Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking mechanism for use with exercise treadmills capable of being selectively configured in an operating configuration or a storage configuration. The locking mechanism may utilize various configurations of engagement devices and/or locking members to allow a user to selectively lock a treadmill frame in a fixed position relative to a base frame.

Abstract: A resistance system for an exercise device may include: a drive shaft configured to be operably connected to a movable part of an exercise device such that movement of the movable part causes the drive shaft to rotate; and a resistance source operably connected with the drive shaft and configured to resist rotation of the drive shaft. An exercise device may include: a drive shaft rotatably supported by a frame; a resistance source operably connected with the drive shaft and configured to resist rotation of the drive shaft; and first and second treadle assemblies pivotally connected with the frame and including respective moving surfaces. In such an exercise device, the first treadle assembly and the second treadle assembly may be operably connected with the drive shaft such that pivotal movement of the first treadle assembly and pivotal movement of the second treadle assembly cause the drive shaft to rotate.

Abstract: A foldable treadmill includes a base frame, a front frame pivotally mounted on the base frame, a rear frame pivotally mounted on the front frame, a movable frame pivotally mounted on the front frame and slidably mounted on the base frame, a driver mounted on the front frame and provided with a retractable inner tube, and a connecting bracket secured on the movable frame and pivotally mounted on the inner tube of the driver. Thus, the rear frame is folded when not in use to reduce the whole volume of the treadmill efficiently. In addition, the front end of the rear frame is lifted to change the inclined angle of the rear frame, so that the user can practice running or walking on a slope.

Abstract: The present invention provides a inclination controlling device of treadmill comprising a belt support frame, a first link member pivotally connected to the belt support frame, a second link member pivotally connected to the belt support frame, and a base frame pivotally connected to both the first link member and the second link member respectively thereby controlling an inclination angle of the belt support frame with wider range.

Abstract: The invention relates to an engaging mechanism for a folding apparatus of a treadmill that is adapted to apply a proper engaging force to a positioning plate fixed at the bottom of the internal side of the handrail assembly such that an unexpected false pushing action caused by the driving behavior of a slope adjusting support by the lifting motor is prevented when the platform frame of the treadmill is moved in a horizontal operational position.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a support frame and a running platform supported by the support frame. The support frame includes a front, a rear, a left side, and a right side and defines a horizontal plane having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The running platform includes at least one support member extending longitudinally between the front and the rear of the support frame. A left track and a right track are each rotatably connected to the at least one support member and the support frame for lateral rotation. The left track and the right track are each operable between a horizontal position and an inclined position. The left and right tracks are substantially parallel to the horizontal plane in the horizontal position and are laterally rotated relative to the horizontal plane in their respective inclined positions.

Abstract: A treadmill includes an external frame, an internal frame connected to the external frame, a belt in the form of a loop supported on the internal frame and a buffering apparatus for buffering the internal frame. The buffering apparatus includes a crossbar and two buffer sets. The crossbar is rotationally provided on the external frame between various positions. Each of the buffer sets includes a plurality of buffering blocks made with different elastic coefficients so that a selected one of the buffering blocks is brought into contact with the internal frame when the crossbar is in a related one of the positions.

Abstract: An exercise device configured to sense and respond to objects in proximity to the exercise device is provided. The device includes a sensor configured to sense objects in proximity to the exercise device other than the user who is operating the exercise device. A console is in communication with the sensor that instructs components of the treadmill to provide, for example, an audible and/or visual response to the user of the exercise device, or to slow or stop the exercise device from moving. Sensors that are capable of sensing whether objects are within different spatial zones of proximity are disclosed. Multiple pre-defined and/or user-defined responses to objects detected in multiple corresponding spatial zones of proximity are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A laminated treadmill deck insert includes a wear surface formed of a phenolic impregnated paper laminated to an isocyanate resin bonded MDF insert core less than about 5/16 inch thick. A low moisture content isocyanate resin bonded wood fiber MDF core enables dimensional stability and high internal bonding strength even at reduced insert thicknesses. The deck insert is disposed on a support deck adjacent the upper run of an endless treadmill belt. The insert is provided with wear surfaces on each broad side and is easily removable and reversible to expose the second wear surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise device that generally includes two treadles pivotally connected with a frame so that the treadles may pivot up and down about an axis. Each treadle includes a tread belt that provides a moving surface like a treadmill. Each tread belt is supported by a front roller and a rear roller, which is common to both treadles. The treadles are interconnected to provide an alternating upward and downward movement relative to each other. Opposing end portions of the rear roller are rotatably supported at the rear end of the frame. Outer sides of rear end portions of the treadles are rotatably supported by the outer end portions of the rear roller, and inner sides of rear end portions of the treadles are coupled with the frame through an inner support structure that defines a virtual pivot.

Abstract: Footwear including a support member having an upper surface attachable to a foot, and two bulbous protuberances, a forward bulbous protuberance and rearward bulbous protuberance, each having a curved outer contour, protruding from a lower surface of the support member on opposite sides of a latitudinal midline thereof, and wherein at least one of the protuberances is offset from the centerline of the support member.

Abstract: An independent and foldable running exercise installation that includes: a platform that includes a chassis and, incorporated into the latter, a running track and its tensioning and driving means fixed to the front of the platform, two lateral uprights the top ends of which support a handlebar that includes two lateral branches connected by a linking part, and the ends of which act as handles. Each lateral upright is formed of a front arm and a rear arm which are in parallel and articulated by their lower ends on the side of the platform, on two pivoting axes, and by their top ends to the lateral branches on two pivoting axes. Since the first axis is higher than the second, the four axes forming a deformable parallelogram between a position of use in which the handgrips are more or less horizontal and the lateral uprights are more or less vertical, and a storage position in which the linking part is placed flat on the top of the platform and the lateral uprights on the sides of the platform.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including: a pair of platforms, each of the pair of platforms having: a base including a lower surface and a pair of opposed flanges extending upwardly from the lower surface; roller units received side-by-side in the base and being independently rotatable, each of the roller units extending between the pair of opposed flanges of the base and including at least two roller bodies spaced from one another by a groove, each of the at least two roller bodies including an outer surface, at least a portion of the outer surface being in continuous contact with the lower surface of the base; a retainer coupled to the base for maintaining the rollers units on the base; and a connector for coupling the pair of platforms to one another to provide a surface for sliding.

Abstract: An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces.

Abstract: A treadmill having a belt assembly allows a user to walk or run in any arbitrary direction. A flattened flexible toroid bladder injected with a lubricant, and stretched over a frame with rotating members. Separate power-driven mechanisms concurrently rotate the toroid belt around the major and minor axis to allow omni-directional user movement.

Abstract: A physical rehabilitation device is disclosed including an endless belt for standing or walking thereon, which is pivotally attached to a maneuverable base. A motive force is supported by the maneuverable base and adapted to drive the endless belt at a slow constant speed, and being adjustable in small increments.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for a foldable running machine includes a base, a running platform, and a folding assembly. The running platform is pivotally connected to the base. The folding assembly is connected to the running platform and includes at least one slide guide rail, at least one cylinder, and at least one rod. The cylinder is slidably coupled to the slide guide rail, wherein both the cylinder and the slide guide rail are parallel to the extending direction of the running platform. The rod is pivotally connected to the cylinder and pivotally connected to the base.

Abstract: A rear drive type electric treadmill wherein a driving motor is disposed at the rear end of a platform for directly driving a rear drum that is matched with a front drum so as to bring a continuous moving belt in a continuous movement. In this way, the force to rotate the continuous moving belt comes from a position behind an operator, thereby eliminating the frustration of the continuous moving belt each time when a force acts thereon. Moreover, a horizontal portion of the base frame has a slide recess facing to the platform. The platform is provided with a projecting wheel set at both sides thereof in match of the slide recesses. In this way, the platform is easily lifted upward in a vertical position. Consequently, it is beneficial for the operator to fold-up and move the treadmill.

Abstract: Continuous treadmill belt comprising a continuous first foamed layer (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) made of thermoplastic foamed material, with an upper side (25, 26) and an under side (34, 35, 36), wherein a first pulling body (41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48) is arranged on the under side (34, 35, 36) and comprises a first textile layer and a pulling body under side (54, 56, 58), and wherein no layer is arranged between the continuous foamed first layer (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) and the first pulling body (41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48), which hinders a local shearing displacement of the first pulling body (41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48) parallel to the under side (34, 35, 36) or stiffens said pulling body.

Abstract: A foldable support frame for a treadmill includes a bottom bracket, two pivot seats mounted on the bottom bracket, two limit protrusions mounted on the bottom bracket, and two support arms mounted on the bottom bracket and each having a lower end which is pivotally mounted on a respective one of the pivot seats and is detachably mounted on a respective one of the limit protrusions. Thus, each of the support arms is pivotable relative to the respective pivot seat to be parallel with the bottom bracket, and the lower end of each of the two support arms is movable to detach from the respective limit protrusion to facilitate a user mounting electric wires from the lower end of each of the support arms.

Abstract: A treadmill-like device for exercising large animals such as dairy cows. The large animal exercising device includes a hoof abrasion system and treadmill cleaning or flushing system. The exercise device of the invention can also include a cow identification reader for recovering information off of a data storage or identification device attached to the cow, with such information potentially including exercise pace and duration as well as animal routing information after an exercise session is completed.

Abstract: A device having a surface displaceable in two spatial directions, including a carrier frame; a conveyor means disposed such that it circulates on the carrier frame in a first direction; a plurality of belt units, each belt unit being fastenable to the conveyor means in such a way that it is displaceable in the first direction, and each belt unit including: a first continuous belt that is disposed such that it circulates on the belt unit in a second direction; and a first driving roller for driving the first continuous belt in the second direction; each first driving roller being actuated by a dedicated drive; and each belt unit additionally has a second continuous belt that is situated on the belt unit parallel to the first continuous belt.

Abstract: A treadmill conversion resistance training apparatus includes mirror-image left and right attachments for attaching to treadmill vertical support columns, each attachment having a vertical mounting bracket removably attachable to a vertical support column; a translation member rotatingly connectable to the vertical mounting bracket at a translation axis; resistance straps removably connectable between the translation member and the mounting bracket; a handle connectable to the translation member and lockable at selected angles; wherein, the treadmill to continues to function as an treadmill while the apparatus is attached. A treadmill conversion apparatus includes a handle having an articulation joint lockable at selectable angles. A treadmill conversion apparatus includes a handle joint having adjustable resistance portion.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the prestress of an elastic means around a predetermined tension or position can especially be used to adjust the height of and the relief force acting on a weight. A mechanic adjustment unit is connected in parallel to the elastic means to preadjust the value of the predetermined tension comprising a movable portion engaging the connection portion between elastic means and adjustment unit and a force exerting element being attached at said movable portion. The mechanic adjustment unit is in an instable equilibrium position at said predetermined tension or position, the movement of the movable portion being such that the force exerting element adds an adjustment or compensation force upon deviation of the predetermined tension or position of the elastic means.

Abstract: An exercise device is configured to enable a user to interact with a trainer in real-time communication. The exercise device includes an exercise mechanism having a movable element for movement in performance of exercise by a user. Communicating with the exercise mechanism is an interface adapted for gathering a first real-time signal from the user. The interface communicates with a communication system for receiving a packetized second real-time signal including a synchronized control signal from the trainer. The exercise device includes an output device configured to reproduce the second real-time signal. The control signals carried by the second signal are used to control the operating parameters of the exercise mechanism in real-time.

Abstract: An exercise system including a support base and an operable member movably coupled to the support base. Electrically coupled to the operable member is an interface console. The interface console includes a plurality of speed level keys and a plurality of grade level keys. The speed level keys enable a user to selected different pre-set speeds of the operable member, while the grade level keys enable a user to select different pre-set grades of the operable member. Associated with the speed level and grade level keys are incremental keys that enable a user to incrementally increase and/or decrease the speed, grade, or resistance of the exercise system.

Abstract: An exercise device including a first monoarm treadle assembly supporting a first tread belt and a second monoarm treadle assembly supporting a second belt. The tread belt is supported on a tread deck between a front roller on each treadle assembly, and a rear roller, which may be a distinct rear roller on each treadle assembly or a single rear roller for both treadle assemblies. The monoarm structure of each treadle assembly supports a plurality of deck supports in a cantilever fashion. The treadmill deck and the belt are supported on the deck supports. Further, the treadles are coupled with one or more hydraulic resistance structures, which may also function as an interconnect structure to coordinate pivotal movement of the treadle assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safe jacket for seniors and patients who need rehabilitative exercise and an exercising apparatus having the safe jacket, which support a user's body so that the user is securely supported in a walking or exercising space, protect the user's spine, and keep the user's spine straight, thus allowing the user to stand erect and walk while comfortably supporting the user's body. The safe jacket includes a main body which surrounds a user's body and is open at a top, a bottom, and a front thereof. An armpit support is mounted along a groove concavely formed on each of left and right sides of the main body. A plurality of support belts is detachably coupled to either the main body or the armpit support. At least one fastening unit is mounted to the front of the main body, and detachably holds the user's body.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a support device disposed on a tread base, a handle device having two arms pivotally attached to the support device with an axle and rotatable between a working position and a storing position, and a control device disposed between the arms. The control device may include a frame pivotally attached to the arms with a pivot shaft for allowing the frame to be pivoted relative to the arms of the handle device. The control device includes a groove formed in a flap, and the support device includes a guide rod slidably engaged into the groove of the flap for guiding the frame to pivot relative to the support device and for limiting the frame to rotate relative to the support device.

Abstract: An articulating treadmill is disclosed that includes a support frame, a motor frame, and a base frame. The motor frame is pivotally attached to the support frame along a first pivot line, and the base frame is pivotally attached to motor frame along a second pivot line spaced from the first pivot line. The base frame pivots about the second pivot line from an unfolded configuration to a folded configuration, and vice versa. The treadmill includes an elevation motor having an extension arm. The elevation motor is attached between the motor frame and a base of the support frame. As the extension arm of the elevation motor extends or retracts, the incline of the treadmill support bed increases or decreases, respectively. The treadmill also includes an adjustable roller system.

Abstract: A treadmill test protocol is provided having a linearly increasing work rate profile achieved by increasing walking speed while simultaneously increasing treadmill inclination. Specifically, according to the protocol it is possible to use a test subject's projected maximum end-test work rate to calculate a treadmill test protocol having a linear increase in walking speed and simultaneous curvilinear increase in treadmill grade so that when the test subject is tested according to the calculated protocol, the test result yields a work rate and oxygen uptake response with a linear slope.

Abstract: To provide variable resilient support for the deck of an exercise treadmill one or more resilient members are secured to the deck and a moveable support member is used to selectively engage the resilient members to provide support for the deck. A user operated adjustment mechanism can be used to move the support member or support members longitudinally along the treadmill thus effectively changing the number of resilient support members supporting the deck.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus is provided with a coupled mechanism providing coupled natural biomechanical three dimensional human motion.

Abstract: An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention generally provide a control system and a process for an exercise apparatus configurable into a combined treadmill and stepper mode. The apparatus may also be configured into stepper only and treadmill only modes. The apparatus generally includes a master control unit, a first sensor, in communication with the master control unit, which generates a first signal indicative of an effective tread speed for the apparatus, and a resistive element that includes at least one resistance level. Using the first signal, the resistance level, and empirical information, the amount of energy expended by a user of the apparatus may be calculated and the operation of the apparatus controlled. Various sensors, actuators and information, such as that obtained from various data structures, may be utilized in performing calculations and controlling the features, functions and operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a universal holder that is adapted to facilitate communication between the machine and a variety of portable electronic device configurations. The universal holder can be formed of a material that is generally transparent to infrared signals, but that is generally optically opaque.

Abstract: A driving mechanism used in a treadmill and concealed inside a tubular driving roller for rotating the tubular driving roller in moving an endless running belt through a driving gear of a transmission shaft, a reduction gear, a driven gear of a driven shaft and an internal gear.

Abstract: A treadmill assembly that includes a frame and a treadmill belt. In addition, a sensor produces a signal representative of an aspect of the user's position relative to at least one point on the frame. A belt rotation assembly turns the belt with a speed related to the signal. In one preferred embodiment the speed of the belt is inversely proportional to the distance between the user and the front of the treadmill. In another preferred embodiment the treadmill is sized to support a cycle.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a support device disposed on a tread base, a handle device having two arms pivotally attached to the support device with an axle and rotatable between a working position and a storing position, and a control device disposed between the arms. The control device may include a frame pivotally attached to the arms with a pivot shaft for allowing the frame to be pivoted relative to the arms of the handle device. The control device includes a groove formed in a flap, and the support device includes a guide rod slidably engaged into the groove of the flap for guiding the frame to pivot relative to the support device and for limiting the frame to rotate relative to the support device.

Abstract: A shock absorption apparatus for a treadmill interposed between a lifting frame and a running board, comprising: a) a fixing tube having one end fixed on the lifting frame, a positioning member, a locating gear, a locating member, and a damping spring being placed into the fixing tube one after another; b) a sleeve mounted at the external circumference of the fixing tube; c) a push tube having one end fixed on the running board, the other end of the push tube being extended into the fixing tube in such a manner that the push tube is screwed with a locating gear and a locating member, the locating member, the sleeve, and the push tube being interlocked by means of a locating screw; and d) a shock absorption regulator having an adjusting gear set, a motor, and a housing, the adjusting gear set and the motor being received within the housing, the housing being mounted by a fixing member on the external circumference of the sleeve, a drive gear of the adjusting gear being engaged with the locating gear.

Abstract: In a balance exercise machine, a swing mechanism swings a seat with composition of a swing motion in an anteroposterior direction and a swing motion in a widthwise direction. The swing motion of the seat in the anteroposterior direction is driven faster than, preferably twice as fast, as that in the widthwise direction. The origin of the swing motion of the seat in the widthwise direction is discrepant from origin of the swing motion of the seat in the anteroposterior direction within a half-cycle.

Abstract: A treadmill includes an external frame, an internal frame connected to the external frame, a belt in the form of a loop supported on the internal frame and a buffering apparatus for buffering the internal frame. The buffering apparatus includes a crossbar and two buffer sets. The crossbar is rotationally provided on the external frame between various positions. Each of the buffer sets includes a plurality of buffering blocks made with different elastic coefficients so that a selected one of the buffering blocks is brought into contact with the internal frame when the crossbar is in a related one of the positions.

Abstract: An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces.

Abstract: An integrated roller for a treadmill is comprised of rollers, the said rollers are of integrated structure with the outer end and the inner end integrated, the outer diameter surface of the said inner end and the inner hole surface of the said outer end form close fit or clearance fit, and the tip of the inner end extends inward along the inner diameter direction for a distance to form a plateau shape. The making method thereof comprises an extrusion and an inverted extrusion by a mold. This utility model features material saving, simple structure and less process steps in making and makes up the drawback of prior art rollers of high raw materials consumption, complicated structure and complicated making process. This invention is used for treadmill rollers.

Abstract: A bicycle exercise assembly adapted to be mounted on a supporting surface includes a bicycle trainer device, adapted to operatively support an exercising person. Also, a relative motion-permitting assembly is adapted to be supported by the surface and to support the bicycle trainer device and to permit relative motion between the bicycle trainer device and the surface.

Abstract: A system and method for cardiovascular exercise stress magnetic resonance using a MRI-compatible treadmill and real-time imaging. The treadmill comprises non-ferromagnetic components so that it may be used in proximity to a MRI scanner. The treadmill is positioned adjacent to the MRI scan table. A treadmill control system is used to control the speed and grade of the treadmill to allow it to perform a wide range of exercise protocols. Patients complete an exercise protocol on the treadmill and are then moved to the MRI scan table. Images are acquired as quickly as possible post-exercise to more accurately diagnose cardiovascular disease in patients.

Abstract: A wheelchair-accessible treadmill with a safety system allowing wheelchair users to exercise without the risk off steering off-course, tipping over, or rolling backwards off the treadmill. The wheelchair is secured by straps or similar means to two or more linear bearings that move along the side of the treadmill on rods or in tracks. When securely fastened, these allow the wheelchair to move forward and backward on the treadmill belt. The treadmill belt may be wider than standard, the height may be lower than standard, and a ramp may be used for access. An optical sensor may be used to determine the forward and backward movement of the wheelchair user. Wheelchair specific programs may be available through the control panel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a whole body vibrator platform which is attachable to a treadmill. The treadmill belt provides the power to move the platform, translating the horizontal, linear, belt movement into vertical oscillations through one or more eccentrically mounted rollers which support the platform. A person standing on the vibrator platform experiences a vertical vibration at frequencies established by the linear velocity of the treadmill belt.

Abstract: The present invention offers a heart pulse detector. Two pairs of contact electrodes mounted on each handrail of treadmill separately. A electrocardiography heart pulse detector built in the control panel of the treadmill has input terminal which electrically connected to the contact electrodes. A front end circuit within the heart pulse detector receives the electrical cardio signals of a user from the input terminal and preprocesses the electrical cardio signals for later processing by the reminder functional blocks of the heart pulse detector. A hand touching detection circuit assembly in the heart pulse detector is also connected to the input terminal. The hand touching detection circuit sense the signals from the input terminal and send out hand on/off data for using to control the speed of the treadmill and to control the operation of the heart pulse detection.

Abstract: A side-supporting type folding mechanism for a treadmill having a rotating shaft pivotally disposed at the bottom of a base frame of the treadmill. Both sides of the rotating shaft are provided with a wing panel. The other end of the wing panel is supported by a pneumatic cylinder. Meanwhile, the center of the wing panel is pivotally connected with a top rod such that another end of the top rod pushes a rotating disc movable with the handrail. In addition, the center of the rotating shaft is connected with an auxiliary support having ground-touching rollers. Meanwhile, the pivot joints among the pneumatic cylinder, the wing panel and the top rod are disposed at a position of the same axle line. In this way, a potential great shear stress created between the supporting elements can be eliminated when the treadmill is folded in a folded position. Thus, the service life of the supporting elements can be extended.