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Cushioning mechanism for a treadmill

Cushioning mechanism for a treadmill description/claims

1. Field of the invention

The invention relates to a cushioning mechanism for a treadmill, and more particularly, to a cushioning mechanism having a compact configuration while achieving an optimal shock-absorbing effect.

2. Description of the Prior Art

A cushioning mechanism of a treadmill is adapted to support a platform frame. A vibration action is created when the platform frame is exposed to a continuous treading force by an operator thereon. A reaction force will, in turn, act on the feet of the operator, thereby giving him a little discomfort now and again. This discomfort can be relieved by the cushioning mechanism.

Accordingly, a few rows of resilient pads are provided between the platform frame and the base frame of the treadmill to achieve an expected shock-absorbing effect. Such a conventional configuration can be easily obtained from e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,07,7200, 5,746,682, etc.

However, the aforementioned construction is prone to trouble with respect to its assembly, maintenance, and replacement. In particular, the disassembly and assembly of the continuous moving belt and the platform often frustrate do-it-yourselfers during the maintenance of the treadmill. Finally, they often have no choice but to turn to professional mechanic for help.

Thus, based on the above described drawbacks of the prior art, the designer would like to employ a mechanism exposed to the outside of the main body of the treadmill for an easy assembly while achieving the same effects. In this way, maintenance and replacement operations can be considerably simplified. Thus, a pair of ⊃-shaped rigid connection elements and a pair of pivotal rigid cushioning elements that are interposed between the bottom surface of both sides of the platform frame and the base bars. Moreover, an auxiliary supporting element is pivotally interposed between both sides of the platform frame and the handle frame assembly, respectively. As a result, a complete cushioning and restoring effect can be ensured. In this way, the drawbacks of the prior art in use can be eliminated. This is the main object of the invention.

Another object of the invention is to provide the means such that the user can adjust the cushioning force of the cushioning element by himself. In this way, the user can perform an operator-oriented adjustment according to personal operation habits for ensuring a comfortable operation. Accordingly, a resistance-adjusting element is provided at the bottom of the guidewheel. A free personal adjustment of the cushioning force may be achieved by the inclination of the resistance-adjusting element 42.

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the resistance-adjusting element in accordance with the invention that is located in a nearly horizontal position;

FIG. 3 is an operational side view according to the state of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the resistance-adjusting element in accordance with the invention that is located in an inclined position;

FIG. 5 is an operational side view according to the state of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing of another preferred embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing of a further preferred embodiment of the invention.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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