Abstract: A treadmill has a base with a vertically displaceable platform. A mechanism is provided that resists the downward movement of the platform in response to a load applied to the platform. The mechanism also rebounds the platform upwardly with a force applied to the platform in response to a decrease of a load on the platform. A support structure enables stable vertical positioning of the platform with respect to the base.

Abstract: A dynamic belt-tensioning apparatus for a treadmill includes a base having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end. A foot-striking platform is movably supported by the base so as to allow for vertical movement of the platform during operation of the treadmill. A drive belt has a fixed circumference and is positioned above a top portion of the platform. A drive roller is pivotally mounted adjacent to the first end of the base and engages the drive belt. A bell crank is pivotally coupled to the platform such that pivoting of the bell crank translates into movement of a tensioning roller that is pivotally mounted to the base and that is capable of a range of movement to provide substantially constant tension to the drive belt in response to vertical movement of the platform.

Abstract: A treadmill has a base with a vertically displaceable platform. A mechanism is provided that resists the downward movement of the platform in response to a load applied to the platform. The mechanism also rebounds the platform upwardly with a force applied to the platform in response to a decrease of a load on the platform. A support structure enables stable vertical positioning of the platform with respect to the base.

Abstract: A treadmill has a base with a vertically displaceable platform. A mechanism is provided that resists the downward movement of the platform in response to a load applied to the platform. The mechanism also rebounds the platform upwardly with a force applied to the platform in response to a decrease of a load on the platform. A support structure enables stable vertical positioning of the platform with respect to the base.

Abstract: A treadmill has a base with a vertically displaceable platform. A mechanism is provided that resists the downward movement of the platform in response to a load applied to the platform. The mechanism also rebounds the platform upwardly with a force applied to the platform in response to a decrease of a load on the platform. A support structure enables stable vertical positioning of the platform with respect to the base.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a first chassis rail and a second chassis rail, each extending longitudinally in an axial direction of the vehicle. Also included is a first leaf spring element extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the vehicle, the first leaf spring element operatively coupled proximate ends thereof to the first chassis rail and at an intermediate location to an axle assembly of the vehicle. Further included is a second leaf spring element extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the vehicle, the second leaf spring element operatively coupled proximate ends thereof to the second chassis rail and at an intermediate location to the axle assembly of the vehicle. Yet further included is at least one leaf spring extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle, the at least one leaf spring having a spring rate that is actively variable.

Abstract: A dynamic belt-tensioning apparatus for a treadmill includes a base having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end. A foot-striking platform is movably supported by the base so as to allow vertical movement of the platform during operation of the treadmill. A drive belt has a fixed circumference and is positioned above a top portion of the platform. A drive roller is pivotally mounted adjacent to the first end of the base and engages the drive belt. A tensioning roller is pivotally mounted to the base and is capable of a range of movement to provide substantially constant tension to the drive belt in response vertical movement of the platform.

Abstract: A treadmill has a base with a vertically displaceable platform. A mechanism is provided that resists the downward movement of the platform in response to a load applied to the platform. The mechanism also rebounds the platform upwardly with a force applied to the platform in response to a decrease of a load on the platform. A support structure enables stable vertical positioning of the platform with respect to the base.

Abstract: A dynamic belt-tensioning apparatus for a treadmill includes a base having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end. A foot-striking platform is movably supported by the base so as to allow vertical movement of the platform during operation of the treadmill. A drive belt has a fixed circumference and is positioned above a top portion of the platform. A drive roller is pivotally mounted adjacent to the first end of the base and engages the drive belt. A tensioning roller is pivotally mounted to the base and is capable of a range of movement to provide substantially constant tension to the drive belt in response vertical movement of the platform.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle is provided. The suspension system includes a first chassis rail extending longitudinally in an axial direction of the vehicle. The suspension system also includes a second chassis rail extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the vehicle. The suspension system further includes a transverse beam coupled to the first chassis rail and the second chassis rail. The suspension system yet further includes at least one leaf spring extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle, the at least one leaf spring having a spring rate that is actively variable. The suspension system also includes a fulcrum locator operatively coupled to the at least one leaf spring and to the transverse beam, the fulcrum locator in a sliding relationship with the at least leaf one spring.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle is provided. The suspension system includes a first chassis rail extending longitudinally in an axial direction of the vehicle. The suspension system also includes a second chassis rail extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the vehicle. The suspension system further includes a transverse beam coupled to the first chassis rail and the second chassis rail. The suspension system yet further includes at least one leaf spring extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle, the at least one leaf spring having a spring rate that is actively variable. The suspension system also includes a fulcrum locator operatively coupled to the at least one leaf spring and to the transverse beam, the fulcrum locator in a sliding relationship with the at least leaf one spring.

Abstract: A dynamic belt-tensioning apparatus for a treadmill includes a base having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end. A foot-striking platform is movably supported by the base so as to allow vertical movement of the platform during operation of the treadmill. A drive belt has a fixed circumference and is positioned above a top portion of the platform. A drive roller is pivotally mounted adjacent to the first end of the base and engages the drive belt. A tensioning roller is pivotally mounted to the base and is capable of a range of movement to provide substantially constant tension to the drive belt in response vertical movement of the platform.

Abstract: A treadmill has a base with a vertically displaceable platform. A mechanism is provided that resists the downward movement of the platform in response to a load applied to the platform. The mechanism also rebounds the platform upwardly with a force applied to the platform in response to a decrease of a load on the platform. A support structure enables stable vertical positioning of the platform with respect to the base.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a first chassis rail and a second chassis rail, each extending longitudinally in an axial direction of the vehicle. Also included is a first leaf spring element extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the vehicle, the first leaf spring element operatively coupled proximate ends thereof to the first chassis rail and at an intermediate location to an axle assembly of the vehicle. Further included is a second leaf spring element extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the vehicle, the second leaf spring element operatively coupled proximate ends thereof to the second chassis rail and at an intermediate location to the axle assembly of the vehicle. Yet further included is at least one leaf spring extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle, the at least one leaf spring having a spring rate that is actively variable.