Abstract: A treadmill comprising a belt attached to a traveling block, the block selectively moving up and down treadmill stanchions to change incline. The treadmill is programmable regarding simulated course, distance, initial speed, and user weight, and records approximate caloric expenditure. Sensors strategically positioned below the belt upper surface regulate belt speed to keep a user toward the center of the treadmill. A port receives a removable memory device for recording and playback of user performances. Even multiple users thereby have an ongoing reference on the same machine.

Abstract: The present invention is an exercise device incorporating a treadmill platform and treadmill podium, whereby the user may walk/run on the treadmill, not only in the forward direction, but also in the side-to-side and backwards directions described above, while still facing the podium. This present invention provides a treadmill having a podium that can be adjusted with respect to the platform, so that regardless of the direction of travel in which the user is traveling on the platform (forward, side-to-side, or backwards), the user will always be facing the podium. This is accomplished by providing a pivoting podium element that pivots with respect to the platform.

Abstract: A fold-up mechanism for an electric treadmill having a single lifting motor for bringing a main frame thereof in a tilt and a fold-up position. The lifting motor and a transmission spindle are positioned between both inverted T-bases. A slide tube with a female threaded hole is threadedly mounted on the transmission spindle. An opposing end of the slide tube is pivotally coupled to a lifting rod. Meanwhile, a front cross bar is attached to an opposing end of the lifting rod. Two handrails are extended upwardly from both side of the front cross bar. Moreover, one end of the main frame is pivotally attached to middle bars of the inverted T-bases while a telescopic unit and a pull rod are pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the bottom end of the main frame as well as at a second end thereof to slide tube and the lifting rod, respectively.

Abstract: A combination of treadmill and stair climbing machine includes a single roller supported on a shaft between two lugs on two sides of the frame of the combination and two rear ends of two pedals are respectively connected to the roller and supported on the two lugs. Two front ends of the two pedals are respectively connected to two hydraulic cylinders. A switch member is pivotably connected to a front end of the frame and can be set in a horizontal position when the combination is used as stair climbing machine, and an inclined position when the combination is used as treadmill. An L-shaped plate is connected to the frame and each pedal has a connection plate which has two elongate holes in which two protrusions on each side of the L-shaped plate are movably engaged, such that the pedals are pivotably supported on the L-shaped plate when used as stair climbing machine.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a base and a frame having a first end pivotably connected to the base by two parallel first links and two parallel second links. An endless belt is mounted to the frame. Two respective first ends of the two first links are pivotably connected to two respective first pivotal points on the two side rails of the base, and two respective second ends of the two first links are pivotably connected to two respective second pivotal points on two sides of the first end of the frame. Two respective first ends of the two second links are pivotably connected to two respective third pivotal points on the two side rails of the base, and two respective second ends of the two second links are pivotably connected to two respective fourth pivotal points on the two sides of the first end of the frame. The frame can be pivoted relative to the base by the first and second links.

Abstract: The present invention involves an exercise device having an elongated base member with a linear track on a topside of the elongated base member. A slidable body moves within the one or more linear tracks. The slidable body is attached to a pole to be gripped while exercising.

Abstract: A control device for a jogging machine includes a stepping board, and a plurality of non-touch sensors arranged in line spaced apart equidistantly on two sides of the stepping board for sensing the position of the two feet of a user dropping on the stepping board for a controller to figure out the speed of the user and then adjust the speed of a moving band moving on and below the stepping board. The control device automatically adjusts the speed of the moving band to suit to the speed of the user's feet. Further, the control device has two angle adjusting sensors respectively fixed on two sides of a handle for adjusting the inclining angle of the stepping board by the user extending a hand nearer to either of the two adjusting sensors.

Abstract: A flywheel/motor assembly is disclosed that comprises a motor housing having a sidewall and an end wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the sidewall. The end wall enclose a motor assembly having a rotatable shaft extending therefrom. The motor housing has at least one air flow opening therethrough. A flywheel is coupled to the shaft, and includes a pulley side and a motor side opposite the pulley side, wherein the motor side is aligned substantially with the end wall and does not extend over the sidewall. A plurality of vanes are associated with the flywheel, wherein adjacent vanes form channels therebetween. A ring is coupled to the plurality of vanes and at least partially encloses the channels and forms exhaust ports away from the shaft. Rotation of the flywheel draws air through the motor housing's openings into the channels and out the exhaust ports. The pulley side may include balancing bores for receiving balancing material to balance the finished assembly.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include a controller circuit for an exercise machine, where the controller circuit includes a board mounted transformer having tolerances near or below the inrush current generally present in activating one or more cooling fans. According to one embodiment, the controller circuit attempts to power on a subsequent fan after the sum of the inrush or steady state current of presently operating fan or fans, and the inrush current generally associated with powering on the subsequent fan, is within the tolerances of the transformer.

Abstract: A combination single unit hydrotherapy and exercise device for allowing multiple exercises including both swimming and running in place, massage, and therapy, having a single seamless enclosure with stairs, and sufficiently long and deep for an adult to swim and stand in, a cavity with treadmill at the bottom with safety walk off ledge, external motor means connected to the treadmill shaft inside the enclosure, swim jets in the front to provide resistance to allow swimming in place, control and safety buttons at the top, treadmill impact absorption means, treadmill adjustment means from above the treadmill, and cavity next to the treadmill cavity for accessing the shaft.

Abstract: A motor and inertia flywheel arrangement for fitness machine is disclosed to include a motor, a first fan mounted on the rear end of the motor shaft, and flywheel fastened to the front end of the motor shaft and provided with a belt wheel for synchronous rotation, the flywheel having radial ribs formed in a circular recessed in the back side thereof in proximity to the front side of the motor for working as an induced draft fan during operation of the motor for quick dissipation of heat from the motor.

Abstract: A jogging machine having a platform folding structure includes a base, a platform, a lifter, a pedal, a cable and a block. The lifter includes a cylinder having an engaging end for engagement with the block to maintain the platform in an upright position firmly. By operating the pedal, the cable will pull the block outward so that the platform is released and lowers down slowly.

Abstract: A cushion device for treadmills includes a frame with two rails and a deck has an end pivotably connected to two respective first ends of the two rails of the frame. Two tubes are connected to the two rails of the frame and two activation rods axially extend in the two tubes and are restrained to only can spin relative to the tubes. Each of the two activation rods has a nut member threadedly connected thereto and a slide member is slidably mounted thereto. A spring is mounted to each of the two activation rods and biased between the nut member and the slide member. Two cables have two respective first ends fixed to the slide members and two respectively second ends of the two cables extend through each tube, reeve through the lower pulley and the upper pulley and are fixed to the first end of the deck.

Abstract: An exercise device. The exercise device includes a wheel type treadmill, a roller shaft, a sensor, a panel, a processing unit, and a display. The wheel type treadmill has a plurality of footplates disposed on a wheel. The roller shaft is coupled to the wheel. The sensor is disposed on the treadmill, connecting with the roller shaft. The panel is coupled to the treadmill for setting operation modes. The processing unit is disposed in the panel to receive signals from the sensor and control the operation modes. The display is coupled to the panel, receiving video information from the processing unit and displaying environmental simulation. The device provides a more varied exercise experience.

Abstract: An exercise machine including a weight measurement system which provides a signal representative of a user's weight. An embodiment of the weight measurement system includes at least one load cell outputting a signal used by a microprocessor to determine an accurate value of the users weight. An embodiment of the weight measurement system includes a plurality of load cells using a Wheatstone bridge configuration to output a signal representative of a user's weight regardless of whether the weight is evenly distributed across each load cell. A calibration process calibrates the load cells for each exercise machine.

Abstract: A torso support portion and a pair of thigh support portions are each formed of an outer layer of hard relatively stiff molded plastic material of limited flexibility and an inner layer of relatively soft cushioning material for distributing the weight of a patient over a large area. The torso support portion may comprise a rear panel adjustable secured between two body panels. Tightening straps serve to tighten the torso support portion about a patient with the parts of the torso support portion adjacent the front opposite free sides of the two body panels overlapping one another in operative position. A pair of tightening straps serve to tighten each of the thigh support portions about the thighs of a patient with the free sides of each thigh support portion spaced a substantial distance from one another in operative position. Four adjustable suspension straps are provided for suspending the torso support portion and provide a quick-release feature.

Abstract: An exercise and performance evaluation apparatus includes a revolving belt on which a subject can perform bipedal locomotion, a harness for securing the subject at a fixed position relative to the apparatus, a means for measuring the force applied by the subject to the belt, and a means for monitoring and controlling the velocity of the belt. The harnessing of the subject allows monitoring of the velocity as a function of time. An overhead harness may be used to alter the effective mass of the subject. The velocity of the belt may be controlled by a motor and brake system, where the motor may be uni-directional or bi-directional.

Abstract: A method for restoring functional ambulation in subjects with incomplete spinal cord injuries which includes partial weight bearing therapy followed by epidural spinal cord stimulation (ESCS) to facilitate partial weight bearing therapy and over-ground walking. Electrical epidural stimulation (EES) is generated by an implanted device during partial weight bearing therapy on a treadmill. The subject is then transitioned to full weight bearing gait training on a treadmill with EES to over-ground gait training with EES and a walker, and finally to full weight bearing independent stepping over-ground with EES with or without an assistive device.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for automatically controlling and assessing a user athlete's physical training prowess at certain athletic skills. An apparatus of the present invention can be a treadmill sled having a frame, a rotatable continuous belt mounted on the frame, the belt presenting an upward directed support surface for supporting a user athlete, a training apparatus, and a performance measuring system. The training apparatus can include a blocking dummy and support frame, or a tether frame support system. Further, the performance measuring system can include programmable and automated control of the timing, duration, and scope/level of the physical training, and present quantitative assessment feedback to better maximize the applicable training regime, and to simplify the training sessions for supervisory personnel as well as the participating athlete(s).

Abstract: A treadmill that includes a frame supported against the floor at its front and back sections, a belt section arranged on the frame, first device for turning the belt at a desired speed, and second device for adjusting the tilt of the belt section with respect to the horizontal, and a hand support structure extending upward from the plane of the frame in the operating position of the treadmill and comprising a support part on both sides of the frame. Extending from both support parts, there are low supports forming a low frame that are arranged to extend substantially parallel to the frame in the operating position of the treadmill and to rest against the floor at least in the area of the ends.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for controlling an exercise device with one or more control signals associated with an exercise program received from a telephone answering service. The exercise device includes an input device through which a user can request an exercise program from the telephone answering service. The telephone answering service delivers selectable options to the exercise device, which presents the options to the user. In response to the user selecting a particular option, the telephone answering service delivers the selected exercise program, including one or more control signals, to the exercise device. The exercise device identifies the one or more control signals, either by detecting the audible representation of the one or more control signals or analyzing the electronic representation of the received exercise program, and controls one or more operating parameters of the exercise device based upon such one or more control signals.

Abstract: Stationary bicycle riding on conventional bicycle rollers is enhanced and rendered safer by the use of this Bicycle Roller Balance Device. The sought after balancing characteristics of roller riding are unaffected; the rider enjoys complete freedom of movement within the width of the rollers, while at the same time is prevented from the perils of traveling off the sides of the rollers. This is accomplished by a system of curbs and bumpers. The curbs are near-vertical components that deflect an errant bicycle wheel back toward the center of the rollers. The bumpers are padded surfaces that deflect the rider back toward the center as well. Furthermore, stepping platforms are provided to aid the rider in more safely mounting and dismounting the bicycle. The device is self-contained and modular in nature, and can be assembled or disassembled readily by the user.

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: A dual-function exercise device includes lower body exercise device, a frame, and a movable handle assembly. The movable handle assembly includes two independent pulling devices and a rotary shaft journalled on the frame. Each pulling device includes a pulley disposed rotatably on the frame, a pull cord wound on the pulley, a handgrip fastened to an end of the cord and movable to unwind the cord from the pulley, and a biasing unit for biasing the cord to wind around the pulley when the cord is pulled and is subsequently released.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a treadmill having a frameless treadbase. The treadmill is lightweight and inexpensive. A preferred embodiment features an arched deck. The arched deck has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion, wherein the intermediate portion is has an upward incline or convex arch. The arched deck provides intrinsic cushion and incline. The arched deck maintains a convex arch independent of any structure in the treadmill. Additionally, the arched deck is connected to a front support and a rear support, the front support being independent from the rear support.

Abstract: A seating and treadmill exercise device for passengers to exercise on an aircraft, capable of being displaced between stowed and deployed positions. While passengers board the aircraft, the seating and treadmill exercise device may be placed in the stowed position to allow passengers to freely move about the aircraft cabin. A folding seat is attached to the underside of the treadmill track, providing a seat for an airline attendant when the aircraft is taxiing and taking off, or landing. While the aircraft is in route, on long distance flights, the seating and treadmill exercise device may be placed in the deployed position so that passengers are able to exercise and stretch their legs, thus enhancing passenger well-being and health and helping to prevent maladies associated with long periods of sitting such as Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Abstract: A method of the present invention provides a sensor detecting a motor whether it is an idle running condition or a loading running condition. The idle running condition indicates that nobody on the treadmill, so that the motor keeps a designated running. If the motor is in the loading running condition, it has to be determined whether it is in continuous loading condition or an intermittent loading condition. The intermittent loading condition indicates that user is running on the treadmill, so that the motor keeps a designated running. The continuous loading condition indicates that user has stopped running but still standing on the treadmill or the belt is jammed, so that the motor is shut. The method of the present invention provides the treadmill to be shown and safety stopped.

Abstract: A folding mechanism for a treadmill having a main frame, a platform and a shaft mounted on the main frame. The main frame is adapted for mounting a motor to impart rotary motion to a worm. Meanwhile, the main frame is rigidly connected to a base frame having an sliding groove or rail with an open side. The platform includes front and rear rollers on the under surface thereof. The front rollers are slidably fitted in the sliding rail. The shaft is mounted on the main frame while a yoke with a crossbar and two supporting arms is rotatably mounted on the shaft. The crossbar includes a worm wheel engaging with the worm, and the free end of the supporting arms is pivotally connected to both sides of the platform. Based on the above-mentioned, the treadmill's platform can be lifted in an inclined position. Furthermore, a locking element is employable to fold the platform in a storage position.

Abstract: An exercise device providing treadmill and stationary bicycle configurations. The exercise device has a running device with a tread belt, a bicycle device with a pair of pedals, and a transmission device detachably connecting the running device and the bicycle device. Further, a controlling device for controlling the running device and the bicycle device, a sensing device for detecting exercise information of the running device and the bicycle device, a computer module comprising a program of an interactive game for the running device and the bicycle device, and a processor performing the program, and a displaying device connected to the computer module for showing the interactive game thereon according to a plurality of parameters of the program are provided.

Abstract: A fitness apparatus for providing a cardiovascular workout to a user is disclosed. The fitness apparatus includes a video display apparatus for selectively displaying video data thereon. A processor is connected to the cardiovascular workout means and the video display apparatus and a storage device connected to the processor for storing said video data thereon. The video data represents at least one exercise course and the processor retrieves the video data from the storage device and directs the video data to be displayed on the video display apparatus while the user uses the cardiovascular workout means.

Abstract: A seating and treadmill exercise device for passengers to exercise on an aircraft, capable of being displaced between stowed and deployed positions. While passengers board the aircraft, the seating and treadmill exercise device may be placed in the stowed position to allow passengers to freely move about the aircraft cabin. A folding seat is attached to the underside of the treadmill track, providing a seat for an airline attendant when the aircraft is taxiing and taking off, or landing. While the aircraft is in route, on long distance flights, the seating and treadmill exercise device may be placed in the deployed position so that passengers are able to exercise and stretch their legs, thus enhancing passenger well-being and health and helping to prevent maladies associated with long periods of sitting such as Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Abstract: Even if the tension of the endless belt against the sliding contact member is reduced, the slip of the endless belt out of the rotary roller is prevented and the endless belt is smoothly moved. Also, since frictional resistance of the endless belt against the sliding contact member is reduced, durability of the endless belt can be substantially improved. The present running machine comprises a rotary roller 23 for circulatingly move an endless belt 20 mounted to the bedplate 10 and supported at a supporting plate 22 by a driving unit 26, a sliding contact member 25 for guiding the sliding-contact movement of the endless belt 20, a tension roller 30 for depressing the upper portion of the endless belt toward the lower portion, thereby making a distance of the upper portion and the lower portion smaller than the diameter of the rotary roller 23, and a tension/contact roller 40 depressing and contacting the endless belt 20 to the rotary roller 23.

Abstract: A treadmill for performing physical exercise, comprising, on a supporting frame, a belt that winds continuously around a main roller and a free roller; elements for varying the inclination of the supporting frame which are driven by the motion of the belt produced by the energy supplied by the user being also provided.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a base assembly, a collapsible treadmill deck and a locking device that includes a telescopic tube and a latch. The telescopic tube supports the treadmill deck in a folded position and includes an inside tube and an outside tube. The outside tube has a pawl hole and a bottom end pivotally mounted to the base assembly. The inside tube is telescopically mounted in the outside tube and has an outside end pivotally mounted on the treadmill deck and multiple positioning holes aligned with the pawl hole. The latch includes a stationary bracket fastened on the outside tube and a pivot pawl pivotally mounted on the stationary bracket. The pivot pawl has an inside end extended into the pawl hole to engage one of positioning holes to interlock the inside tube with the outside tube to firmly hold the folded treadmill deck in position.

Abstract: In a wheelchair training platform, a wheelchair is connected to a computer system through the training platform, and the training platform detects signals of a rotary speed and a forward direction or a reverse direction of two rear wheels of the wheelchair, and sends the signals to a computer system. The computer system reflects the foregoing rotary speed and direction to a virtual reality interactive software/game, such that the wheelchair has an interaction with the virtual reality interactive software/game.

Abstract: In an exercise apparatus comprising a fixed support member (3) and a moving part (2) which can perform movements correlated to the exchange of forces between a user and the apparatus, a support device (1) comprises: elastic supporting means (4); means (6) for damping the movements of the moving part (2) and adjusting means (7). The damping means (6) are arranged parallel with the supporting means (4) and comprise a magnetic actuator (8), in which a first, moving component (9) has an electroconductive element (11), and a second, fixed component (10) comprises a permanent magnet (12) and a non-permanent magnet (13) connected to one another to form at least one air gap (14) which houses the electroconductive element (11). Electrical energizing of the electroconductive element (11), whether generated or induced, applies to the first component (9) of the actuator (8) a reactive magnetic force which opposes the translational movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety off switch for a treadmill exercise device. If the treadmill exercise device running belt is still rotating even after user has left the treadmill exercise device, then, after a programmed time duration, the treadmill exercise device automatically turns off the running belt and/or completely powers itself down.

Abstract: A treadmill with a lifting device includes a main frame, a platform pivotally connected to the main frame and a lifting device mounted to the main frame and the platform. The lifting device includes a power supplier mounted to the main frame and a folding structure connected to the main frame and the platform. The folding structure includes a buckle device for holding the platform in place when the platform is fully lifted.

Abstract: A locking device to lock a collapsible treadmill deck in a folded position includes a telescopic tube and a lock. The telescopic tube includes an outside tube and an inside tube. The outside tube has a though hole. The inside tube is telescopically mounted in the outside tube and has multiple positioning holes corresponding to the through hole. The lock is attached to the outside tube, aligned with the through hole and includes a mounting bracket, an adjusting knob and a detent assembly. The adjusting knob is rotatably and retractably mounted on the mounting bracket. The detent assembly includes a rotating shaft with a locking pin movably mounted in the mounting bracket and connected to the adjusting knob. Therefore, the locking pin will be pulled into one of the positioning holes to engage the inside tube by pushing the adjusting knob toward the mounting bracket.

Abstract: The treadmill has a tread base that is rotatably attached to and between a left upright and a right upright. The tread base is rotatable between a first position for performing exercises and an upright or storage position. A latching structure is provided to latch the tread base to the support structure. The treadmill also includes inclination structure for inclining the tread relative to the support surface when in the first position. The treadmill also includes rigid handles and one configuration movable handles. The tread base also has a rigid undersurface or pan to fully enclose the underside of the tread base. A lift assist gas cylinder is also interconnected between the tread base and the feet attached to the uprights.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for an exercise apparatus having a reduction gearset and a driving gear meshing with the reduction gearset within a housing wherein the driving gear includes an axial threaded hole and an axial bearing. A spindle passes through the housing and the axial bearing and engages the axial threaded hole of the driving gear. Meanwhile, a socket corresponding to the spindle is installed on the external side of the housing. The housing is made of lightweight material. Moreover, a first and a second piece for supporting the spindle are made of high strength material and fastened on both external sides of the housing by metal screws, thereby forming a supporting frame with high strength and light weight.

Abstract: A treadmill is installed with a control panel thereon, which includes a control mainboard, an input system, and a display system. The control mainboard is detachably interconnected with the input system and the display system for transmitting a control signal to maneuver the operating speed and other functions of the treadmill such that it has the feature of being easily detached and installed.

Abstract: A displacement detector of a platform for an exercise apparatus includes a rope movably tensioned by a rotating element between fixed points on the base and the upright support, respectively. When the platform is forced to move upwardly and downwardly, the rotating element undergoes an in-place rotation by the pulling force of the rope. Thereafter, a means for detecting the rotational displacement of the rotating element, which corresponds to the supporting force of the cushioning elements, is positioned beside the rotating element on the platform. Then, the detected value is transmitted to a microprocessor in the control console.

Abstract: A treadmill (10) includes a frame on which are mounted transverse forward and rearward roller assemblies (14, 16). An endless belt (18) is trained about the forward and rearward roller assemblies. A deck (20) is positioned between the upper run of the belt and the frame. The rearward portion of the deck (20) is mounted to the frame by a pivot connection (24) to allow pivoting of the deck about an axis transversely to the length of the deck. Elongate springs (26) of adjustable stiffness are mounted either along the sides of the frame to underlie the side margins of the deck, or transversely of the deck, to support the deck in conjunction with the pivot connection (24) and to absorb impact loads imparted on the deck by the user.

Abstract: A treadmill type exercise machine having an endless belt for simulating walking up a hill is provided. The exercise machine uses low impact walking motion, which is a favored exercise method while combining the extra effort of climbing without using the same muscle groups as a stair climbing exercise device. The treadmill is an improvement over level treadmills and inclined treadmills. The treadmill uses a cycle of 5 stages to accomplish the exercise. In the first stage the treadmill endless belt is flat, in the second stage the endless belt is moved into an inclined position, in the third stage the endless belt is raised while inclined to provide for simulated hill climbing while a person is walking on the endless belt. In the fourth stage the endless belt is leveled at a raised height. In the fifth stage the endless belt is lowered to the initial position.

Abstract: A climbing training machine has a fixed frame, a movable frame fitted to the fixed frame, a telescopic screw bar connected to the fixed frame and the movable frame, an elevating frame pivoted on the movable frame at a side distal to the fixed frame, a supporting frame having opposite ends pivoted on a middle section of the elevating frame and the fixed frame and a running belt mounted on the elevating frame for rotation. The elevating frame can adjust its slope for the user to walk or run on the belt in various difficult levels.

Abstract: A motorized treadmill (10) having an auxiliary cooling fan (34) electronically controlled to provide additional cooling for both the motor (10) and the motor electronic control system (36). The auxiliary fan (34) is located such that the air circulated by the fan will flow over the motor and electronic control system. The auxiliary fan, powered independently of the output shaft of the motor, provides additional cooling to help maintain a constant belt speed while the treadmill is being operated at low speeds.

Abstract: An exercise treadmill includes a base frame having first and second guiding slots in each of two lateral sides thereof, a treadmill frame, which has two locating rods respectively movably coupled to the second guiding slots and a shaft transversely disposed at a front side thereof and moveably coupled to the first sliding slots at two distal ends thereof, and a lifting device. The lifting device includes a motor and a transmission mechanism coupled to the motor and the shaft for moving the shaft along the first guiding slots and to further lift the front side or a rear side of the treadmill frame so as to further adjust the angle of inclination of the treadmill frame or to receive the treadmill frame in a non-operative position.

Abstract: To improve tracking, an exercise treadmill is provided with a frame including molded plastic pulleys, having an integral gear belt sprocket, an endless belt extending around the pulleys and a motor operatively connected to the rear pulley to drive the belt. The pulleys are molded out of plastic and have a diameter of approximately nine inches. A mold and method for producing large diameter treadmill pulleys having an integrally molded sprocket are also disclosed. A deck underneath the running surface of the belt is supported by resilient members. A positive lateral belt tracking mechanism is used to correct the lateral position of the belt. A belt position sensor mechanism is used in combination with a front pulley pivoting mechanism to maintain the belt in the desired lateral position on the pulleys. The exercise treadmill also includes a lift mechanism with an internally threaded sleeve engaged to vertically aligned nonrotating screws. A user display of foot impact force on the belt is also provided.

Abstract: A treadmill for walking exercise or medical testing has the the usual frame mounting rollers around which an endless belt is driven through a lower course and an upper course, the upper course of the belt being supported by an improved deck particularly adapted to rest on longitudinal support members of the frame. One improvement lies in connecting one end of a planar deck to a anchor member by a flexible hinge, the member being attachable to the frame and the flexibility of the hinge allowing the deck to yield to the impact of a user's tread both vertically and longitudinally of the deck. Many available treadmills are designed to receive a standard deck which is essentially a rectangular plank bounded by flat surfaces which enclose a prismatic volume. The present deck is rectangular and planar but has recesses rabbetted along its underside opposite the supporting frame members, the recesses being filled with strips of compressible, elastomeric material located within the cubic volume of the standard deck.