated that processing operations and / or instructions may be integrated in software and / or hardware as part of logic device 124, or code (e.g., software or configuration data) which may be stored in a memory device, such as memory 128. Embodiments of processing operations and / or instructions disclosed in this disclosure may be stored by a machine-readable medium in a non-transitory manner (e.g., a memory, a hard drive, a compact disk, a digital video disk, or a flash memory) to be executed by a computing device (e.g., logic or processor-based system) to perform various operations. In one or more embodiments, logic device 124 may include a processor configured to execute instructions stored in a first memory and / or a programmable logic device (PLD) operable in accordance with a configuration of programmable logic blocks stored in a second memory.

[0042] In some embodiments, treadmill 100 includes memory 128, which may store software instructions and / or databases used by logic device 124. In one or more embodiments, treadmill 100 and / or memory 128 may include a machine-readable medium (e.g., a machine-readable medium 138) that may be provided for storing non-transitory instructions for loading into and execution by logic device 124. In various embodiments, memory 128 may be included as part of logic device 124 and / or separate from logic device 124, with stored instructions provided to logic device 124 by communicatively connecting memory 128 to logic device 124. In various embodiments, as described herein, instructions provide for real time applications of processing various images of a user.

[0043] In some embodiments, memory 128 may include one or more memory devices (e.g., one or more memories) to store data and information. The one or more memory devices may include various types of memory including volatile and non-volatile memory devices, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically-Erasable Read-Only Memory), or other types of memory. In some embodiments, memory 128 may include RAM (e.g., static and / or dynamic) memory and / or flash memory, clock-related circuitry (e.g., clock sources, phase-locked loop (PLL) circuits, and / or delay-locked loop (DLL) circuits), and / or various routing resources (e.g., interconnect and appropriate switching logic to provide paths for routing signals throughout logic device 124, such as for clock signals, data signals, or others) as appropriate.

[0044] As previously mentioned, logic device 124 may be configured to execute software stored in memory 128 to perform various methods, processes, and / or operations in a manner as described herein. In various embodiments, memory 128 may be implemented as a volatile memory, non-volatile memory, one or more interfaces, and / or various analog and / or digital components for interfacing with devices and / or components of treadmill 100. For example, memory 128 may be adapted to store images (e.g., image data or sensor information), parameters for image transformations, operation parameters, calibration parameters, and / or other operational parameters. In some embodiments, memory 128 may be adapted to execute one or more feedback loops for operation of treadmill 100. In some embodiments, a feedback loop may include processing images, sensor signals, and / or parameters in order to control one or more operations of treadmill 100 (e.g., resistance).

[0045] In some embodiments, treadmill 100 includes communication component 132, where communication component 132 may be implemented as a connector (e.g., to interface one or more electronic components to an external device), a network interface component (NIC) configured for communication with a network including other devices in the network, and / or other implementations. For instance, communication components may include cables, accessory ports, power ports, wireless communication, Bluetooth, wired communication, and so on. In various embodiments, communication component may include one or more wired or wireless communication components, such as an Ethernet connection, a wireless local area network (WLAN) component based on the IEEE 802.11 standards, a wireless broadband component, mobile cellular component, a wireless satellite component, or various other types of wireless communication components including radio frequency (RF), microwave frequency (MWF), and / or infrared frequency (IRF) components configured for communication with a network, a LAN card, a modem, and any combination thereof. As such, communication component 132 may include an antenna coupled thereto for wireless communication purposes. In other embodiments, communication component 132 may be configured to interface with a DSL (e.g., Digital Subscriber Line) modem, a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) modem, an Ethernet device, and / or various other types of wired and / or wireless network communication devices configured for communication with a network.

[0046] Communication components 132 may be implemented as any wired and / or wireless communications module and / or device configured to transmit and receive analog and / or digital signals between components of treadmill 100 and / or remote devices (e.g., remote device 134) and / or systems. For example, communication component 132 may be configured to receive control signals and / or data and provide them to logic devices and / or memories. In other embodiments, communication component 132 may be configured to receive images and / or other sensor information from camera, logic device 124, sensors, and / or the like, and relay the corresponding data within treadmill 100 and / or to external systems. Wireless communication links may include one or more analog and / or digital radio communication links, such as Wi-Fi and others, as described herein, and may be direct communication links, for example, or may be relayed through one or more wireless relay stations configured to receive and retransmit wireless communications. Communication links established by communication component 132 may be configured to transmit data between components of treadmill 100 substantially continuously throughout operation of treadmill 100, where such data includes various types of image data (e.g., images), sensor data, control parameters, and / or other data, as described herein.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, logic device 124 may interface or communicate with one or more additional devices and / or systems using communication component 132. Communication component 132 may be configured to communicative connect logic device 124 to one or more networks and / or one or more devices. Examples of a network interface device include, but are not limited to, a network interface card (e.g., a network may employ a wired and / or a wireless mode of communication). In general, any network topology may be used. Information (e.g., data, software, and the like) may be communicated to and / or from a computer and / or a computing device. Examples of a network may include, but are not limited to, a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), telephone network, data network, a direct connection between two computing devices (e.g., logic device 124 and another device and / or system), or any combinations thereof.

[0048] In some embodiments, network 158 may be implemented as a single network or a combination of multiple networks. For example, in various embodiments, the network may include the internet and / or one or more intranets, landline networks, wireless networks, and / or other appropriate types of communication networks. In another example, the network may include a wireless telecommunications network (e.g., cellular phone network) configured to communicate with other communication networks, such as the internet. As such, in various embodiments, display device 100 and / or its individual associated components may be associated with a particular network link such as for example a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), an IP (Internet Protocol) address, and / or a mobile phone number.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, treadmill 100 may include one or more motors as previously mentioned in FIGS. 1-8. For instance, treadmill 100 may include primary motor 140 (e.g., first motor) of treadmill 100 and / or incline motor 146 (e.g., second motor) of a variable-speed mechanism, such as a variable-speed actuator (e.g., an incline actuator 144). A motor may include a machine that provides motive power (e.g., transforms non-mechanical energy into mechanical energy) for the purposes of this disclosure. Motors 140 and 146 may include electric motors. In some embodiments, motors 140 and 146 may be driven by direct current (DC) electric power and include, for example and without limitation, a brushless DC motor, brushed DC motor, a reluctance motor (e.g., switched reluctance motor (SRM), and / or the like. In other embodiments, motors 140 and 146 may include alternating current (AC) motors, such as an asynchronous motor (i.e. induction motor), synchronous motor, AC linear motor, and / or the like. Motors 140 and 146 may be communicatively connected to logic device 124 and / or include electronic controllers or other components for regulating operation of the motors. For example, motors 140 and 146 may each include controllers for regulating motor speed, rotation direction, braking, and / or the like. In some embodiments, a brake, such as brake 142 may be connected to primary motor 140 and apply a force to primary motor 140 to prevent and / or stop primary motor 140 from moving. Brake 142 may include, for example, a solenoid brake, magnetic particle brake, calipers, and / or the like. In various embodiments, brake 142 may include an electrically controlled brake configured to engage one or more components of primary motor 140 to prevent undesirable movement of primary motor 140 and, thus, of track assembly 104. In various embodiments, treadmill 100 may include a second brake (not shown) configured to interact with incline motor 146.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, incline actuator 144 may be configured to operate a leg assembly (e.g., leg assembly 130, shown in FIG. 2) to adjust an incline angle of chassis 102, as discussed further in this disclosure below. Incline actuator 144 may further include one or more sensors, such as incline sensor 148. In several embodiments, incline sensor 148 may include a sensor configured to detect a position of one or more components of linear actuator and / or incline motor 146, as discussed further below in this disclosure. For example, and without limitation, incline sensor 148 may include a potentiometer, rotary encoder, position sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, and / or the like.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, incline actuator 144 may be configured for simplified removal and replacement without requiring disassembly of structural components of treadmill 100. For instance, incline actuator 144 may be designed to be serviceable by removing one or more covers (e.g., side panels 110a,b) to access electrical connections, rather than requiring removal of chassis components.

[0052] In some aspects, incline actuator 144 may be electrically connected to a main control board (MCB) through accessible electrical connectors that may be reached by removing the one or more covers of treadmill 100. In other various embodiments, the electrical connector for incline actuator 144 may be positioned proximate to incline actuator 144 within chassis 102 to facilitate maintenance access. For example, the electrical connector may be located near incline actuator 144 rather than requiring access to a remotely located MCB. This configuration may allow for removal and replacement of incline actuator 144 and / or corresponding electrical components using methods described in FIGS. 23A-23B without accessing the MCB or removing additional components of treadmill 100.

[0053] The serviceability design of incline actuator 144 may provide advantages for field maintenance and repair operations. In some embodiments, a technician may disconnect incline actuator 144 by accessing a local electrical connector, removing mounting hardware, and lifting the actuator from its installed position through an opening defined by track 104 and chassis 102 and created by movement of the front shaft of treadmill 100 using a tensioner, as described further in FIGS. 22A-23B. This approach may reduce service time and complexity compared to designs that require extensive disassembly of treadmill components to access electrical connections or mounting points.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, treadmill 100 may include user controls 150. In several embodiments, user controls may be configured to operate treadmill 100. For instance, user controls 150 may include power controls, navigation controls, speed controls, incline angle controls, and / or the like. User controls 150 may include, for example, one or more buttons, switches, sliders, touchscreens, touch pads, wheels, levers, trackball, knobs, joysticks, and / or any other devices or components configured to receive a user input to control treadmill 100. In several embodiments, user controls 150 may include a plurality of executable controls configured to modify an incline of chassis 102 and / or other parameters of treadmill 100. For example, user controls 150 may include incline user controls configured to receive one or more inputs from the user while the user is exercising (e.g., participating in an exercise class) using treadmill 100 to modify the incline (e.g., gradient) of chassis 102 based at least in part on the user input. In various embodiments, user controls 150 may transmit a signal based on a user input to, for example, incline actuator 144 to adjust an incline angle of chassis 102. For instance, chassis 102 may be moved to a first position associated with a first incline angle, to a second position associated with a second incline angle, a third position associated with a third incline angle, and so on. In some embodiments, incline angles of chassis may be discrete values that are preprogrammed into treadmill (e.g., pushing a button of user controls 150 may move chassis to a 1% gradient, pushing the button a second time may move chassis to a 3% gradient, pushing the button a third time may move chassis to a 5% gradient, and so on). In other embodiments, incline angles may be continuous values (e.g., holding down a switch of user controls 150 may cause gradual movement in a particular direction to adjust an incline angle of chassis), as discussed further herein below.

[0055] In some embodiments, treadmill 100 may include other components 136. For instance, in some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, other components 136 may include one or more sensors, as previously discusses herein. Sensor may include a device configured to detect an input and / or physical stimulus. Sensors may include, for example, voltmeters, current sensors, level sensors, temperature sensors (e.g., thermocouples), infrared sensors, proximity sensors, motion sensors, pressure sensors, photoelectric sensors, magnetometers, imaging devices (e.g., cameras), global positioning systems (GPS), Hall sensors, one or more microphones, and the like. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors may include an array of sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, gyroscopes, accelerometers, imaging devices, and so on). In various embodiments, sensors may provide for representing (e.g., converting) input from a physical environment of treadmill 100 into digital data (e.g., via an analog-to-digital converter included as part of the sensor or separate from the sensor as part of treadmill 100). In some embodiments, other components 136 may include optical sensors, such as, for example, imaging devices (e.g., cameras), light sensors, and the like.

[0056] As previously mentioned, treadmill 100 may include one or more user controls 150 configured to receive input from a user. Treadmill 100 may further include one or more sensors (e.g., incline sensor 148 and / or sensors of other components 136) configured to sense, detect, and / or otherwise determine one or more performance parameters of the user before, during, and / or after the user participates in an exercise class using treadmill 100. In any of the examples described herein, the user controls 150 and the one or more sensors may be operably and / or otherwise connected to one or more controllers, processors, logic device (e.g., logic device 124), memory (e.g., memory 128), and / or other digital hardware of treadmill 100. The digital hardware associated with treadmill 100 may be connected to or integrated with treadmill 100, or it may be located remotely and wired or wirelessly connected to treadmill 100. The digital hardware may include digital storage (e.g., a hard drive or other such memory), one or more processors (e.g., a microprocessor) or other like computers or controllers, communications hardware, software, and / or one or more media input / output devices such as displays, cameras, microphones, keyboards, touchscreens, headsets, and / or audio speakers. In various exemplary embodiments these components may be connected to and / or otherwise integrated with treadmill 100. All communications between and among such components of the digital hardware may be multichannel, multi-directional, and wireless or wired, using any appropriate protocol or technology. In various exemplary embodiments, the digital hardware of treadmill 100 may include associated mobile and web-based application programs that provide access to account, performance, and other relevant information to users from local or remote exercise machines, processors, controllers, personal computers, laptops, mobile devices, or any other digital device or digital hardware. In any of the examples described herein, the one or more controllers, processors, and / or other digital hardware associated with treadmill 100 may be operable to perform one or more functions associated with control logic of treadmill 100. Such control logic may include one or more rules, programs, or other instructions stored in a memory of the digital hardware. For example, one or more processors included in the digital hardware may be programmed to perform operations in accordance with rules, programs, or other instructions of the control logic, and such processors may also be programmed to perform one or more additional operations in accordance with and / or at least partly in response to input received via one or more of user controls 150 via one or more of the sensors, and / or via various controls, user interfaces, or other components of treadmill 100. In any of the examples described herein, display 116 may include a touchscreen, a touch-sensitive (e.g., capacitance-sensitive) display, and / or any other device configured to display content and receive input (e.g., a touch input, tap input, swipe input, etc.) from the user.

[0057] Now referring to FIGS. 10-11, various views of a brake release assembly 200 of treadmill 100 with a side panel (e.g., side panel 110b) of chassis 102 removed for illustrative purposes are shown in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. As previously mentioned herein, treadmill 100 may include one or more motors. For instance, treadmill may include a motor assembly 210 configured to move track assembly 104 and that includes at least primary motor 140. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, primary motor 140 may be directly or indirectly mechanically connected to track assembly 104 of treadmill 100. As previously mentioned, motor 140 may be configured to convert an electrical energy and / or signal into a mechanical movement, such as a mechanical movement of a track assembly 104 (e.g., rotational movement and / or encircling of track assembly 104 about chassis 102). For example, track assembly 104 may move in parallel to a longitudinal axis of chassis 102 using motor 140. In one or more embodiments, motor 140 may include electronic speed controllers or other components for regulating motor speed, dynamic braking, rotation direction, torque, and / or the like.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, treadmill 100 may include drivebelt 204. Drivebelt 204 may be configured to mechanically connect motor assembly 210 and track assembly 104. More specifically, drivebelt 204 may be configured to engage motor 140 to mechanically connect motor 140 to track assembly 104. Drivebelt 204 may be wrapped about a portion of a pulley assembly 220 (also referred to herein as a "pulley system") of treadmill 100. For instance, drivebelt 206 may be secured to (e.g., wrapped about) a wheel 222 so that, when lever arm 206 is in the engaged position, wheel 222 is rotated by motor assembly 210 using drivebelt 204, thus in turn rotating track assembly 104. In one or more embodiments, drivebelt 204 may be moveably secured to at least a portion of motor assembly 210, such as a shaft 224 of motor 140, so that motor 140 may turn pulley assembly 220 using drivebelt 204. Shaft 224 may extend through a side of a frame of chassis 102 so that lever arm 206 is easily accessible by a user. In various embodiments, drivebelt 204 may be composed of polymer, rubber, cloth, polyurethane, and / or similar materials.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, treadmill 100 may include brake release assembly 200 (also referred to herein as a "release assembly"). Brake release assembly 200 may be configured to adjust tension in drivebelt 204. Release assembly 200 may include a lever arm 206, having a pivot point 208. Treadmill 100 includes brake 142 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 11), where brake 142 is configured to selectively engage motor assembly 210 to prevent rotation of one or more components of motor assembly 210. In various embodiments, lever arm 206 may include an aperture 218 that is configured to receive a key (e.g., a complementarily shaped key) that a user may use to manually rotate lever arm 206 between the engaged and disengaged position. In some embodiments, the key may be a screwdriver, Allen wrench, Torx key, pin, rod, and / or the like. For example, an Allen wrench may be inserted into aperture 218 and used to torque lever arm 206 away from drivebelt 204 to reduce a tension of drivebelt 204, as discussed further below herein.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, lever arm 206 may include a wheel 214. Wheel 214 may be rotatably attached to lever arm 206 and have a surface 216 configured to abut drivebelt 204 of track assembly 104 to tension drivebelt 204 when in lever arm 206 is in the engaged position, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0061] In several embodiments, release assembly 200 may include a spring 212 attached to lever arm 206 and configured to apply a force (e.g., torque) to lever arm 206 so that lever arm 206 biases drivebelt 204 when lever arm is in the engaged position. Spring 212 may include various types of springs, such as a tension spring (e.g., dual-hook tension spring attached to chassis 102 and lever arm 206). In one or more embodiments, lever arm 206 may be configured to rotate about pivot point 208 between an engaged position and a disengaged position, as discussed further in FIGS. 12A-B. Spring 212 is shown as a tension spring in FIGS. 10-11, however, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, spring 212 may include one or more various types of springs, such as a torsion spring, leaf spring, or the like. In some embodiments, spring 212 may be replaced by, for example, a screw configured to be rotated in a first direction to increase tension in drivebelt and rotated in a second direction to reduce tension in drivebelt.

[0062] Now referring to FIGS. 12A-B, views of an operation of brake release assembly 200 in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. As shown in FIG. 12A, in the engaged position, lever arm 206 is biased against drivebelt 204 by spring 212 to engage motor assembly (e.g., motor 140) and track assembly 104 to prevent movement of track assembly 104 when a brake (e.g., brake 142) of treadmill 100 is activated. In one or more embodiments, spring 212 may include a first end 228a connected to chassis 202 of the treadmill and a second end 228b connected to lever arm 206. In several embodiments, lever arm 206 includes a proximal end 230a attached to the chassis of the treadmill at, for example, pivot point 208 and distal end 230b extending from pivot point 208.

[0063] In the engaged position, spring 212 may be configured to pull distal end 230b of lever arm 206 into drivebelt 204 to create tension in drivebelt 204. More specifically, second end 228b of spring 212 may be connected to distal end 230b of lever arm 206 such that spring 212 may apply a continuous force on distal end 230b, pulling distal end 230b, and wheel 214, toward drivebelt 204. As a result, spring 212 pulls distal end 230b of lever arm 206 into drivebelt so that lever arm 206 (e.g., wheel 214) biases against drivebelt 204 to create tension in drivebelt 204 so that track assembly 104 and motor assembly 210 are mechanically connected and move or rest in unison (e.g., track assembly does not move independently of motor assembly).

[0064] As shown in FIG. 12B, in a disengaged position, lever arm 206 is not biased against drivebelt 204 to disengage track assembly 104 and motor assembly (e.g., motor 140) to allow movement of track assembly 104 independent from the motor assembly when brake 142 is activated. In the disengaged position, the tension in drivebelt 204 is reduced relative to when lever arm 206 is in the engaged position. This reduction in tension allows for drivebelt 204 to loosen and thus move freely from primary motor 140, so that a user may rotate track assembly 104 without disengaging and / or releasing brake 142.

[0065] In some embodiments, release assembly 200 may include a locking component 232 configured to selectively secure lever arm 206 in the engaged or disengaged position. For example, locking component 232 (e.g., locking mechanism) may include a screw, bolt with a nut, pin, clamp, and / or any other component configured to secure lever arm 206 in a desired position. In various embodiments, lever arm 206 may include an arcuate slot 234. Locking component 232 may include a protrusion extending from chassis 102 of treadmill 100 and through arcuate slot 234 so that arcuate slot 234 may act as a guide and / or track. To reduce tension in drivebelt 204, lever arm 206 may be rotated (e.g., in direction 236) about pivot point 208 so arcuate slot 234 is displaced relative to locking component 232.

[0066] When locking component 232 is unlocked, lever arm 206 may be able to rotate about pivot point 208 between at least the engaged and disengaged position, and, when locking component 232 is locked, lever arm 206 may be fixed relative to chassis 102 in the engaged or disengaged position. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, lever arm 206 is locked in an engaged position and the protrusion of locking component 232 may be at a first position x within arcuate slot 234 (e.g., locking component 232 is a distance d from a first end of arcuate slot 234. In another example, as shown in FIG. 12B, lever arm 206 is locked in a disengaged position and protrusion may be at a second position x' within arcuate slot 234 (e.g., locking component 232 is a distance d' from a first end of arcuate slot 234).

[0067] In other embodiments, release assembly 200 may not include locking component 232 and / or protrusion. When release assembly 200 does not include locking component 232, the tension of spring 212 (e.g., the force applied by spring 212 on lever arm 206) may be sufficient to prevent movement of lever arm when in the engaged position. When in the disengaged position, the key, as previously discussed herein, may be used to maintain the disengaged position of lever arm 206. In other embodiments, spring 212 may be detached from lever arm 206 and / or chassis 102 to reduce tension in drivebelt 204 and / or prevent lever arm 206 from biasing against drivebelt 204.

[0068] Now referring to FIG. 12C, an opening 162 of side panel 110 is shown in accordance an embodiment of the present disclosure. In alternative embodiments, a user may access lever arm 206 without removing side panel 110. For instance, a user may extend a tool, such as a hex key, through opening 162 to interact with locking component 232. In some embodiments, opening 162 may include a circular hole, as shown in FIGS. 12C-D. In other embodiments, opening 162 may include other shaped openings, such a linear slot, arcuate slot, or the like.

[0069] Now referring to FIG. 12D, an alignment of opening 162 of side panel 110 and lever arm 206, where side panel is shown a transparent for the purposes of illustration, is shown in accordance an embodiment of the present disclosure. Opening 162 may be aligned with at least a portion of locking mechanism 232 so that locking component 232 may be accessed and / or interacted with by a user without removing panel 110 and / or disassembling treadmill 100. For example, in response to locking component 232 being rotated in a first direction, locking component 232 may be unlocked so that lever arm 206 may be moved relative to drivebelt 204. In another example, in response to locking component 232 being rotated in a second direction, locking component 232 may be locked to prevent movement of lever arm 206 relative to drivebelt 204.

[0070] FIG. 13 illustrates incline actuator 144 of treadmill 100 with track assembly 104 removed for illustrative purposes in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, treadmill 100 includes leg assembly 130 and a variable-speed mechanism, such as a variable-speed actuator (e.g., incline actuator 144, shown in FIG. 9) that is configured to selectively move leg assembly 130 in a first direction or a second direction to selectively increase or decrease, respectively, an incline of chassis 102. Variable-speed actuator (also referred to herein as an "incline actuator") may be configured to move leg assembly 130 relative to chassis 102 to adjust the incline of chassis 102 at a particular speed. In one or more embodiments, leg assembly 130 may be configured to a least partially rest on a support surface 402, as shown in FIGS. 14A-B. Though shown as a linear actuator in the drawings, as understood by one of skilled in the art, variable-speed actuator may include other mechanism configured to move leg assembly (e.g., mechanisms that include pinion gears, chains, piezoelectric actuators, hydraulic actuators, and so on)

[0071] Now referring to FIGS. 14A-B, views of an adjustment of an incline of treadmill 100 using a variable-speed mechanism, such as incline actuator 144, in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, leg assembly 130 may include a pair of opposing legs 304 (e.g., a first leg and a second leg). Each leg 304 may include a proximal end 306 attached to chassis 102 at pivot point 308 and a distal end 310 extending from chassis 102. In several embodiments, leg assembly 130 may include a central shaft 312 that extends between proximal ends 306 of legs 304. In some embodiments, opposing legs 304 and central shaft 312 may be integral components. In other embodiments, legs 304 and central shaft 312 may be separate components that are assembled (e.g., secured and / or fastened) together. Leg assembly 130 may further include one or more stretchers 314 that each extend between distal ends 310 of legs 304. Stretchers 314 may be configured to provide support to legs 304. In one or more embodiments, the movement of leg assembly 130 may include simultaneous rotation of legs 304 about pivot points 308 in response to an actuation by incline actuator 144. Though treadmill 100 is discussed as using a single incline actuator to adjust an incline angle, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, treadmill 100 may also use two dependent or independent incline actuators (e.g., a first incline actuator and a second incline actuator), where each actuator moves a respective leg 304 (e.g., first leg and second leg, respectively) of leg assembly 130 without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0072] In various embodiments, each leg may include one or more wheels (e.g., a wheel 316) rotatably attached to distal end 310 of leg 304 so that, when leg assembly 130 rotates in the first direction, distal ends of legs 304 translate downward (e.g., in a direction opposite of arrow 404) toward support surface 402 (e.g., floor and / or ground of an environment) to increase an incline of chassis 102 relative to a current incline of chassis 102, and, when leg assembly 130 rotates in the second direction, distal ends 310 of legs 304 translate toward an underside of chassis 102 to reduce the incline of chassis 102 relative to the current incline value.

[0073] The incline of chassis 102 may be adjusted using incline actuator 144, as previously discussed herein. In some embodiments, incline actuator 144 may include a linear actuator having a threaded component (not shown) disposed within a tubular housing 318 and configured to displace within tubular housing 318 to move leg assembly 130. In some embodiments, tubular housing 318 may be rotatably secured to central shaft 312 and / or proximal ends 306 of legs 304 at a pivot point, such as pivot point 308. For instance, linear actuator (e.g., tubular housing 318) may be configured to rotatably attached to central shaft 312 of leg assembly 130.

[0074] In various embodiments, treadmill 100 may include a potentiometer configured to generate a position signal associated with a current position of chassis 102. For instance, the position signal may be based on a detection, by the potentiometer, of a position of the threaded component relative to tubular housing 318. In another instance, position signal may be based on a detection, by the potentiometer, of a position of one or more components of incline motor 146. For example, the potentiometer may provide position signal based on motor rotation, directly or indirectly. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, knowing a gear ratio between incline motor 146 and threaded component (e.g., thread shaft) and pitch of the threads of the threaded component, the potentiometer and / or logic device may calculate a position of the incline actuator (e.g., threaded component within tubular housing) based on a rotation of rotating components (e.g., incline motor 146). In some embodiments, the potentiometer may be located near or on the incline motor shaft (e.g., rotor shaft). The potentiometer may include a resistor with a sliding or rotating contact (e.g., knob or shaft connected to a wiper element) that provides an adjustable voltage divider by sliding across a resistive element. The angular movement of the contact results in a variance of the resistance and thus the output of the potentiometer. The potentiometer may, in one or more embodiments, may be in contact with at least a portion of incline actuator. For instance, the potentiometer may be disposed within the tubular element of incline actuator 144. In one or more embodiments, incline actuator 144 may include an electric motor, as previously discussed in FIG. 9. Logic device 124 may be configured to generate a control signal at least in part in response to the position signal generated by the potentiometer.

[0075] In various embodiments, the particular speed may include a plurality of speeds. For instance, the particular speed may include a first speed, a second speed, a third speed, or any number of speeds (e.g., the plurality of speeds may be continuous and / or incremental relative to each other). In the instance of the particular speed including at least a first speed and a second speed, the control signal may include a corresponding first control signal and second control signal, and incline actuator 144 may be configured to increase the incline at the first speed based on the first control signal and decrease the incline at the second speed based on the second control signal. In various embodiments, the first control signal may include a voltage having a first frequency and the second control signal may include a voltage having a second frequency, where the first frequency is higher than the second frequency and the first speed is faster than the second speed. In some embodiments, treadmill 100 may include a position sensor configured to generate a position signal associated with a current position of chassis 102. The control signal may be based on the position signal and logic device 124c may be configured to determine when to adjust the speed of leg assembly 130 based on comparing position data associated with the position signal to a predetermined threshold.

[0076] In one or more embodiments, the particular speed may include a first speed and a second speed, and the control signal may include a first control signal and a second control signal. Logic device 124 may be configured to operate at a first duty cycle, based on the first control signal, to adjust the incline at the first speed, and operate at a second duty cycle, based on the second control signal, to adjust the incline at the second speed, where the first speed is different from the second speed.

[0077] In non-limiting embodiments, logic device 124 may be configured to adjust the incline of chassis 102 based on received inputs (e.g., command and / or control signal). For example, in some embodiments, user controls 150 (shown in FIG. 9) may transmit a control signal to logic device 124 to adjust an incline of chassis 102 based on a user input. In such examples, upon receipt of a user input via user controls 150, logic device 124 and / or other digital hardware of treadmill 100 may control primary motor 140 of chassis 102, controlling the incline of chassis 102 to increase or decrease the incline angle (e.g., incline angle θ shown in FIG. 14B) so that the incline of chassis 102 matches the incline associated with the user input (e.g., via an executable control).

[0078] In another example, logic device 124 may receive a control signal from a remote device or application via a network. For example, logic device 124 may adjust one or more parameters (e.g., speed, incline, and so on) based on an exercise class the user is participating in (e.g., based on selections by the program and / or class or selections by an instructor). In another example, logic device may determine an incline of chassis 102 based on, for example, aggregate user data associated with past performances, selections, or other workouts of the user. In such examples, for instance, the logic device and / or other digital hardware of treadmill 100 may sense, collect, and / or otherwise determine user data including belt speeds and / or incline angle (e.g., chassis incline) that the user commonly selects during participation in exercise classes using treadmill 100. In such examples, the logic device and / or other digital hardware of treadmill 100 may select, identify, and / or otherwise determine a frequently selected incline based at least in part on such user data

[0079] In some examples, inclines of chassis 102 (e.g., first incline, second incline, third incline, and so on) associated with the executable controls may include respective default inclines stored in memory 128, a database, and / or the like. Alternatively, in other examples the inclines of chassis 102 associated with the executable controls may be entered, customized, and / or otherwise selected by the user, when establishing a user profile unique to the user, before the user begins participating in the current exercise class, while the user is participating in the exercise class, and / or at any other time. Accordingly, in such examples the user may select respective inclines at which the user desires chassis 102 (e.g., deck and / or walking surface) to be positioned, relative to a support surface (e.g., support surface 402 in FIGS. 14A-B) on which treadmill 102 is disposed, when user selects and / or otherwise provides an input via the various executable controls, such as user controls 150. In such examples, the respective inclines of chassis 102 may be stored as part of the user profile of the user in the memory associated with digital hardware and / or in, for example, a database, memory 128, memories associated with the one or more servers of the system, and so on.

[0080] FIGS. 15-16 illustrate views of a pair of apertures 510 of treadmill 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, treadmill 100 may include one or more apertures 510 used to identify a tension status of track assembly 104. In various embodiments, chassis 102 is configured to enclose at least a portion of track assembly 104. Chassis 102 may include a first end 502 and a second end 504. Chassis 102 may further include a pair of opposing apertures 510 disposed in chassis 102 and positioned between first end 502 and second end 504. The pair of apertures 510 may permit a user to view both apertures simultaneously and to identify a tension status associated with a current position of at least a portion of track assembly 104 relative to chassis 102. The pair of apertures may include a first aperture 510a and a second aperture 510b that are configured to align with each other along a longitudinal axis to frame a region of interest for viewing by the user. Each of the apertures 510 may define a plane parallel to a surface of chassis 102. The longitudinal axis may be, for example, orthogonal to the plane.

[0081] In some embodiments, a user may identify a tension status, which may indicate a current condition of the track assembly associated with tension. For example, the tension status may include a plurality of tension statuses, such as a first, second, and / or third tension status. In some embodiments, the current position of the at least a portion of track assembly 104 may include a first position associated with the first tension status, where track assembly 104 is outside of the region of interest (e.g., an area framed and / or defined by the edges of the aperture). In other embodiments, the current position of the at least a portion of track assembly 104 may include a second position associated with the second tension status, where track assembly 104 partially fills at least a portion of the region of interest. In other embodiments, the current position of the at least a portion of track assembly 104 may include a third position associated with the third tension status, wherein track assembly 104 substantially fills (e.g., mostly or entirely fills) the region of interest. In some embodiments, at least a portion of track assembly 104 includes a vertex of a catenary curve of track assembly 104. In one or more embodiments, one or more optical sensors may be used to identify the tension status of track assembly 104. For instance, optical sensors may include imaging devices (e.g., imaging devices described in FIG. 9) configured to provide one or more images and / or videos (e.g., one or more image frames) of a scene (e.g., an image of the region of interest) to logic device 124. Logic device 124 may be configured to process the one or more images and identify, based on the one or more images, the tension status of track assembly 104. Optical sensors may include, but are not limited to, imaging devices (e.g., cameras), position sensors, light sensors, or the like. In some embodiments, optical sensors may be used in conjunction with apertures 510. In other embodiments, optical sensors may be used instead of apertures 510. In some embodiments, the oscillation frequency of a bottom of a span of track assembly 104 (e.g., belt) may be used to determine the tension status using, for example, sensors, and / or logic device 124.

[0082] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the pair of apertures 510 is configured to receive a key to facilitate tactile confirmation of the tension status by a user. For instance, a user may insert a hex key into one of the pair of apertures 510 to determine a position of track assembly 104 based on whether the hex key contacts at least a portion of track assembly 104. Each of the apertures may include various shapes and sizes, such as rectangular, circular, triangular, polygonal, freeform, or any other shaped. For instance, apertures 510 may each be a rectangular aperture. In such as example, each of the pair of apertures may be defined by at least a straight upper edge of the chassis. The straight edge of the aperture allows for a user to accurate determine a position of track assembly within the region of interest. Though identifying a tension status is discussed in terms of using a pair of apertures 510a-b, tension status, and / or any of the steps described herein associated with the tensions status, may also be identified using one aperture 510a or 510b. For example, a user may look through aperture 510a or 510b for a visual confirmation and / or dispose a tool, such as an Allen wrench, through aperture 510a or 510b for tactile confirmation of the tension status.

[0083] Now referring to FIG. 17 a cross-sectional view of the pair of apertures 510a-b as seen along the lines of the section 17 - 17 taken in FIG. 16 in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, each of the pair of the apertures 510a-b may be positioned at a location along chassis 102 that is substantially central to a length L of the track assembly 104. In other embodiments, the pair of apertures 510a-b may not be central to length L. For instance, in some embodiments, apertures 510a-b may be located along a length L of chassis 102 where the expected catenary curve will be if track assembly has a tension that is lower than a particular threshold. Region of interest 512 may be located between the pair of apertures 510a-b when the apertures are fully aligned relative to each other.

[0084] FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate views of identifying a tension status of a track assembly using the aperture in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. As previously mentioned, the tension status of track assembly 104 may include first, second, and third tension status, as shown in FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C, respectively. As shown in FIG. 18A, the current position of the at least a portion of track assembly 104 may include a first position associated with the first tension status, where track assembly 104 is outside of region of interest 512. First track status may include an indication that track assembly 104 is too taut (e.g., tension value is higher than a desirable threshold and / or range of tension) and thus suggests performing maintenance for proper operation of treadmill 102. As shown in FIG. 18B, the current position of the at least a portion of track assembly 104 may include a second position associated with the second tension status, where track assembly 104 partially fills at least a portion of the region of interest. Second tension status may include an indication that track assembly is within an acceptable tension tolerance value and / or threshold is operational. As shown in FIG. 18C, the current position of the at least a portion of track assembly 104 may include a third position associated with the third tension status, wherein track assembly 104 entirely fills the region of interest. Second tension status may include an indication that the tension of track assembly 104 is too low and thus outside of an acceptable tension tolerance value and / or threshold and suggests maintenance to adjust the tension. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the track assembly comprises a vertex of a catenary curve of the track assembly.

[0085] FIG. 19 illustrates a removal of track assembly 104 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As previously mentioned in FIG. 9, treadmill 100 may include one or more electrical components (e.g., wires, printed board circuits, motors, or the like). In one or more embodiments, track assembly 104 may be removed from chassis 102 without affecting the one or more electrical components. For example, at least one side panel 110 may be configured to selectively attached to chassis 102 to permit removal of track assembly 104 from chassis 102 without interfering with one or more electrical components. The electrical component may include, for example, a motor assembly, wiring, and / or a circuit board. In other embodiments, one post 112, such as post 112a may be configured to be removed from treadmill without interfering with one or more electrical components of treadmill 100. For example, post 112a may be selectively attached to chassis 102 and crossbar 114 so that post 112a may be detached from each (e.g., slid off or removed in a linear movement relative to chassis 102 and crossbar 114) without interfering with one or more electrical components of tread mill 100.

[0086] FIG. 19 illustrates an example removal process 1900 of track assembly 104 from chassis 102. Any step, sub-step, sub-process, or block of process 1900 may be performed in an order or arrangement different from the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 19, some may be omitted, others may be added, and some may be performed simultaneously as appropriate. Though shown as being upright, treadmill 100 may be place on a side to allow a user to remove one or more components therefrom during process 1900. As shown in step 1902, treadmill 100 may be provided and tension of track assembly 104 may be reduced. Treadmill 100 (e.g., chassis 102) may include a tensioner 2102 (shown in FIGS. 21 and FIGS. 22A-B) disposed within chassis 102 and configured to selectively adjust a tension of track assembly 104 to secure track assembly 103 to chassis 102. In various embodiments, tensioner 2102 may be configured to reduce tension of track assembly 104 in response to a rotation of tensioner 2101 in a first direction. In some embodiments, tensioner 2102 may be rotated by a user without removing side panels 110 or front panel 122. For instance, tensioner 2102 may be accessed through a hole 152 (as shown in FIG. 3) so that tension of track assembly 104 may be adjusted by a user without disassembling treadmill 100. The tension of track assembly 104 may be adjusted by rotating tensioner 2102 in a first direction and creating slack in track assembly, as discussed further herein below. In one or more embodiments, tensioner 2102 may include a pair of threaded members selectively secured to pulley assembly 220.

[0087] As shown in step 1904, front panel 122 may be removed to expose pulley assembly 220. More specifically, treadmill 100 may include front panel 122, which may be selectively attached to a front of chassis 102. Front panel 122 may include an aperture (e.g., hole 152) that permits a user to rotate tensioner 2102 in a first or second direction without removing front panel 122 from chassis 102.

[0088] As shown in step 1906, a side panel 110 (e.g., right side panel 110a) may be selectively removed from chassis 102. Depending on the securing mechanism or fasteners used to attached side panel 110 to chassis 102, side panel may be pried, slid, or unfastened (e.g., using bolts, screws, clamps, or the like). In some embodiments, removal of side panel 110 may be optional.

[0089] As shown in step 1908, post 112 (e.g., targa) may be detached from chassis 102 and crossbar 114. For instance, first post 112a of pair of posts 112 may be configured to selectively detach from chassis 102 and crossbar 114 to permit removal of track assembly 104. More specifically, a first post of the pair of posts may be laterally removed from chassis 102 and crossbar 114 to permit removal of track assembly 104 from chassis 102 without interfering with the electrical component.

[0090] As shown in step 1910, trim 154 (e.g., landing cover), shown in FIG. 1, may be selectively removed from chassis 102. In some embodiments, side panels 110 and trim 154 may be integrated. In other embodiments, side panel 110 and trim 154 may be separate components that are selectively secured to each other, as described on process 1900.

[0091] FIG. 20 illustrates a lateral sliding of track assembly 104 during the removal in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in step 1912, track assembly 104 may be selectively removed from chassis 102. In one or more embodiments, pulley assembly 220 may be configured to move track assembly 104 during operation of treadmill 100, and track assembly 104 may be configured to laterally slide off the track assembly when the at least one side panel and / or post is detached from chassis 102. For example, in various embodiments, track assembly 104 may slide laterally off chassis 102 until track assembly 104 no longer encircles chassis 102, allowing, for example, maintenance to be done on track assembly 104 (e.g., replacement of entire track assembly, replacement of one or more slats, and so on).

[0092] FIG. 21 illustrates chassis 102 with side panel 110 (e.g., right side panel 110a) and a post 112 (e.g., right post 110a) removed from treadmill 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, pulley assembly 220 may include a pair of opposing front wheels 2104 and a pair of opposing rear wheels 2106 (e.g., wheels 220).

[0093] FIGS. 22A-22B illustrate an operation of tensioner 2102 of front wheels 2104 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, tensioner 2102 may include a pair of threaded members 2108 selectively secured to pulley assembly 220. The reduction of the tension in track assembly 104 may be in response to a rotation of tensioner 2102 in the first direction, which reduces a distance D between the pair of front wheels 2104 and the pair of rear wheels 2106. In one or more embodiments, the reduction of distance comprises moving the pair of front wheels 2104 closer to the pair of rear wheels 2106 (e.g., in direction 2120). The movement of front wheels 2104 toward the rear of chassis 102 and away from the front panel of treadmill 100, may create a gap 2118, shown in FIG. 22B, between track assembly104 and front wheels 2104 to allow space for track assembly 104 to slide over front and rear wheels 2104 and 2106.

[0094] FIGS. 23A-23B illustrate an operation of removing and / or adjusting components at least partially disposed within chassis 102 using the tensioner in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, bearing rails 2202 may be configured to support track assembly 104 during operation of treadmill 100, as shown in FIG. 23A. For instance, bearing rails 2202 may be positioned to guide movement of track assembly 104 as it rotates about chassis 102. In some embodiments, bearing rails 2202 may each include a plurality of bearings 2204 which may be arranged along a longitudinal axis of bearing rails 2202. In some aspects, bearing rails 2202 may extend along at least a portion of chassis 102 to provide continuous support for track assembly 104 during operation. In various embodiments, the individual bearings may include rollers having wheels configured to facilitate smooth movement of track assembly 104. The rollers may be rotatably mounted along the bearing rails and may include wheels that contact and support track assembly 104 as it moves about chassis 102. In some aspects, the wheels of the rollers may be composed of materials such as polyurethane, rubber, or any other suitable materials that provide low friction contact with track assembly 104. The rollers may be spaced at regular intervals along the bearing rails to distribute the load of track assembly 104 and provide consistent support during operation.

[0095] In various embodiments, one or more components disposed at least partially within chassis 102, such as bearing rails 2202 and / or individual bearings 2204, may be configured to be replaced without removing other components or covers of treadmill 100. In various embodiments, replacement of the internal components may be facilitated by the longer travel of front shaft 2208 (e.g., travel of front shaft 2208 facilitated by tensioner 2112, as shown in FIGS. 22A-22B), which may provide increased access to such internal components, such as bearing rails 2202. The longer travel of front shaft 2208 may allow for easier maintenance and replacement procedures compared to conventional treadmill designs. For instance, by front shaft 2208 translating in direction 2303, track assembly 104 may then be pulled away from chassis 102 in direction 2301 to allow a user access to internal components (e.g., bearings, motor, incline actuator 144, electrical components, or the like) of treadmill 100 (e.g., chassis 102).

[0096] In some embodiments, the increased slack in track assembly 104 created by tensioner 2112 may allow a user to lift or pull track assembly 104 away from chassis 102 in a direction 2301, (as shown in FIG. 23B), providing clearance for an internal component to be slid out from beneath track assembly 104. In various embodiments, other components disposed at least partially within chassis 102 may be removed and / or adjusted by utilizing the tensioner to reduce the distance between the front shaft and the rear shaft. For example, electrical components such as wiring harnesses, sensors, or control boards positioned beneath track assembly 104 and within chassis 102 may be accessed by creating slack in track assembly 104 using the tensioner. In some aspects, mechanical components such as support structures, dampening elements, or mounting brackets may be adjusted or replaced through the clearance provided by the tensioner operation. The tensioner may allow a user to access components that would otherwise be obstructed by track assembly 104 during normal operation, thereby reducing the need for extensive disassembly of treadmill 100 during maintenance procedures.

[0097] In a non-limiting example, bearing rails 2202 may be removed by pulling track assembly 104 away from chassis 102 along direction 2301. In various aspects, bearing rails 2202 may be selectively attached to chassis 102 using fasteners such as screws, bolts, or clips that allow for removal without requiring disassembly of other components. The displacement of track assembly 104 may allow for access to internal components, such as bearing rails 2202, within chassis 102 for maintenance, replacement, or cleaning. In some cases, once the securing fasteners are removed, one or more bearing rails 2202 may be adjusted or removed (e.g., lifted out of) from treadmill 100 (e.g., chassis 102) by removing the bearing rails 2202 through an opening 2304 defined by a portion of chassis 102 and a portion of track assembly 104. This configuration may allow for efficient servicing of internal components, such as the bearing system, without requiring extensive disassembly of treadmill 100. In various embodiments, individual bearings 2204 may be removed or replaced by accessing the bearing rails through the gap (e.g., opening 2304) created between the track assembly 104 and chassis 102. The tensioner may provide sufficient travel to allow removal of one or more bearings without requiring complete disassembly of the track assembly from chassis 102, as previously discussed.

[0098] FIG. 24 illustrates a flowchart for a process 2400 of operating a brake release assembly (e.g., brake release 200) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Any step, sub-step, sub-process, or block of process 2400 may be performed in an order or arrangement different from the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 24, some may be omitted, others may be added, and some may be performed simultaneously as appropriate. Although process 2400 is described with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-23B, process 2400 may be applied to other embodiments.

[0099] In block 2405, process 2400 includes activating brake 142. In various embodiments, activating brake 142 may include brake 142 engaging primary motor 140 of treadmill 100.

[0100] In block 2410, process 2400 includes unlocking locking mechanism (e.g., locking component 232) so that lever arm 206 may freely move relative to locking mechanism 232 and chassis 102 (e.g., interior surface of a sidewall of chassis 102 that lever arm 206 is pivotably mounted to).

[0101] In block 2415, process 2400 includes inserting a key into aperture 218 of lever arm 206. A complementary key may be inserted into aperture 218 of lever arm 206 to displace lever arm 206 relative to chassis 102.

[0102] In block 2420, process 2400 includes rotating lever arm in first direction into a disengaged position. The key may torque lever arm 206 about pivot point 208, moving the distal end of lever arm 206 away from drivebelt 218.

[0103] In block 2425, process 2400 includes moving track assembly independently of motor while brake 142 remains activated. When lever arm 206 is in the disengaged position, track assembly may be moved freely relative to primary motor 140, which may remain static due to brake 142 being activated.

[0104] In block 2430, process 2400 includes rotating lever arm 206 in a second direction into engaged position. In the engaged position, lever arm may bias against drivebelt 218 so that motor 140 and track assembly 104 move in unison.

[0105] In block 2435, process 2400 includes locking lock mechanism 232.

[0106] FIG. 25 illustrates a flowchart for a process of operating a leg assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Any step, sub-step, sub-process, or block of process 2500 may be performed in an order or arrangement different from the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 25, some may be omitted, others may be added, and some may be performed simultaneously as appropriate. Although process 2500 is described with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-23B, process 2500 may be applied to other embodiments.

[0107] In block 2505, process 2500 includes receiving a command (e.g., control signal) to adjust an incline angle of treadmill 100.

[0108] In block 2510, process 2500 includes receiving a signal from incline sensor. Incline sensor 148 may include, for example, a position sensor, potentiometer, or the like. Incline sensor may provide information associated with a position and / or orientation (e.g., incline angle) of chassis 102.

[0109] In block 2515, process 2500 includes identifying current incline angle (e.g., incline angle θ, as shown in FIG. 14B) based on the incline sensor signal. Identifying the current incline angle may include identifying the angle based on the received incline sensor data.

[0110] In block 2520, process 2500 includes operating incline motor 142 in an up or down direction in response to the command.

[0111] In block 2525, process 2500 includes adjusting speed of incline motor 142 in response to identified incline angle. In one or more embodiments, incline motor 142 may move at a particular speed based on the identified incline angle. For example, if chassis is being lowered toward the ground (e.g., incline angle is decreasing), then the incline motor may reduce the current speed. Incline motor 142 decreasing a speed in response to chassis aids a user in avoiding, for example, pinch points. In another example, if chassis is being raised away from the ground (e.g., incline angle is increasing), then the incline motor 142 may increase the current speed. In other embodiments, speed may be adjusted based on user settings (e.g., user inputted a command for speed adjustment of incline motor) and / or current mode of operation of treadmill 100. For instance, if a user has selected a first mode of operation (e.g., a "high performance" mode of operation) that is intended to achieve a particular level of intensity (measured by a general standard, heartrate of the user, cadence of the user, and the like), then logic device 124 may be configured to adjust the speed of the incline motor by increasing the speed of the incline motor and the rate at which the incline angle is changing. Similarly, if a user has selected a second mode of operation (e.g., a "low performance" mode of operation) that is intended to achieve a particular level of intensity (measured by a general standard, heartrate of the user, cadence of the user, and the like), then logic device 124 may be configured to adjust the speed of the incline motor by, for example, decreasing the speed of the incline motor and the rate at which the incline angle is changing.

[0112] In block 2530, process 2500 includes determining if a desire angle has been achieved. If not, then logic device may repeat process 2500 beginning at block 2510. If the desired angle has been achieved, then process 2500 includes the step shown in block 2535, stopping incline motor 14.

[0113] FIG. 26 illustrates a flowchart for a process of identifying a tension status in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Any step, sub-step, sub-process, or block of process 2600 may be performed in an order or arrangement different from the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 26, some may be omitted, others may be added, and some may be performed simultaneously as appropriate. Although process 2600 is described with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-23B, process 2600 may be applied to other embodiments.

[0114] In block 2605, process 2600 includes aligning optical axis A (shown in FIG. 15) with pair of apertures 510. In some embodiments, process 2600 may include aligning the pair of apertures relative to each other. For example, process 2600 may include aligning the pair of apertures with each other along a longitudinal axis to frame a region of interest for viewing by the user. In other embodiments, process 2600 may include a user aligning with an optical axis of a single aperture to frame a region of interest for viewing by the user. In one or more embodiments, the region of interest may include a portion of the treadmill and / or surrounding environment viewable and / or visible through the aperture.

[0115] In block 2610, process 2600 includes identifying a tension status based on position of track assembly viewed along optical axis A (e.g., longitudinal axis between the apertures).

[0116] In block 2615, process 2600 includes determining if the tension status is acceptable for operation of treadmill 100. If not, then process 2600 is repeated beginning at block 2605. If the tension status is acceptable, then process 2600 terminates, as shown in block 2625.

[0117] FIG. 27 illustrates a flowchart for a process of removing a track assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Any step, sub-step, sub-process, or block of process 2700 may be performed in an order or arrangement different from the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 27, some may be omitted, others may be added, and some may be performed simultaneously as appropriate. Although process 2700 is described with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-23B, process 2700 may be applied to other embodiments.

[0118] In block 2705, process 2700 includes adjusting tension of track assembly 104 using tensioner 2102.

[0119] In block 2710, process 2700 includes removing front panel 122 from chassis 102.

[0120] In block 2715, process 2700 includes removing side panel 110 from chassis 102. In some embodiments, removal of side panel 110 may be optional.

[0121] In block 2720, process 2700 includes disconnecting a targa (e.g., post 112) from chassis 102 and crossbar 114.

[0122] In block 2725, process 2700 includes dismounting tack assembly 104 from pulley assembly 220.

[0123] FIG. 28 illustrates a flowchart for a process of removing and / or adjusting a component within the chassis in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Any step, sub-step, sub-process, or block of process 2800 may be performed in an order or arrangement different from the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 28, some may be omitted, others may be added, and some may be performed simultaneously as appropriate. Although process 2800 is described with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-23B, process 2800 may be applied to other embodiments.

[0124] In block 2805, process 2800 includes adjusting tension of track assembly 104 using tensioner 2102.

[0125] In block 2810, process 2800 includes pulling track assembly away from chassis 102.

[0126] In block 2815, process 2800 includes accessing an internal component within chassis 102. In some embodiments, internal component may include ball bearings. In other embodiments, internal component may include an electrical component, such as a cable electrically connected to a motor (e.g., actuator). In other embodiments, the internal component may include an actuator and / or motor or any other component that may be at least partially disposed within chassis 102.

[0127] Where applicable, various embodiments provided by the present disclosure can be implemented using hardware, software, or combinations of hardware and software. Also, where applicable, the various hardware components and / or software components set forth herein can be combined into composite components comprising software, hardware, and / or both without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Where applicable, the various hardware components and / or software components set forth herein can be separated into sub-components comprising software, hardware, or both without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, where applicable, it is contemplated that software components can be implemented as hardware components, and vice versa.

[0128] Software in accordance with the present disclosure, such as non-transitory instructions, program code, and / or data, can be stored on one or more non-transitory machine-readable mediums. It is also contemplated that software identified herein can be implemented using one or more general purpose or specific purpose computers and / or computer systems, networked and / or otherwise. Where applicable, the ordering of various steps described herein can be changed, combined into composite steps, and / or separated into sub-steps to provide features described herein.

[0129] All relative and directional references (including up, down, upper, lower, top, bottom, side, front, rear, and so forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader's understanding of the examples described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims.

[0130] The foregoing description is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. Embodiments described above illustrate but do not limit the invention. It is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and / or modifications to the present invention, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the following claims.

[0131] The present teaching may also extend to the features of one or more of the following clauses: 21. A treadmill comprising: a chassis; a logic device; a leg assembly movably secured to the chassis; a variable-speed mechanism configured to selectively move the leg assembly in a first direction or a second direction to selectively increase or decrease, respectively, an incline of the chassis, wherein the mechanism is configured to move the leg assembly relative to the chassis to adjust the incline of the chassis at a particular speed. 22. The treadmill of clause 21, further comprising a potentiometer configured to generate a position signal associated with a current position of the chassis; wherein the mechanism is an electric motor; wherein the logic device is configured to generate a control signal at least in part in response to the position signal. 23. The treadmill of clause 22, wherein: the particular speed comprises a first speed and a second speed; the control signal comprises a first control signal and a second control signal; and the logic device is configured to: operate at a first duty cycle, based on the first control signal, to adjust the incline at the first speed; operate at a second duty cycle, based on the second control signal, to adjust the incline at the second speed; and wherein the first speed is different from the second speed. 24. The treadmill of clause 22, wherein: the particular speed comprises a first speed and a second speed; the control signal comprises a first control signal and a second control signal; and the mechanism is configured to: increase the incline at the first speed based on the first control signal; and decrease the incline at the second speed based on the second control signal. 25. The treadmill of clause 24, wherein the first control signal comprises a voltage having a first frequency, and the second control signal comprises a voltage having a second frequency, wherein the first frequency is higher than the second frequency, and wherein the first speed is faster than the second speed. 26. The treadmill of clause 21, further comprising a position sensor configured to generate a position signal associated with a current position of the chassis, and wherein a control signal is based on the position signal, wherein the logic device is configured to determine when to adjust the speed of the leg assembly based on comparing position data associated with the position signal to a predetermined threshold. 27. The treadmill of clause 21, wherein the leg assembly comprises: a pair of opposing legs, wherein each leg comprises a proximal end attached to the chassis at a pivot point and a distal end extending from the chassis; a central shaft that extends between the proximal ends of the legs; and wherein the movement of the leg assembly comprises a simultaneous rotation of the legs about the pivot points. 28. The treadmill of clause 27, wherein the mechanism comprises: a first mechanism configured to move a first one of the legs; a second mechanism configured to move a second one of the legs; and wherein each leg further comprises at least one wheel rotatably attached to the distal end of the leg so that, when the leg assembly rotates in the first direction, the distal ends of the legs translate downward toward a supporting surface and, when the leg assembly rotates in the second direction, the distal ends of the legs translate toward an underside of the chassis. 29. The treadmill of clause 27, wherein: the mechanism comprises a linear actuator having a threaded component disposed within a tubular housing and configured to displace within the tubular housing to move the leg assembly; the linear actuator is configured to rotatably attached to the central shaft of the leg assembly; and a position signal is based on a detection, by a potentiometer, of a position of the threaded component relative to the tubular housing. 30. The treadmill of clause 21, wherein the leg assembly is configured to a least partially rest on a support surface. 31. A method comprising: receiving a command to adjust an incline of a treadmill; adjusting the incline of the treadmill based on the command, wherein adjusting the incline comprises: selectively moving, using a variable-speed mechanism of the treadmill, a leg assembly movably secured to a chassis of the treadmill in a first direction to selectively increase the incline of the chassis; and / or selectively moving, using the variable-speed mechanism of the treadmill, the leg assembly in a second direction to selectively decrease the incline of the chassis; and wherein the mechanism is configured to move the leg assembly relative to the chassis to adjust the incline of the chassis at a particular speed. 32. The method of clause 31, further comprising: generating, using a potentiometer, a position signal associated with a current position of the chassis; generating a control signal in response to the position signal; and wherein the mechanism is an electric motor. 33. The method of clause 32, wherein: the particular speed comprises a first speed and a second speed; the control signal comprises a first control signal and a second control signal; and the method further comprises: operating at a first duty cycle, based on the first control signal, to adjust the incline at the first speed; operating at a second duty cycle, based on the second control signal, to adjust the incline at the second speed; and wherein the first speed is different from the second speed. 34. The method of clause 32, wherein: the particular speed comprises a first speed and a second speed; the control signal comprises a first control signal and a second control signal; and the method further comprises: increasing, using the mechanism, the incline at the first speed based on the first control signal; and decrease, using the mechanism, the incline at the second speed based on the second control signal. 35. The method of clause 34, wherein the first control signal comprises a voltage having a first frequency, and the second control signal comprises a voltage having a second frequency, wherein the first frequency is higher than the second frequency, and wherein the first speed is faster than the second speed. 36. The method of clause 31, further comprising generating, using a position sensor, a position signal associated with a current position of the chassis, and wherein a control signal is based on the position signal; and determining when to adjust the speed of the leg assembly based on comparing position data associated with the position signal to a predetermined threshold. 37. The method of clause 31, wherein the leg assembly comprises: a pair of opposing legs, wherein each leg comprises a proximal end attached to the chassis at a pivot point and a distal end extending from the chassis; a central shaft that extends between the proximal ends of the legs; a stretcher that extends between the distal ends of the legs and is configured to provide support to the legs; and wherein the movement of the leg assembly comprises a simultaneous rotation of the legs about the pivot points. 38. The method of clause 37, wherein each leg further comprises at least one wheel rotatably attached to the distal end of the leg so that, when the leg assembly rotates in the first direction, the distal ends of the legs translate downward toward a supporting surface floor and, when the leg assembly rotates in the second direction, the distal ends of the legs translate toward an underside of the chassis. 39. The method of clause 37, wherein: the mechanism comprises a linear actuator having a threaded component disposed within a tubular housing and configured to displace within the tubular housing to move the leg assembly; the linear actuator is configured to rotatably attached to the central shaft of the leg assembly; and a position signal is based on a detection, by a potentiometer, of a position of the threaded component relative to the tubular housing. 40. The method of clause 31, wherein the leg assembly is configured to a least partially rest on a support surface. 41. A treadmill comprising: a track assembly; a chassis configured to enclose at least a portion of the track assembly, wherein the chassis comprises a first end and a second end; an aperture disposed in the chassis and positioned between the first end and the second end; and wherein the aperture permits identification of a tension status associated with a current position of at least a portion of the track assembly relative to the chassis. 42. The treadmill of clause 41, wherein the aperture comprises a first aperture, and wherein the treadmill further comprises a second aperture, wherein the pair of apertures are configured to align with each other along a longitudinal axis to frame a region of interest for viewing by a user. 43. The treadmill of clause 41, wherein the aperture defines a plane parallel to a surface of the chassis, wherein a longitudinal axis extending from the aperture is orthogonal to the plane. 44. The treadmill of clause 41, wherein the tension status comprises a first, second, and third tension status, and wherein the current position of the at least a portion of the track assembly comprises: a first position associated with the first tension status, wherein the track assembly is outside of a region of interest defined by the aperture; a second position associated with the second tension status, wherein the track assembly partially fills at least a portion of the region of interest; or a third position associated with the third tension status, wherein the track assembly entirely fills the region of interest. 45. The treadmill of clause 41, wherein the aperture is configured to receive a key to facilitate tactile confirmation of the tension status by a user. 46. The treadmill of clause 41, wherein the at least a portion of the track assembly comprises a vertex of a catenary curve of the track assembly. 47. The treadmill of clause 41, wherein the track assembly comprises a slat assembly. 48. The treadmill of clause 41, wherein the aperture comprises a rectangular aperture. 49. The treadmill of clause 41, wherein the aperture is defined by at least a straight upper edge of the chassis. 50. The treadmill of clause 41, wherein the aperture is positioned at a location along the chassis that is central to a length of the track assembly. 51. A method comprising: aligning with an optical axis of an aperture disposed in a chassis of a treadmill and positioned between a first end and a second end of the chassis; identifying, using the aperture, a tension status associated with a current position of at least a portion of a track assembly of the treadmill relative to the chassis; and adjusting a tension of the track assembly based on the tension status. 52. The method of clause 51, wherein the aperture comprises a first aperture, and wherein the treadmill further comprises a second aperture, wherein the method further comprises aligning the pair of apertures with each other along a longitudinal axis to frame a region of interest for viewing by a user. 53. The method of clause 51, wherein the aperture defines a plane parallel to a surface of the chassis, wherein a longitudinal axis of the aperture is orthogonal to the plane. 54. The method of clause 51, wherein the tension status comprises a first, second, and third tension status, and wherein the current position of the at least a portion of the track assembly comprises: a first position associated with the first tension status, wherein the track assembly is outside of a region of interest defined by the aperture; a second position associated with the second tension status, wherein the track assembly partially fills at least a portion of the region of interest; or a third position associated with the third tension status, wherein the track assembly entirely fills the region of interest. 55. The method of clause 51, the method further comprising receiving a key to facilitate tactile confirmation of the tension status by a user. 56. The method of clause 51, wherein the at least a portion of the track assembly comprises a vertex of a catenary curve of the track assembly. 57. The method of clause 51, wherein the track assembly comprises a slat assembly. 58. The method of clause 51, wherein the aperture comprises a rectangular aperture. 59. The method of clause 51, wherein the aperture is defined by at least a straight upper edge of the chassis. 60. The method of clause 51, wherein the aperture is positioned at a location along the chassis that is central to a length of the track assembly. 61. A treadmill comprising: a chassis; an electrical component; a track assembly at least partially encircling the chassis; a pair of posts extending from the chassis; a crossbar joining the pair of posts; and wherein a first post of the pair of posts is configured to selectively attach to the chassis and crossbar to permit removal of the track assembly from the chassis without interfering with the electrical component. 62. The treadmill of clause 61, further comprising: at least one side panel configured to be selectively attached to the chassis to permit removal of the track assembly from the chassis without interfering with the electrical component. 63. The treadmill of clause 61, wherein the electrical component comprises a motor assembly, wiring, and / or a circuit board. 64. The treadmill of clause 61, further comprising a tensioner disposed within the chassis and configured to selectively adjust a tension of the track assembly to secure the track assembly to the chassis, wherein the tensioner is configured to reduce tension of the track assembly in response to a rotation of the tensioner in a first direction. 65. The treadmill of clause 64, wherein the tensioner comprises a pair of threaded members. 66. The treadmill of clause 64, further comprising a pulley assembly selectively secured to the tensioner and configured to receive the track assembly; and wherein: the pulley assembly is configured to move the track assembly during operation of the treadmill; and the track assembly is configured to laterally slide off the track assembly when the at least one post is detached from the chassis. 67. The treadmill of clause 66, wherein the pulley assembly further comprises a pair of opposing front wheels and a pair of opposing rear wheels, wherein the reduction of the tension in the track assembly in response to the rotation of the tensioner in the first direction comprises reducing a distance between the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels. 68. The treadmill of clause 67, wherein the reduction of distance comprises moving the pair of front wheels closer to the pair of rear wheels. 69. The treadmill of clause 64, further comprising a front panel selectively attached to a front of the chassis, wherein the front panel comprises an aperture that permits a user to rotate the tensioner without removing the front panel from the chassis. 70. The treadmill of clause 61, wherein the track assembly comprises a slat assembly. 71. A method comprising: providing an electrical component within a treadmill; selectively removing one of a pair of posts from a chassis of the treadmill to permit removal of a track assembly of the treadmill without interfering with the electrical component; and removing the track assembly that at least partially encircles the chassis from the chassis. 72. The method of clause 71, further comprising selectively removing at least one side panel from a chassis of the treadmill. 73. The method of clause 71, wherein the electrical component comprises a motor assembly, wiring, and / or a circuit board. 74. The method of clause 71, further comprising a tensioner disposed within the chassis and configured to selectively adjust a tension of the track assembly to secure the track assembly to the chassis, wherein the tensioner is configured to reduce tension of the track assembly in response to a rotation of the tensioner in a first direction. 75. The method of clause 74, wherein the tensioner comprises a pair of threaded members. 76. The method of clause 74, further comprising a pulley assembly selectively secured to the tensioner and configured to receive the track assembly; and wherein: the pulley assembly is configured to move the track assembly during operation of the treadmill; and the track assembly is configured to laterally slide off the track assembly when the at least one post is detached from the chassis. 77. The method of clause 76, wherein the pulley assembly further comprises a pair of opposing front wheels and a pair of opposing rear wheels, wherein the reduction of the tension in the track assembly in response to the rotation of the tensioner in the first direction comprises reducing a distance between the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels. 78. The method of clause 77, wherein the reduction of distance comprises moving the pair of front wheels closer to the pair of rear wheels. 79. The method of clause 77, further comprising a front panel selectively attached to a front of the chassis, wherein the front panel comprises an aperture that permits a user to rotate the tensioner without removing the front panel from the chassis. 80. The method of clause 71, wherein the track assembly comprises a slat assembly. 81. A treadmill comprising: a chassis; a track assembly at least partially encircling the chassis; a tensioner configured to selectively adjust a tension of the track assembly; and wherein the tensioner is configured to create slack in the track assembly to permit displacement of the track assembly away from the chassis to provide access to one or more internal components disposed within the chassis. 82. The treadmill of clause 81, wherein the displacement of the track assembly away from the chassis defines an opening between a portion of the chassis and a portion of the track assembly, and wherein the one or more internal components are configured to be removed through the opening. 83. The treadmill of clause 81, further comprising a pair of bearing rails secured to the chassis and configured to support the track assembly during operation of the treadmill, wherein the one or more internal components comprise at least one of the pair of bearing rails. 84. The treadmill of clause 83, wherein the one or more internal components comprise an electrical component, and wherein the electrical component is configured to be disconnected without removing the track assembly from the chassis. 85. The treadmill of clause 81, wherein the one or more internal components comprise an incline actuator configured to adjust an angle of the chassis. 86. A method comprising: adjusting, using a tensioner of a treadmill, a tension of a track assembly that at least partially encircles a chassis of the treadmill to create slack in the track assembly; displacing the track assembly away from the chassis to define an opening between a portion of the track assembly and a portion of the chassis; and accessing one or more internal components disposed within the chassis through the opening. 87. The method of clause 86, wherein the displacement of the track assembly away from the chassis defines an opening between a portion of the chassis and a portion of the track assembly; and the method further comprising removing at least one of the one or more internal components from the chassis through the opening. 88. The method of clause 86, wherein the one or more internal components comprise a bearing rail configured to support the track assembly during operation of the treadmill. 89. The method of clause 86, wherein the one or more internal components comprise an electrical component, and wherein the method further comprises disconnecting the electrical component from the chassis without removing the track assembly from the chassis. 90. The method of clause 86, wherein the one or more internal components comprise an incline actuator configured to adjust an angle of the chassis.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0023]According to the present disclosure, systems and methods for a treadmill are provided. The treadmill may include a track assembly (e.g., slat assembly, belt assembly, or the like) configured to be rotated about a chassis of the treadmill. In various embodiments, the treadmill may include a motor assembly configured to move the track assembly. The treadmill may further include a drivebelt configured to mechanically connect the motor assembly and the track assembly. In various embodiments, the treadmill may include a release assembly configured to adjust tension in the drivebelt. The release assembly may include a lever arm having a pivot point and a spring attached to the lever arm. The lever arm may be configured to rotate about the pivot point between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the lever arm is biased against the drivebelt by the spring to engage the motor assembly and the track assembly to prevent movement of the track assembly wh...

Claims

1. A treadmill comprising: a track assembly; a motor assembly configured to move the track assembly; a drivebelt configured to mechanically connect the motor assembly and the track assembly; and a brake release assembly configured to adjust tension in the drivebelt, the release assembly comprising: a lever arm having a pivot point; a spring attached to the lever arm; and wherein the lever arm is configured to rotate about the pivot point between: an engaged position wherein the lever arm is biased against the drivebelt by the spring to engage the motor assembly and the track assembly to prevent movement of the track assembly when a brake of the treadmill is activated; and a disengaged position wherein the lever arm is not biased against the drivebelt to disengage the track assembly and the motor assembly to allow movement of the track assembly independent from the motor assembly when the brake is activated.

2. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the treadmill further comprises the brake, wherein the brake is configured to selectively engage the motor assembly to prevent rotation of one or more components of the motor assembly.

3. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the spring comprises a first end connected to a chassis of the treadmill and a second end connected to the lever arm.

4. The treadmill of claim 3, wherein the lever arm comprises a proximal end attached to the chassis of the treadmill at the pivot point and a distal end extending from the pivot point, wherein the second end of the spring is connected to the distal end of the lever arm.

5. The treadmill of claim 4, wherein, in the engaged position, the spring is configured to pull the distal end of the lever arm into the drivebelt to create tension in the drivebelt.

6. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the release assembly further comprises a locking mechanism configured to selectively secure the lever arm in the engaged or disengaged position.

7. The treadmill of claim 6, wherein: the lever arm further comprises an arcuate slot; the locking mechanism comprises a protrusion extending from a chassis of the treadmill and through the arcuate slot of the lever arm; wherein, when the locking mechanism is unlocked, the lever arm is configured to rotate about the pivot point between the engaged and disengaged position; wherein, when the locking mechanism is locked, the lever arm is fixed relative to the chassis in the engaged or disengaged position.

8. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the lever arm further comprises a wheel, wherein a surface of the wheel is configured to abut the drivebelt of the track assembly to tension the drivebelt when in the lever arm is in the engaged position.

9. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the lever arm further comprises an aperture configured to receive a complementary key used to manually rotate the lever arm between the engaged and disengaged position.

10. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the spring comprises a dual-hook tension spring.

11. A method comprising: selectively engaging a brake with a motor assembly to prevent rotation of one or more components of the motor assembly, wherein the motor assembly is mechanically connected to a track assembly of a treadmill by a drivebelt; rotating, by a user, a lever arm of a brake release assembly about a pivot point in a first direction to position the lever arm in a disengaged position such that the lever arm is not biased against the drivebelt; independently moving the track assembly relative to the motor assembly; rotating, by the user, the lever arm about the pivot point in a second direction to position the lever arm in an engaged position so that the lever arm biases against the drivebelt using a spring attached to the lever arm so that the lever arm prevents movement of the track assembly when the brake of the treadmill is activated; and deactivating the brake assembly of the treadmill to allow movement of the motor assembly.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the brake comprises a solenoid.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising selectively securing, by a locking mechanism, the lever arm in the engaged or disengaged position, and optionally wherein: the lever arm further comprises an arcuate slot; the locking mechanism comprises a protrusion extending from a chassis of the treadmill and through the arcuate slot of the lever arm; wherein, when the locking mechanism is unlocked, the lever arm is configured to rotate about the pivot point between the engaged and disengaged position; and wherein, when the locking mechanism is locked, the lever arm is fixed relative to the chassis in the engaged or disengaged position.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the lever arm further comprises a wheel; and the method further comprises abutting, by a surface of the wheel, the drivebelt of the track assembly to tension the drivebelt when in the lever arm is in the engaged position.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising receiving, by an aperture of the lever arm, a complementary key used to manually rotate the lever arm between the engaged and disengaged position.

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