Multi-Directional Exercise Platform

Abstract

A multi-directional exercise platform includes a frame, a lateral belt drive assembly, a lateral belt assembly circulation track supported by the frame, and a lateral belt assembly movably secured to the lateral belt assembly circulation track. At least one sensor is configured to obtain direction and velocity data. The lateral belt drive assembly includes a plurality of lateral belt units. The lateral belt drive assembly is configured to cause rotation of the lateral belt assembly around the lateral belt assembly circulation track according to the direction data obtained by the sensor. A processor, memory, and program instructions may be in data communication with the sensor for determining an operator's position and, subsequently, causing movement of the lateral belt drive assembly and lateral belt assembly.

Description

BACKGROUND

This invention relates generally to exercise equipment and, more particularly, to a multi-directional exercise platform that allows a person to walk in any direction while the platform maintains the person generally in a center position. In other words, a user may walk on the platform in the manner of a treadmill with sensors determining a direction of movement and actuating respective belt assemblies as necessary to generally maintain the user's position on the platform.

A treadmill is a common exercise device has a movable track that moves continuously as a person walks in a forward direction on the track. In other words, a treadmill is essentially a conveyor belt moving toward the person walking thereon. The track is movable in this singular direction and the user must conform to walking in a linear manner toward the oncoming track. The user is confined to walking a straight line and is prevented from moving in selected non-linear directions as he would if walking naturally outdoors in an open area (e.g. a park) or on a running track. In addition, the speed of a treadmill is typically manually adjusted rather than automatically adjusted based on the speed of a user.

Various devices have been proposed in the art for treadmills that provide omni-directional functionalities, such as CA 2263592. The '592 patent includes a control means physically or electronically connected to a user that is configured to determine the user's position and orientation. Although assumably effective for its intended purpose, the '592 patent does not allow complete freedom to walk and move in any direction unimpeded by connection to a control means and does not determine a velocity of movement in the direction of movement.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a multi-directional exercise platform that allows a person to walk in any direction while the platform maintains the person generally in a center position. Further, it would be desirable to have a multi-directional exercise platform that includes a drive roller gear motor and assemblies to rotate individual belt units around a track when a user is walking in a direction parallel to the track and that rotates the belt units laterally across the track when a user is walking in a direction perpendicular to the track and that operates the belt units both around and across the track when the user is oriented partially parallel and partially perpendicular relative to the track. In addition, it would be desirable to have a multi-directional exercise platform that includes at least one sensor for determining the position and velocity of a user on the track.

SUMMARY

A multi-directional exercise platform according to the present invention includes a frame, a lateral belt drive assembly, a lateral belt assembly circulation track supported by the frame, and a lateral belt assembly movably secured to the lateral belt assembly circulation track. At least one sensor is configured to obtain direction and velocity data. The lateral belt drive assembly includes a plurality of lateral belt units. The lateral belt drive assembly is configured to cause rotation of the lateral belt assembly around the lateral belt assembly circulation track according to the direction data obtained by the sensor. A processor, memory, and program instructions may be in data communication with the sensor for determining an operator's position and, subsequently, movement of the lateral belt drive assembly.

A general object of the present invention is to provide a multi-directional exercise platform that enables a user to walk in any direction atop the platform while being maintained in a general center area thereon.

Another object of this invention is to provide a multi-directional exercise platform, as aforesaid, having one or more sensors configured to determine a present direction and velocity of a user on the platform and to communicate direction and velocity data to respective motors and belt movement assemblies.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a multi-directional exercise platform, as aforesaid, that does not impede or restrict movements of a user with manually connected controllers.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a multi-directional exercise platform, as aforesaid, that rotates individual belt units around a track when a user is walking in a direction parallel to the track.

A further object of this invention is to provide a multi-directional exercise platform, as aforesaid, that rotates the belt units laterally across the track when a user is walking in a direction perpendicular to the track.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a multi-directional exercise platform, as aforesaid, that operates the belt units both around and across the track when the user is oriented partially parallel and partially perpendicular relative to the track.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, embodiments of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-directional exercise platform according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the exercise platform as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exercise platform as in FIG. 1 with the individual sections removed for clarity;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the exercise platform as in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the exercise platform as in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6a is an isolated view on an enlarged scale of a lateral belt drive assembly removed from the platform of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6b is a side view of the lateral belt drive assembly as in FIG. 6a;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the lateral belt drive assembly as in FIG. 6a;

FIG. 8 is an isolated exploded view of a drive unit removed from the lateral belt drive assembly shown in FIG. 6b;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a drive unit removed from the lateral belt drive assembly shown in FIG. 6b;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the drive unit as in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a belt section of a lateral belt assembly illustrated with a drive roller assembly in one configuration;

FIG. 11A is an isolated view on an enlarged scale of a drive roller assembly taken from FIG. 11;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a belt section of a lateral belt assembly as in FIG. 11 illustrated with a drive roller assembly in another configuration;

FIG. 12A is an isolated view on an enlarged scale of a drive roller assembly taken from FIG. 12;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a belt section of a lateral belt assembly as in FIG. 12 illustrated with a drive roller assembly in still another configuration;

FIG. 13A is an isolated view on an enlarged scale of a drive roller assembly taken from FIG. 13;

FIG. 14A is a side view of the lateral belt assembly as in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14B is an end view of the lateral belt assembly as in FIG. 14A;

FIG. 14C is a section view taken along line 14C-14C of FIG. 14B;

FIG. 14D is a section view taken along line 14D-14D of FIG. 14B;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an exercise system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A multi-directional exercise platform according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-15 of the accompanying drawings. The exercise platform 1000 includes a frame 1100, a lateral belt drive assembly 1200, a lateral belt assembly circulation track 1300, a lateral belt assembly 1400, and operator position and velocity sensors 1500. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the platform 1000, and in particular the lateral belt assembly 1400. FIG. 2 shows the platform 1000 from the side, showing the lateral belt drive assembly 1400.

With reference to FIG. 3, the frame 1100 includes vertical support members 1110, horizontal support members 1120, and track stabilizers 1130. The horizontal support members 1120 may be suspended a vertical distance V above the ground in order to allow the lateral belt assembly 1400 to rotate fully around the track 1300. As is discussed in greater detail below, the horizontal support members 1120 support the lateral belt assembly circulation track 1300 and the lateral belt drive assembly 1200 via the lateral belt assembly drive frame 1250. Track stabilizers 1130 may attach to the horizontal support members 1120 and may be secured between the circulation track 1300 and the lateral belt assembly drive frame 1250 to hold the track 1300 in place. The track stabilizers 1130 may be any support that is sufficient to maintain the track in the position necessary for operation of the platform 1000. Sensors 1500 may be secured to the tops of the vertical support members 1110 such that they can determine the direction and velocity of an operator on the exercise platform 1000.

FIGS. 6-7 illustrate the lateral belt drive assembly 1200. The assembly 1200 drives the operation of the lateral belt assembly 1200 around the track 1300 and may be equipped with a set of motors 1210a, 1210b, a drive roller chain 1220, a drive roller unit position shaft 1230, and a plurality of drive roller units 1240 housed inside of a lateral belt assembly drive frame 1250. The lateral belt assembly drive frame 1250 may be rigidly attached to the machine frame 1100 for holding the roller units 1240 in place.

FIGS. 8-10 show an exemplary embodiment of a drive roller unit 1240. With reference to FIG. 8 which shows an exploded view of a drive roller unit 1240, each unit 1240 may have a frame bracket 1241, a drive position worm gear assembly 1242, a drive wheel chain drive sprocket 1243, a wheel position bushing 1244, a wheel position drive shaft 1245, a drive position bushing 1246, and a housing 1247 for accommodating a drive wheel 1248 and a plurality of gears 1249 for rotating the drive wheel 1248. The underside of the frame bracket 1241 may be equipped with the drive position worm gear assembly 1242 which may include a worm 1242a that meshes with a worm gear 1242b, which has a hollow center. The wheel drive shaft 1245 extends through the hollow center and the drive wheel chain drive sprocket 1243 is secured at the top, as shown in FIG. 9. The wheel position bushing 1244 is thus engaged inside of the drive position worm gear 1242b such that operation of the worm gear 1242b causes the housing 1247 to rotate, as described in greater detail below. The drive position busing 1246 is pressed into the frame bracket 1241, thus securing the housing 1247 to the frame 1241.

The drive wheel 1248 may be located between arms 1247a, 1247b of the housing 1247 via a pin that extends through a hole in the center of the drive wheel 1248 and is secured at each end to the arms 1247a, 1247b so that the drive wheel 1248 can freely rotate on the pin. The gears 1248 inside the housing 1247 work in conjunction with a drive roller gear motor 1210a to turn the drive wheel 1248 as discussed below. The drive wheel 1248 may be a compressible urethane wheel that drives the lateral belt 1410 via friction. However, other materials may be acceptable.

The lateral drive belt assembly 1200 may be comprised of a plurality of drive roller units 1240, and it may be such that a drive roller unit 1240 is provided for each individual lateral belt section 1410 that is secured along the top of the circulation track 1300. FIG. 6 illustrates a lateral drive belt assembly 1200 having nine drive roller units 1240, though more or less may be appropriate. Each of the drive roller units 1240 may be secured in the lateral drive frame 1250 via the frame bracket 1241 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A. The roller units 1240 may be positioned such that a drive roller unit position shaft 1230 can extend lengthwise through the worm 1242a of each of the roller units 1240. One end of the shaft 1230 may be attached to a drive roller position gear motor 1210b which operates to rotate the shaft 1230 in response to movement of an operator. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the shaft 1230 causes the worm 1242a to rotate, and as the worm 1242a rotates, the worm gear 1242b rotates, causing the housing 1247 to rotate the drive wheel 1248 into the correct angle position.

The drive roller chain 1220 (shown in FIG. 7) may be provided for operation of the drive rollers 1248. The chain 1220 may be linked between each of the roller units 1240 as illustrated in FIG. 7 to allow for uniform rotation of the drive wheels 1248 of each of the roller units 1240. The chain 1220 may be wound around the drive wheel chain drive sprocket 1243a and the wheel drive idler sprocket 1243b (shown in FIG. 9). The drive roller chain 1220 may be further attached to the drive roller gear motor 1210a which, in operation, causes the chain to rotate thereby resulting in rotation of the drive wheels 1248. Although reference is made herein to a chain, it shall be understood that the chain may be replaced by any appropriate means for operating the drive rollers 1248 such as a cable, belt, et cetera, and that “chain” is used herein to encompass these other force-transfer devices as well.

As has already been described and is discussed in more detail below, as the sensors 1500 may be configured to determine a change in the position and velocity of an operator. The sensors 1500 may be communication with the drive roller gear motor 1210a and the drive roller position gear motor 1210b. As the sensors 1500 sense a change in the direction and/or velocity of an operator, the drive position gear motor 1210b may cause the drive roller units position shaft 1230 to rotate thus causing a shift in the position of the drive wheels 1248. Movement of the operator as sensed by the sensors 1500 may further cause the drive roller gear motor 1210a to operate the drive roller chain 1220 thus causing rotation of the drive wheels 1248. Operation of the drive roller assembly 1240 in conjunction with the sensors 1500 is described in detail below with respect to FIG. 15 and according to an example.

The lateral belt assembly circulation track 1300 may be a generally ovular track for guiding the lateral belt assembly 1400 around the lateral belt drive assembly 1200. The track may be secured to track stabilizers 1130 at the top and bottom to prevent the track from shifting as the lateral belt assembly travels along the track 1300. The track 1300 may be equipped with grooves for receiving the track rollers 1450 of each lateral belt section 1410.

With reference to FIG. 14, the lateral belt assembly 1400 includes a plurality of belt sections 1410 and means for securing the belt sections 1410 to each other. Each belt section 1410 may include a platform 1415, a belt 1420, belt rollers 1430, a center drive 1440, a lateral belt link cable clamp 1450, and a track roller 1460. The platform 1415 may be generally rectangular and configured to provide structural support for the operator. The lateral ends of the platform 1415 may be equipped with freely-rotating belt rollers 1430, which may be secured to the ends of the platform 1415 via a pin connection, wherein the pin is inserted through a hole in the center of the roller 1430, and each end of the pin is secured to either side of the platform 1415. The platform 1415 may further include a center drive 1430. The center drive may include a plurality of pulleys 1441 for enabling movement of the conveyor belt 1420 in either direction. Additionally, the center drive 1430 may allow for the length of the belt 1420 to be easily modified.

The belt 1420 may be stretched around a top side of the platform 1415 and the belt rollers 1430, and through the center drive, as shown in FIG. 14b. The belt 1420 and rollers 1430 may be “V-Guide” for proper tracking as illustrated in FIG. 14a. The platform 1415 may be further equipped with walls 1470 which may attach onto the elongated sides of the platform 1415 thus hiding and protecting the belt 1420.

The lateral belt link cable clamp 1450 may be secured to an underside of the platform 1415 at a position generally corresponding to the lateral belt assembly circulation track 1300. Track rollers 1460 may be secured to one side of the clamp 1440 via a pin inserted through the center of the roller and secured to the clamp such that the roller 1450 can freely rotate without falling off the end of the pin. Multiple clamps 1440 and rollers 1450 may be provided per belt section 1410 as may be required by the size of the exercise platform 1000. The rollers 1450 may be configured to fit within the grooves defined in the circulation track 1300 such that the belt section 1410 can travel along the entirety of the track 1300 without falling off.

The belt sections 1410 may be linked together via a cable 1470 (FIG. 2), for example, to maintain consistent space between the belt sections 1410 and to further prevent the individual sections 1410 from separating from the track 1300. Alternately, the belt sections 1410 may be unlinked, or individual links may be provided between two belt sections 1410. Instead of a cable, other means for attaching the belt sections 1410 may be provided, such as a chain, belt, individual links, et cetera. FIG. 15 illustrates a system 3000 incorporating the sensors 1500 and motors 1210 of the current invention. The system 3000 may include an interface unit 3004 and sensors 1500 in data communication over a network 3002. The interface unit 3004 may include a communication device 3005, a processor 3008, an output device 3014, and non-transitory computer memory 3010 having programming 3012.

The output device 3014 may be any appropriate device, whether now existing or later developed, for presenting data from the processor 3008. In this case, the output device 3014 may be the motors 1210. The communication device 3006 may be any device, whether now known or later developed, that allows the system 3000 to communicate with the network 3002. For example, the communication device 3006 may be a switch, wireless router, wired modem, et cetera. The network 3002 may be the World Wide Web, a private or local network, or a cellular network, for example.

The interface unit 3004 may be, for example, a computer or smart phone associated with a monitoring system that controls power to the motors 1210. Alternately, the interface unit 3004 may be contained as a part of the motor 1210.

The sensors 1500, as described above, may be located on the vertical support members 1110 of the frame 1100. The sensors 1500 may include a transmitter 3018, a processor 3020, and non-transitory memory 3022 having programming 3024. Optionally, the processor 3020, memory 3022, and programming 3024 may be separate from the sensor 1500.

Operation of the invention may be further understood by means of an example. In use, an operator stands on the platform 1000 and begins to move in whatever direction he wishes. The sensors 1500 determine the direction and velocity of the operator's movements and may communicate this information over the network to the interface unit 3004, which may be contained within the motors 1210 as described above. Based on the information received, the processor causes the one or both of the motors 1210 to begin to turn.

If the sensors 1500 determined that the operator is moving in a direction parallel to the track 1300, the drive roller gear motor 1210a is engaged. The motor 1210a turns the chain 1220, which is attached to the sprockets 1243 as described above. The rotation of the sprockets 1243 causes the wheel drive shaft 1245 to rotate, which turns the gears 1249, resulting in rotation of the wheels 1248. The rotation of the wheels 1248 causes the individual belt units 1410 to rotate around the track 1300. In this scenario, the drive roller position gear motor 1210b is disengaged, because the drive wheels 1248 are positioned parallel to the track 1300. This is illustrated in FIG. 11.

If the sensors 1500 determine that the operator is moving perpendicular to the track 1300 (or movement of the operator has changed so that the operator is moving perpendicular to the track), the movement of the operator engages the belt 1420, causing the belt 1420 to rotate around the belt rollers 1460. In this scenario, operation of the drive roller gear motor 1210a and the drive roller position gear motor 1210b is unnecessary because the movement of the belt 140 around the belt rollers 1460 is sufficient to keep the operator centered on the platform 1000.

Finally, if the sensors 1500 determine that the operator is moving at an angle, the sensors 1500 determine the exact angle of movement, which is communicated to the drive roller gear motor 1210a and the drive roller position gear motor 1210b. The drive roller position gear motor 1210b engages the shaft 1230 thus rotating the worm 1242a. This turns the worm gear 1242b, which turns the wheel position bushing 1244, thus rotating the position of the drive wheel 1248. The motor 1210b rotates the shaft 1230 in an exact amount necessary to position the wheel 1248 at an angle equal to the direction in which the operator is moving. Three different positions of the wheel 1248 are illustrated in FIGS. 11-13.

At the same time, the sensors 1500 communicate to the drive roller gear motor 1210a causing rotation of the wheel 1248, thus causing the lateral belt assembly 1400 to rotate around the track 1300 as described above. Still at the same time, the belt 1420 rotates around the rollers 1420. Therefore, movement in all three directions maintains the operator in a central position atop the platform 1000.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed within the scope of the disclosure. Further, various steps set forth herein may be carried out in orders that differ from those set forth herein without departing from the scope of the present methods. This description shall not be restricted to the above embodiments.

Claims

1. A multi-directional exercise platform, comprising:

a frame, comprising: a plurality of vertical support members; a horizontal support member secured between the vertical support members; and a track stabilizer;

a lateral belt drive assembly, comprising: at least one motor; a drive roller chain; a drive roller position shaft in communication with the at least one motor; and at least one drive roller unit, each drive roller unit comprising: a drive frame; a worm gear assembly; a drive wheel chain drive sprocket; a wheel position bushing; a wheel position drive shaft; a drive position bushing; a drive wheel; a housing for accommodating the drive wheel; and a plurality of gears for operating the drive wheel; wherein the drive roller position shaft is in communication with the worm gear assembly and the wheel position bushing such that operation of the at least one motor causes rotation of the drive roller position shaft which engages the worm gear assembly causing rotation of the wheel position bushing, rotation of the wheel position bushing causing rotation of the housing having the drive wheel; and wherein the drive roller chain is in communication with the drive wheel chain drive sprocket such that operation of the drive roller chain causes the sprocket to rotate, rotation of the sprocket causing the wheel position drive shaft to rotate, rotation of the wheel position drive shaft causing rotation of the drive wheel via the plurality of gears in the housing;

a lateral belt circulation track secured to the frame via the track stabilizer;

a lateral belt assembly comprising a plurality of lateral belt units, each lateral belt unit comprising: a span; belt rollers secured to the lateral ends of the span; a center drive; a belt wound around the span, the belt rollers, and the center drive; a lateral belt link cable clamp; and a track roller for positioning the lateral belt unit onto the track; and

at least one sensor for determining direction and velocity of an operator's movement;

wherein the lateral belt drive assembly operates to move the lateral belt assembly around the lateral belt circulation track.

2. The platform of claim 1, further comprising a processor in data communication with the sensors and electronic instructions that, when executed by the processor, performs steps for:

(a) receiving at least one signal from the sensor;

(b) analyzing the at least one signal to determine the direction of an operator's movement; and

(c) upon identifying the direction of an operator's movement, actuating the motor thereby causing rotation of the drive roller position shaft.

3. The platform of claim 2, wherein the step of actuating the motor causes the drive wheel to rotate from a first position to a second position, wherein the second position is consistent with the direction of the operator's movements.

4. The platform of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first position and the second position of the drive wheel is at an angle less than 90° relative to the lateral belt assembly circulation track.

5. The platform of claim 4, further comprising the steps of:

(d) analyzing the at least one signal to determine the velocity of the operator's movement; and

(e) upon identifying the velocity of the operator's movement, modifying the speed of the motor to match the velocity of the operator's movement.

6. The platform of claim 5, wherein movement of the operator at an angle relative to the lateral belt assembly circulation track causes movement of:

1) the lateral belt assembly around the circulation track at a first velocity; and

2) the belt around the belt rollers of the span at a second velocity; and

wherein the first velocity and the second velocity are not equal and are selected to allow the operator to maintain a position in a central area of the platform.

7. The platform of claim 6, wherein the lateral belt assembly circulation track is generally ovular and has grooves for receiving the track roller.

8. The platform of claim 7, wherein the plurality of individual lateral belt units are linked together via at least one of a cable, a belt, a chain, and links.

9. The platform of claim 8, further comprising a second motor configured for operation of the drive roller chain.

10. The platform of claim 9, wherein the drive roller chain is wound around the wheel drive sprocket and the wheel drive idler sprocket of each of a plurality of drive roller units.

11. The platform of claim 10, wherein the drive wheel is made of a compressible urethane.

12. An exercise system, comprising:

a multidirectional exercise platform, comprising: a frame; a lateral belt assembly; a lateral belt circulation track; and a lateral belt drive assembly comprising a plurality of drive wheels; wherein: the lateral belt assembly is movably secured to the belt circulation track, the lateral belt circulation track being supported by the frame; and the lateral belt drive assembly is configured to move the lateral belt assembly around the belt circulation track;

at least one sensor;

a processor in data communication with the at least one sensor; and

electronic instructions that, when executed by the processor, performs steps for: (a) receiving data from the at least one sensor; (b) analyzing the data to determine direction and speed of an operator's movement; and (c) upon determining the direction and speed of the operator's movement, actuating a motor configured to alter position of the drive wheels, speed of the motor being selected based on the determined speed of the operator's movement.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the lateral belt assembly comprises a plurality of lateral belt units; each lateral belt unit having a generally rectangular span with a first and second end, a belt roller attached to the first and second ends, a center drive, and a belt; wherein the belt is secured around the belt rollers at the first and second ends and the center drive to allow the belt to travel in either direction along the length of the span when the operator moves in a direction parallel to the lateral belt assembly.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein movement of the operator in a direction perpendicular to the lateral belt assembly causes the lateral belt drive assembly to move the lateral belt assembly around the belt circulation track.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein movement of the operator at an angle relative to the lateral belt assembly causes concurrent movement of the lateral belt assembly around the belt circulation track via the lateral belt drive assembly and the belt along the length of the span via the belt rollers.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the movement of the lateral belt assembly occurs at a first velocity and the movement of the belt along the length of the platform occurs at a second velocity, wherein the first velocity and the second velocity are independent of one another and are configured to maintain the operator at a position near a center of the exercise platform.

17. A multi-directional exercise platform, comprising:

a frame;

a lateral belt drive assembly;

a lateral belt assembly circulation track;

a lateral belt assembly; and

at least one sensor configured to obtain direction and velocity data;

wherein: the frame supports the lateral belt assembly circulation track; the lateral belt assembly is movably secured to the lateral belt assembly circulation track; and the lateral belt drive assembly is configured to cause rotation of the lateral belt assembly around the lateral belt assembly circulation track.

18. The platform of claim 17, wherein the lateral belt drive assembly comprises a plurality of lateral belt drive units, each drive unit comprising a span with a first and second end, each end having a belt roller attached thereto; wherein a belt is wound around the span and the belt rollers such that movement in a transverse direction on the span causes the belt to rotate around the span via the belt rollers.

19. The platform of claim 18, wherein the lateral belt drive assembly comprises a motor in communication with a plurality of drive roller units; each drive roller unit comprising a drive frame, a drive wheel, and a plurality of gears for operating the drive wheel; wherein the position of the drive wheel relative to the lateral belt drive units is determined based on the direction data.