Cushioning mechanism for a treadmill

Abstract

A cushioning mechanism for a treadmill having a link at each side in close vicinity to the rear end of a platform frame. The links are pivotally attached to the platform frame and the base. A resilient pad facing to the bottom of the link is disposed on the base. When the platform frame is subjected to a certain force to expose the link to a synchronous vibration, the resilient pad provides an optimal shock-absorbing effect.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Fields of the Invention

The invention relates to a cushioning mechanism for a treadmill, and more particularly, to a cushioning mechanism having a compact configuration while achieving an optimal shock-absorbing effect.

2. Description of the Related Art

A cushioning mechanism of a treadmill is adapted to support a platform frame. A vibration action is created when the platform frame is exposed to a continuous treading force by an operator thereon. A reaction force will, in turn, act on the feet of the operator, thereby giving him a little discomfort now and again. This discomfort can be relieved by the cushioning mechanism.

Accordingly, a few rows of resilient pads are provided between the platform frame and the base frame of the treadmill to achieve an expected shock-absorbing effect. Such a conventional configuration can be easily obtained from e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,077,200, 5,746,682, etc.

However, the aforementioned construction is prone to trouble with respect to its assembly, maintenance, and replacement. In particular, the disassembly and assembly of the continuous moving belt and the platform often frustrate do-it-yourselfers during the maintenance of the treadmill. Finally, they often have no choice but to turn to professional mechanic for help.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, based on the above described drawbacks of the prior art, the designer would like to employ a mechanism exposed to the outside of the main body of the treadmill for an easy assembly while achieving the same effects. In this way, maintenance and replacement operations can be considerably simplified. So, the primary object of the invention is to provide a cushioning mechanism for an electric treadmill having a link at each side in close vicinity to the rear end of a platform frame. The links are pivotally attached to the platform frame and the base. A resilient pad facing to the bottom of the link is disposed on the base. When the platform frame is subjected to a certain force to expose the link to a synchronous vibration, the resilient pad provides an optimal shock-absorbing effect.

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 schematic drawing of a first embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a treadmill in accordance with the invention includes two handle frames 10 and a platform frame 20.

The handle frame 10 is positioned at both sides of the front end of the platform frame 20. An electronic console 11 is installed at a top side of the handle frame 10 while a base 12 is coupled to a bottom end thereof.

The platform frame 20 supports a platform 21 and is rotatably mounted at a bottom portion of the handle frame 10 by use of a pivot pin 22. A continuous moving belt 27 operates in cooperation with a motor 23, a belt 24, a front roller 25, and a rear roller 26 to allow it to move on a certain circulation. Each side of the rear end of the platform frame 20 is provided with a link 28 that is pivotally attached to the platform frame 20 and the base 12.

A resilient pad 30 facing to the bottom of the link 28 is disposed on the base 12. When the platform frame 20 is subjected to a certain force to expose the link 28 to a synchronous vibration, the resilient pad 30 provides an optimal shock-absorbing effect.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 2. A ground-contacting portion 13 is extended from a bottom end of the handle frame 10 while a supporting foot 14 is attached to the bottom end of the base 12. In this way, the supporting foot 14 allows for an adjustment of its supporting angle, thereby bringing the platform frame 20 in an inclined position.

Many changes and modifications in the above-described embodiments 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. A cushioning mechanism for a treadmill comprising:

a) two handle frames extending upwardly from and connected to opposing sides of a base at a front end of the base, an electronic console being positioned atop the handle frames;

b) a platform frame having a platform and rotatably mounted in close vicinity to a bottom portion of the handle frame by use of a pivot pin, a continuous moving belt operating in cooperation with a motor, a belt, a front roller, and a rear roller to allow it to move on a certain circulation course, each side in close vicinity to the rear end of the platform frame being provided with a link having two ends with one end being pivotally attached to a sidewall of the platform frame and the other end being pivotally attached to an upper surface of the base; and

c) a resilient pad disposed on the upper surface of the base, the resilient pad being positioned forward of a point where the link is pivotally attached to the base to have a top surface below the link, whereby the resilient pad provides an optimal shock-absorbing effect when the platform frame is subjected to a certain downward force to expose the link to a synchronous vibration.

2. A cushioning mechanism for an electric treadmill comprising:

a) two handle frames extending upwardly from and connected to opposing sides of a base at a front end of the base, an electronic console being positioned atop the handle frames wherein a ground-contacting portion is extended downwardly from a bottom end of the handle frames while a supporting foot is attached to a bottom end of the base, and wherein the supporting foot allows for an adjustment of its supporting angle, thereby ensuring a convenient adjustment of the inclination of the platform frame relative to the ground;

b) a platform frame having a platform and rotatably mounted in close vicinity to a bottom portion of the handle frame by use of a pivot pin, a continuous moving belt operating in cooperation with a motor, a belt, a front roller, and a rear roller to allow it to move on a certain circulation course, each side in close vicinity to the rear end of the platform frame being provided with a link having two ends with one end pivotally attached to a sidewall of the platform frame and another end pivotally attached to an upper surface of the base; and

c) a resilient pad disposed on the upper surface of the base, the resilient pad being positioned forward of a point where the link is pivotally attached to the base to have a top surface below a bottom surface of the link,

whereby the resilient pad provides an optimal shock-absorbing effect when the platform frame is subjected to a certain downward force to expose the link to a synchronous vibration.