Abstract: An exercise treadmill (20) is described having a number of assembly improvements. In one embodiment, a pivot assembly (50) is provided to allow a treadmill deck (32) to deflect during use. The rear pivot assembly includes a pin (56) transversely mounted on the upper surface of a treadmill frame (22). A pivot block (54) is attached to the deck and includes a lower channel (58) that engages the pin. In another embodiment, an adjustable rear foot assembly (70) is provided having a foot (74) that is rotatable within a mounting block (72). The foot is easily accessed through an upper opening (96) in the treadmill. In yet another embodiment, an air dam (100) is provided between a motor compartment (102) and an adjacent endless belt (28). In still another embodiment, a highly elastic drivebelt (120) is used between a motor assembly (104) and a roller assembly (24) that drives the endless belt (28). Lastly, an embodiment is described in which the treadmill frame (22) is assembled using swaged fasteners (38).

Abstract: An exercise treadmill (20) is described having a number of assembly improvements. In one embodiment, a pivot assembly (50) is provided to allow a treadmill deck (32) to deflect during use. The rear pivot assembly includes a pin (56) transversely mounted on the upper surface of a treadmill frame (22). A pivot block (54) is attached to the deck and includes a lower channel (58) that engages the pin. In another embodiment, an adjustable rear foot assembly (70) is provided having a foot (74) that is rotatable within a mounting block (72). The foot is easily accessed through an upper opening (96) in the treadmill. In yet another embodiment, an air dam (100) is provided between a motor compartment (102) and an adjacent endless belt (28). In still another embodiment, a highly elastic drivebelt (120) is used between a motor assembly (104) and a roller assembly (24) that drives the endless belt (28). Lastly, an embodiment is described in which the treadmill frame (22) is assembled using swaged fasteners (38).

Abstract: A treadmill (10) having a belt (12) and deck (14) with a relatively long, useful lifetime is disclosed. The belt of this assembly has a tread layer (54) formed of PVC plastic or other material that serves as the layer of the belt upon which a person actually steps, and a fabric layer (62). The fabric layer has weft threads (64) that extend laterally across the belt and that are substantially embedded in the plastic material and warp threads (66) that extend longitudinally along the belt that have exposed sections that extend outside of the plastic material. The fabric layer is woven so that the exposed sections of the warp threads are equal to at least 50% of their overall length. The deck of this treadmill is formed with a plywood substrate (70) and a wax-embedded hardboard (72). The substrate provides structural support for the hardboard and the persons using this treadmill. The hardboard serves as the surface along which the belt rides when a person steps on the treadmill.

Abstract: A treadmill having a belt and deck with a relatively long, useful lifetime is disclosed. The belt of this assembly has a tread layer formed of PVC plastic or other material that serves as the layer of the belt upon which a person actually steps, and a fabric layer. The fabric layer has weft threads that extend laterally across the belt and that are substantially embedded in the plastic material and warp threads that extend longitudinally along the belt that have exposed sections that extend outside of the plastic material. The fabric layer is woven so that the exposed sections of the warp threads are equal to at least 50% of their overall length. The deck of this treadmill is formed with a plywood substrate and a wax-embedded hardboard. The substrate provides structural support for the hardboard and the persons using this treadmill. The hardboard serves as the surface along which the belt rides when a person steps on the treadmill.

Abstract: A treadmill (10) having a belt (12) and deck (14) with a relatively long, useful lifetime is disclosed. The belt of this assembly has a tread layer (54) formed of PVC plastic or other material that serves as the layer of the belt upon which a person actually steps, and a fabric layer (62). The fabric layer has weft threads (64) that extend laterally across the belt and that are substantially embedded in the plastic material and warp threads (66) that extend longitudinally along the belt that have exposed sections that extend outside of the plastic material. The fabric layer is woven so that the exposed sections of the warp threads are equal to at least 50% of their overall length. The deck of this treadmill is formed with a plywood substrate (70) and a wax-embedded hardboard (72). The substrate provides structural support for the hardboard and the persons using this treadmill. The hardboard serves as the surface along which the belt rides when a person steps on the treadmill.