Abstract: A high-intensity interval training method comprises supporting an individual upon an upper body engaging element in a forwardly inclined position while the individual is propelling himself in a forward motion on a non-motorized rotatable endless belt; obtaining a performance feedback by sensing at least one of a rotation of the belt and an impact force exerted upon the upper body engaging element by the individual during the exercise cycles; and using the performance feedback to measure performance of the individual and control the exercise cycles to create an exercise regimen that requires the user to operate at at least about 85% of the individual maximum capacity during the high intensity anaerobic intervals.

Abstract: A motor-less leg-powered curved treadmill produced that allows people to walk, jog, run, and sprint without making any adjustments to the treadmill other than shifting the user's center of gravity forward and backwards. A closed loop treadmill belt is formed with a low friction running surface of transverse wooden, plastic or rubber slats attached to each other in a resilient fashion. Since an essential feature of treadmill is the concave shape of the running surface of belt in its respective upper portion, curved and linear arrays of bearings are used to insure that this shape is maintained during actual use. These bearings prevent the lower portion of the treadmill belt from drooping down (i.e.—it must be held taut), to prevent the top portion to be pulled taut into a flat shape between the front and rear pulley rollers.

Abstract: A treadmill having a belt assembly allows a user the walk or run in any direction. A single helically wound belt over a flattened torus is powered by two independent drive systems. The drive systems are controlled by a combination of infrared cameras and a physical harness system.

Abstract: A training device, including a frame having an interior opening and at least one support means, at least one piece of conditioning equipment supported on the frame by the support means, at least one resistance harness coupled to the frame, wherein the at least one resistance harness has a portion thereof selectively attachable to a user, and a cardiovascular exercise machine disposed within the interior opening of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a treadmill belt with foamed cushion layer and method of making same. In one embodiment, the treadmill belt includes a fabric base layer and a foamed cushion layer foamed on and integral with the fabric base layer. The foamed cushion layer includes a thermoplastic composition and has a Shore A hardness of about 20 to about 80. In one example, the first foamed cushion layer is from about 0.05 inches to about 0.35 inches thick. The thermoplastic composition, prior to being foamed, includes about 1 part to about 5 parts of a foaming agent, e.g., a chemical foaming agent, based on 100 parts thermoplastic material, e.g., polyvinyl chloride. An outer wear layer is securely adhered on the foamed cushion layer to sandwich the foamed cushion layer between the fabric base layer and outer wear layer thereby defining the treadmill belt.

Abstract: A treadmill for providing walking rehabilitation to a rehabilitee is provided including a base including a belt and a walking rehabilitation device interconnected with the base. The walking rehabilitation device includes a user engagement structure extending at least partially above the belt and being configured to be removably secured relative to one or more locations of a rehabilitee's lower extremities. The walking rehabilitation device further includes a plurality of drive systems coupled to the user engagement structure. The drive systems include at least a first drive system controlling the rehabilitee's motion in a first direction and a second drive system controlling the rehabilitee's motion in a second direction. The treadmill further includes one or more motors coupled to and driving the plurality of drive systems. The motion from the drive systems is transferred to the rehabilitee by the user engagement structure, allowing the rehabilitee to walk along the belt.

Abstract: A motor-less leg-powered curved treadmill produced that allows people to walk, jog, run, and sprint without making any adjustments to the treadmill other than shifting the user's center of gravity forward and backwards. A closed loop treadmill belt is formed with a low friction running surface of transverse wooden, plastic or rubber slats attached to each other in a resilient fashion. Since an essential feature of treadmill is the concave shape of the running surface of belt in its respective upper portion, methods are used to insure that this shape is maintained during actual use. These methods prevent the lower portion of the treadmill belt from drooping down (i.e.—it must be held taut), to prevent the top portion to be pulled taut into a flat shape between the front and rear pulley rollers.

Abstract: A treadmill foldable into a chair includes a treadmill body having a base and a treadmill belt wound around the base, a stand having left and right symmetric support frames, and the bottom of the two support frames being pivotally coupled to the base by a pivot portion, and a meter installed at the top of the stand for adjusting and controlling an exercise status of the treadmill body, such that when the treadmill body is being used, the stand is erected at a front section of the base. The treadmill further includes a backrest installed between the two support frames, such that when the stand is folded towards the rear by using the pivot portion as an axial center, the stand is converted into a chair disposed on the base. The invention provides a two-in-one function and serves as a chair when not being used as a treadmill.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a treadmill or similar exercise device which utilizes a principally arm driven belt, but includes a motor assist which provides for additional drive to the belt. The motor assist device may constructively or destructively interact with the user provided motive force via the arms. Generally, the motor will allow for the device to utilize incline as well as to make the device easier to start from rest.

Abstract: A cushioning mechanism for a treadmill, wherein at least one set of the cushioning mechanism is interposed between a base frame and a running board, and wherein the cushioning mechanism includes two support hanging pieces, two swing hanging pieces, and an arched metal plate, and wherein the top surface of the arched metal plate is just in contact with the bottom surface of the running board. When the running board is subject to a downward force and sink, the arched metal plate mounted below will be compressed and expanded externally. The expansion displacement of the arched metal plate is compensated by the swing effect of the swing hanging pieces. When the external force is eliminated, the running board is returned back to its original position by the restoring ability of the arched metal plate so that an expected and optimal cushioning effect is achieved.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a frame, two rollers, a platform and a belt. The rollers are supported on the frame. The platform is supported on the frame and formed with a concave upper face. The belt is wound around the rollers and formed with a lower section and an upper section supported on the concave upper face of the concave platform.

Abstract: A treadmill for physiotherapy includes a base frame, a support apparatus, and a control apparatus. The base frame has an endless belt and a pair of rails on opposite sides of the belt. The support apparatus is engaged with the rails for reciprocation along the rails. The control apparatus has may adjust the height, direction and location of the support apparatus that that user may sit on the support apparatus and put the feet on the belt to take exercise for physiotherapy.

Abstract: A treadmill roller structure comprises a motor, a gear set and a case. The motor is an out-runner motor. The power output section of the motor rotates about stationary spindle. The rotary power output section is engaged to the gear set, while the gear set is in turn engaged to the case, thus allowing the case to rotate relatively to the spindle of the motor as well. The roller structure does not require a driving belt to transfer power from the motor to the roller, thus reduces the power loss due to frictional force during power transfer through belt driving, which enhances the performance of the motor and offers a space-saving feature. In addition, the instant disclosure also provides a treadmill.

Abstract: A mobile treadmill and a method for powering the mobile treadmill are disclosed. The mobile treadmill includes a trailer, a conveyor, a drive system, and a disconnect. Further, the mobile treadmill is powered by its linear movement on the ground. When the mobile treadmill is moved, wheels on the trailer rotate. The drive system is coupled to one of the wheels and transfers the power from the rotation of the wheel to the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of omni-directional movement including a belt layer made of a plurality of interlocking flexible rings and a surface layer made of a laterally inelastic and longitudinally flexible material that surrounds the exterior of the belt layer. The device has a bladder located in the interior of the belt layer that provides structural support for the belt layer and surface layer and a hub that is in contact with the surface layer and is connected to an axle. Longitudinal motion occurs as the bladder, the belt layer, the surface layer, and the hub rotate together. Lateral motion occurs as the belt layer and the surface layer rotate around the bladder. Longitudinal motion is induced by a plurality of electromagnetic curvilinear motor drive rings that are located around the hub and are in contact with the surface layer.

Abstract: The present invention includes a treadmill system including a support platform, a liquid tank, and a lift support structure connected to a treadmill assembly by a lifting mechanism. In general, the liquid tank and the lift, support structure including the treadmill assembly move horizontally relative to and independent of one another along the support platform to position the lift support structure away from or about the liquid tank. In addition, the treadmill assembly moves vertically relative to and independent of the lift support structure using the lifting mechanism to lower or raise the treadmill assembly within an interior of the liquid tank or exterior of the liquid tank. More importantly, the combination of the horizontal movement and the vertical movement of the treadmill assembly permits a mammal to step onto the treadmill assembly before the treadmill assembly is raised and then lowered into an interior of the liquid tank.

Abstract: A method and/or a device may limit a distance traveled by a treadle assembly in an exercise device. For example, the distance traveled by the treadle assembly may be limited by limiting a distance that a resistance element operably coupled to the treadle assembly may travel. An exercise apparatus may include a travel-limiting device or capability.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a frame, front and rear roller, a belt and at least two upper guiding units. The front and rear rollers are supported on the frame. The belt is wound around the front and rear rollers. The upper guiding units are connected to the frame and used for contact with the upper section of the belt to alleviate suspension of the upper section of the belt above the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the reeducation of motory deficiencies, comprising means for reeducation, characterized in that said device also comprises: means for maintaining the user; means for lightening the body weight of the user (27, 27?), exerting vertical traction, wherein the suspension point of said lightening means on the means for maintaining the user are located at the level of the center of gravity of the user, i.e. therebelow; and means for preventing the user from falling (21, 21?). The invention can be used to rededucate people how to walk.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus is implemented with a frame with a horizontal and vertical component and a rotatable endless belt mounted on the horizontal frame component, the belt having a surface for supporting a user. Vertical frame component has an upper body engaging element connected thereto and adapted to engage the shoulders of a user during a portion of an exercise cycle. An actuator is disposed between the upper body engaging element and the vertical frame component, wherein an increase in actuator length raises the height of the upper body engaging element relative to the belt. The upper body engaging element is positioned at a start position of low height to engage the user in a low-level position at a beginning of the exercise cycle, and the upper body engaging element increases in height as the user accelerates and rises to a fully upright position.

Abstract: A system for promoting physical activity of a participant includes a plurality of stations. The stations are discrete from one another and each includes a display surface, a station processor, and an input sensor, the input sensor generating sensor signals indicative of interaction of the participant with the station. The station processor generates feedback signals based upon the sensor signals, at least some of the feedback signals being visual signals. Each of the stations also includes a display device displaying visual feedback to the participant, the visual feedback being based upon the visual signals, and being displayed on the display surface. The system also includes a central processor in communication with the station processors, the central processor controlling the stations and coordinating operation of the stations with one another such that the participant interacts with the system using multiple of the stations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a treadmill or similar exercise device which utilizes a principally arm driven belt, but includes a motor assist which provides for additional drive to the belt. The motor assist device may constructively or destructively interact with the user provided motive force via the arms. Generally, the motor will allow for the device to utilize incline as well as to make the device easier to start from rest.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a frame, two front wheels supported on the frame, two rear wheels supported on the frame, a caterpillar track wound on the front and rear wheels, and two rolling units each connected to a related one of two edges of the caterpillar track. Each of the front wheels includes a periphery and a plurality of recesses defined in the periphery. Each of the rolling units includes rollers each of which can be received in a related one of recesses.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus in this disclosure includes a doorway mountable runner restraint device. The device has a generally rigid, preferably padded, belly pad that is placed against and in front of a user's pelvis and abdominal area. A pair of cords are attached to the belly pad, each having an opposite end attached to an elastic member. Each of the elastic members is, in turn, attached to an anchor which is removably fastened to a stationary object such as a closed door, a doorway frame, or sandwiched between a closed door and the doorway frame. A user fastens the apparatus in place in a doorway, faces away from the doorway, and places the belly pad against his or her torso directly over the pelvis area, and then runs in a direction away from the doorway. The elastic members resist and restrain the user from substantial movement away from the doorway but stretch to allow forward running movement during each step.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a walking surface including a particulate material to a user is described. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a primary endless belt that transports a walking surface formed at least in part by a particulate material. The apparatus may further include a return transport system to facilitate recycling of the particulate material to the front of the apparatus. Methods of exercise and methods of treatment using such an apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a base, a lever, an elevator, a cushion, a scale and an adjustor. The lever is connected to the base. The elevator is connected to the lever at an end and supported on the ground at another end. The cushion is connected to the base at an end and connected to the lever at another end. The scale is supported on the base. The adjustor is electrically connected to the scale so that the adjustor adjusts the cushion based on the weight of a user measured by the scale.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for pivoting a platform on a base of a treadmill. The apparatus includes two front tracks secured to the base, two front casters movable in the front tracks, an axle connected to the front casters, a sleeve for receiving the axle, two front rockers each including an end pivotally connected to the platform and another end connected to an end of the sleeve, a motor supported on the platform, an extensible element including an end operatively connected to the motor and another end connected to sleeve, two rear tracks secured to the base, two rear casters movable in the rear tracks, two rear rockers each including an end pivotally connected to the platform and another end connected to a related one of the rear casters, and two connectors each for connecting a related one of the front rockers to a related one of the rear rockers.

Abstract: A folding treadmill positioning structure includes a base frame, a treadmill platform, a first linkage connected between the base frame and the treadmill platform at the front side and defining a retaining portion, and a positioning device set, which includes a constraint member movably arranged on the rear side of the treadmill platform, a retaining member pivotally mounted on the front side of the treadmill and a connection member connecting the constraint member and the retaining member. When the treadmill platform is moved to the received position, the retaining member is forced into engagement with the retaining portion, locking the treadmill platform in the received position.

Abstract: A buffer board for a treadmill includes a bamboo strip portion and an endurable slide plate. The bamboo strip portion is composed of at least one longitudinal bamboo strip and at least one transverse bamboo strip. The longitudinal bamboo strip and the transverse bamboo strip are crosswise knitted to constitute a woven bamboo plate. The woven bamboo plate can be stacked one by one to constitute a stack of woven bamboo plates in a desired thickness for enhancing the strength of the buffer board. The longitudinal bamboo strips connected side by side and the transverse bamboo strips connected side by side are stacked up to constitute a laminated bamboo board. The upper woven bamboo plate or the laminated bamboo board is attached with the endurable slide board. After being applied with a press force, the surface of the endurable slide board is formed with concave-convex massage pattern according to the pattern of the woven bamboo plate or the laminated bamboo board.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an exercise device comprising a plurality of belt members attached to, and arranged in parallel on a base frame, the exercise device further comprising at least one frictional member disposed in frictional contact with, and forcibly biased against a surface of at least roller in communication with the belt such that an external force applied to at least one of the belts is opposed by a frictional force provided by the frictional contact between the frictional member and the roller. A method of exercising using the exercise device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a frame, at least two rollers, a belt and at least one guiding element. The rollers are supported on the frame. The belt is wound around the rollers. The guiding element is in contact with an upper face of an upper section of the belt to avoid suspension of the upper section of the belt above the frame.

Abstract: To support a deck of an exercise treadmill one or more arcuate leaf springs are used in a deck support structure. The leaf springs can be made of a single member of elastomeric material. An adjustment mechanism can be used to changed the radius of the leaf springs in order to vary spring rates of the leaf springs. Where a number of different leaf springs are used, the adjustment mechanism can be used to adjust the spring rates of different springs independently.

Abstract: A foldable treadmill comprising a base bracket, a deck coupled to the base bracket for moving between a use position and a stored position, a support post extending upwardly and movably coupled to the deck, and a handle pivotally connected to the support post. A handle linkage can be coupled to the handle, and a lifting device can be coupled between the base bracket and the handle linkage for moving the handle when the deck is being moved. In one embodiment, the lifting device includes a support rod coupled to the support post and a deck rod coupled between the base bracket and the support rod. In this embodiment, the support rod has a first portion slidably coupled to the deck and another portion coupled to the handle linkage. The treadmill can further include a control panel movably coupled to the top portion of the support post. Preferably, a link bar is coupled between the control panel and the handle for moving the control panel when the deck is being moved.

Abstract: An electric treadmill with a folding mechanism by use of two swivel pieces includes a handrail frame mounted at both sides of the front end of the base frame. A base frame swivel piece is pivotally positioned at both sides near the front part of the bottom of the base frame, respectively. A handrail frame swivel piece is pivotally disposed near the bottom of the handrail frames, respectively. A pull rod is pivotally interposed between the swivel pieces. A movable support with ground-touching rollers is pivotally coupled to a cross shaft of the base frame swivel pieces. Moreover, the movable support is constantly biased by a telescopic supporting element. In this way, an action bar of the telescopic supporting element pushes the movable support forward when the base frame is folded upwards. Meanwhile, the ground-touching rollers are constantly in contact with the ground. Accordingly, a stable folded-up position is achieved.

Abstract: An exercise treadmill having an endless exercise surface for walking or running while exercising, a resistance mechanism for providing a resistance for simulating the pushing or pulling of a load, wherein the resistance can be adjusted and set to a specific resistance setting. A movable pushing and pulling means is or are operatively attached to the resistance mechanism to transfer the load to the user. The resistance mechanism applies a constant and static force to the pushing and pulling means only in the same direction the endless movable surface moves and opposite a pushing or pulling direction such that operating the treadmill simulates the pushing or pulling of a load by a combination of gripping and pushing or pulling the pushing and pulling means forward or backwards while walking or running forward or backwards.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a base, a supporting unit provided on the base, an upper controller located on the supporting unit, a lower controller located on the base and electrically connected to the upper controller, two rollers located on the base, a platform located between the rollers, a magnet attached to the platform, a belt made in the form of a loop wound around the rollers, a motor for driving one of the rollers; and a sensor attached to the base and electrically to both of the upper and lower controllers and for sensing movement of the magnet.

Abstract: A new apparatus, system and method for fall prevention training is provided that delivers, studies and analyzes the biomechanics of a disturbance event, such as a slip or trip incident, so that an appropriate response can be executed by the person to reduce or eliminate the number of falls experienced. The apparatus includes a platform that delivers a disturbance event in less than about 500 ms and preferably in the range of about 100 ms to about 200 ms. The method includes a unique protocol for fall prevention training using the apparatus. The disturbance event can create instability in the joint of the individual. An individual's walking gait can be monitored with the portions thereof detected. A disturbance event can be triggered when a given portion of the walking gait is detected. Also, the disturbance even can be triggered manually, at preset intervals or according to preset script.

Abstract: A treadmill roller structure comprises a motor, a gear set and a case. The motor is an out-runner motor. The power output section of the motor rotates about stationary spindle. The rotary power output section is engaged to the gear set, while the gear set is in turn engaged to the case, thus allowing the case to rotate relatively to the spindle of the motor as well. The roller structure does not require a driving belt to transfer power from the motor to the roller, thus reduces the power loss due to frictional force during power transfer through belt driving, which enhances the performance of the motor and offers a space-saving feature. In addition, the instant disclosure also provides a treadmill.

Abstract: Sensing applications for exercise machines are described. An example sensing application for profiling a workout session of an exercise machine comprises a user interface to input physical characteristics or workout parameters. A sensor is operatively coupled to the exercise machine to generate an output signal in proportion to a magnitude of a force imparted on the exercise machine in response to an impact to the exercise machine. A control system processes the output signal to determine a magnitude of a peak or trough value of the output signal, where the control system is to process the peak or trough value of the output signal to profile the exercise session.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for gravity-balanced apparatuses for training humans for space exploration and other applications. The embodiment of the simulation apparatus is less expensive to build and safe to operate and adaptable to numerous applications, including but not limited to theme parks, museums, training facilities, educational/research labs, and others, for people to experience walking and other perambulations in lower or zero gravity environments. The present invention is statically-balanced and comprises a spring apparatus that is easily adjusted. An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus and method for simulating walking in a zero-gravity or reduced-gravity environment.

Abstract: An integral treadmill resistance training apparatus includes a treadmill having a treadway; left and right support columns, each support column including a base portion connected to the treadmill and an upper portion extending upward from the base portion; first and second translation members, each of the first and second translation members rotatingly connected to the left and right support column upper portions, respectively, at a translation axis, each of the translation members including one or more resistance strap connection points radially distal from the translation axis; first and second articulated handles connected to the first and second translation members, respectively; first and second handle locking mechanisms engageable with the first and second translation members and the first and second handles, respectively; and, one or more resistance straps removably connectable between each of the first and second translation members and the left and right support columns, respectively.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a first treadle assembly supporting a first moving surface and a second treadle assembly supporting a second moving surface. The exercise device further includes an upper body exercise assembly operably associated with the exercise device. The first treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure, and the second treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure. In another form, an exercise device includes a frame structure, a first treadle assembly having a first endless belt in rotatable engagement with a first roller, a second treadle assembly having a second endless belt in rotatable engagement with a second roller, and a flywheel operably coupled with the first endless belt and the second endless belt.

Abstract: Apparatus for exercising a person's balance control, the apparatus comprising: a motion stage operable to displace an object mounted thereto; a treadmill mounted to the stage and comprising a belt having a runway surface on which a person using the treadmill stands, walks and/or runs; and a controller that controls the motion stage to provide a displacement of the treadmill and thereby the treadmill runway surface.

Abstract: A folding treadmill includes a base frame, a running platform having a first end thereof pivotally connected to the base frame, a lifting mechanism mounted to one end of the base frame and to the first end of the running platform for lifting the associated first end of the running platform relative to the base frame A damping device is mounted to the base frame, and a folding mechanism having a lift cylinder is installed in the running platform and a link is pivotally connected between the lift cylinder and the damping device.

Abstract: A belt comprising a foamed layer (1, 3, 6, 17, 23), characterised in that this foamed layer (1, 3, 6, 17, 23) contains a foam of a thermoplastic elastomer which in the unfoamed state has a Shore A hardness of at the most 85. The thermoplastic elastomer may in particular be a substantially random ethylene/C3-12-?-olefin copolymer, optionally blended with a compatible thermoplastic; a thermoplastic elastomeric block copolymer such as TPE-U; a blend of thermoplastics and elastomers; an alloy of thermoplastics and elastomers; a thermoplastic elastomeric ionomer; a blend of TPE-U with another thermoplastic elastomer; or a blend of TPE-U with an elastomer. The belt may in particular be a conveyor belt, a transport belt, a treadmill belt or a printing blanket.

Abstract: An exercise gaming device in which the user stands in front of a housing having a plurality of rows of lights extending from the front of the housing to the rear of the housing. The rows of lights are sequentially illuminated to give the illusion that the lights are an illuminated light rope over which the user must jump. There is a sensor in the jump area that is electrically connected to the illuminated lights to determine if the user jumps at the correct time when the lights at the bottom of the housing are illuminated. The device continues to rotate the light rope as long as the user continues jumping at the appropriate time, or until the game ends.

Abstract: An exercise device can include a frame, first and second treadle assemblies, and a one-way drive system. Each treadle assembly can include a deck and tread belt rotatably coupled to the deck. The treadle assemblies can be pivotably mounted to the frame. Downward movement of the two treadle assemblies can cause the tread belts associated with the treadle assemblies to rotate relative to their decks.

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: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that allow sports or other equipment, such as gym or other cardio equipment, to write data to a media player. Examples further provide the uploading of this data to a computer and third-party website. To monitor progress, the third-party website can be used to track workout data over time. The third party-website can also collect data from other users, which is particularly useful for providing a competitive environment. This data can then be graphically displayed in various ways to provide encouragement.

Abstract: A vibration-exercising machine has a supporting frame, a main platform being mounted on the supporting frame, at least one additional platform being mounted on the supporting frame and multiple vibrators being mounted in each corresponding platform. The vibration-exercising machine allows different parts of a user to be vibrated and exercised efficiently at the same time with easy and comfortable poses.