Supporting mechanism for a deck frame of a folding-up treadmill

Abstract

The invention relates to a supporting mechanism for a deck frame of a folding-up treadmill having a support frame, a base frame and a deck frame. The supporting mechanism includes a supporting rod with one end connected to the base frame and with the other end connected through an extension spring to an extension piece of the front roller is interposed between the base frame and the deck frame. A slide wheel is provided between the supporting rod and the inner side of the deck frame. The slide wheel is cooperative with a supporting piece 38 at bottom end of the deck frame to create a supporting effect.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a supporting mechanism for a deck frame of a folding-up treadmill with economical, durable and easy-to-use features. This supporting mechanism serves to support the deck frame of the folding-up treadmill when the deck frame is folded up in storage position.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional treadmills have a large volume. In order to diminish occupied space and to facilitate their transport, a folding-up device is fitted for the deck frame of the treadmills. However, the deck frame in storage position creates a tremendous loading to the base frame. Moreover, in order to prevent the deck frame from unexpected dangerous toppling, a supporting mechanism is interposed between the deck frame and the base frame to provide proper supporting force.

The most commonly used so-called supporting mechanism is pneumatic and hydraulic cylinder. In folding up the deck frame, the cylinder is used to provide a lifting force to the deck frame so that the operator is able to elevate the deck frame with little effort.

The supporting mechanism created by the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder hat, of course, excellent using effect. However, the inventor finds a few drawbacks of the conventional cylinders as follows:

• 1. The pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder is very expensive;
• 2. The service life of the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder is very limited due to the larger loading. It's often defective before the warranty expires, thereby resulting in much trouble and cost to the suppliers. Meanwhile, the commercial reputation is also tremendously damaged. Besides, this causes much inconvenience to the operators, too; and
• 3. The operator can't still realize something wrong with the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder from their appearance when they are so damaged that they are no more usable. Provided that the deck frame unexpectedly topples down, this would endanger the operator or even people and objects around him.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary object of the present invention to remove the above-mentioned drawbacks and to provide a supporting mechanism for a deck frame of a folding-up treadmill which utilizes a supporting rod with simple configuration instead of conventional pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. Accordingly, the fabricating cost of the supporting mechanism can be effectively reduced. Moreover, the supporting mechanism in accordance with the present invention is more durable and easier to use. Besides, the functionality of the supporting mechanism is more easily identifiable so that the using safety is more ensured. Furthermore, the service life of the supporting mechanism in accordance with the present invention is longer than the conventional pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, thereby avoiding the unnecessary servicing cost. Moreover, the invention is a practical design for the operator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accomplishment of this and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and its accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a folded-up treadmill with the supporting mechanism supporting the deck frame thereof in storage position;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the treadmill in accordance with FIG. 1, showing the operational position thereof;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the treadmill in accordance with FIG. 1, showing the folding-up action thereof; and

FIG. 4 is a side view of the folded-up treadmill in accordance with FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

First of all, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a treadmill 10 includes a handle support 12, a base frame 20 and a deck frame 30. The top of the handle support 12 is provided with a console 14. The deck frame 30 is swiveled on the handle support 12 through a pivot pin 16 so that the deck frame 30 can be folded up in a storage position. Meanwhile, a movable endless belt transmission assembly 31 is mounted on the deck frame 30 while a front roller 33 is driven in motion by means of a transmission belt 32. A movable endless belt 35 is rotatable around the front roller 33 and a rear roller 34 so that an operator can stand on the movable endless belt 35 to take an in-place walking, jogging or running exercise. Moreover, the deck frame is provided with a support protrusion 36 at both bottom sides thereof.

A supporting rod 21 with one end connected to the base frame 20 and with the other end connected through an extension spring 22 to an extension piece 37 of the front roller is interposed between the base frame 20 and the deck frame 30. A slide wheel 23 is provided between the supporting rod 21 and the inner side of the deck frame 30. The slide wheel 23 is cooperative with a supporting piece 38 at bottom end of the deck frame 30 to create a supporting effect.

As for the operation of the supporting rod 21, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the supporting rod 21 is shifted by the deck frame 30 in a hidden position between the deck frame 30 and the base frame 20 when the deck frame 30 is located in the operation position. Meanwhile, the extension spring 22 is situated in extended state. In folding up the deck frame 30, the supporting rod 21 is moved therewith under the effect of the extension spring 22 until the deck frame 30 is folded up in place. At that time, the slide wheel 23 of the supporting rod 21 is located against a tip 381 of the supporting piece 38 for reaching the expected supporting effect. Besides, the extension spring 22 is released in an original state.

To fold up the deck frame 30 in place still requires a limit post 18 inwardly and laterally extending from the handle support 12. Therefore, the deck frame 30 is positionable by the limit post at a certain folded-up angle.

Again, referring to FIG. 1, in releasing the supporting force of the supporting rod 21 for bringing the deck frame 30 in operation position, it's only required for an operator to use his hand to support the deck frame 30. Meanwhile, the operator uses his foot to separate the slide wheel 23 from the tip 381 of the supporting piece 38. Therefore, the deck frame 30 is smoothly brought in operational state.

Many changes and modifications in the above-described embodiment of the invention can, of course, be carried out without departing from the scope thereof. Accordingly, to promote the progress in science and the useful arts, the invention is disclosed and is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An supporting mechanism for a deck frame of a folding-up treadmill having a handle support, a base frame and a deck frame, the top of the handle support being provided with a console, the deck frame being swiveled on the handle support through a pivot pin so that the deck frame can be folded up in a storage position, a movable endless belt transmission assembly being mounted on the deck frame while a front roller is driven in motion by means of a transmission belt, a movable endless belt being rotatable around the front roller and a rear roller so that an operator can stand on the movable endless belt to take an in-place walking, jogging or running exercise, the deck frame being provided with a support protrusion at both bottom sides thereof, the supporting mechanism comprising:

a) a supporting rod with one end connected to the base frame and with the other end connected through an extension spring to an extension piece of the front roller at the inner side of the deck frame;

b) a slide wheel provided between the supporting rod and the inner side of the deck frame; and

c) a supporting piece being cooperative with the slide wheel at bottom end of the deck frame to create a supporting effect.