Abstract: A treadmill (10) includes a frame (12) on which are rotatably mounted first and second transverse roller assemblies (14, 16). An endless belt (18) is trained around the roller assemblies. A deck (20) is supported between the upper run of the belt and the frame by a plurality of rectilinear-shaped elastic cushions 100 that are reversibly deformable under the load imposed on a deck by the footplant of the treadmill user. The cushions 100 are not of uniform cross-section; rather, one or both of the ends of the cushions are relieved so as to present a nominally reduced cross-sectional area against the frame and/or deck. As the cushion is compressed from the load imposed on the deck, the cross-sectional area of the cushion providing resistance to further deformation/deflection of the cushion increases thereby increasing the resistance or stiffness of the cushion to further deformation and thus further travel of the treadmill deck (20) towards the frame (12).

Abstract: A treadmill (10) includes a frame (12) on which are rotatably mounted first and second transverse roller assemblies (14, 16). An endless belt (18) is trained around the roller assemblies. A deck (20) is supported between the upper run of the belt and the frame by a plurality of rectilinear-shaped elastic cushions 100 that are reversibly deformable under the load imposed on a deck by the footplant of the treadmill user. The cushions 100 are not of uniform cross-section; rather, one or both of the ends of the cushions are relieved so as to present a nominally reduced cross-sectional area against the frame and/or deck. As the cushion is compressed from the load imposed on the deck, the cross-sectional area of the cushion providing resistance to further deformation/deflection of the cushion increases thereby increasing the resistance or stiffness of the cushion to further deformation and thus further travel of the treadmill deck (20) towards the frame (12).