Lighting system and method of using same with exercise and rehabilitation equipment

• US 10,816,177 B1
• Filed: 06/29/2018
• Issued: 10/27/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Woodway USA Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Woodway USA Incorporated
• Inventors: Bayerlein, Douglas G., Oblamski, Nicholas A., Jordan, Derek T., Martin, Joseph W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Urbiel Goldner, Gary D
• Application Number:
  US16/023,762
• Time in Patent Office: 851 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0068 Comparison to target or threshold, previous performance or not real time comparison to other individuals
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0081 Coaching or training aspects related to a group of users
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0658 Position or arrangement of display
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0675 Input for modifying training controls during workout
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0683 Input by handheld remote control
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4035 for operation by hand
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/02 with movable endless bands , e.g. treadmills other training appliances for running on the spot A63B69/0028
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/10 Positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/17 Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/18 Inclination, slope or curvature
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/20 Distances or displacements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/22 Stride length
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/51 Force
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/62 Time or time measurement used for time reference, time stamp, master time or clock signal
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/72 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/80 Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/807 Photo cameras
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/833 Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 : Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/60 : Apparatus used in water
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/682 : for beverages
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/685 : for electronic devices, e.g. phone, PDA, GPS device, notebook
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/687 : for others, e.g. keys, wallets, books
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/74 : with powered illuminating means, e.g. lights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/045 : used as a control parameter for the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/06 : heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/75 : calorie expenditure
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/755 : used as a control parameter for the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 : Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 : Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0686 : Timers, rhythm indicators or pacing apparatus using electric or electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/003 : the elements being electronics drivers or controllers for operating the light source, e.g. for a LED array
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0442 : activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/008 : Leisure, hobby or sport articles, e.g. toys, games or first-aid kits; Hand tools; Toolboxes

Abstract

A treadmill includes a frame. The frame includes a first side member, a second side member, and a cross-member coupled to and extending between the first side member and the second side member. The treadmill also includes a belt coupled to the frame and configured to rotate about the cross-member. The treadmill also includes a light source coupled to the first side member, the second side member, and the cross-member and a controller configured to control the light source.

Claims

1. A treadmill, comprising:

a frame comprising;

a first side member;

a second side member; and

a cross-member coupled to and positioned intermediate the first side member and the second side member;

a belt coupled to the frame and configured to rotate about the cross-member, the belt comprising a plurality of slats having gaps therebetween;

a light source coupled to the first side member, the second side member, or the cross-member, the light source positioned to emit a first light that radiates through at least one of the gaps; and

a controller configured to control the light source.

2. The treadmill of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of feet coupled to the frame and configured to support the frame above a support surface for the treadmill; and

a housing coupled to at least one of the first side member and the second side member, the housing positioned intermediate the first side member and the support surface;

wherein a second light source is oriented to project a second light substantially perpendicular to the support surface and into the housing; and

wherein the housing is structured to redirect the second light toward a rear end of the treadmill.

3. The treadmill of claim 2, wherein the housing comprises:

a first wall member extending from the first side member at an acute angle relative to the first side member; and

a lens coupled to the housing and positioned between the first wall member and the rear end of the treadmill;

wherein the first wall member comprises a reflective surface that reflects the second light from the second light source to the lens.

4. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein:

the light source is coupled to the first side member and a second light source is coupled to the second side member; and

the second light source is positioned to emit a second light that radiates through at least one of the gaps.

5. The treadmill of claim 1, further comprising:

handrails coupled to the frame;

a console coupled to the handrails;

a plurality of indicator light sources positioned horizontally across the console, the plurality of indicator light sources configured to indicate a position of a user relative to a longitudinal center line of the belt.

6. The treadmill of claim 5, further comprising:

a cup holder coupled to the console or the handrails; and

an additional light source coupled to the cup holder and positioned in the cup holder.

7. The treadmill of claim 5, further comprising an additional light source coupled to the console and oriented to project an additional light vertically downward towards a support surface for the treadmill to illuminate the belt.

8. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein:

the light source is configured to emit the first light such that the first light varies in color or brightness; and

the controller is configured to control the light source to vary the color or the brightness of the emitted first light based on a parameter relating to use of the treadmill by a user.

9. A treadmill, comprising:

a frame comprising;

a first side member;

a second side member; and

a cross-member coupled to the first side member and the second side member;

a belt coupled to the frame and configured to rotate about the cross-member;

a housing coupled to the frame, the housing comprising a first wall member extending from the frame at an acute angle relative to the frame;

a light source coupled to the frame and oriented to project light into the housing; and

a lens coupled to the housing and positioned between the first wall member and a rear end of the treadmill;

wherein the first wall member comprises a reflective surface that reflects the light from the light source to the lens and towards the rear end of the treadmill.

10. The treadmill of claim 9, wherein the housing is positioned between a support surface for the treadmill and at least one of the first side member, the second side member, or the cross-member.

11. The treadmill of claim 9, wherein the projected light into the housing is towards a support surface for the treadmill.

12. The treadmill of claim 9, further comprising a controller configured to control the light source.

13. The treadmill of claim 9, further comprising another light source coupled to the frame, wherein the belt comprises a plurality of slats having gaps therebetween, and wherein the another light source is configured to emit another light through at least one of the gaps.

14. The treadmill of claim 9, further comprising an additional light source coupled to a console and oriented to project an additional light vertically downward towards a support surface for the treadmill to illuminate the belt.

15. The treadmill of claim 9, further comprising:

handrails coupled to the frame;

a console coupled to the handrails;

a cup holder coupled to the console or the handrails; and

an additional light source coupled to the cup holder and positioned in the cup holder.