REAR MOUNTED PIVOTING TREADMILL CUSHIONING

• US 20080300115A1
• Filed: 05/29/2007
• Published: 12/04/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/29/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Sportcraft Limited (Authentic Brands Group, LLC)
• Original Assignee: Sportcraft Limited (Authentic Brands Group, LLC)
• Inventors: Erlandson, John A.
• Application Number:
  US11/754,668
• Publication Number:
  US 20080300115A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/54
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0207 having shock absorbing means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0235 driven by a motor
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/09 Adjustable dimensions

Abstract

A treadmill is described herein that utilizes a simple mechanism that absorbs impacts delivered to the treadmill by a user during use. The treadmill includes a frame for supporting an endless belt. A forward structure supports a first end of the frame. A pivoting structure supports and the second end of the frame and provides impact absorption. The pivoting structure includes a pivot arm that is pivotally affixed to an underside of the frame. A roller is mounted on a roller axle proximate the free end of the pivot arm. A spring is provided that has a first end in communication with the frame and has a second end in communication with the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm away from the frame. Preferably, the spring surrounds a limiter that limits the maximum amount of travel that the pivot arm can extend away from the frame.

Claims

1. A treadmill comprising:

a frame for supporting an endless belt, said frame having a first end and a second end;

a forward structure for supporting said first end of said frame;

a pivoting structure proximate said second end of said frame, said pivoting structure having a pivot arm having a secured end and a free end, said secured end pivotally affixed to said frame;

a resilient member located between said frame and said pivot arm for biasing said pivot arm away from said frame.

2. The treadmill according to claim 1 further comprising:

said frame having a pivot anchor and a limiter anchor, each proximate said second end and extending from an underside of said frame.

3. The treadmill according to claim 1 further comprising:

a forward structure for supporting said first end of said frame, said forward structure comprising a base structure, a vertical member attached to said base structure, and a console attached to said vertical member.

4. The treadmill according to claim 1 wherein:

said pivot arm has a left flange and a right flange, said left flange and said right flange connected via a spanning member, said spanning member defining an orifice.

5. The treadmill according to claim 1 wherein said resilient member is a spring.

6. The treadmill according to claim 1 wherein said resilient member is an elastomeric member.

7. The treadmill according to claim 4 further comprising:

a limiter threadably received within said limiter anchor and passing through said orifice of said spanning member, said limiter having a head engaging said spanning member for limiting travel of said pivot arm away from said frame.

8. The treadmill according to claim 7 wherein:

said resilient member is a spring; and

said spring surrounds said limiter for biasing said pivot arm away from said frame.

9. The treadmill according to claim 7 wherein:

said resilient member is an elastomeric sleeve; and

said elastomeric sleeve surrounds said limiter for biasing said pivot arm away from said frame.

10. The treadmill according to claim 7 wherein:

said limiter may be rotated to adjust an amount of travel of said pivot arm.

11. The treadmill according to claim 1 further comprising

a roller mounted on a roller axle proximate said free end of said pivot arm.

12. A treadmill comprising:

a frame for supporting an endless belt, said frame having a first end and a second end;

a forward support proximate said first end of said frame; and

a compressible support extending from said second end of said frame for providing cushioning support of said second end of said frame.