| Adjustable and foldable lightweight treadmill exercise apparatus -> Monitor Keywords |
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Adjustable and foldable lightweight treadmill exercise apparatusAdjustable and foldable lightweight treadmill exercise apparatus description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080070756, Adjustable and foldable lightweight treadmill exercise apparatus. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001]Not applicable. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002]Not applicable. THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT [0003]Not applicable. INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTTED ON A COMPACT DISC [0004]Not applicable. REFERENCE TO A "MICROFICHE APPENDIX" [0005]Not applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0006]1. Field of the Present Disclosure [0007]This disclosure relates generally to exercise equipment and more particularly to a treadmill type apparatus capable of being folded for storage. [0008]2. Description of Related Art including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98 Chu, U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,747, discloses a foldable treadmill that can be easily reoriented for variable exercise inclinations, as well as, for convenient storage. The treadmill includes a tread assembly and an A-frame assembly positioned about the front end of the tread assembly. The A-frame assembly includes an inclination support connected to a front end of the tread assembly by hinges for varying inclination of the tread assembly. The inclination support can be driven by a motor to rotate the inclination support about such that the inclination support vertically displaces the front end of the tread assembly thereby varying the inclination of the tread assembly. The A-frame assembly includes intermediate and front supports hinged to each other at upper ends thereof. The tread assembly is rotatable to a generally vertical orientation for storage. In the stored position, the spacing between front and intermediate supports is reduced, further facilitating storage. The A-frame assembly can further include a handle assembly having upper portion having handles and a lower portion in motive relation to the tread assembly such that variation in inclination corresponds to vertical displacement of the handle assembly. Dalebout, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,362, discloses a treadmill with an adjustable cushioning mechanism configured to adjustably cushion the impact to a user who is exercising on the treadmill. The adjustable cushioning members allow the user to select the amount of cushioning that will be provided while the user is exercising on the treadmill by adjusting the cushioning members to individualize the amount of cushioning for a specific user as well as for a particular type of exercises. The treadmill comprises a frame and an endless belt trained on the frame. The belt has an upwardly exposed exercise section. A deck is disposed between the exercise section of the belt and the frame. The treadmill also comprises a plurality of cushioning members each having a plurality of portions with different cushioning properties. The cushioning members are positioned on opposing sides of the frame. The cushioning members are mechanically interconnected such that movement of one of the cushioning members results in corresponding movement of the other of the cushioning members. The cushioning members are configured to be adjusted so as to selectively position a portion of the cushioning members between the frame and the deck. An adjustable flexible cantilever is disclosed that comprises an arm and a bumper. The arm has one end mounted to the frame and the other end freely disposed from the frame. The bumper extends between the free end of the arm and the deck. A brace mounted to the frame adjacent to the cantilever that can be selectively moved along the length of the cantilever. Dalebout, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,174,267, discloses a treadmill with an adjustable cushioning mechanism configured to adjustably cushion the impact to a user who is exercising on the treadmill. The adjustable cushioning members allow the user to select the amount of cushioning that will be provided while the user is exercising on the treadmill by adjusting the cushioning members to individualize the amount of cushioning for a specific user as well as for a particular type of exercises. The treadmill comprises a frame and an endless belt trained on the frame. The belt has an upwardly exposed exercise section. A deck is disposed between the exercise section of the belt and the frame. The treadmill also comprises a plurality of cushioning members each having a plurality of portions with different cushioning properties. The cushioning members are positioned on opposing sides of the frame. The cushioning members are mechanically interconnected such that movement of one of the cushioning members results in corresponding movement of the other of the cushioning members. The cushioning members are configured to be adjusted so as to selectively position a portion of the cushioning members between the frame and the deck. An adjustable flexible cantilever is disclosed that comprises an arm and a bumper. The arm has one end mounted to the frame and the other end freely disposed from the frame. The bumper extends between the free end of the arm and the deck. A brace mounted to the frame adjacent to the cantilever that can be selectively moved along the length of the cantilever. Liu, U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,925, discloses a running exerciser includes a vertical column, a base seat and a longitudinal transmission mechanism. The inclination of the base seat can be adjusted from downward slope to upward slope and folded. Therefore, the range of adjustment of inclination is widened. The running exerciser driven by the transmission mechanism has high stability and the folding and inclination adjustment of the running exerciser can be accomplished by only one power source. The structure of the running exerciser is simple and the cost is low. Also, the safety in use of the running exerciser can be ensured. Hurt, U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,634 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,638, disclose a fold-up treadmill apparatus intended for in-place walking, jogging, and running exercise. The treadmill apparatus includes a base assembly and a treadmill assembly. The treadmill assembly has a forward end and a rearward end. According to the presently most preferred embodiment, the forward portion of the treadmill assembly is pivotally mounted to the base assembly and the rearward end is free. The treadmill assembly includes a means for raising and lowering the forward end of the treadmill assembly, whereby the incline of the treadmill assembly can be adjusted between about zero degrees to the horizontal and about fifteen degrees to the horizontal when the rearward end of the treadmill assembly is supported on a floor. The rearward end of the treadmill assembly can also be pivotally rotated upward and about the pivotal connection to the base assembly, whereby the treadmill assembly can be moved between a substantially horizontal position for use during an exercise session and a substantially vertical position for temporary storage. Wang, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,842, discloses a present invention that relates to an improved electric treadmill with a single motor for adjusting the height of a running board and for folding the treadmill in which another motor is provided at the bottom of the running support in order to transmit a worm shaft which drives a gearbox in order for a polygonal output shaft at two sides of said gearbox to rotate at the original position; thereafter, two connecting rods of pulley blocks are driven to perform a height-adjusting action of the treadmill. Moreover, the actuating rod includes a pin at a proper position, and the running support contains a hole so that a pivoting fixing is created by means of the pin and the hole. Accordingly, after the two actuating rods are driven by the motor and another parts, the running support can be lifted or lowered in order to achieve the folding effect of the treadmill. Dalebout, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,218, discloses a fold-out treadmill that includes a deck having a rear end that is attached to a stationary base. The deck has a front end, a rear end, and a continuous belt rotatably mounted thereon. The rear end of the deck is moveably attached to the base so as to enable the deck to be selectively rotated between an operational position in which the deck is positioned for operation by a user positioned thereon and a storage position in which the deck is positioned proximate to the handrail. The treadmill also includes a collapsible handrail that has a rear end attached to the deck and an opposing front end projecting above the front end of the deck when the deck is in the operational position. The handrail is configured such that when the deck is moved between the operational position and the storage position the handrail does not extend beyond the rear end of the base. The treadmill also includes a fold-out assembly movably connecting the rear end of the handrail to the deck so as to enable the front end of the handrail to project above the front end of the deck when the deck is in the operational position and to automatically collapse into a compact storage configuration when the deck is rotated into the storage position. The fold-out assembly is configured such that the handrail is repositioned by a combination of pivotal movement and linear translation relative to the deck as the deck is selectively rotated from the storage position into the operational position. The fold-out assembly comprises a leg and a slider assembly. The slider assembly is connected to the rear end of the handrail and is configured to allow linear translation of the handrail relative to the deck when the deck is selectively rotated between the storage position and the operational position. Watterson, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,453 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,624 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,560, disclose a treadmill that 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 in 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. Watterson, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,332 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,325, disclose a cabinet that has a tread base rotatably connected to be oriented in an exercise position extending outwardly and in a stored position extending inwardly secured within the enclosure of the cabinet. The underside of the tread base may be configured to provide a suitable aesthetic exterior surface. A latching arrangement is provided to secure the tread base within the enclosure in the second or stored position. Elevation structure and motor structure are provided to elevate the tread base when in the first position and to power the endless belt of the tread base when in the first position. The elevation structure may be operated to vary the inclination of the tread base when in the first position. The underside of the tread base has a decorative panel and functions as a door for the cabinet. The elevation structure may include an electrically driven rack and pinion as well as a gas cylinder system. Stevens, U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,228, discloses a folding treadmill exercise device that includes a frame adapted to extend in a substantially vertical direction during operation of the device and a substantially planar bed having a plurality of rollers and an endless belt disposed about the rollers. The bed is slidably and pivotally connected to the frame proximate a first end of the bed, wherein the bed is adapted to selectively slide along the frame and simultaneously pivot relative to the frame between a substantially horizontal operative position and a substantially vertical storage position. A lift assist mechanism adapted to urge the bed towards an upper end of the frame is provided to facilitate movement of the bed between its operative and storage positions. The bed may also be adjustably connected to the frame wherein height of the first end of the bed is selectively adjustable relative to height of a second end of the bed when the bed is in the substantially horizontal operative position. Hurt, U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,577, discloses a fold-up treadmill apparatus for in-place walking, jogging, and running exercise is provided. The treadmill apparatus includes a base assembly and a treadmill assembly. The treadmill assembly has a forward end and a rearward end. According to the presently most preferred embodiment, the forward portion of the treadmill assembly is pivotally mounted to the base assembly and the rearward end is free. The treadmill assembly includes a means for raising and lowering the forward end of the treadmill assembly, whereby the incline of the treadmill assembly can be adjusted between about zero degrees to the horizontal and about fifteen degrees to the horizontal when the rearward end of the treadmill assembly is supported on a floor. The rearward end of the treadmill assembly can also be pivotally rotated upward and about the pivotal connection to the base assembly, whereby the treadmill assembly can be moved between a substantially horizontal position for use during an exercise session and a substantially vertical position for temporary storage. Coody, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,537, discloses a foldable treadmill that is provided with a powered folding capability. The treadmill has a support and a track bed. The front end of the track bed is disposed pivotally to the support, and an incline motor connects to the support and to the track bed. The motor is operated to fold or unfold the track bed. The track bed back end can be raised or lowered, and the incline of the track bed can be adjusted up or down at the front end of the track bed. The support can be an upright support. A slot is formed in the upright support. The track bed adjustably connects to the slot. As the incline of a track bed is adjusted with the incline motor, the track bed is guided in the slot. Coody, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,648, disclose a treadmill that includes an up-right support, a track bed, and a gas spring attached at one end to the up-right support, and at the other end to the track bed. The treadmill further includes a latch attached to the up-right support adapted to connect with the end of the gas spring which is attached to the track bed. The latch may, preferably attach to a rod, which extends from the track bed and is attached to the gas spring. An incline motor attached to a middle portion of a frame retracts or extends a motor tube. This action, rotates an incline bracket connected to the motor tube and to a rear portion of a frame, to lower or raise a set of wheels connected to at the ends of the incline bracket. Dalebout, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,834, discloses a foldable treadmill that includes a deck having a rear end that is hingedly attached to a stationary base. The deck can be selectively rotated between an operational position, wherein the deck is substantially level, and a storage position, wherein the front end of the deck is lifted so that the deck is substantially upright. The treadmill also includes a handrail that is movably attached to the deck. The handrail has a first end attached to the base and an opposing second end projecting above the front end of the deck when the deck is in the operational position. The handrail is configured to automatically collapse into substantial alignment with the deck when the deck is rotated into the storage position. The deck and the handrail are configured such that the treadmill can be selectively stored against a wall and the deck selectively rotated from the storage position to the operational position causing the handrail to also move without either the deck or handrail contacting the wall. The deck selectively rotates into an operational position in which the handrail extends toward the front of the deck thereby allowing the user to face away from the wall. Hurt, U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,893 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,076, discloses a fold-up treadmill apparatus intended for in-place walking, jogging, and running exercise. The treadmill apparatus includes a base assembly and a treadmill assembly. The treadmill assembly has a forward end and a rearward end. According to the presently most preferred embodiment, the forward portion of the treadmill assembly is pivotally mounted to the base assembly and the rearward end is free. The treadmill assembly includes a means for raising and lowering the forward end of the treadmill assembly, whereby the incline of the treadmill assembly can be adjusted between about zero degrees to the horizontal and about fifteen degrees to the horizontal when the rearward end of the treadmill assembly is supported on a floor. The rearward end of the treadmill assembly can also be pivotally rotated upward and about the pivotal connection to the base assembly, whereby the treadmill assembly can be moved between a substantially horizontal position for use during an exercise session and a substantially vertical position for temporary storage. Watterson, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,557, discloses a treadmill that 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 in 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. Watterson, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,857, discloses a cabinet that has a tread base rotatably connected to be oriented in an exercise position extending outwardly and in a stored position extending inwardly secured within the enclosure of the cabinet. The underside of the tread base may be configured to provide a suitable aesthetic exterior surface. A latching arrangement is provided to secure the tread base within the enclosure in the second or stored position. Elevation structure and motor structure are provided to elevate the tread base when in the first position and to power the endless belt of the tread base when in the first position. The elevation structure may be operated to vary the inclination of the tread base when in the first position. The underside of the tread base has a decorative panel and functions as a door for the cabinet. The elevation structure may include an electrically driven rack and pinion as well as a gas cylinder system. Watterson, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,140 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,156, disclose a treadmill that 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 in 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. [0010]The related art described above discloses several exercise equipments and in particular treadmill devices. The '747 reference is most similar to the presently described apparatus and this patent document is hereby incorporated by reference into the present application. However, the prior art fails to disclose the simplified and foldable treadmill of the present disclosure. In particular, the present invention distinguishes over the '747 invention by introducing a simplified structure that results in light weight, simplified assembly, low cost, more compact storage, and superior ease of use. The present disclosure distinguishes over the prior art in general providing heretofore unknown advantages as described in the following summary. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0011]This disclosure teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below. [0012]The chief drawback to current treadmill exercisers is that they are physically large and also quite heavy so as to be inconvenient for use in the home. However, such treadmill devices are very popular and the exercise that they afford is of such value that a strong demand exists for a lightweight folding treadmill. The present apparatus provides a treadmill frame rotationally supporting spaced apart rollers in turn rotatingly engaging a treadmill belt for revolving around the rollers and a motor frame pivotally engaged with the treadmill frame, the frame supporting a drive motor providing rotation of the treadmill belt. An upright frame in a simple rectangular shape with side struts pivotally engaged with the motor frame and a lower lateral struts positioned below the motor frame in a position for resting on a supporting surface. The treadmill frame, motor frame, upright frame and a support strut rotatable about pivots so as to position the treadmill frame at angles relative to the upright frame. A linear extender is engaged for setting an inclination of the treadmill belt relative to a supporting surface. [0013]A primary objective inherent in the above described apparatus and method of use is to provide advantages not taught by the prior art. [0014]Another objective is to provide a light weight treadmill that is able to be easily folded flat for storage. [0015]A further objective is to provide such a treadmill that is able to provide variable tread speed as well as variable inclination angle. [0016]Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the presently described apparatus and method of its use. Continue reading about Adjustable and foldable lightweight treadmill exercise apparatus... Full patent description for Adjustable and foldable lightweight treadmill exercise apparatus Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Adjustable and foldable lightweight treadmill exercise apparatus patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Adjustable and foldable lightweight treadmill exercise apparatus or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Machines and methods for combined and isolated upper and lower body workouts Next Patent Application: Device for the reeducation of motory deficiencies, particularly deficiencies when walking, in patients Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Adjustable and foldable lightweight treadmill exercise apparatus patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.22493 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Accenture , Agouron Pharmaceuticals , Amgen , AT&T , Bausch & Lomb , Callaway Golf 174 |
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