Differential air pressure (DAP) system, related devices and methods

Abstract

A Differential Air Pressure (DAP) system has an integrated treadmill within a support platform. The DAP system includes a rigid shell, an unweighting enclosure, and a restraint, which defines a tensioned orthotic frame adapted to bias a posture of a user to a standing position. The rigid shell either includes the support platform or is secured thereto and extends upward therefrom to an upper interface defining an upper opening. A base of the unweighting enclosure is secured to the upper interface and extends upward to a top opening, which connects a with a user seal worn by the user. The restraint is connected is adapted to restrain a vertical height of a frame element connected to the unweighting enclosure and of the unweighting enclosure. The tensioned orthotic support frame is defined by the rigid shell and the unweighting enclosure that biases the user to a standing position.

Description

DIFFERENTIAL AIR PRESSURE (DAP) SYSTEM,RELATED DEVICES AND METHODSREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[1001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application no. 63 / 635,729 filed on April 18, 2024, entitled "DAP MicroGravity (MG) Platform, System & Related Devices and Methods," and also claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application no. 63 / 693,185 filed on September 11, 2024, entitled "DAP MicroGravity (MG) Platform, System & Related Devices and Methods, "each of which is hereby specifically incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[1001] Aspects, features, and concepts described herein relate to supplemental exercise equipment and rehabilitation devices, in particular, to equipment known as unweighting, antigravity, or differential air pressure (DAP) systems, devices, as well as related DAP operations, methods, and devices. Further, aspects and featured herein are directed to unweighting exercise and rehabilitation devices for a wide range of users including low height users, such as children, adolescents, and adults.

[1002] Systems for unweighting individuals for rehabilitation and fitness training have been a popular modality. Traditional methods have included aquatic training and using a hoist to lift a person or animal off a walking surface. Harness and hoist systems provide benefits related to their historical use in that they are well-known and may also allow for precise and granular unweighting, but become significantly uncomfortable at off-loading greater than about 25% of normal body weight. Further, aquatic systems may be difficult to control in terms of degree of off-loading, and are cumbersome to use along with having large space and resource requirements.

[1003] Systems that create a pressure differential may vary pressure differentials more precisely and are easier to use allowing for a wide range of unloading in small steps. One benefit of this is in the case of rehabilitation, for which it has been shown that increments as small as 1% of normal body weight may effectively determine and bypass a pain threshold below which a user may exercise pain free. More recently, systems creating a differential air pressure around a portion of a user have been developed and are generally in commercial use in rehabilitation and training centers around the world. These systems apply a pressure difference at a portion of the user's body with a net force at the center of pressure. If the net pressure differential is oriented parallel with the force of gravity and located near the user's waist, this off-loading force acts approximately directly counter to the force of gravityand therefore alters the user's natural gait patterns.

[1004] DAP systems have been commercialized throughout the world. While these conventional systems offer benefits, significant drawbacks exist. Conventional DAP systems are expensive, large, non-adjustable, require specialized power sources, or are generally limited in access to the market because of the high cost and space burden, or general discomfort in design for users of different body types or heights.

[1005] Conventional systems rely on a shell placed around an existing treadmill device, such as a treadmill or bike, including the running belt / rollers / deck of a treadmill or the seat and pedals of a stationary bicycle placed inside. These structures duplicate system framing and therefore increase cost, size, shipping bulk, weight, part count, and overall complexity of the system. Conventional DAP systems further lack convenience routines for effectively assisting users with initial setup and installation within the DAP system. In addition, conventional DAP systems focus on rehabilitation routines and treatments, and fail to provide expanded options for general consumer usage and interests.

[1006] Thus, needs exist for overcoming various drawbacks and limitations of conventional DAP systems including improving system performance, functionality, repair access, physical footprint, and safe, comfortable usage for a wide range of users.SUMMARY

[1007] This summary introduces certain aspects of the embodiments described herein to provide a basic understanding. This summary is not an extensive overview of the inventive subject matter, and it is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope of the inventive subject matter.

[1008] Example arrangements, aspects, concepts and features describe herein include a Differential Air Pressure (DAP) system having a support platform with an integrated treadmill and an inflatable enclosure having a base secured to the support platform adapted to extend upward from the base in an inflated state. The support platform includes a bottom cover defining a lower portion of the platform interior, a top cover covering an upper portion of the platform interior that is removably attached to the bottom cover by a plurality edge connectors, an access opening defined through the top cover adapted to provide user access therethrough to a running surface of the treadmill, and attachment members extending about the access opening securing the inflatable enclosure base to the top cover about the access opening. Each of the plurality of edge connectors include a firstmember attached to a first side of a discrete connection and a second member attached to a second side of the discrete connection, in which the discrete connection includes the first member and the second member secured to each other, and each of the first side and the second side of the discrete connection are affixed to either one of a reinforced edge region of the top cover and a corresponding region of an internal rail member. Each of the plurality of edge connectors and the discrete connections are detachable without disassembly of the top cover, the internal rail member or the bottom cover, and the detachment of the discrete connections and the plurality of edge connectors enable detachment and removal of the top cover along with the inflatable enclosure base from the bottom cover exposing the upper region of the platform interior and enabling maintenance access to the platform interior and the treadmill.

[1009] In some arrangements, the access opening is defined as a truncated access opening to the running surface having an area smaller than the upper portion of the platform interior. Further, in some arrangements, the detachment and disconnection of the top cover from the bottom cover exposes at least one of a front roller, a rear roller, a treadmill motor, a belt edge sensor, a running belt, a running deck, or an electronic circuit board of the treadmill. In some arrangements, the running deck includes a notched running deck defining at least one notch along a side region thereof.

[1010] In some arrangements, the internal rail member includes a pair of substantially parallel, unitary support rails extending a longitudinal distance in a fore-aft direction of the MG system, in which each of the pair of unitary support rails are connected to the top cover, the bottom cover, and the plurality of edge connectors in an assembled condition, such that the removal of the removable top cover includes disconnection of the top cover and the inflatable enclosure base from the pair of substantially parallel, unitary support rails, and disconnection of the top cover from the bottom cover. As such, the removable top cover and the inflatable enclosure base secured to the top cover are removable from the bottom cover for providing access to the platform interior.

[1011] In other arrangements, the pair of support rails include a first rail assembly interconnected with a second rail assembly, in which each of the pair of interconnected support rail assemblies include the first rail assembly interconnected with the second rail assembly. The pair of interconnected support rail assemblies include a first elongate sheet metal frame bent to form a first elongate C-shaped channel having an upper edge bent to form a first upper support and a lower edge bent to form a first lower support, a second elongate sheet metal frame bent to form a second elongate C-shaped channel having an upper edge bent to form a second upper support and a lower edge bent to form a second lower support, a first lateral region of the bottom cover connected tothe first lower support, an opposite second lateral region of the bottom cover connected to the second lower support, a first reinforced edge region and an opposite second reinforced edge region of the top cover, each of the first and second edge regions secured to a corresponding one the first and the second upper support, a first edge portion of the bottom cover secured to the first reinforced edge region of the top cover, and a second edge portion of the bottom cover secured to the second reinforced edge portion of the top cover.

[1012] Other exercise-related support devices, related systems, and components, and / or methods according to embodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon review of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional devices, related components, systems, and / or methods included within this description be within the scope of this disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[1030] FIGURE 1A is right perspective view of prior art example DAP system.

[1031] FIGURE IB is an upper rear perspective view of a support platform of the example prior art system of FIGURE 1A shown partially transparent without the inflatable enclosure and schematically depicting upward forces applied to a top cover of the support platform for an exercise session.

[1032] FIGURE 1C is a schematic view of a control computer for the prior art DAP system of FIGURE 1A and for other DAP systems described herein according to inventive aspects, concepts and features described herein.

[1033] FIGURE 2A is a front left perspective view of the example DAP system shown with a platform top cover thereof transparent, and without an inflatable enclosure and a front control panel cover according to aspects and features described herein.

[1034] FIGURE 2B is a front left perspective view of the example DAP system of FIGURE 2A shown without the top cover, inflatable enclosure or components of the integrated treadmill within the support platform for revealing structural features of the support platform and cable routing options according to aspects and features described herein.

[1035] FIGURE 3 is a front right partially-exploded perspective view of the platform for the example DAP system of FIGURE 2A shown without the top cover.

[1036] FIGURE 4 is a rear left perspective view of a lower portion of the example DAP system of FIGURE 2A.

[1037] FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view of the platform for the DAP system of FIGURES 2A to 4 shown without lifts as indicated by Line 5-5 on FIGURE 4.

[1038] FIGURE 6 is a front right perspective view of the example DAP system shown with a platform top cover thereof transparent, and without an inflatable enclosure according to aspects, features and concepts described herein.

[1039] FIGURE 7 is a front right partially-exploded perspective view of the platform for the example DAP system of FIGURE 6 shown without the top cover.

[1040] FIGURE 8 is a rear left perspective view of a lower portion of the example DAP system of FIGURE S.

[1041] FIGURES 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views of a portion of the DAP platform and system of FIGURE 6 as indicated by Line 9-9 on FIGURE 6.

[1042] FIGURE 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the DAP platform and system of FIGURE 6 as indicated by Line 10-10 on FIGURE 6.

[1043] FIGURE 11A is a top view of DAP platform and system of FIGURE 6 shown without the top cover and the integrated treadmill for exposing sensors of the treadmill system according to aspects and features described herein.

[1044] FIGURE 11B is a cross-sectional top view of the DAP platform and system of FIGURE 11A as indicated by line 11B-11B in FIGURE 11A.

[1045] FIGURES 11C and 11D are schematic representations of Methods related to the DAP system and platform of FIGURES 11A and 11B.

[1046] FIGURE 12 is a top perspective view of a rear left region of an optional arrangement of the DAP platform and system of FIGURE 2A shown with the top cover detached.

[1047] FIGURE 13 is a top perspective view of a front right corner region of the DAP platform of FIGURE 12 shown with top cover detached and the running deck made transparent.

[1048] FIGURE 14 is a front elevation view of the DAP system and platform of FIGURE 12.

[1049] FIGURE 15 is a left elevation view of a front portion of an additional DAP system according to aspects and features described herein.

[1050] FIGURE 16 is a left rear perspective view of yet another DAP system and platform having a removable incline assembly attached according to aspects and features described herein.

[1051] FIGURE 17 is a left elevation view of the DAP system and platform of FIGURE 16 having a removable incline assembly attached according to aspects and features described herein.

[1052] FIGURE 18A is a rear upper perspective view of the removable incline assembly of FIGURES 16 and 17 shown in a non-inclined position according to aspects and features described herein.

[1053] FIGURE 18B is a left elevation view of the removable incline assembly of FIGURE 18A.

[1054] FIGURE 19A is a top view rear of the removable incline assembly of FIGURE 18A.

[1055] FIGURE 19B is a front view of the removable incline assembly of FIGURE 18A.

[1056] FIGURE 19C is a rear view of the removable incline assembly of FIGURE 18A.

[1057] FIGURE 19D is a bottom view of the removable incline assembly of FIGURE 18A.

[1058] FIGURE 20 is a rear perspective view of a DAP system and platform of a further DAP system and platform having a removable incline assembly attached according to aspects and features described herein.

[1059] FIGURE 21B is a left elevation view of the DAP system and platform of FIGURE 20 according to aspects and features described herein.

[1060] FIGURE 21B is a left elevation view of the sloped top cover of the DAP system and platform of FIGURE 20.

[1061] FIGURE 21C is a left perspective view of the sloped top cover of FIGURE 21B.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[1062] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the aspects, features, concepts and / or principles pertaining to example arrangements and uses of DAP systems shown or described herein, reference will now be made to the example arrangements illustrated in the drawings along with language describing the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention are thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

[1063] Unless indicated otherwise, the terms exercise arrangement, apparatus, device, equipment, systems, and variants thereof, may be interchangeably used. In accordance with a general aspect of concepts discussed herein, an inflatable unweighting enclosure for an exercise device is provided along with methods for controlling or using the same for an exercise session in which the DAP system has a top port or opening formed therein and a corresponding frame element that may include a generally hoop-shaped seal frame that may include a frame element at least partially outlining the top opening. The frame element may be arranged to connect with a user seal or other user interface inan inflated state an unweighting exercise session, in which the user extends into and through the top opening and frame element.

[1064] In accordance with various aspects, features and concepts discussed herein, the inflatable enclosure may be configured to be self-supporting beyond its attachment at its base and / or in combination with the frame element. Such beneficial arrangements may allow operation of the DAP system at low pressures and / or applications of forces than for conventional DAP systems, and thereby may significantly reduce risks associated with usage, as well as provide enhanced freedoms of movement for the user and for exercise sessions for a young user or low-height user.Example DAP System with Optional Integrated Lift System

[1065] Referring now to FIGURES 1A & IB, a prior art example differential air pressure (DAP) system 140 is shown having similar primary components as example DAP systems described herein and in related patent applications identified above and incorporated herein by reference, which is shown and described as a general description of primary components and operations of many DAP systems. However, DAP system 140 and related descriptions in no way suggest or imply limitations or requirements of example DAP systems and related devices, components, or methods shown and described herein.

[1066] The example prior art DAP system includes a platform 142, and an inflatable enclosure 110 attached at a base thereof to the support platform. The DAP system further includes a frame element 132 connected to the inflatable enclosure 110 in an inflated state about at least a portion of a top port defined therethrough, which is adapted to form a substantially air tight seal between the inflatable enclosure and the user. The DAP system may optionally include at least one and optionally a pair of vertical lifts 196, 198 integrally attached at base ends thereof to the support platform 142. A height system 199 may be formed via the pair of vertical lifts 196, 198, the platform 142, and the frame element 132. The height system 199 system may connect with the frame elementl32 via opposing pairs of flexible high tensile strength restraints 170 and / or bars, bolted connections or the like.

[1067] The lift system 199 may include the left lift 196, the right lift 198, and an attachment mechanism for each lift to connect and disconnect with opposite sides of the frame element 132. The frame element 132 may move vertically as a whole and / or independently on each of the left and right sides based on connections with each of the left lift 196 and the right lift 198 via flexible restraints 170 as in with related patent applications. Note that the left lift 196 and right lift 198 and related attachment components are designed for universal use on either the left or right side in mirror image arrangements of each other. As such, details shown and corresponding descriptions for each side mayapply to both left and right-side components and features. The attachment mechanism 170 for each lift may connect and disconnect selectively with the frame element 132 to provide flexible options for use of the DAP System and use of the lifting mechanism 199 therewith, such as for lift operations alone and / or as a hybrid framework for supporting inflation modes of the DAP System.

[1068] Referring now to FIGURE IB along with 1A, the support platform, or simply platform 142, forms an interior 161 in which an exercise device (not shown) may be placed or integrated therewith, such as a treadmill. As used herein, integrated or 'an integrated treadmill' refers to a support platform in which structural features of the support platform also form structural and / or operational support features of an interior treadmill, such as platform structures forming operational support(s) for a roller or rollers of the treadmill and / or for a running board of the integrated treadmill. The support platform 142 is adapted to provide the user access through a top opening formed therethrough to the interior 161 and the exercise device therein. The platform top cover 150 of the DAP system 140 is adapted to secure a base region of the inflatable enclosure 110 to the support platform in a substantially sealed connection while it extends upward from the support platform in the inflated condition against collectively high upward forces, F, applied thereto during an exercise session.

[1069] As shown in FIGURE 1C and as described further below, DAP System 140 includes a computer control system 100 that may be located in a portion of platform 142 or other convenient location, such as at a front portion of the platform. It is understood that portions of control system 500 may be distributed throughout the DAP System including components and portions located within monitor 194 and at other locations. Further, it is understood that components and portions of control system 500 may include sensors, limit switches, motor interfaces such as motors for driving the vertical lifts, and the like, which as discussed below may be arranged as a considered as a block diagram in FIGURE 1C as computer system 100.Example Computer Control System

[1070] Referring now to FIGURE 1C, a block diagram is shown illustrating an example computer system 100 configured generally to provide the functionality described herein, as examples, for: Controlling operations of a DAP System including initialization of the corresponding inflatable enclosure for a user, monitoring and controlling operations of the exercise device and inflatable enclosure along with other system components; Interacting with the user; and Performing shutdown operations in accordance with aspects and features of subject matter discussed herein. In some arrangements, the architecture shown in FIGURE 1 may correspond to the devices illustrated and described herein with respect to the DAP System control panel or control device, though this is not necessarily the case. The computer system 100 includes a processing unit 102, a memory 104, one ormore user interface devices 106, one or more input / output ("I / O") devices 108, and one or more optional network devices 160, each of which is operatively connected to a system bus 112. The bus 112 enables bi-directional communication between the processing unit 102, the memory 104, the user interface devices 106, the I / O devices 108, and the network devices 160.

[1071] It is understood that the block diagram is illustrative of various example options for implementation of computer control system 100. For instance, in one implementation, a RASPBERRY PI Microcontroller running on the ANDROID operating system may be located in the console area. A main control hub thereof may be arranged for controllingthe lift monitors and communicating general DAP System controls including a blower controller for blower monitoring and controls between the RASPBERRY PI and a blower controller and treadmill controller, which may cooperate with a treadmill exercise system for controlling subsystem management (maintaining target speed, etc.). These various circuit boards or modules may be separate or combined and be located in various parts of the DAP system such as in the console area, or one or more bottom enclosures.

[1072] The processing unit 102 may be a standard central processor that performs arithmetic and logical operations, a more specific purpose programmable logic controller ("PLC"), a programmable gate array, or other type of processor known to those skilled in the art and suitable for controlling the operation of the DAP system functionality. As used herein, the word "processor" and / or the phrase "processing unit" when used with regard to any architecture or system may include multiple processors or processing units distributed across and / or operating in parallel in a single machine or in multiple machines. Furthermore, processors and / or processing units may be used to support virtual processing environments. Processors and processing units also may include state machines, FPGAs, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"), combinations thereof, or the like. Because processors and / or processing units are generally known, the processors and processing units disclosed herein will not be described in further detail herein.

[1073] The memory 104 communicates with the processing unit 102 via the system bus 112. In some arrangements, the memory 104 is operatively connected to a memory controller (not shown) that enables communication with the processing unit 102 via the system bus 112. The memory 104 includes an operating system 114 and one or more program modules 116, which may include system controls 114 for controlling operations of the DAP System, a safety module for detecting safety concerns and taking appropriate actions, and manual controls 132 for enabling sets of user commands in accordance with safety parameters and system status. The operating system 114 may include, but is not limited to, Android or iOS, members of the WINDOWS, WINDOWS CE, and / or WINDOWSMOBILE families of operating systems from MICROSOFT CORPORATION, the LINUX family of operating systems, the SYMBIAN family of operating systems from SYMBIAN LIMITED, the BREW family of operating systems from QUALCOMM CORPORATION, the MAC OS, iOS, and / or LEOPARD families of operating systems from APPLE CORPORATION, the FREEBSD family of operating systems, the SOLARIS family of operating systems from ORACLE CORPORATION, other operating systems, and the like.

[1074] The program modules 116 may include various software and / or program modulesfor enabling or performing actions described herein, such as initialization actions for initial setup prior to and through inflation of the inflatable enclosure. In some arrangements, for example, the program modules 116 may operate a Safety Module 108 for performing Lift and Safety Restraint controls. These and / or other programs may be embodied in computer-readable media containing instructions that, when executed by the processing unit 102, perform one or more of the methods related to subject matter describe herein and related applications. The program modules 116 may be embodied in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. Although not shown in FIGURE 1, it should be understood that the memory 104 also may be configured to store user settings and preferences data, historical usage data including previous usage settings, user interface data, metadata 131, exercise programs for usage of the exercise device, entertainment and / or video content 117, and / or other data, if desired.

[1075] By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may include any available computer storage media or communication media that may be accessed by the computer system 100. Communication media includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics changed or set in a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[1076] Computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer- readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, Erasable Programmable ROM ("EPROM"), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM ("EEPROM"), flash memory or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks ("DVD"), or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which may be used to store the desired information and which may be accessed by the computer system 100. In the claims, the phrase "computer storage medium" and variations thereof does not include waves or signals per se and / or communication media.

[1077] The user interface devices 106 may include one or more devices with which a user accesses the computer system 100. The user interface devices 106 may include, but are not limited to, computers, servers, personal digital assistants, cellular phones, or any suitable computing devices, as well as through touch screen and / or dedicated interface devices associated with monitor 194. The I / O devices 108 enable a user to interface with the program modules 116. In one arrangement, the I / O devices 108 are operatively connected to an I / O controller (not shown) that enables communication with the processing unit 102 via the system bus 112. The I / O devices 108 may include one or more input devices, such as, but not limited to, a keyboard, a mouse, an electronic stylus, and / or touchscreen functionality, external buttons, rotary encoder knobs, heart rate monitors etc. Further, the I / O devices 108 may include one or more output devices, such as, but not limited to, a display screen including monitor 194, speakers, lights, etc.

[1078] The network devices 110 enable the computer system 100 to communicate with other networks or remote systems via a network, such as wireless network. Examples of the network devices 110 include, but are not limited to, a modem, a radio frequency ("RF") or infrared ("IR") transceiver, a telephonic interface, a bridge, a router, or a network card. The network 104 may include a wireless network such as, but not limited to, a Wireless Local Area Network ("WLAN") such as a WIFI network, a Wireless Wide Area Network ("WWAN"), a Wireless Personal Area Network ("WPAN") such as BLUETOOTH, a Wireless Metropolitan Area Network ("WMAN") such a WiMAX network, or a cellular network. Alternatively, the network may be a wired network such as, but not limited to, a Wide Area Network ("WAN") such as the Internet, a Local Area Network ("LAN") such as the Ethernet, a wired Personal Area Network ("PAN"), or a wired Metropolitan Area Network ("MAN").

[1079] Control computer system 100 may be coupled with various system devices, optional devices and sensors, supplemental devices and the like to provide a wide range of benefits and perform innovative methods as discussed in greater detail below. Such actions may be conducted as part of core operations for DAP System 140, as well as part of customized and optional actions and operations.Example Interlocked Rails Platform Arrangement

[1080] Referring now to FIGURES 2A to 5, an example DAP system 240 is depicted having generally the same aspects and features as DAP system 140 except as discussed below and / or pertaining to the support platform 242 thereof. As such, like numbers refer to like features. DAP system includes a support platform 242 having an exercise device integrated therein, such as a treadmill 260. The support platform 242 includes a top cover 250 (transparent in FIGURE 2A) adapted for securing a base of an inflatable enclosure 252 to the support platform in a substantially sealed connection, such that it extends upward from the support platform in an inflated condition according to upward forces, F, applied thereto and to a user during an exercise session. As depicted in FIGURE 4, top cover 250 is removable by the user or a technician from the remainder of the support platform 242, which may readily enable maintenance access to the platform interior and integrated treadmill 260.

[1081] The support platform 242 differs from support platform 142 and other examples discussed herein in that the top cover 250 is attached to the bottom cover 210 through connections between the top cover 250 with each of the support rails 218. As discussed hereafter, this may enable ready detachment and removal of the top cover 250 from the base of the inflatable enclosure thereby exposing internal treadmill components for maintenance and adjustment access through the exposed upper region of the platform interior. Support platform 242 also is forms an integrally formed base with significant torsional stiffness that allow for internal mounting of treadmill components as well as forming channels and solid, irremovable walls, for passing signal and power cabling through, whereas support platform 142 routes wiring outside of or through removable panels. Support platform 242 therefore is significantly lower profile therefore while maintaining required rigidity, superior to the design of support platform 142, which encompasses a separate treadmill frame that requires active gear / tooth tracking to maintain alignment. Further support platform 142 incorporates a joining member that securely connects the upper structure to the lower structure while securing a side column, and therefore makes it impossible to remove the upper structure from the MG machine without full disassembly of the entire structure.Anti-Torsion and Cross Supports

[1082] With continued reference to FIGURE 2B along with FIGURES 3 to 5, the rectangular support rails 218 and cross-supports 281 as shown are shaped, constructed, arranged, spaced apart from each other, in a tightly interlocked in a secure reinforcement arrangement, such that the support platform 242 forms a high strength, rigid framework adapted for effectively counteracting the high upward forces exerted on the support platform in the inflated state during exercise sessions without encountering substantial deformation, and twisting or torsion effects to the support platform nor the exercise device, such as treadmill 260 integrated and retained therein. The rectangular shape of thepair of support rails 218 and the cross-supports have a high section modulus along their full length adapted for providing a stiff, high strength, anti-twist foundation for the MG system and integrated exercise device, which may include substantially hollow rectangular tubes, solid rectangular rails, and / or, as discussed further below, an assembly of components including bent sheet metal components such as mated C or U shaped components may be arranged and secured to each other for effectively forming rectangular or similar frame members having substantially the same shape modulus as rectangular support rails and cross-supports.

[1083] Unlike many conventional treadmill type exercise devices that rely on internal frameworks about on which a rotatable running belt is supported and driven, such as a pair of I-beam rails or C- shaped beams framing and supporting a pair of drive rollers, in which the treadmill device is placed within a support platform, integrated exercise device 260 is directly connected to and supported by the pair of rectangular rails 218 and the support platform without being encased within a separate hollow box-like support platform. Many advantages are gained by such an integrated arrangement including eliminating interfaces or contact of the rotatable belts with internal supports between the I or C shaped support rails.

[1084] For instance, a front roller 275 and a rear roller 276 may be rotatably connected to and supported by the pair of support rails 218. As such, the primary frame members supporting the rollers for the treadmill exercise device 260 are spaced apart in the widthwise direction of the MG system 240 by a width WRAILS that is greater than a width WRB of the rotatable belt for the treadmill exercise device 260 (see FIGURE 4). As best seen in FIG. 2B, the larger widthwise span between the frame supports (rails 218) compared with a smaller widthwise span between I-beams or other beams or supports structures for a conventional treadmill type device enhances the foundational support provided to the treadmill type exercise device, for which benefits imparted to an MG system are much greater than those provided to a conventional treadmill type exercise device.

[1085] FIGURE 2B schematically depicts many of the enhanced stresses, forces and moments imparted to a support platform 242 of an MG system 240 vs. to a support platform for a conventional treadmill type exercise device (not shown). As depicted by the upward force arrows F, comparatively high forces, especially in an upward direction due to inflation forces, are transmitted to the support platform of an MG system during use in the inflated state. Such exceptionally high forces must be compensated for and counteracted by the support platform 242 to prevent permanent deformation and avoid continual belt alignments or other adjustments to maintaining effective operations for the treadmill device and avoid excessive wear. Any twisting or bending to the frame may quickly causethe axis of each roller to become out of plane and out of parallel, which will quickly push the running belt off track, and cause permanent damage to the running belt and possibly the rollers as well. Further, transmitting varying, excessively high upward forces to a conventional treadmill type exercise device along with transmitting alternating downward forces from run impacts to conventional treadmill frame members separated by a widthwise span that is about the same as or less than a width of a typical rotatable treadmill belt, imparts alternating upward and downward moments and rotational stresses at the interface points between the treadmill device frame members to which is not designed to handle.

[1086] Further still, torsional stiffness compensates for a user moving the MG to another location where the floor may not have the same levelness. This may also happen in transport of the MG system. In this case, if a frame is not torsionally stiff, the frame may just twist and the user may not realize that the floor levelness has changed and begin to operate the device. Because of the twist, there may then occur a catastrophic belt failure as described above. A torsionally stiff frame will not sit level and will rock as not all feet will be touching the ground. This will provide an obvious signal to the user they need to re-level their device before they operate. Device dimensions, wall thicknesses etc, for example MG systems, support platforms and integrated treadmills described herein include, for instance, a system having one cornered lifted with max deformation < Imm, whereas conventional designs, even support platform 142, may deform up to %" meaning one comer is lifted %" before any other comer leaves the ground as was measured by the applicant. Regular alternating moments or rotational stresses and related torsion effects accelerate treadmill device wear often requiring continual monitoring and adjustments for maintaining treadmill functionality especially for use with an MG or DAP type system, or otherwise a gear / tooth tracking arrangement which is expensive.

[1087] The increased widthwise span for the support platform 242 and arrangement for an integrated treadmill may minimize the effects and impacts of such alternating moments and rotational stresses to the integrated treadmill 260 along with reducing monitoring, realignment, vibration reduction and other mitigation or maintenance measures. Further, the interlocked cross-supports 281 are securely interconnected with the support rails 218 via rigid through-hole type interconnections with the support rails, which may be further reinforced via welded, locking peg, or other securement mechanisms for enhancing the support rail to cross-supports. In addition, the support rail to crosssupport interface connections are located at a bottom region of the support rails 218 below the rotatable belt 273, which avoids inadvertent interfering contact of the rotatable belt 273 with the cross-supports 281. Furthermore, placing the reinforcing connections of the cross supports at a bottom region of the support rails enhances moment counteracting benefits, stiffness benefits,vibration mitigation and other benefits gained by the inventive arrangement of the support platform 242 and integrated exercise device.

[1088] As best seen in FIGURES 2B & 5, upward unweighting forces F are exerted on the base 252 of the inflatable enclosure may be transmitted to the support platform 242 from the top cover 250 to which the base is secured. The upward forces F are opposed by downward counterforces CF transmitted from the support platform 242 through the top cover 250. As depicted in FIGURE 5, the top cover edge regions 266 may be bent to form reinforced edge regions 266 as U-shaped channels 266 having sufficient strength and rigidity for withstanding the unweighting forces F exerted thereon and transmit them to corresponding top faces 244 of each of the support rails 218. Each reinforced edge region 266 may include a plurality of vertical attachment posts 268 extending between a matching pair of attachment holes 225 defined through the U-shaped edge region 266 and collars 264, which reinforce the edge region and the connection to the top cover 250 so that when bolts are applied to clamp down top cover 250, the top cover U-shaped channels 266 are not crushed.

[1089] A plurality of removable secure connectors 268, such as screws, studs, nuts and the like may extend through each collar 264 and attach the top cover to a corresponding top face of the respective support rail 218 to secure the top cover to the support rails thereby transmit forces F and counterforces therebetween. By matching the truncated opening in the top cover 250 approximately with the perimeter of the top cover 250, for example the closest part of the opening being within 1-3 inches of the edge of the top cover, the size of the top cover, and therefore the MG machine is minimized. Also important, the reaction forces are located close to the secure connectors which minimizes internal stresses in the top cover and allows this item, which is designed in this MG system 240, to be lightweight and easy to remove.

[1090] The plurality matching attachment holes 225 and collars 264 may be spaced apart along each of the rails 218 and optionally also along the rear cover 257 and the front panel 255. The attachment locations may be all on the same plane, as in the interface plane between the top cover and the bottom cover, or some attachment points may be oriented in a different plane. In FIG. 4 for example, the attachment holes for the rear cover are oriented orthogonal to the attachment holes for the top cover. This may have an added benefit of reducing fasteners on an area of the top surface that may be stepped on by a user, such as for rear entry. As shown in FIGURE 4, a plurality of guide pins or posts 258 may be spaced apart along the top faces 244 for mating with corresponding pairs of matching pairs of alignment holes 224 that readily allow for proper placement and alignment of thetop cover 250 over the support platform 242 to ensure the pairs of attachment posts 226 are aligned with respective pairs of attachment holes 225 and avoid cross threading of the secure connectors.

[1091] Based on the secure attachments through respective sets of aligned holes of each U-shaped channel, reinforced edge region 266 of the top cover 250 may removably secure the top cover 250 along the reinforced opposite edge regions to each of the support rails 218. In some arrangements (not shown), the rigid U-shape edge regions 266 may be adapted to be compressed such that when in the attached state with the top cover 250, the compressed support edge regions 266 may reinforce the strength and stability of the top cover attachment to the support rails 218. As such, the top cover 250 connects with the support platform through each of the support rails 218 along with through the front panel 255 and the rear cover 287 for fully enclosing the platform interior, which may form a substantially sealed pressurized environment therein.

[1092] Mating surfaces, joints and / or other connections between the structural components of the support platform 242 below the top cover 250 may include a joint weld 278, such as formed via a TIG weld or the like. These include, for example, connections between each support rail 218 and each cross support 281, and each support rail 218 and each of the front panel 255 and the rear cover 257, the bottom cover 210 and each of the front panel 255, and the rear cover 257, and the cross supports 281. As such, the support platform 242 may be substantially reinforced and stiffened as an overall construction. Further, the joint welds 278 may substantially seal the platform interior when in the assembled condition with the top cover 250 attached along with a compressible gasket 283 sealing the connection between the top cover 250 with the reinforced edge regions 266 and between the base 252 of the inflatable enclosure and the top cover 230. Bottom cover 210 as shown in FIGURE 3 may also be a bolted on member such as a wooden board, combined with a gasket to create a seal to other structural members of support platform 242. Having a removable wooden bottom cover for example may reduce weight and cost and be removable for easier vacuuming, cleaning and maintenance.

[1093] As seen in FIGURES 2, 4 and 5, the top cover 250 along with the base 252 of the inflatable enclosure connected to the top cover 250 via the clamp ring 231 (part of a top cover assembly) is readily detachable and removable from the support platform 242 upon detachment of the top cover from the support rails 218. Detachment and removal of the top cover assembly exposes the platform interior and readily enables maintenance access to the platform interior for adjustment and / or other maintenance actions of components of the integrated treadmill.

[1094] The construction of example support platform 242 depicted provides a highly stable, rigid support platform including a substantially sealed platform interior 243 (FIG. 5) when in the assembled condition with the top cover 250 securely attached. The use of tubular rsupport rails 218 and interlocked cross supports 281 especially in a welded construction may form a stiff support platform 242 along with a substantially sealed platform interior 243 adapted to withstand and effectively counteract unweighting forces applied during system use while also enabling relatively simple maintenance access. Unlike prior art, which lacks a fully stiffened frame, support platform 242 may mitigate against need to readjust running belt tension and alignment after transport or moving a machine within a facility, or even during normal use. In practice the applicant was able to observe that once alignment was set, it could stay consistent for over 1 year without needing readjustment.

[1095] In the attached condition with the top cover 250 secured to the support platform 242 via the reinforced edge regions 266 secured to corresponding top faces 244 of each support rail 218 proximate connections of the top cover edge region to the corresponding top faces, the support platform provides an effective counter moment to the top cover connection through secure connections with corresponding support rails 218 and respective reinforced edge regions 266, which the welded connections with interlocked cross supports further counteract. A removable rear cover (not shown in FIG 5) may further enhance easy maintenance or adjustment access to the internal treadmill components.Cable & Wire Routing

[1096] FIGURE 2B depicts example advantageous power cable and communication connection routings. As shown, the hollow tube arrangements inherent in the example support platforms, integrated treadmills and DAP systems discussed herein, such as for support platform 242, integrated treadmill 260, and DAP system 240 provide convenient pathways for routing cable and communication connections that may isolate various connections from each other, such as for isolating data connections from high voltage drive connections likely to generate static or other types of RF interference of data connection. As shown, outer walls and / or channels or tubular openings defined in the support rails 218, as well as with front cross members like front motor mount wide cross support 215 and typical bulkhead type openings, such as bulkhead opening 290 through front panel and support rails 218 provide inherent cable and connection routing pathways and cable and wiring connections. The tubular cross section of the support rails provide natural channels for feeding wire and cabling 288 from a front electronics bay as seen in FIG. 2B, through a bulkhead cutout or opening 290, i.e., a PCBA shown in FIG. 2B, to pass electrical signals from outside the pressurized environment to inside the pressurized environment and vice versa.

[1097] This conveniently allows routing of power and signal connections from the electronics bay in the front, through the bulkhead & into the pressurized environment, through the tubular cable channels via the wire and cabling 288 as shown, as well as outside of bulkheads as shown by rectangular bulkhead cutouts in support rails in FIG. 3. From this exit point, which may be near side lift columns (not shown in FIG. 3), cabling may be connected to the lift column motors and encoders, or further routed to through the lift columns to the console area to power the screen and allow communication between the user interface and the electronics bay, which may control the pressure and treadmill operations for example. Routing cabling through the pressurized environment may help protect the cabling from damage vs external routing and avoid the need for additional components to protect the cable in the case of external routing. Therein, the support frame described herein may not only serve as mounting for exercise device components like treadmill motors, but may also provide mounting points for bulkheads and electronics connection pathways that may simplify wiring, hide it from visibility, and / or protect it from interference or damage.Example Sheet Metal Assy. Arrangement

[1098] Referring now to FIGURE 6 to 10, a schematic representation of functional components of another rigid differential air pressure (DAP) or MicroGravity (MG) System 340 is shown having a stiff support platform 342 which is also readily accessible for maintenance access and that generally includes the same aspects and features as DAP system 240 and platform 242 except as shown and described hereafter. The DAP system 340 includes a support platform 342 having an exercise device 360 integrated therein similar to DAP system 240 and platform 242 described above, but which includes another example arrangement for the support platform. DAP system 340 and, in particular, support platform 342, have a detachable and removable top cover 350 in an assembly with inflatable enclosure base 352 for enabling maintenance access through a top portion of the exposed support platform into the interior and treadmill components therein in a detached condition.

[1099] Support platform 342 primarily differs from support platform 242 in that the pair of parallel support rails 318 are formed and ultimately enabled to act effectively as a support framework when the multiple support components are securely connected to each other as an interconnected assembly of support components. In such an interconnected assembly these support structures act as high strength, substantially airtight support structures for rigidly framing the support platform 342 and providing a high strength, stable support framework for the integrated treadmill 360, which together provide a rigid framework that is substantially similar in strength and rigidity as the support rails interconnected with cross-support arrangement described above along with support platforms 2042 & 2642. Such an arrangement for support platform 342 may effectively withstand and counteractthe high forces and moments transmitted to the support platform 342, without compromising running belt alignment for example, the integrated treadmill 360, and the DAP system 340 overall during use and when repeatedly subject to inflation pressures applied to the DAP system 340 in the inflated state. Similar to support platform 242, the arrangement for support platform 342 forms a substantially airtight framework forthe integrated treadmill 360 and the support platform 342 when in the inflated state.

[1100] As best seen in FIGURE 7, a pair of parallel elongate sheet metal frames 318 provide a basic skeleton for a pair of interconnected support rail 'assemblies', which may be formed from steel sheets that are bent, rolled, stamped or otherwise shaped as C-shaped or U-shaped structures (C-channels). As discussed above along with the DAP system 240 and support platform 242, C-shaped, U-shaped or a similar bent shapes applied to metal sheets, such as steel metal sheets, may greatly enhance the strength and rigidity of the sheet. Further, mated sheets having opposite geometries connected together may form high strength, rigid frame structures as an assembly that may be significantly stronger than the individual components - with or without the shape geometries applied. Furthermore, secure interconnected assemblies of such shaped, sheet components may form highly stable framework assemblies equal to that of similar unitary structures.

[1101] With continued reference to FIGS. 6 to 10 and, in particular, to FIGURE 9B, a pair of sheet metal frames 318 are joined with other platform structures including a portion of the top cover 344 and with a portion of the bottom cover 353 to form a first elongate support rail assembly 396 and a second elongate support rail assembly 398. The first 396 and the second 398 elongate support rail assemblies are interconnected with each other in a parallel arrangement along opposite sides of the support platform 342 via contact or connections with the top cover 344, the bottom cover 353 and each of the sheet metal frames 318. Interconnecting or tying in the top cover 344 with the bottom cover 353 along opposite sides, and tying or securing each of the top cover and the bottom cover to each other and to the pair of parallel sheet metal frames 318 forms a pair of parallel, interconnected support rail assemblies 396 and 398 that together provide a rigid frame for the support platform that and forms a substantially airtight support platform based on the pair of interconnected support rail assemblies.

[1102] As best seen in FIGURE 9B, the parallel sheet metal frames 318 may be bent to form an elongate C-shaped channel having an upper support 384 and an opposite lower support 385. Lateral edge regions 353 of the bottom cover may be connected to each lower bottom support 385 of the C- shaped channel, such as at intermediate edge regions of the bottom cover located proximate eachlower support disposed within the support platform. Opposite edge portions 391 of the top cover 344 may be secured to each of the upper supports 384, such as at edge portions proximate perimeter regions of the access opening 349 secured to the upper supports. In addition, opposite edge portions 391 of the top cover 344 may be bent or otherwise shaped as a C-channel or flange that may be directly secured to the bottom cover 353. The opposite edge portions 391 of the top cover 344 may be directly secured to (or optionally secured through intermediate gasket material therebetween) to corresponding opposite edge portions 387 of the bottom cover 353, which may be bent or otherwise formed as C-channel or flange.

[1103] Such connections and secure attachments of the top cover 344 and the bottom cover 353 with each other and with each of parallel sheet metal frames 318 form and interconnect the pair of parallel sheet metal rail assemblies 396 and 398 and forms support platform 342 as a substantially airtight and rigid support platform. The assembled and interconnected support platform 342 creates a first support rail assembly 396 along one side of the support platform 342 and a second support rail assembly 398 along an opposite second side of the platform.

[1104] Further, such an arrangement for components and structures of support platform 342 provides internal side channels 313 for allowing similar cable, power and communication wire routing arrangements and benefits as discussed above along with FIGURE 2B for support platform 242 and DAP system 240. As further shown in FIGURE 9B, open edge space is defined along opposite lateral regions of support platform 342 between opposite inside walls of the bottom cover 353 and outboard regions of each elongate sheet metal frames 318, which forms a pair of internal side channels 313 for routing cables, power and communication wires therethrough.Cross Supports

[1105] Referring now to FIGURES 7, 8 and 10, the example support platform 342 and the integrated treadmill of the MG system 340 is shown with the top cover, rotatable belt with various components removed for exposing an arrangement of a plurality of cross supports 381. The cross supports are formed and secured to the support platform including the top cover 344 and the bottom cover 353 in an arrangement adapted to counteract moments and forces and counteract torsion applied to the MG system 340 (see FIGS. 2A & 2B) and the support platform 342 during an unweighting exercise session and treadmill operations .

[1106] As best seen in FIGURES 7 & 8, the support platform 342 may include various types or configurations of cross supports 381 that extend between the support rail assemblies discussed above. One or more wide cross supports 315 may be included at front and rear portions proximate each ofthe transverse rollers including the front roller 319 and rear roller 376. The wide cross support 315 at the front mount provides support for a drive motor and pulley interface (not shown) with the front roller 319. The wide cross support 315 has an extended width that may increase platform stability and enable a low height for providing space to mount the motor and the drive pulley interface. The treadmill rotatable belt, treadmill, the access opening 349 and inflatable enclosure secured to an upper portion of the support platform (not shown) are located generally rearward of the front wide cross support 315. As such, the relatively high forces and moments discussed above corresponding primarily with the inflated state effect have less effect than other portions of the support platform 342 proximate the front wide cross support 315, which may allow for a low attachment bracket to secure the front wide cross support 315 to the support platform. Rear wide cross support 315 may have large width for similar stability reasons as for the front wide cross support 315.

[1107] The cross supports 381 may further include intermediate cross supports 316 each attached to corresponding sides of the pair of elongate sheet metal frames 392. Each intermediate cross support 316 as well as the rear wide cross support 315 may be formed as bent sheet metal supports each having an attachment bracket at opposite ends for attaching to the respective elongate sheet metal frame 392. Middle portions of each intermediate cross support 316 and the rear wide cross support 315 extend upward to a lower height than a height which each of the attachment brackets extend upward for ensuring belt clearance for rotations without interference within the support platform 342.

[1108] As may be seen in FIGURES 8 & 10, each cross support 381 including intermediate support brackets 316 extend upward at their middle regions below the rotatable belt to a height lower than the underside of the rotatable belt 373, such that the cross supports are adapted to provide clearance for rotation of the rotatable belt 373. The lower height middle portion arrangements for cross supports 315 and 316 provide such clearance whereas arrangements for the attachment brackets at opposite ends are adapted for enhancing stability of the support platform 342 and for counteracting the high forces and moments encountered during operations including while in the inflated state. As such, the attachment brackets at opposite ends are each secured at base regions thereof to corresponding elongate sheet metal frames 392 at low heights proximate the bottom cover 353, and are also attached at mid-height portion of each elongate sheet metal frame 392 based on the extended lengths upward for the attachment brackets at opposite ends of the intermediate cross supports 316, which may be higher than a belt clearance height. The low height attachment positions for the intermediate cross supports at a base portion of the elongate sheet metal frames 392 along with the extended lengths upward for the attachment brackets enable secured connections betweenthe cross supports from their base upward to a mid-region of the elongate sheet metal frame 392. This arrangement enables the support platform 342 to counteract high moments transmitted thereto based on the high forces and moments encountered for sessions and in the inflated state.

[1109] A lift cross support 317 extends between the left lift and the right lift and is attached to each at their respective base portions. The lift cross support 317 is longer than the other cross supports such that it extends through cutouts or pass through openings formed through each of the pair of elongate sheet metal frames 318. Each lift is attached to the outer cover such that the pair of lifts attach to sides of the support platform 342, which enhances its rigidity and stability. As best seen in FIGURE 8, lift cross support 317 is formed as an assembly of components including two middle cross supports 320 and a pair of outer cross support brackets 321. The two middle cross supports 320 may be formed as elongate U-shaped supports oriented face down with the 'U ' openings facing downward and aligned lengthwise end to end across the width of the support platform 342. The pair of outer cross support brackets 321 are attached along outer sides of the middle cross supports 320, which may be formed as extended L-brackets that may also be attached to the bottom cover.Reinforced / Rigid Arrangements

[1110] The example arrangements for DAP systems and platforms described herein including various options, such as arrangements based on extruded rail members and / or sheet metal constructions provide robust, rigid platforms adapted for firmly supporting integrated treadmill constructions therein having slim (low step height) constructions and rigid, anti-torsion platforms for DAP systems and usage. These arrangements also allow for simple removal of a top cover to expose internal exercise machine components for easy maintenance whereas prior art devices do not include a removable top cover. In comparison, prior art systems that encompass treadmills do not have to contend with the very high frame loading forces due to pressurized bag which may reach excess of lOOOIbs. These forces load and twist the frame as shown in FIG 5 for example. In a normal commercial treadmill without loading, which is what is commercialized, the frame is separated from the pressurized frame. This helps isolate loading forces away from the treadmill frame whose alignment is critical to ensure proper alignment of motor drive and running belts, but it also creates redundant framing which is wasteful as described already. Commercial treadmill frames are not designed to handle such bag pressure loading because they never had to contemplate such loading being just a normal treadmill. Even without bag loading, standard guidelines for treadmills are to realign the running belt after moving or transport because even slightly non-level surfaces may generate significant twist in the frame. Prior art devices do not include frames that are stiff having the sametype of tubular construction with removable top cover where the top cover adds rigidity and prevents frame twist.Rotatable Belt Alignment, Monitoring and Tracldng

[1111] FIGURE 11A depicts example locations for edge rollers and / or belt edge detection sensors that may be placed along various locations of the path for the rotatable belt within the integrated treadmill 360, which arrangements may be similar to other example integrated treadmills and MG systems described herein. Such rollers and detections sensors form an example alignment monitoring and misalignment detection system that when operatively connected with an MG control computer, may be used to perform belt monitoring methods such as the examples described below along with the methods schematically shown and described with FIGURES 11B and 11C.

[1112] These edge detection sensors for example may consist of an IR pair that form a beam with the emitter on one side (top or bottom) of the running belt and the collector on the opposite side. The location of this vertical beam may be near the entrance for example to a chamfered groove such that it is detected when a belt is entering the chamfered groove and starting to be compressed. This location may be important because it is the first time that the belt edge is being stressed due to contact with a structural element. This information may be used as discussed later to render a judgement made in software whether continued operation should be allowed or a belt alignment is needed. Other forms of sensors may also be used such as a mechanical bumper switch, a proximity sensor, other optical sensors that do not require to be on both sides of the running belt, etc.[H13] As may be seen in FIGURES 11 A and 11B, the integrated treadmill 360 includes one or more chamfered edge rollers 365 connected to one of the support rails or other interior support and along a rotation path for an edge region of the rotatable belt, such as prestressed polymeric rotatable belt 373. As discussed above along with the integrated treadmill 360, the use of prestressed polymeric belt for the integrated treadmill 360 may provide advantages for use on a medical device system like an DAP system having a treadmill exercise device integrated therein, which may be relatively inaccessible and require only minimal adjustment or maintenance interactions for the user. However, the flexible polymeric nature of such a belt being intermittently driven for rotating while prestressed under tension may enhance wear or degradation particularly along high stress edge regions, such via fraying along the edges. This situation is exacerbated further as a belt becomes out of alignment and runs off the roller into other framing elements. This is one of the most frequent causes of failure of belt drive systems.

[1114] The use of chamfered edge rollers 365 with the integrated treadmill 360 may compress edge regions of the compressible polymeric belt when being rotatably driven along its establishedtrack for the belt, which reduce the likelihood of fraying along the edges or otherwise help prevent premature belt degradation. As may be seen in FIGURE 1 IB, such a chamfered shape may be arranged such to have tapered shape, such that the roller gap is slightly wider than the belt thickness and tapers down closer to a center of the edge roller, such that the belt edge maintains a compression interface with the chamfered edge roller during use. As the belt tries to misalign further as it moves toward the axis of rotation of the chamfered roller, the chamfer narrows further still. This imparts a greater correcting force, as well as a greater compressive force, which prevents further migration of the belt away from the center, but because the chamfer is narrowing, the belt edge is being compressed and prevented from fraying. As shown in FIGURE 11A, the use of matching pairs of chamfered edge rollers at opposite belt edges at the same position of belt rotation may enhance effective use and engagement of the edge rollers with the belt edges. This belt alignment system may be placed on the left and right side of the belt in the front, rear, or four such alignment devices in all four comers.

[1115] In addition to the chamfered rollers, two additional transverse guide rollers 363 on the top and bottom of the running belt 373 may be present to assist guiding the belt into the chamfered groove. These transverse rollers 363 may be spaced and located vertically off the surface of the running belt 373 so that under normal operation they do not contact or barely contact the running belt but arc just on the top side and the bottom side of the running belt to prevent it from migrating up or down which could cause it to miss the chamfered groove. These two guide rollers 363 may be longitudinally located so that the running belt 373 is always sitting between a lift pair and a right pair regardless of whether the belt has migrated to the left or to the right, and further the tunning belt may contact an opposite side chamfered roller before it leaves a given pair of guide rollers. These transverse rollers 363 therefore may be located and may have such a length that the belt is incapable of escaping the gap between the rollers because they are located on both sides and the belt 373 will contact one chamfered roller before it leaves the gap between the transverse rollers on the opposite side. Therein the running belt 373 may be trapped between the two sets of (left and right side) of transverse rollers 363 and therefore guaranteed to contact the chamfered guide roller 365 in all situations before it contacts another part of the frame and can start to fray.Belt Brush

[1116] A brush may also be placed near the rear of the running belt (not shown), such as attached to a cross-support. A brush may also be attached to the top cover such that it contacts a rear portion of the running belt (not shown) as it turns around the rear roller. This may sweep off any debris if die belt is running in the reverse direction whereas the rear brush may sweep off any debris if thebelt is running in the backward direction. Further, the brushes may have anti-static properties which help to discharge static building which is a common problem with conventional treadmill design.

[1117] The applicant's system it shall be noted may only require two panels of the main support frame to be removed in order to access all serviceable and replaceable parts. This is a significant advantage over prior art as it speeds sendee and reduces the cost thereof. For example, in the applicants' design every component inside the support frame may be accessed for replacement by removing only the rear cover and the top cover. Doing so exposes the entire treadmill drive train (motor, belts, running deck, rollers) for diagnosis and repair. Further the edge detection sensors and guide rollers are similarly exposed. In previous designs, while still advantageous, multiple panels and material members had to be removed to access exercise device components, taking more time and costing more money for each sen ice job.Alignment Methods[1 H8] Referring now to FIGURES 11C and 11D, example control and monitoring operations for an example DAP system, such as example DAP system 340, are schematically shown and described below along with FIGURES 11C and 11D. FIGURE 11C schematically shows a Method 1810 for rotatable belt alignment monitoring and misalignment detection that may be performed with example DAP systems discussed herein, which may include Actions performed via functional components of the DAP system, support platform, integrated treadmill and / or other components, which may include Actions performed as instructed by a DAP system control computer that is operatively connected to the DAP system and functional components thereof. As shown, Method 1810 may include Action 1812 of aligning a rotatable belt, such the belt of an integrated treadmill thereof, such that it is approximately centered on one or more drive rollers and rotating in a first direction. Method may further include Action 1814 for driving rotation of the rotatable belt in the first rotation direction while monitoring error detection sensors for detecting presence of a first edge of the rotatable belt, and Action 1816 for upon triggering at least one edge detection sensor, stopping the rotation of the belt and optionally alerting a user.

[1119] Method 1910 of FIGURE 11D may continue from Method 1810 to perform Action 1912 to reverse the driving belt to rotate in an opposite second direction, and Action 1914 to Monitor Edge Detection Sensor for detecting an edge of the rotatable belt. Method 1910 may continue with an Action 1916 to do nothing in response to detecting motion of a belt edge rotating in the opposite direction. An additional Action 1918 may include reversing the belt direction to the first direction. Method 1910 may further include another Action 1920 of setting a limit for one of a time or a distance during which detection of a rotatable edge is ignored. This allows the belt to try and re-center itself to the middle where it had been originally when running in the first direction. Further Method 1910 may also include an Action 1922 for recommencing monitoring actions for monitoring edge detection while the rotatable belt is rotating in the first direction and performing an Action of stopping the belt upon triggering at least one edge detection sensor.

[1120] In practice, it was observed that conventional treadmill belts do not ran centered in both forward and reverse directions. The applicants were surprised to discover this issue, which creates a problematic design challenge for systems that should move forward and reverse. Since a belt may not run centered in both directions, a belt alignment system as described herein may be usefill, but may still stress the belt and lead to breakdown over time. Therefore a detection system and logic around how to best protect the belt and alert the user to problems, while not overburdening them with constant alignment errors, was invented. The applications method allows for belt centered tracking the majority of the lime going a first direction, while simultaneously allowing for temporary off-center operation going a second opposite direction, and still allowing for continued first direction operation all without falsely alerting the operator that they need to align the belt.Another Example Interlocked Rectangular Rails Platform Arrangement with Increased Top Cover Spacing and Notched Running Deck Options

[1121] Referring now to FIGURES 12 to 14, another example differential air pressure (DAP) system 440 and support platform 442 is shown with an optional integrated treadmill that similarly has a removable top cover 450 and connected inflatable enclosure base 432 that as an assembly may readily be detached and removed from the support platform, which generally includes the same aspects and features as DAP system 240 and platform 242 except as shown and described hereafter. As such, like references have similar meaning. DAP system 440 and support platform 442 primarily differ from DAP system 240 and platform 242 in that DAP system 442 includes increased top cover spacing related, and further has an optional notched running deck, and easily removable and protected edge sensors.

[1122] As shown, the running deck 405 may define corner notches 407 removed from corner portions of the (otherwise rectangular) running deck. As a comparison, the running deck for system platform 242 is substantially rectangular. As shown, corner regions of running deck 405 may be notched for further increasing maintenance and adjustment access to internal treadmill components. For instance, detachment and removal of the top cover 450 along with inflatable enclosure base (not shown) may expose the running deck 405 for maintenance access. Corner notches 407 may enable easy adjustment, replacement or other maintenance access therethrough to belt edge sensors once the top cover has been removed.

[1123] Such access may provide substantial benefits, because belt edge sensors often get dirty, are tripped or bumped during treadmill operations, or otherwise require frequent adjustment, maintenance or cleaning. Such notches 407 defined in the deck may enable ready customer access for readily inspecting, cleaning, adjusting and / or replacing one or more sensors. With the top cover 450 removed, a user or technician may readily check sensors typically located below proximate the corner notches 407 to see if the sensor light is indicated it was showing tripped or operational.

[1124] As depicted in FIGURE 12, the notches 407 may allow for relatively easy vertical removal of an edge sensor, which is otherwise located in a very tight space not easily accessible reachable with a tool. As such, the use of deck notches 407 may provide substantial maintenance benefits, such as allowing for easy removal or replacement of edge sensors, as well as exposing the sensor for inspection and verification of a visual line of sight to each sensor LED indicator.

[1125] In addition, sensors have a protective plate that takes load of anything dropped thereon. As depicted in FIGURES 12 and 13, the arrangement of the sensor plate proximate end below a respective corner notch 407 allows for vertical removal making maintenance easier. If a vertical load is applied to a sensor assembly during maintenance, which for example may happen if the deck falls down during removal or replacement, then if there is no protective plate all the force may go to the belt edge sensor which may be sensitive or brittle and break easily. The design shown for such edge sensors ensures that load from an inadvertent contact would likely be transferred through the plate to the metal block that holds the edge guide rollers and then to the support tubes 418where that block mounts, which further minimizes risks.

[1126] Further, as also depicted in FIGURES 12 and 13, deck notches 407 may provide further maintenance benefits related to removing the deck from underneath the treadmill belt. Spacing may be tight around the running deck 405 for maintenance purposes without removing one of both lift columns, which may be difficult and time-consuming. Removal or replacement of a running deck 405 often requires the deck to be rotated out from under the belt, along a path shown in FIG 14, to remove it from the system without removing the front roller. Corner notches 407 formed in the deck may save time and reduce risks for needing to realign the front roller along with performing deck maintenance. The notches may be particularly helpful, because as the deck is rotating out from under the belt, the belt may twist so that its opening is vertical and the deck may be removed vertically after the running belt has twisted enough (whereas without rotation of the belt and deck to about 90 degrees from normal, the removal of the deck vertically up is otherwise limited). The corner notches 407 effectively "shorten" the deck so it may twist higher on the lift column as it slides out from underthe belt as the belt is rotating, and the belt may conform around the corners without the belt catching and preventing easy deck removal.

[1127] Referring now to FIGURE 14, the assembled arrangement of the top cover 450 mounted on the support platform 442 is inset slightly by a gap, G, from the mounting point of the lifts in comparison with DAP systems 240 and 340, or support platforms 242 and 342. The added spacing or increased gap may provide substantial benefits when detaching and removing the top cover 450 from the support platform 442, such as for maintenance access. The larger gap may be beneficial for helping prevent inadvertent scraping or other contact with the inflatable enclosure in the gap between the top cover and the lifts during maintenance actions, allowing the lifts to stay in place while removing the top cover.

[1128] Recessed Motor Cavity

[1129] Referring now to FIGURE 15, a DAP system 640, support platform 642 and integrated treadmill 660 are shown that generally include the same aspects and features as DAP systems described above, except as discussed hereafter. As best seen in FIGURE 15, the bottom cover 610 of DAP system 640 defines a recessed cavity 609 for retaining a relatively large, high-power motor 608 therein, which allows usage of a much larger, more powerful motor than DAP systems described above. Usage of the larger, high-performance motor 608 may reduce heat build-up and improve torque at low speeds vs. smaller or standard sized motors used, for example, with DAP systems 240 or 340. In particular, a comparatively larger flywheel may enable smoother running at high speeds and reduce peak current draw for heavier users while running fast, or just allow a greater speed range overall.

[1130] A substantial benefit may be gained via recessed cavity, which may allow use of the larger, high-power motor 608 while keeping the step height at the rear to a minimum or substantially the same as for DAP systems 240 and 340 or platforms 242, or 342 as discussed above, for example, which may especially benefit for low’ access users and reduce tripping hazards or other risks. If there was no dip in the base pan for the recessed motor cavity 609, then the use of the larger, high power motor 608 would require moving the top surface higher or require a bump or sloped top cover in the top cover 650 around the motor region, which could be problematic from a strength and sealing perspective because the top cover 650 encounters high stress and applied loads dining system operations and a truncated access opening in the middle of the top cover where the enclosure base 652 attaches represents a discontinuity w'hich concentrates stresses. Further, having a non- uniform or larger truncated access opening defined through the top cover could substantially impair strength, produce stress concentrations, and integrity of the top cover in a nearby zone or regionproximate the motor. As shown, the larger, high-power motor 608 may be located directly below a portion of the inflatable enclosure base 652 making it difficult or effectively impossible to raise or ‘bump up’ the top cover to allow for use of the larger motor. As such, the recessed cavity design allows for use of the larger motor while minimizing the overall footprint to enable its use.Removable Incline Mechanism

[1131] Referring now to FIGURES 17 to 19D, a DAP system 740, support platform 742 and integrated treadmill 760 are shown that generally include the same aspects and features as DAP systems described above, except as discussed hereafter. As best seen in FIGURE 17, tire DAP system includes an attachable and removable incline assembly 733 attached to a front, base portion of the platform 742. The DAP system 740 and platform 742 depicted are the same as DAP system 640 and platform 642 discussed above, which includes a recessed cavity formed in the bottom cover for retaining a relatively large, high-power motor therein. However, it is understood that the incline assembly 733 may be used with any DAP system and platform described herein or in related patent applications, as well as with various other DAP systems and / or non-DAP exercise systems, such as with other conventional treadmill systems.

[1132] As shown in FIGURES 18A to 19D, the incline assembly 733 may be formed as an independent accessory having an incline platform attachment 735 adapted for a bolt-on or similar attachment to a portion of an exercise system platform, such as a front region. The incline assemblymay include one or more incline motors 734 adapted to raise or lower the assembly, and thereby increase or decrease an incline angle of the platform. The incline assembly is preferably adapted for operatively connecting with a control computer or other existing controls, but may also include an independent controller. In addition, the incline assembly 733 may include an accessorycontainer 736 for containing electronics components or allowing attachment in place of an existing accessory container of the platform or simply providing for additional storage space. The attachable incline assembly may attach to pre-installed bolts, threaded holes, or other mounting points integrated into the platform 742 that may be reinforced to carry the additional load associated with the incline motor attachment. For example in FIG 2 A, incline motors may be installed on a bar that is mounted through one of the cross tubes 281 with a vertical mounted lead screw drive. This may be advantageous in that the load is carried across the entire width of the support frame and doesn’t need additional reinforcement. Alternatively, as shown in FIG 19A-F, the motor attachment load may be carried through the incline attachment metal which may itself be reinforced. In all cases, a bolt-on incline system may allow multiple variations and features for theDAP system without burdening the cost of every system with the components required of an incline system and without substantial work to install this system.

[1133] Referring now to FIGURES 20 to 21C, a DAP system 840, support platform 842 and integrated treadmill 860 are shown that generally include the same aspects and features as DAP systems described above, except as discussed hereafter. As best seen in FIGURES 20 and 21A, the DAP system 840 also includes an attachable and removable incline assembly 833 attached to a front, base portion of the platform 842, but without the platform 840 having a recessed cavity within a lower portion of the platform and / or platform cover for enabling use of a large, high capacitymotor. Rather, DAP system 840 and platform 842 includes an inclined top cover 838 to which an incline assembly 833 may be attached. The benefit of an inclined top cover is that it allows for a larger drive motor for the treadmill to be installed vs. creating the recessed cavity described above. In order to minimize the length of the DAP system, it’s advantageous to have the length of the support frame 842 roughly match the required length of the enclosure base, otherwise excess length leads to a larger footprint and may limit installation options within the home for example. However, there is minimal length needed to enclose the electronics, such as the treadmill motor so the enclosure base will pass over the area occupied by the motor. As an alternative to the motor cavity therefore, the base of the enclosure may be inclined so that in the front section, it is higher than the height of the larger motor and the enclosure base can remain planar and easily sealed without stress concentrations due to an abnormal shape as would be required to bump out and over the treadmill motor. Therein, the inclined top cover 838, similar to the recessed base, allows for a larger drive motor and will minimize the rear step in height which is critical for low functioning or home use.

[1134] One thing to note about such an arrangement having a slanted top is that while it allows for use of a large, high capacity motor based on increased space at an upper region of the enclosure, the top cover 838 may at some point encroach on the running path for the user's foot at a front region. As the incline angle increases, it may rotate the top cover 838 into the foot path, which may limit the user's stride or height of the natural foot motion and / or cause a length of the overall base to increase to place a point of interference beyond the user's foot strike path. Although increasing a length of the system is less desirable, doing so would allow for a shallower rear step in. However, a preferred option would be use of a recessed motor cavity as described above. Nonetheless, use of a slanted top cover is a viable option for allowing for use of a large, high-capacity motor while minimizing overall machine length versus doing so with a straight or horizontal flat top that would increase rear step height.

[1135] The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Various modifications and changes may be made to the subject matter described herein without following the example arrangements, embodiments and applications illustrated and described, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the embodiments, arrangements, or of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein.

[1136] Although various arrangements and embodiments have been described as having particular features and / or combinations of components, other embodiments and arrangements are possible having a combination of any features and / or components from any of embodiments or arrangements as discussed above. Aspects have been described in the general context of exercise devices, and more specifically supplemental lifting, unweighting or differential air pressures mechanisms, devices, systems, and methods for exercise devices, but inventive aspects are not necessarily limited to use with exercise devices.

Claims

Claims1. A Differential Air Pressure (DAP) system comprising: a support platform retaining a treadmill within a platform interior thereof; and an inflatable enclosure having a base secured to the support platform adapted to extend upward from the base in an inflated state, the support platform comprising: a bottom cover defining a lower portion of the platform interior; a top cover covering an upper portion of the platform interior, the top cover removably attached to the bottom cover by a plurality edge connectors; an access opening defined through the top cover adapted to provide user access therethrough to a running surface of the treadmill; and a plurality of attachment members extending about the access opening securing the inflatable enclosure base to the top cover about the access opening; each of the plurality of edge connectors comprising a first member attached to a first side of a discrete connection and a second member attached to a second side of the discrete connection, the discrete connection comprising the first member and the second member secured to each other, each of the first side and the second side of the discrete connection affixed to either one of a reinforced edge region of the top cover and a corresponding region of an internal rail member, wherein each of the plurality of edge connectors and the discrete connections are detachable without disassembly of the top cover, the internal rail member or the bottom cover; wherein, the detachment of the discrete connections and the plurality of edge connectors enables detachment and removal of the top cover along with the inflatable enclosure base from the bottom cover exposing the upper region of the platform interior and enabling maintenance access to the platform interior and the treadmill.

2. The DAP system of claim 1, wherein: the access opening is defined as a truncated access opening to the running surface having an area smaller than the upper portion of the platform interior.

3. The DAP system of claim 1, wherein the detachment and disconnection of the top cover from the bottom cover exposes at least one of a front roller, a rear roller, a treadmill motor, a belt edge sensor, a running belt, a running deck, or an electronic circuit board of the treadmill.

4. The DAP system of claim 3, wherein the running deck comprises a notched running deck defining at least one notch along a side region thereof.

5. The DAP system of claim 1, wherein the internal rail member comprises: a pair of substantially parallel, unitary support rails extending a longitudinal distance in a fore-aft direction of the MG system, each of the pair of unitary support rails are connected to the top cover, the bottom cover, and the plurality of edge connectors in an assembled condition; wherein: the removal of the removable top cover comprises disconnection of the top cover and the inflatable enclosure base from the pair of substantially parallel, unitary support rails, and disconnection of the top cover from the bottom cover; such that the removable top cover, the inflatable enclosure base secured to the top cover are removable from the bottom cover for providing access to the platform interior.

6. The DAP system of claim 5, further comprising: an enclosed integrated treadmill within the platform interior comprising: a pair of transverse rollers connected to, extending between and rotatably supported by the pair of support rails; a rotatable belt extending between the pair of transverse rollers, an upper surface of the rotatable belt forming the running surface; and a plurality of transverse cross supports connected between and attached to each support rail; wherein the removal of the removable top cover and the inflatable enclosure base from the bottom cover provides access to the platform interior and the integrated treadmill enclosed therein.

7. The DAP system of claim 6, wherein: each support rail comprises a substantially rectangular support rail, an external portion of each rectangular support rail defining a sidewall of the support platform, a substantially airtight interior further defined by each sidewall together with the top cover, the bottom cover, a rear cover and a front panel in an assembled condition; and the removal of the top cover and the inflatable enclosure base from the bottom cover enables access to the platform interior and the integrated treadmill enclosed therein.

8. The DAP system of claim 6, wherein each rectangular support rail comprises one of a closed rectangular support rail, a substantially hollow rectangular support rail, and a pair of mated elongate rectangular half shells.

9. The DAP system of claim 7, wherein each rectangular support rail is substantially hollow and comprises an extruded rectangular tube welded to each transverse cross support.10 The DAP system of claim 6, wherein: each support rail defines a plurality of through channels substantially extending through a width of the support rail; corresponding through channels of the pair each support rails are transversely aligned; and the support platform further comprises a plurality of transverse cross supports having an external shape and size matching a corresponding one of the through channels.

11. The DAP system of claim 6, wherein: the pair of support rails comprise a first rail assembly interconnected with a second rail assembly, each of the pair of interconnected support rail assemblies comprising: the first rail assembly interconnected with the second rail assembly, the pair of interconnected support rail assemblies comprising: a first elongate sheet metal frame bent to form a first elongate C-shaped channel having an upper edge bent to form a first upper support and a lower edge bent to form a first lower support; a second elongate sheet metal frame bent to form a second elongate C-shaped channel having an upper edge bent to form a second upper support and a lower edge bent to form a second lower support; a first lateral region of the bottom cover connected to the first lower support; an opposite second lateral region of the bottom cover connected to the second lower support; a first reinforced edge region and an opposite second reinforced edge region of the top cover, each of the first and second edge regions secured to a corresponding one the first and the second upper support; a first edge portion of the bottom cover secured to the first reinforced edge region of the top cover; and a second edge portion of the bottom cover secured to the second reinforced edge portion ofthe top cover.

12. The DAP system of claim 11, wherein: the first support rail assembly comprises the first elongate sheet metal frame, the first lateral region of the bottom cover connected to the first bottom support, the first edge region of the top cover secured to the first upper support, and the first edge portion of the bottom cover secured to the first reinforced edge region of the top cover; and the second support rail assembly comprises the second elongate sheet metal frame, the second lateral region of the bottom cover connected to the second bottom support, the second edge region of the top cover secured to the second upper support, and the second edge portion of the bottom cover secured to the second reinforced edge region of the top cover; and the removal of the top cover and the inflatable enclosure base with the bottom cover enables access to the platform interior and the integrated treadmill enclosed therein.

13. The DAP system of claim 12, wherein: a first section of the bottom cover located between the first lateral region of the bottom cover connected to the first bottom support and the first edge portion of the bottom cover secured to the edge region of the top cover forms a first side wall of the support platform; and a second section of the bottom cover located between the second lateral region of the bottom cover connected to the second bottom support and the second edge portion of the bottom cover secured to the edge region of the top cover forms a second side wall of the support platform; the first side wall defines a first hollow space within the first support rail assembly; and the second side wall defines a second hollow space within the second support rail assembly; and each of the first and the second hollow spaces define longitudinal conduits usable for wire routing.

14. The DAP system of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of cross supports each connecting the pair of support rail assemblies, wherein: the plurality of lateral cross supports are each attached to the first elongate sheet metal frame at a first end and the second elongate sheet metal frame at an opposite second end, a middle region of each lateral cross support is attached to the bottom cover and extends upward a first height below the rotatable belt, the first end and the second each having an attachment bracketsecured to the first and the second elongate sheet frame proximate the base and at a mid-height region above the first height; a motor mount cross support is attached to the first elongate sheet metal frame at a first end and the second elongate sheet metal frame at an opposite second end, the motor mount cross support attached to the bottom cover and extending upward a second height lower than the first height; and a lift cross support is attached at a first end to a first base portion of a first lift attached to a first side of the support platform and at an opposite second end to a second base portion of a second lift attached to a second side of the support platform opposite the first side, the lift cross support secured to the base and extends upward a third height below the rotatable belt, the lift cross support extending through an opening defined through each of the first and the second elongate sheet metal frames.

15. The DAP system of claim 6, further comprising: a transverse edge roller attached to one of an inner region between each of the pair of support rails, to one of the plurality of transverse cross supports, and to a bottom cover of the support platform; wherein the removal of the removable top cover from the bottom cover provides access to the platform interior, the integrated treadmill, and the transverse edge roller.

16. The DAP system of claim 6, further comprising: a 1st edge detection sensor attached internal to an inside face of a first one of the pair of the support rails proximate a first edge of the rotatable belt, the first edge detection sensor adapted to detect a presence of the first edge proximate the first one of the support rails; a 2nd edge detection sensor attached internal to a second inside face of a second one of the pair of the support rails proximate a second edge of the rotatable belt, the 2nd edge detection sensor adapted to detect a presence of the second edge proximate the second one of the support rails; a 1st transverse guide roller attached proximate the first edge detection sensor; and a 2nd transverse guide roller attached proximate the second edge detection sensor; wherein the removal of the removable top cover along with the base of the inflatable enclosure from the bottom cover provides access to the platform interior and the integrated treadmill including access to the 1st and the 2nd edge detection sensors and the 1st and the 2ndtransverse edge rollers.

17. The DAP system of claim 5, further comprising: cabling routed through a hollow channel of at least one of the pair of support rails; and one or more bulkhead pass throughs defined through one of a front panel and the pair of support rails to route the cabling through an airtight wall formed by the one of front panel and each of the pair of support rails.

18. The DAP system of claim 5, further comprising: a rear cover removably attached proximate a rear end of each support rail and connected to each of the pair of support rails; wherein removal of the rear cover enables maintenance access to the treadmill and in particular access to rear roller alignment adjustments.

19. The support platform of claim 1, further comprising: cabling routed through a hollow channel of at least one of the pair of support rails; and one or more bulkhead pass throughs defined through the pair of support rails to route the cabling through an airtight wall formed by each of the pair of support rails.

20. The support platform of claim 1, further comprising: a top cover attached proximate the top surface of the pair of support rails and a bottom cover attached proximate a bottom of the pair of support rails; and a rear cover attached proximate the back surface and connecting a back of the pair of support rails, the attaching creating a substantially airtight environment for pressurization around the rotatable belt.

21. The DAP system of claim 1, wherein: the support platform further comprises: a front end and defining a first interior space extending a first distance rearward from the front end; and a rear end opposite the front end end having a second vertical length less than first vertical length; and the interior of the support platform in an assembled condition is substantially airtight;the DAP system further comprising a high-power motor located within the first interior space, the high-power motor disposed proximate a front roller of the treadmill and adapted to drive rotation of the treadmill.

22. The DAP system of claim 21, wherein the first interior space is formed by a recessed cavity defined at the front end.

23. A selectively attachable and removable incline assembly for the DAP system of claim 1, comprising: an external lifting member adapted for removable connection and disconnection to the support platform, wherein the incline assembly is adapted to one of raise or lower selectively a base region of the support platformrelative to the ground wherein a slope of the treadmill is adjusted a liting motor;and one of a rack and pinion gear or a lead screw operatively connected to the lifting motor, an extent of which is controlled by the control computer; wherein the control computer controls an elevation of the DAP system.

24. The selectively attachable and removable incline assembly of claim 23, wherein: the lifting motor comprises a pair of lifting motors; and the one of the lead screw and the rack and pinion gear operatively connected to the lifting motor comprises a pair of lead screws or rack and pinion gears, each of the pairs operatively connected to a corresponding one of the pair of lifting motors.

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