Folding mechanism for a treadmill

• US 7,041,038 B2
• Filed: 05/12/2004
• Issued: 05/09/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/12/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jeffrey A. Smith, Leao Wang
• Original Assignee: Jeffrey A. Smith, Leao Wang
• Inventors: Smith, Jeffrey A., Wang, Leao
• Primary Examiner(s): Crow, Stephen R.
• Application Number:
  US10/843,469
• Publication Number:
  US 20050255969A1
• Time in Patent Office: 727 Days
• Field of Search: 482/54
• US Class Current: 482/54
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0023 the inclination of the main axis of the movement path being adjustable, e.g. the inclination of an endless band
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport

Abstract

A folding mechanism for a treadmill having a main frame, a platform and a shaft mounted on the main frame. The main frame is adapted for mounting a motor to impart rotary motion to a worm. Meanwhile, the main frame is rigidly connected to a base frame having an sliding groove or rail with an open side. The platform includes front and rear rollers on the under surface thereof. The front rollers are slidably fitted in the sliding rail. The shaft is mounted on the main frame while a yoke with a crossbar and two supporting arms is rotatably mounted on the shaft. The crossbar includes a worm wheel engaging with the worm, and the free end of the supporting arms is pivotally connected to both sides of the platform. Based on the above-mentioned, the treadmill'"'"'s platform can be lifted in an inclined position. Furthermore, a locking element is employable to fold the platform in a storage position.

Claims

1. A folding mechanism for a treadmill comprising:

a) a main frame having a motor imparting a rotary motion to a worm gear, the main frame being rigidly connected to a base frame with an open side;

b) a platform having front and rear rollers on the under surface thereof, a continuous moving belt being rotatable about the platform, the front rollers being slidably connected to the base frame; and

c) a shaft mounted on the main frame, a yoke consisting of a crossbar and two supporting arms being rotatably mounted on the shaft, the crossbar having a worm wheel engaging with the worm gear, the free end of the supporting arms being pivotally connected to both sides of the platform, respectively,

whereby, when the worm gear is driven by the motor in rotation, the rotary motion of the worm gear is converted by the worm wheel to bring the platform in a flat and in an inclined position for use due to the fact that the two axes of the worm gear and the crossbar are at right angles.

2. The folding mechanism for a treadmill of claim 1 further comprising a locking element for confining the front rollers within the base frame, wherein the platform is folded in a storage position.