Abstract: A treadmill which utilizes provides for a connection between the floor stand and the treadbase which is toward the front end of the treadbase and provides for generally improved support of the front end of the treadbase at higher angles by providing that the lift mechanism is attached to the treadbase at two fixed points a fixed distance from each other. The lift mechanism then utilizes two different motions, the extension of an extension arm and the rotation of a rigid arm, to produce lift. The rotation of the rigid arm generally utilizes a wheel in an enclosed raceway attached to the floor stand.

Abstract: A mechanical braking system which can provide a brake to a self-powered treadmill, or a dual mode treadmill that can operate in both self-powered and motor-powered modes, that will rapidly halt the motion of the belt or rollers in the event of a power disconnect such as from the removal of a safety key.

Abstract: A conveyor chain which is designed to be used on a stepmill to form into steps on the side interacting with a user, but which can fold into a generally flat configuration when returning to the top of the tread. Each step is designed to be formed of four generally identical segments where both the segments forming the tread and kickplate can fold relative to each other and each of the tread and kickplate can fold at a midpoint between two segments.

Abstract: A mechanical braking system for a high-incline treadmill utilizing a mechanical brake which may be used on its own or in combination with a traditional motor brake. The mechanical brake is generally mountable on a treadmill between or around the belt motor and the flywheel. Upon engagement of the brake, typically the brake engages the flywheel, the motor, or the axle in a way that effectively locks the axle, and thus the belt, in a fixed position.

Abstract: A treadmill which utilizes provides for a connection between the floor stand and the treadbase which is toward the front end of the treadbase and provides for generally improved support of the front end of the treadbase at higher angles by providing that the lift mechanism is attached to the treadbase at two fixed points a fixed distance from each other. The lift mechanism then utilizes two different motions, the extension of an extension arm and the rotation of a rigid arm, to produce lift. The rotation of the rigid arm generally utilizes a wheel in an enclosed raceway attached to the floor stand.

Abstract: A method for using an active braking mechanism to halt the motion of a treadmill belt, or other exercise machine system, when the engine ceases driving it and to hold the belt, or system, after the brake is engaged. The types of braking systems will generally utilize at least one but often two or more forms of electrical braking. Frictional braking systems may also be present, but the electrical braking systems will generally be primarily responsible for braking the belt at high inclines.

Abstract: A conveyor chain which is designed to be used on a stepmill to form into steps on the side interacting with a user, but which can fold into a generally flat configuration when returning to the top of the tread. Each step is designed to be formed of four generally identical segments where both the segments forming the tread and kickplate can fold relative to each other and each of the tread and kickplate can fold at a midpoint between two segments.

Abstract: A method for using an active braking mechanism to halt the motion of a treadmill belt, or other exercise machine system, when the engine ceases driving it and to hold the belt, or system, after the brake is engaged. The types of braking systems will generally utilize at least one but often two or more forms of electrical braking. Frictional braking systems may also be present, but the electrical braking systems will generally be primarily responsible for braking the belt at high inclines.

Abstract: A pull cord safety system, primarily for use with an exercise device such as, but not limited to, a treadmill, that provides for a captive cord which is fixed to the exercise device via a trip mechanism housing. This provides for the benefits of a pull cord safety shutoff where the treadmill shuts off if sufficient force is applied to pull the cord, but keeps the system from being a separable key system. Thus, it eliminates misplacing the key and provides for a system which can more easily be triggered regardless of the angle of fall or instability.

Abstract: A treadmill which utilizes provides for a connection between the floor stand and the treadbase which is toward the front end of the treadbase and provides for generally improved support of the front end of the treadbase at higher angles by providing that the lift mechanism is attached to the treadbase at two fixed points a fixed distance from each other. The lift mechanism then utilizes two different motions, the extension of an extension arm and the rotation of a rigid arm, to produce lift. The rotation of the rigid arm generally utilizes a wheel in an enclosed raceway attached to the floor stand.

Abstract: A method for using an active braking mechanism to halt the motion of a treadmill belt, or other exercise machine system, when the engine ceases driving it and to hold the belt, or system, after the brake is engaged. The types of braking systems will generally utilize at least one but often two or more forms of electrical braking. Frictional braking systems may also be present, but the electrical braking systems will generally be primarily responsible for braking the belt at high inclines.

Abstract: A treadmill which utilizes provides for a connection between the floor stand and the treadbase which is toward the front end of the treadbase and provides for generally improved support of the front end of the treadbase at higher angles by providing that the lift mechanism is attached to the treadbase at two fixed points a fixed distance from each other. The lift mechanism then utilizes two different motions, the extension of an extension arm and the rotation of a rigid arm, to produce lift. The rotation of the rigid arm generally utilizes a wheel in an enclosed raceway attached to the floor stand.

Abstract: A treadmill which utilizes provides for a connection between the floor stand and the treadbase which is toward the front end of the treadbase and provides for generally improved support of the front end of the treadbase at higher angles by providing that the lift mechanism is attached to the treadbase at two fixed points a fixed distance from each other. The lift mechanism then utilizes two different motions, the extension of an extension arm and the rotation of a rigid arm, to produce lift. The rotation of the rigid arm generally utilizes a wheel in an enclosed raceway attached to the floor stand.

Abstract: Elliptical exercise machines with a footskate on a reciprocating rail that provides for the ability to alter the horizontal stride of the user utilizing the machine, without significantly altering their vertical stride height on the machine. This is generally performed by altering the angle through which any point on the rail can, and does, move. Such adjustment may be performed by having the rail attached to a swing arm, where the arc of rotation of the swing arm relative to the frame is altered.

Abstract: A rotatable handgrip for a cardiovascular exercise machine allowing a user to rotate the handgrip relative exercise arms of the machine about an axis which intersects the handle and is generally in line with their forearm.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a treadmill or similar exercise device which utilizes a principally arm driven belt, but includes a motor assist which provides for additional drive to the belt. The motor assist device may constructively or destructively interact with the user provided motive force via the arms. Generally, the motor will allow for the device to utilize incline as well as to make the device easier to start from rest.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a treadmill or similar exercise device which utilizes a principally arm driven belt, but includes a motor assist which provides for additional drive to the belt. The motor assist device may constructively or destructively interact with the user provided motive force via the arms. Generally, the motor will allow for the device to utilize incline as well as to make the device easier to start from rest.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine allowing a user to move between a first position (standing on a stationary platform and using the machine's exercise arms), a second position (using the machine's footskates and holding a stationary handlebar), and a third position (using the machine's footskates and exercise arms), or any variation thereon. The machine may include a computer that directs the user's movements between those positions and others.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine allowing a user to move between a first position (standing on a stationary platform and using the machine's exercise arms), a second position (using the machine's footskates and holding a stationary handlebar), and a third position (using the machine's footskates and exercise arms), or any variation thereon. The machine may include a computer that directs the user's movements between those positions and others.