Running belt, treadmill device, running belt slat and method of producing a running belt

Abstract

The invention relates to a running belt for a treadmill device, comprising a tread portion having a running surface for a user to tread upon, a support portion, and a connecting portion between the tread portion and the support portion, wherein the tread portion is connected to the support portion by the connecting portion, and wherein the connecting portion comprises a lattice structure having a plurality of struts defining a plurality of cells of the lattice structure. Moreover, the invention relates to a treadmill device, a running belt slat, and a method of producing a running belt.

Description

[0001] The present invention concerns a running belt for a treadmill device, a treadmill device having the running belt, a running belt slat and a method of producing the running belt.

[0002] Treadmill devices known from the prior art may comprise a running belt (also referred to as endless belt) on which a user can run or walk or otherwise locomote on foot in the reference system of the running belt surface. For this purpose, the running belt is usually revolvably supported by at least two pulleys such that the running belt surface may move at the upper side of the treadmill device in a direction opposite to the user's running direction.

[0003] A treadmill device having a running belt is known, for example, from document EP 3 578 085 A1. The running belt is positioned in the foot region of a workplace arrangement and is driven exclusively passively by the user's walking movement. The running belt is formed by a plurality of wooden slats (lamellae) extending transversely to the running direction. The ends of the wooden slats are respectively attached to a left and a right guide belt. The two guide belts are then supported in a circularly revolving manner on the left and right sides of the frame to reduce unwanted noise when the user is driving the running belt.

[0004] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a comparably light, agile and yet mechanically relatively stable running belt. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a corresponding treadmill device, a corresponding slat for a running belt and a corresponding method of producing a running belt.

[0005] This problem is solved by a running belt having the features of claim 1, a treadmill device according to claim 11, a slat for a running belt according to claim 12 and a method of producing a running belt according to claim 13.

[0006] The running belt is provided for a treadmill device and comprises a tread portion having a running surface for a user to tread upon, a support portion, and a connecting portion between the tread portion and the support portion. The tread portion is connected to the support portion by the connecting portion, and the connecting portion comprises a (preferably elastic) lattice structure having a plurality of struts defining a plurality of cells of the lattice structure. Preferably, the lattice structure is adapted to be compressed upon the user's stepping / treading onto the running surface. In this respect, the lattice structure may preferably be designed to be damping / flexible.

[0007] The running belt may thus be characterized by a construction that is as a whole stable, durable and at the same time lightweight. Due to the lattice structure, the treadmill may be advantageously integrated into the treadmill device in an installation-space-efficient manner. Furthermore, according to the invention, a relative movement between the tread portion and the support portion in the longitudinal direction of the running belt / running direction may be reduced in order to ensure a possibly efficient power transmission from the user to the running belt. Consequently, running comfort may be increased. A flexible lattice structure also makes it possible to better preserve the user's musculoskeletal system.

[0008] The running belt (also referred to as belt) is preferably an endless belt and may be configured in particular as an elastic (continuous) belt (also referred to as a band in the literature) or as a slatted running belt (also referred to as a slatted belt or slat belt). The slatted running belt / slatted belt may comprise a plurality of slats that are aligned parallel to one another and / or transverse to the running direction. The slats may be attached, in particular at their longitudinal ends, to guide belts. The guide belts may be supported by means of pulleys (also referred to as deflection rollers) at longitudinal ends of the treadmill device in such a way that, when viewed from the side, the guide belts rotate circumferentially when the user is running on the running belt.

[0009] The running surface is preferably designed for a user to tread / step on it directly. Accordingly, the running surface may be the outer surface of the running belt. The running surface is thus preferably positioned at a side of the tread portion opposite the lattice structure / support portion. When viewing the entire running belt in longitudinal section, the running surface may be the outer circumferential surface of the running belt.

[0010] If the running belt is designed as an elastic belt, the term running surface may refer to the entire outer circumferential surface of the running belt. In the case of a slatted running belt (slat belt / slatted belt), preferably at least one of the slats (also referred to as lamellae), most preferably each of the slats (lamellae), comprises such a tread portion / running surface, such a connecting portion and / or such a support portion. In all the running belt variants described herein, the support portion is preferably formed on a side of the connecting portion opposite the running surface. When the slats or the elastic belt are viewed in longitudinal section, the support portion is preferably arranged on the radially inner side and / or the running surface is arranged on the radially outer side (i.e., on the outer circumference).

[0011] The plurality of cells of the lattice structure (unit cells) may be limited by at least part of the struts. The plurality of cells may include first cells and second cells. The first cells are preferably arranged between the running surface and the second cells. When the running belt is viewed in cross-section, a plurality of the cells may thus be provided on top of one another in the radial direction between the support portion and the tread portion / the running surface. The size of the cells may be chosen to be comparatively small so that the mechanical properties, in particular the flexibility or the stiffness (“damping”), may be precisely defined in the development process of the running belt. For example, the cells may have a size between 10 mm3 and 10 cm3, preferably between 0.1 cm3 and 3 cm3.

[0012] The lattice structure (also referred to as a mesh or mesh structure) is preferably formed as a three-dimensional lattice structure. A three-dimensional lattice structure (three-dimensional lattice) may be characterized in that its struts extend in at least three different directions, with at least one of these directions running transversely to a plane spanned by the remaining two directions. Thus, a three-dimensional lattice structure may be understood as a lattice structure having a three-dimensional shape.

[0013] Preferably, the lattice structure is configured as a structured lattice having a topology that is defined (in the unloaded state). The lattice structure may be uniform at least over a group of a plurality of the cells. The struts are preferably connected to one another to form the lattice structure. The junctions between the struts may form lattice points (also referred to as nodes). In the case of the regular lattice (periodic lattice), the distances between the junctions in the group of the plurality of cells may be substantially (i.e., within manufacturing tolerances) the same. The plurality of cells described here may all have the same size, but this does not preclude the possibility of the running belt having other cells that have a different size. Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least some of the cells, in particular the first and second cells, have the same size. This may be advantageous in simplifying the development of the running belt. If, on the other hand, the cells are designed to have different sizes in different regions (i.e., in different regions of the connecting portion in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the running belt), varying local stiffnesses may be realized with otherwise identical parameters of the lattice structure (in particular, the same material, the same cell geometry, the same shape of the struts). In particular, the stiffness may be a compression stiffness. Furthermore, the stiffness may be understood as spring stiffness. Different stiffnesses / flexibilities may be realized by different spring characteristics (for example different load deflection curves). Each of the struts described in this disclosure may be rectilinear in sections or completely and / or curved in sections or completely. In particular, the respective strut may form an ellipse.

[0014] The lattice structure may be manufactured seamlessly, in particular by additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing (so-called 3D printing) is characterized in that the lattice structure is created layer by layer. Preferably, the additive manufacturing is polymer-based manufacturing, in particular one of the following technologies: stereolithography or digital light processing, polyjet modeling, multijet modeling or fused layer modeling. Thus, the local mechanical properties, in particular the stiffness, of the lattice structure may be defined precisely (in particular varying spatially) and efficiently. Furthermore, a highly advantageous variation of these mechanical properties may be realized throughout the connecting portion. The lattice structure may further be made of a single material. In particular, all struts or the struts of the first and / or second region described in further detail below may be made of the same material, respectively. Preferably, the lattice structure is made of a plastic, in particular a polymer, preferably an elastomer. In particular, when the tread portion is integrally formed with the lattice structure, the tread portion may be manufactured together with the lattice structure, preferably in the same additive manufacturing process.

[0015] Most preferably, at least the lattice structure is flexible / pliable, in particular elastic, so that it deforms when treaded / stepped upon by the user. Thereby, the lattice structure may be more flexible / pliable than the support portion and / or the tread portion. Thus, the lattice structure may enable elastic / yielding and / or damping deflection when the user treads on the running surface in order to reduce stress on the user's musculoskeletal system, in particular on the user's joints. The tread portion may be formed integrally with the connecting portion. In this case, the tread portion may be made of the same material and / or in the same additive manufacturing process as the lattice structure. Consequently, the tread portion may be formed with the lattice structure in particular as one piece of material. Preferably, the tread portion is made of a solid material or at least the running surface is formed continuously over its entire surface (full faced) in order to achieve the higher stiffness (i.e., lower pliability / flexibility) of the tread portion. Furthermore, the connecting portion may be integrated / embedded at least in sections into the tread portion at its end facing the tread portion. For example, the tread portion may be formed as an elastic sheathing (for example made of rubber) of a part of the connecting portion.

[0016] Over the entire length of the running belt or each slat, respectively, the tread portion is preferably connected, in particular mechanically coupled, to the support portion exclusively by the connecting portion or the lattice structure. Thus, if the running belt is a continuous elastic belt, the lattice structure may extend between the tread portion and the support portion over the entire circumference of the running belt when viewed from the side and over the entire length of the running belt when viewed from above. The support portion may have a support layer (also: substrate layer). The lattice structure and the tread portion may be formed as layers.

[0017] The support layer may be connected to the connecting portion, in particular directly to the lattice structure, by a (positive) material connection. The tread portion, the support portion and the connecting portion may be designed according to a sandwich structure. The support portion may be provided with a reinforcement device. The support device is preferably formed on a rear side of the support portion that is opposite the connecting portion. The reinforcement device may comprise a stiffening rib or bead that extends along each slat.

[0018] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the connecting portion may be (non-destructively) removed from the support portion, in particular if there is no material connection between the connecting portion and the support portion (but, for example, a frictional (force-fitting) and / or form-locked connection). That is, the connecting portion may be attached (together with the tread portion) to the support portion in a non-destructively detachable way. For this purpose, the connecting portion may be provided on its underside facing away from the tread portion with a connecting device (e.g. a hook and loop fastening device). In this case, the tread portion and the connecting portion with the lattice structure may preferably form an exchangeable first component in order to enable retrofitting the running belt. At least one second component, which may also be provided on the underside with the connecting device, may be provided as part of the running belt in order to enable simple replacement of the first component with the second component. The second component may, for example, be made of a solid material (e.g. thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)). This also allows for the efficiently producing running belts of varying complexity. In the case of a slat-type running belt, it is conceivable to arrange a plurality of components with the features of the first and second components mentioned next to each other on a slat.

[0019] Preferably, the tread portion and the support portion have uniform stiffness over the entire running belt. Most preferably, the stiffness of the lattice structure varies in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction of the running belt. This makes it possible to subject the user's musculoskeletal system to less monotonous repetitive loading. In particular, the varying stiffness (colloquially “hardness”) may allow for avoiding a uniform / monotonous feeling of treading on slats. Due to this non-uniform running belt characteristic, muscles and joints may be loaded more evenly, which is beneficial. As a result, repetitive stress injuries may be reduced or possibly even avoided. This effect may be enhanced by the flexibility / pliability (“shock absorption”) of the lattice structure and thus of the running belt, in order to further reduce the strain on the joints.

[0020] In one variant, the lattice structure has at least one first region and at least one second region. The first region and the second region may each extend in a direction perpendicular to the running surface through the lattice structure from the support portion to the tread portion. Furthermore, the lattice structure may have a different load deflection curve (spring characteristic) in the first region, in particular be more flexible, than in the second region. It should be noted that the stiffness of the lattice structure may vary locally within the first region. For example, this stiffness may vary depending on the distance to the support portion. Decisive for the difference in flexibility / elasticity between the first and second regions is merely that the stiffness effective relative to the user's tread differs in the first and second regions.

[0021] The tread portion may have a homogeneous stiffness (with respect to the tread load perpendicular to the running surface). In particular, the tread portion may comprise at least one first part covering the at least one first region and at least one second part covering the at least one second region. The first part and the second part may be equally stiff. In this case, when a certain surface pressure is applied to the first part perpendicular to the running surface and the same surface pressure is applied to the second part, the first region of the lattice structure may thus be configured to be compressed more than the second region. Thus, a comparatively natural walking feeling according to a ground surface in the free nature may be conveyed to the user.

[0022] To realize the differences in stiffness (i.e., different spring characteristics) described in this disclosure, in particular to achieve the difference in stiffness between the first and second regions, at least one of the following parameters may be varied across the running belt: a geometry of the lattice structure, a length of the struts, a cross-section of the struts, a material of the struts and / or a size of the cells. In particular, the lattice structure in the first region may differ from the lattice structure in the second region by at least one of the above parameters. The geometry of the lattice structure may, for example, be defined (analogous to a coordination number in a crystal lattice) by a number of struts that meet per lattice point. The larger this number may be, the stiffer the lattice structure may be locally (when all other parameters are the same). For example, the lattice structure geometry may be trigonal, cubic, hexagonal or octagonal.

[0023] In the following, the change of only one parameter between the first and second region will be addressed. With regard to the length of the struts, it may generally apply that longer struts may come with lower stiffness. I.e., when considering struts of the first region that extend parallel to struts of the second region, these struts of the first region may be longer than the struts of the second region that extend parallel thereto. Analogously, when considering struts of the first region that extend parallel to struts of the second region, these struts of the first region may be thinner than the struts of the second region that run parallel thereto. The cross section of these struts of the first region in a direction across to the running surface may be smaller than that of these struts of the second region. The material of the struts of the first region may have a lower modulus of elasticity.

[0024] In the first region, the size of the cells may be larger than in the second region. Accordingly, it may be advantageous that the plurality of cells described above / initially include third cells and fourth cells and that the third cells, in particular by virtue of the configuration of their associated struts, are more flexible than the fourth cells. To increase the stiffness of the lattice structure in the second region, it may also be provided that one or more additional struts crossing through the cells are provided. By this additional bracing, the stiffness variation may be advantageously realized in a simple manner, in particular without great development effort. A synergistic effect results, in particular, when the lattice structure is additively manufactured.

[0025] Furthermore, at least two, at least three, at least five or at least ten such first regions and / or at least two, at least three, at least five or at least ten such second regions may be provided on the running belt. The first and second regions may, in a view of the running belt surface from the outside, form a regular or irregular pattern on the running belt. For example, the first and second regions may alternate in the running direction. In a variant, the first and second regions extend as strips across the running belt. These strips may each be formed by a slat. Furthermore, first and second regions may alternate transverse to the running direction in a strip in order to form a mosaic pattern on the running belt surface. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the lattice structure has third regions in which the lattice structure is more flexible than in the first and second regions. Similarly, the first, second and third, as well as any further regions, may form a regular or irregular pattern on the belt.

[0026] The cells of the lattice structure may be arranged in such a way that they together define a plurality of, preferably at least three, planes (lattice planes), in particular inner planes extending through the lattice structure. Preferably, the lattice structure thus comprises a plurality, in particular at least three, first lattice points and a plurality, in particular at least three, second lattice points. The first lattice points preferably define a first lattice plane and the second lattice points preferably define a second lattice plane. Preferably, the second lattice plane extends parallel to the first lattice plane. Each of the mentioned lattice planes may preferably be curved in sections or completely and / or be planar in sections or completely. In particular, when using the running belt in a passive treadmill device, the curvature may be preferred.

[0027] In a further variant, the tread portion is uneven / contoured on its running surface (opposite the support portion). This may be particularly advantageously realized by varying a height (thickness) of the lattice structure. In particular, the height of the lattice structure in a direction perpendicular to the upper side of the support portion facing the connecting portion may vary over this surface. A three-dimensional height profile (with local minima and maxima, colloquially referred to as “valleys and hills”) on the running surface formed in this way may provide an even more natural walking experience. If the running belt is a slated running belt, the height of the lattice structure may vary in the region of one / each slat and / or over the running surface as a whole. Additive manufacturing allows for producing such a height profile efficiently with comparably little material consumption. In particular, the height and / or the number of cells / layers located on top of each other may vary spatially to form the three-dimensional height profile.

[0028] Furthermore, it is conceivable to integrate at least one light source into the lattice structure. The light source may comprise an LED and / or an optical fiber. This makes it possible to increase the visibility of the treadmill device. In addition, at least one sensor device may be integrated into the lattice structure. In this way, user movements may be detected and optionally analyzed. Using this information, the running belt may be dynamically adapted to the user's gait and speed. According to a further variant, the treadmill device may be provided with a device for augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) in order to provide a more immersive training experience. In addition, the running surface may be made of a hydrophobic, in particular a self-cleaning material. This may improve hygiene and simplify maintenance.

[0029] A treadmill device proposed here includes a running belt described in detail above and a frame upon which the running belt is revolvingly supported. The treadmill device may be a passive treadmill device that is driven by the user's walk. Alternatively, a motor-based drive of the running belt may be provided. The frame may be provided with casters on the underside to move the treadmill device easily. In addition, the treadmill device may include a backrest and / or a desk. The desk and backrest are preferably spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. As an alternative to the rollers, the frame may comprise a plurality of legs to stand on the floor. Preferably, one or more of the legs of the frame may be designed as tubes, into each of which a leg of the desk or a leg of the backrest is insertable. Thus, the legs of the desk or the backrest, respectively, may be connected to the legs of the frame in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner to form a shared load path.

[0030] The slat proposed here for a (slatted) running belt comprises a tread portion having a running surface for a user to tread / step on, a support portion, and a connecting portion between the tread portion and the support portion, wherein the tread portion is connected to the support portion by the connecting portion, and wherein the connecting portion comprises a lattice structure having a plurality of struts that define a plurality of cells of the lattice structure.

[0031] Furthermore, the slat may comprise one or more, in particular each, of the features described in detail above in connection with the running belt. This applies in particular to the configuration of the tread portion, the connecting portion and the support portion.

[0032] The method of producing a running belt (preferably the running belt described in detail above or a slat) proposed herein comprises the following steps, which may be performed in particular in the following order: providing a support portion; forming a connecting portion on the support portion such that the connecting portion comprises a lattice structure having a plurality of struts defining a plurality of cells of the lattice structure; and providing a tread portion on the connecting portion so that the tread portion is connected to the support portion by means of the connecting portion.

[0033] Furthermore, a treadmill device is independently disclosed at this point, comprising a running belt and a frame upon which the running belt is revolvingly supported, the frame having one or more legs by which the treadmill device stands on the floor. Preferably, one or more of these legs may be configured as tubes into which, as described above, a leg of the desk or a leg of the backrest may respectively be inserted. The vertically lower end of the leg of the desk or the backrest, respectively, is thus preferably designed to correspond to the associated leg of the frame.

[0034] The treadmill device, the slat, the method of manufacturing the running belt and the further treadmill device may all include the features of the running belt described in detail above.

[0035] In other words, the invention is particularly concerned with improving passive, non-electric treadmills by integrating 3D-printed lattice structures into their slats. Unlike electrical treadmills, passive treadmills allow for more natural adjustment to the user's individual running pace, since the speed is regulated by the user's own movement.

[0036] Unlike conventional slat-type treadmills, the invention may enable avoiding the monotonous, repetitive stress that may result from the consistent hardness and uniform treading feeling of the slats. Due to a non-uniform character, the muscles and joints may be advantageously strained more unevenly, thus reducing the risk of repetitive stress injuries. The strain on the joints may be further reduced by improved damping.

[0037] To provide these benefits, it is proposed to apply lattice structures that may be manufactured by a 3D printing process. These structures enable variable damping over the entire running surface of the slats. The lattice structures may also be designed to have different degrees of damping at specific locations to dynamically influence the user's walking behavior. This may create a running and walking experience that resembles walking on uneven, natural ground and thus offer a more realistic and healthier form of movement.

[0038] The lattice structures (mesh structures) may be attached to a stable base structure that is part of the slats. This base structure serves as a connecting element between the lattices and the treadmill mechanism. The top sheathing of the slats may be made of a flexible material that may be directly connected with the lattices to enable even power transmission and a reactive surface for the user. In addition, the deck covering (tread portion) may protect the lattice structure (mesh structure) from dirt and wear and / or enable a more comfortable use of the treadmill without shoes.

[0039] Further advantages of the present running belt / treadmill device may include:

[0040] Ergonomic optimization: By specifically adapting the damping properties at different locations on the slats, a more natural walking may be facilitated that minimizes repetitive stress injuries.

[0041] Muscle activation and joint preserving: The use of lattice structures may support activating deep muscle layers while simultaneously protecting the joints. This may be particularly important for users with pre-existing joint diseases or for rehabilitative purposes.

[0042] Biomechanical optimization: The variable damping properties and the specific structure of the lattices may enable an improved simulation of natural walking conditions, which may lead to improved muscle activation and a lower risk of injury.

[0043] Weight savings: The use of lattice structures, which may be manufactured using 3D printing processes, may enable a reduction in the weight of the slats without compromising structural integrity or functionality. This may lead to a lighter construction of the entire treadmill, making it easier to handle, transport and install, while also improving energy efficiency.

[0044] Various fields of application and target groups: The technology may be universally suitable for use in the office, as a treadmill desk, as well as in the fitness and health sector. It may also be used for special applications in rehabilitation and physiotherapy. Target groups may be active individuals, individuals with degenerative joint diseases, as well as users looking for an intensive yet joint-friendly workout.

[0045] Preferred embodiments of a running belt, a treadmill device and a manufacturing method for the running belt are now explained in more detail with reference to the attached schematic drawings not true to scale, wherein

[0046] FIG. 1 shows part of a first variant of a running belt for a treadmill device in a perspective overall view;

[0047] FIG. 2 shows the part of the running belt of FIG. 1 in a detailed view;

[0048] FIG. 3 shows the part of the running belt of FIG. 1 in a front view;

[0049] FIG. 4 shows the part of the running belt of FIG. 1 in a side view;

[0050] FIG. 5 shows the part of the running belt of FIG. 1 in an enlarged front view;

[0051] FIG. 6 shows a part of a second variant of a running belt for a treadmill device in a front view;

[0052] FIG. 7 shows a part of a third variant of a running belt for a treadmill device in a front view;

[0053] FIG. 8 shows a part of a fourth variant of a running belt for a treadmill device in a front view, wherein the belt is regionally of different stiffness;

[0054] FIG. 9 shows a first part of a fifth variant of a running belt for a treadmill device in a front view;

[0055] FIG. 10 shows a second part of the running belt of FIG. 9 in a front view;

[0056] FIG. 11 shows a third part of the running belt of FIG. 9 in a front view;

[0057] FIG. 12 shows a sixth variant of a running belt for a treadmill device in a top view;

[0058] FIG. 13 shows a seventh variant of a running belt for a treadmill device in a top view;

[0059] FIG. 14 shows an eighth variant of a running belt for a treadmill device in a top view;

[0060] FIG. 15 shows a ninth variant of a running belt for a treadmill device in a top view;

[0061] FIG. 16 shows a tenth variant of a running belt for a treadmill device in a top view;

[0062] FIG. 17 shows a first variant of a treadmill device having the running belt according to FIG. 1 in a perspective view from the side;

[0063] FIG. 18 shows a second variant of a treadmill device having the running belt according to FIG. 1 in a perspective view from the side;

[0064] FIG. 19 shows the treadmill device of FIG. 18 in a detailed view; and

[0065] FIG. 20 shows a method of producing a running belt according to one of FIGS. 1 to 16.

[0066] FIGS. 1 to 5 show a part of a running belt 10 for a treadmill device 100 (cf. FIG. 17). This running belt 10 is a slatted running belt having a plurality of slats 70 (lamellae); accordingly, the part of the running belt 10 herein is one of the slats 70. The upper-side running surface of the running belt 10 is curved when viewed in longitudinal section, wherein a front end of the running belt 10 is preferably positioned higher than the center of the running belt 10 in the longitudinal direction. FIGS. 1 through 5 show one of the slats 70 to demonstrate the invention, whereby the description applies not only to the slat 70 or slatted running belt, respectively, but correspondingly also to a continuous (band-like) elastic running belt 10. The treadmill device 100 is preferably a manual treadmill in the present case, although the disclosure applies correspondingly to motorized treadmill devices.

[0067] The running belt 10 comprises a tread portion 20, a support portion 30, and a connecting portion 40 between the tread portion 20 and the support portion 30. The tread portion, the connecting portion and the support portion 20, 40, 30 are preferably configured in a substantially layered form as shown in the figures. Each of the slats 70 may comprise the tread portion 20, the support portion 30 and the connecting portion 40. In this variant, all slats 70 are exemplarily configured substantially the same, such that the slat 70 shown in FIG. 1 is representative. Thus, what is stated below for the slat 70 applies correspondingly to all remaining slats of the running belt 10.

[0068] The tread portion 20 comprises a running surface 22 that is provided for a user to tread / step on. The running surfaces 22 of all slats 70 together form the running area of the treadmill device 100 when they are located at the top of the running belt 10. In other words, the running surface 22 at least partially forms an upper end surface of the running belt 10. In particular, the running surface 22 may be designed with a profile to increase slip resistance. The support portion 30 is mechanically coupled to the tread portion 20 (preferably exclusively) by means of the connecting portion 40 or by means of the lattice structure 42, so that a force exerted by the user upon the running surface 22 in a direction opposite to the user's running direction is transmitted by the connecting portion 40 to the support portion 30. The support portion 30 is attached at its longitudinal ends 24, 26 preferably to lateral guide belts (also referred to as guide bands, not shown). The entirety of slats 70 and the guide belts together form the running belt 10. At the longitudinal ends of the treadmill device 100, the guide belts are revolvingly mounted by means of deflection rollers.

[0069] The connecting portion 40 in the present case comprises a three-dimensional lattice structure 42 having a plurality of struts 44. While the support portion 30 imparts the necessary stiffness to the running belt 10 and the slat 70, the tread portion 20 is more flexible / yielding than the support portion 30 and the connecting portion 40, in particular the lattice structure 42, is more flexible / yielding than the support portion 30 and / or the tread portion 20, in order to increase walking comfort. The struts 44 define a plurality of cells (unit cells) of the lattice structure 42. For the sake of clarity, only a few of the struts 44 and only the first cells 50, second cells 52, third cells 54 and fourth cells 56 of the plurality of cells are provided with reference signs.

[0070] The lattice structure 42 is additively manufactured. The connecting portion 40 may comprise a base 43 defining a lower (i.e., facing the supporting portion 30) end of the lattice structure 42. Further, the connecting portion 40 may include a deck portion 45 defining an upper (i.e., facing the running surface 22) end of the lattice structure 42. Preferably, the base 43 and the deck portion 45 limit the lattice structure 42 as end surfaces. In particular, the deck portion 45 may be integrated into the tread portion 20, wherein the deck portion may be bordered on the upper side by the preferably elastic material of the tread portion 20. The connecting portion 40 may be connected to the support portion 30 and / or the tread portion 20 by a positive material connection (in a materially integral manner). Preferably, the lattice structure 42 is formed directly on the support portion 30 or on the base 43 (support / substrate layer) in layers by means of additive manufacturing. The connecting portion 40 may be additively manufactured as a whole. On a rear side / underside of the slat 70 opposite the connecting portion 40, the support portion 30 comprises a reinforcement device 80. The reinforcement device 80 is designed here as a stiffening rib extending in the longitudinal direction of the slat 70. The stiffening rib is thicker in the center than at its ends to allow increased stability and construction space efficiency at reduced weight.

[0071] In the present running belt 10, the entire lattice structure 42 is preferably made of the same material. The lattice structure 42 is further preferably configured as a regular lattice and is configured to be elastically compressed when treaded upon by the user. Thus, the connecting portion 40 acts as a damper integrated into the running belt 10, so that the user's joints may be relieved, especially when she / he walk or runs barefoot on the running belt 10. The cells of the lattice structure 42 are arranged to form (in the unloaded state) layers between the tread portion 20 and the support portion 30. Thus, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first cells 50 are arranged between the running surface 22 and the second cells 52. This layered structure allows for designing the running belt 10 to be comparatively lightweight, stable, and yet responsive, in order to provide a high level of comfort for the user. Preferably, at least two, at least three, at least five, or at least seven such layers are formed by means of the struts.

[0072] In general, all cells of the lattice structure 42 may be essentially equally elastic / flexible, such that the user may feel that the running belt is equally soft everywhere. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the running belt, in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the running belt, is layer-wise differently flexible. That is, third cells 54 forming a first one of the layers S1 of the lattice structure 42 and fourth cells 56 forming a second one of the layers S2 of the lattice structure 42 may be differently yielding (see FIG. 4, in which, for the sake of clarity, a minority of the third and fourth cells 54, 56 are provided with reference signs). In the present variant, the third cells 54 are more flexible than the fourth cells 56. Thus, the user may be better stabilized with deeper penetration of his foot on the running belt.

[0073] The differences in stiffnesses (load-deflection-curves) between the layers S1 and S2 may be realized, for example, by struts of different stiffnesses (in particular, struts having different thicknesses), which are not illustrated separately. Furthermore, it is conceivable that, instead of or in addition to the different stiffnesses of the struts in the stiffer layer S2, additional stiffening struts are provided which traverse the respective (unit) cells. The lattice structure 42 comprises first lattice points 55, 57, 59 and second lattice points 60, 62, 64 (see FIG. 4). The first lattice points 55, 57, 59 define a first lattice plane E1 and the second lattice points 60, 62, 64 define a second lattice plane E2. The second lattice plane E2 preferably extends parallel to the first lattice plane E1.

[0074] FIG. 6 shows a slat 70 of a further running belt 10. This running belt 10 differs from the running belt 10 of FIG. 1 in that the connecting portion 40 can be detachably fastened to the support portion 80 in a region (shown on the right in the figure); at least in this region there is no positive material connection between the support portion 80 and the connecting portion 40. In the state of FIG. 6, this connecting portion 40 (as part of a first component of the running belt 10, which is not shown) has been detached from the support portion 80, after which another, second component 41 has been attached to the support portion 80. The second component 41 may, for example, be made of a solid material (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)). For connecting with the support portion 80, the second component is provided on the underside with a connecting device not shown separately. This connecting device may correspond with a further connecting device formed on the upper side of the support portion 80. Furthermore, the running belt 10 according to FIG. 6 comprises all the features of the running belt 10 according to FIG. 1.

[0075] A further running belt 10, the slat 70 of which is shown in FIG. 7, differs from the running belt 10 according to FIGS. 1 to 5 in that the lattice structure 42 comprises a smaller number of struts 44 and thus also fewer lattice points at which the struts 44 are connected to one another. With all other parameters (in particular the shape and material of the struts) being the same, the slat 70 according to FIG. 7 thus has a lower stiffness than the slat 70 according to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0076] When a running belt 10 is provided with slats 70 according to FIGS. 1 to 5 as well as with slats 70 according to FIG. 7, these different slats may alternate periodically or non-periodically on the running belt to form a more natural running area for the user (see FIG. 12). In the variant of FIG. 12, the running belt 10 comprises a plurality of slat groups 72. Each slat group comprises a slat 70 according to FIGS. 1 to 5, a slat 70 according to FIG. 7, and a further slat which, analogous to the slat 70 according to FIG. 7, is more flexible than the slat 70 according to FIG. 5 and the slat 70 according to FIG. 7. The slat groups 72 may together form the entirety of slats of the running belt 10. In addition, the running belts according to FIGS. 7 and 12 comprise all the features of the running belt 10 according to FIG. 1.

[0077] FIG. 8 shows a section of a further running belt 10, which differs from the running belts 10 according to FIGS. 1 to 5 and 7 in that the former running belt 10 has at least one first region 46 and at least one second region 48. The first region 46 and the second region 48 may be provided on the same slat 70 and / or each extend transversely to the running surface 22 from the support portion 30 to the tread portion 20. In the transverse direction of the running belt 10, the first region 46 and the second region 48 may be arranged next to each other. When considering the entirety of the slats 70 of the running belt 10, the first regions 46 and second regions 48 may define a predetermined pattern.

[0078] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the running belt 10 comprises at least one third region 47, optionally at least one fourth region 49 and / or optionally at least one fifth region 51, wherein these regions may extend analogously to the first region 46 (see FIG. 13). The lattice structure 42 is more flexible in the first region 46 than in the second region 48. If present, the lattice structure 42 may be more flexible in the third region 47 than in the second region 48, more flexible in the fourth region 49 than in the third region 47 and / or more compliant in the fifth region 51 than in the fourth region 49. The first to fifth regions (as far as present) may together form at least one two-dimensional, regular or irregular pattern of regions of different stiffnesses (i.e. spring characteristics) when looking at the running surface from above. This at least one pattern may be present per slat 70 and / or may be formed across slats (over a plurality of slats 70). This is advantageous for providing the user with an even more versatile walking experience.

[0079] While the at least one pattern in FIG. 13 is a regular pattern, in which each of the first to fifth regions appears periodically in the longitudinal direction of the running belt 10, the variant according to FIG. 14 provides for an irregular arrangement of these regions. Furthermore, the first to fifth regions according to the at least one pattern may be longitudinally offset relative to one another (see variant from FIG. 15). In addition, the running belts 10 according to FIGS. 8, 13, 14 and 15 comprise all the features of the running belt 10 according to FIG. 7.

[0080] In order to realize different rigidities (different spring characteristics), a geometry of the lattice structure 42, a length of the struts 44, a cross-section of the struts 44, a material of the struts 44 and / or a size of the cells 50, 52, 54, 56 may vary in all the variants described herein. For example, the lattice structure 42 in the first region 46 may differ from the lattice structure 42 in the second region 48 by at least one of these parameters. This applies analogously for the remaining regions 47, 49, 51. FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate exemplary lattice structures 42, which may be differently configured in particular in the first, second and third regions 46, 48, 47 in order to provide different stiffnesses (spring characteristics).

[0081] A further running belt 10 according to FIG. 16 differs from the above-described running belts 10 in that the tread portion 20 is uneven at its running surface 22 (opposite the support portion 30). This may be realized in a particularly advantageous way by varying the height (thickness) of the lattice structure 42 (in the view from FIG. 16 over the sheet plane). A three-dimensional height profile formed in this way, some of the height lines of which are provided with the reference sign 74 in FIG. 16, may include an elevation 76 (local maximum) and a depression 78 (local minimum). This height profile defines a three-dimensional surface which may be essentially continuous at transitions between adjacent slats 70. The height and / or the number of cells / layers located on top of one another may vary spatially (optionally also from slat 70 to slat 70) to form the three-dimensional height profile. Furthermore, the running belt10 according to FIG. 16 may include all the features of the running belts 10 described above according to FIGS. 1 to 15.

[0082] FIG. 17 shows the treadmill device 100, including the running belt 10 and a frame 82 on which the running belt 10 is revolvingly mounted. The frame 82 preferably includes a plurality of pulleys (not shown) by means of which the guide belts of the running belt 10 are supported on the frame 82. In addition, a backrest 84 is attached to a (with respect to the longitudinal direction of the running belt 10) lateral frame 86 of the frame 82. Furthermore, the treadmill device 100 includes a desk 88 that is also attached to the lateral frame 86 of the frame 82. The treadmill device 100 thus forms a workstation arrangement. It stands on casters arranged on the underside.

[0083] A treadmill device 100 according to FIGS. 18 and 19 differs from the treadmill device 100 according to FIG. 17 in that the frame 82 has a plurality of (here: fixedly mounted) legs 90, 92 on which the frame 82 stands. One or more of the legs 90, 92 may be designed as tubes. A leg 85 of the backrest 84 is insertable into the leg 92. Optionally, a leg of the desk, which is not shown, may be inserted into the leg 92. The treadmill device 100 is thus characterized by a space-efficient, stable design. In addition, the treadmill device 100 according to FIGS. 18 and 19 comprises all the features of the running belt 10 according to FIG. 17.

[0084] In the method 200 for producing / manufacturing the running belt 10 according to any of FIGS. 1 to 16, shown in FIG. 20, the support portion 30 is provided in a step 202. Then, step 204 provides for forming the connecting portion 40 on the support portion 30, so that the connecting portion 40 comprises a lattice structure 42 with a plurality of struts 44 defining a plurality of cells 50, 52, 54, 56 of the lattice structure. Preferably, the connecting portion 40 is directly deposited to the supporting portion 30 by means of an additive manufacturing process. In step 206, the tread portion 20 is then formed on the connecting portion so that the tread portion 20 is connected to the supporting portion 30 by means of the connecting portion 40.

[0085] The terms “comprising”, “having”, “with” and the like used in this disclosure are to be understood as non-limiting. In particular, the term “comprising a” in this context means “comprising at least one”, i.e. “comprising a” does not exclude the possibility of further corresponding elements being present. At least one means one or more in the present context. For readability, the term “at least” is eventually omitted in this disclosure. Whenever a feature of the present disclosure is described in the singular or in an indefinite manner, its plural form is also meant to be disclosed. At least in sections / parts is to be understood as in sections / parts or completely.

[0086] Some embodiments of the present invention may be summarized according to the following numbered paragraphs.

[0087] Numbered Paragraph 1. A running belt (10) for a treadmill device (100), comprising

[0088] a tread portion (20) having a running surface (22) for a user to tread upon,

[0089] a support portion (30), and

[0090] a connecting portion (40) between the tread portion (20) and the support portion (30),

[0091] wherein the tread portion (20) is connected to the support portion (30) by the connecting portion (40), and

[0092] wherein the connecting portion (40) comprises a lattice structure (42) having a plurality of struts (44) defining a plurality of cells (50, 52, 54, 56) of the lattice structure.

[0093] Numbered Paragraph 2. The running belt (10) according to numbered paragraph 1,

[0094] wherein the plurality of cells (50, 52, 54, 56) includes first cells (50) and second cells (52),

[0095] wherein the first cells (50) are arranged between the running surface (22) and the second cells (52).

[0096] Numbered Paragraph 3. The running belt (10) according to numbered paragraph 1 or 2,

[0097] wherein the lattice structure (42) is formed as a three-dimensional lattice structure and / or is formed by additive manufacturing.

[0098] Numbered Paragraph 4. The running belt (10) according to one of the preceding numbered paragraphs,

[0099] wherein the lattice structure (42) is more flexible than the support portion (30) and / or the tread portion (20).

[0100] Numbered Paragraph 5. The running belt (10) according to one of the preceding numbered paragraphs,

[0101] wherein the plurality of cells (50, 52, 54, 56) includes third cells (54) and fourth cells (56),

[0102] wherein the third cells (54) are more flexible than the fourth cells (56).

[0103] Numbered Paragraph 6. The running belt (10) according to one of the preceding numbered paragraphs,

[0104] wherein the lattice structure (42) comprises a first region (46) and a second region (48),

[0105] wherein the first region (46) and the second region (48) each extend transversely to the running surface (22) from the support portion (30) to the tread portion (20), and

[0106] wherein the lattice structure (42) is more flexible in the first region (46) than in the second region (48).

[0107] Numbered Paragraph 7. The running belt (10) according to numbered paragraph 6,

[0108] wherein the lattice structure (42) in the first region (46) differs from the lattice structure (42) in the second region (48) by at least one of the following parameters:

[0109] a geometry of the lattice structure (42), a length of the struts (44), a cross-section of the struts (44), a material of the struts (44), and a size of the cells (50, 52, 54, 56).

[0110] Numbered Paragraph 8. The running belt (10) according to one of the preceding numbered paragraphs,

[0111] wherein the lattice structure (42) comprises first lattice points (55, 57, 59) and second lattice points (60, 62, 64),

[0112] wherein the first lattice points (55, 57, 59) define a first lattice plane (E1) and the second lattice points (60, 62, 64) define a second lattice plane (E2),

[0113] wherein the second lattice plane (E2) preferably extends parallel to the first lattice plane (E1).

[0114] Numbered Paragraph 9. The running belt (10) according to one of the preceding numbered paragraphs,

[0115] wherein the running belt (10) is designed as a slatted running belt having a plurality of slats (70),

[0116] wherein preferably at least one of the slats (70) comprises the tread portion (20), the support portion (30) and the connecting portion (40).

[0117] Numbered Paragraph 10. The running belt (10) according to one of the preceding numbered paragraphs,

[0118] wherein the tread portion (20) is mechanically coupled to the support portion (30) exclusively by means of the connecting portion (40) and / or by means of the lattice structure (42)

[0119] and / or wherein the support portion (30) is connected to the connecting portion (40) by a non-destructively detachable connection or by a positive material connection,

[0120] and / or wherein the support portion (30) has a reinforcement device (80) preferably on its rear side opposite to the connecting portion (40).

[0121] Numbered Paragraph 11. A treadmill device (100), comprising

[0122] a running belt (10) according to one of the preceding claims, and

[0123] a frame (82) upon which the running belt (10) is revolvingly supported.

[0124] Numbered Paragraph 12. A slat (70) for a running belt (10), comprising

[0125] a tread portion (20) having a running surface (22) for a user to tread on,

[0126] a support portion (30), and

[0127] a connecting portion (40) between the tread portion (20) and the support portion (30),

[0128] wherein the tread portion (20) is connected to the support portion (30) by the connecting portion (40), and

[0129] wherein the connecting portion (40) comprises a lattice structure (42) having a plurality of struts (44) defining a plurality of cells (50, 52, 54, 56) of the lattice structure.

[0130] Numbered Paragraph 13. A method (200) of producing a running belt (10), comprising the steps of:

[0131] providing (202) a support portion (30);

[0132] forming (204) a connecting portion (40) on the support portion (30) such that the connecting portion (40) includes a lattice structure (42) having a plurality of struts (44) defining a plurality of cells (50, 52, 54, 56) of the lattice structure; and

[0133] providing (206) a tread portion (20) on the connecting portion so that the tread portion (20) is connected to the support portion (30) by means of the connecting portion (40).

Claims

1. A running belt for a treadmill device, comprisinga tread portion having a running surface for a user to tread upon,a support portion, anda connecting portion between the tread portion and the support portion,wherein the tread portion is connected to the support portion by the connecting portion, andwherein the connecting portion comprises a lattice structure having a plurality of struts defining a plurality of cells of the lattice structure.

2. The running belt according to claim 1,wherein the plurality of cells includes first cells and second cells,wherein the first cells are arranged between the running surface and the second cells.

3. The running belt according to claim 1,wherein the lattice structure is formed as a three-dimensional lattice structure and / or is formed by additive manufacturing.

4. The running belt according to claim 1,wherein the lattice structure is more flexible than the support portion and / or the tread portion.

5. The running belt according to claim 1,wherein the plurality of cells includes third cells and fourth cells,wherein the third cells are more flexible than the fourth cells.

6. The running belt according to claim 1,wherein the lattice structure comprises a first region and a second region,wherein the first region and the second region each extend transversely to the running surface from the support portion to the tread portion, andwherein the lattice structure is more flexible in the first region than in the second region.

7. The running belt according to claim 6,wherein the lattice structure in the first region differs from the lattice structure in the second region by at least one of the following parameters:a geometry of the lattice structure, a length of the struts, a cross-section of the struts, a material of the struts, and a size of the cells.

8. The running belt according to claim 1,wherein the lattice structure comprises first lattice points and second lattice points,wherein the first lattice points define a first lattice plane and the second lattice points define a second lattice plane,wherein the second lattice plane preferably extends parallel to the first lattice plane.

9. The running belt according to claim 1,wherein the running belt is designed as a slatted running belt having a plurality of slats,wherein preferably at least one of the slats comprises the tread portion, the support portion and the connecting portion.

10. The running belt according to claim 1,wherein the tread portion is mechanically coupled to the support portion exclusively by means of the connecting portion and / or by means of the lattice structureand / or wherein the support portion is connected to the connecting portion by a non-destructively detachable connection or by a positive material connection,and / or wherein the support portion has a reinforcement device preferably on its rear side opposite to the connecting portion.

11. A treadmill device, comprisinga running belt according to claim 1, anda frame upon which the running belt is revolvingly supported.

12. A slat for a running belt, comprisinga tread portion having a running surface for a user to tread on,a support portion, anda connecting portion between the tread portion and the support portion,wherein the tread portion is connected to the support portion by the connecting portion, andwherein the connecting portion comprises a lattice structure having a plurality of struts defining a plurality of cells of the lattice structure.

13. A method of producing a running belt, comprising the steps of:providing a support portion;forming a connecting portion on the support portion such that the connecting portion includes a lattice structure having a plurality of struts defining a plurality of cells of the lattice structure; andproviding a tread portion on the connecting portion so that the tread portion is connected to the support portion by means of the connecting portion.

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