US20130281241A1 - Treadbelts Comprising a Specialized Surface, Treadmills Including Such Treadbelts, and Related Methods - Google Patents
Treadbelts Comprising a Specialized Surface, Treadmills Including Such Treadbelts, and Related Methods Download PDFInfo
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- US20130281241A1 US20130281241A1 US13/864,572 US201313864572A US2013281241A1 US 20130281241 A1 US20130281241 A1 US 20130281241A1 US 201313864572 A US201313864572 A US 201313864572A US 2013281241 A1 US2013281241 A1 US 2013281241A1
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- treadbelt
- fibers
- textile layer
- major surface
- treadmill
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills
- A63B22/0285—Physical characteristics of the belt, e.g. material, surface, indicia
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to exercise devices and components for exercise devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to treadbelts for treadmills that include a specialized surface, treadmills including such treadbelts, and related methods.
- Conventional treadmills may include a treadbelt with a relatively flat surface that is compatible with running shoes. Such treadbelts may be effective for exercise and may provide a relatively comfortable surface for users. Such treadbelts, however, do not provide users with the feel and response of various common running surfaces. A treadbelt available to a football player would be no different than a treadbelt for a track runner, or for a beach volleyball player. Accordingly, if an athlete is not able to train on their actual field or environment, they are not currently able to approximate the running conditions of their sport on a treadmill. Additionally, conventional treadmills are not configured for footwear other than running shoes.
- a treadbelt for a treadmill may include a major surface having a plurality of tufts extending therethrough.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include a first textile layer and a plurality of fibers extending through the first textile layer to provide the plurality of tufts.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include a plurality of fibers that are sized, shaped and positioned to exhibit the appearance of turf.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include fibers having a cross-sectional shape exhibiting a breadth that is greater than a width thereof.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include fibers having a cross-section sized and shaped generally as a cross-section of a blade of grass.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include fibers having a generally circular cross-sectional shape.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include polymer fibers.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include at least one of polyamide fibers and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers.
- PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include a plurality of fibers that extend over a portion of a first side of the first textile layer and the free ends of each of the plurality of fibers extending from an opposing second side of the first textile layer.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include a first textile layer including a woven textile layer.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include a second textile layer adhered to the first side of the first textile layer and extending over the middle portion of each of the plurality of fibers.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the first textile layer having polyester yarns.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include fibers extending substantially straight from the second side of the first textile layer.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include fibers extending in a generally helical shape from the second side of the first textile layer.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include a major surface comprising a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include a plurality of protrusions spatially distributed on the major surface of the treadbelt in an irregular and non-repeating configuration.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the plurality of protrusions exhibiting irregular and non-repeating shapes.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the appearance of naturally occurring rock shapes.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include a major surface configured to approximate to a runner the impact response of at least one of turf, sand, a trail, a ground vulcanized rubber track, and a hardwood surface.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include a major surface configured to approximate to a runner the visual appearance of at least one of turf, sand, a trail, a ground vulcanized rubber track surface, and a hardwood surface.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a treadmill including a treadbelt having tufts extending therefrom according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of an interior of a base portion of the treadmill of FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the treadbelt of FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional detail view of a portion of the treadbelt of FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment.
- FIGS. 5-9 illustrate cross-sectional views of fibers of a treadbelt, such as shown in FIG. 1 , according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a plan view of an interior of a base portion of a treadmill, such as shown in FIG. 1 , with a treadbelt having protrusions extending therefrom, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional detail view of a portion of the treadbelt of FIG. 10 , according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional detail view of a portion of a treadbelt that approximates a sandy beach according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional detail view of a portion of a treadbelt that approximates a track according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional detail view of a portion of a treadbelt that approximates a hardwood floor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the present disclosure provides a treadbelt for a treadmill that includes a specialized surface, such as a tufted surface and/or a surface having similarities to a natural surface.
- a specialized surface on a treadbelt may provide the user with a feel and response similar to a specific running surface, such as turf, a mountain trail, or another running surface, which may facilitate training for specific running conditions and sports.
- connection and “associated with” are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect connections and associations. Further, these terms are not restricted to mechanical attachments, but also include frictional, adhesive, magnetic and other attachments.
- a treadmill 10 may include a frame 12 , a treadbelt 14 and a deck 16 .
- the frame 12 may include various parts of the treadmill 10 and may impart structural stability and/or support to the treadmill 10 .
- the treadbelt 14 When installed on the treadmill, the treadbelt 14 is exposed at an upper region of the deck 16 , and provides a movable surface upon which a user may walk and/or run.
- the treadmill 10 may additionally include a drive motor 18 associated with the treadbelt 14 , positioned and configured to drive the treadbelt 14 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the drive motor 18 may be connected to a roller 20 with a belt 22 and the treadbelt 14 may be positioned over the roller 20 .
- the treadbelt 14 may include a major surface 24 comprising a plurality of tufts 26 extending therefrom.
- a plurality of fibers 28 , 30 may extend from the surface 24 of the treadbelt 14 to form the tufts 26 , and the plurality of fibers 28 , 30 may be sized, shaped and positioned to exhibit the appearance of turf. Additionally, the plurality of tufts 26 may provide a surface 24 on the treadbelt 14 that exhibits a feel and/or an impact response similar to turf.
- the treadbelt 14 may include one or more textile layers 32 , 34 and the plurality of fibers 28 , 30 may extend through at least one textile layer 32 to provide the plurality of tufts 26 extending from the major surface 24 of the treadbelt 14 .
- the treadbelt 14 may include a first textile layer 32 and a second textile layer 34 and, optionally, additional layers.
- the first textile layer 32 may include a woven textile comprising weft yarns interwoven with warp yarns, which may extend perpendicular to the weft yarns.
- the yarns of the first textile layer 32 may be made of a synthetic material, such as a polymer (e.g., polyester).
- the fibers 28 , 30 may be threaded between and around yarns of the first textile layer 32 .
- a middle portion 36 of each of the plurality of fibers 28 , 30 may extend over a portion of a first side 38 of the first textile layer 32 and the free ends 40 of each of the plurality of fibers 28 , 30 may extend from an opposing second side 42 of the first textile layer 32 .
- the middle portion 36 of the fibers 28 , 30 may extend around warp yarns of the first textile layer 32 .
- the middle portion 36 of the fibers 28 , 30 may extend around the weft yarns of the first textile layer 32 .
- the middle portion 36 of the fibers 28 , 30 may extend around both the warp and weft yarns of the first textile layer 32 .
- a second textile layer 34 may be adhered to the first side 38 of the first textile layer 32 and may extend over the middle portion 36 of the fibers 28 , 30 .
- the second textile layer 34 may be also be comprised of a woven textile.
- the second textile layer 34 , and an adhesive 44 between the first and second textile layers 32 , 34 may hold the fibers 28 , 30 in place and prevent the fibers 28 , 30 from pulling out of the first textile layer 32 during normal operation of the treadmill 10 .
- the second textile layer 34 may also form a second major surface of the treadbelt 14 (i.e., an inner surface of the treadbelt).
- the second textile layer 34 of the treadbelt 14 may contact the rollers 20 and the deck 16 of the treadmill 10 when installed thereon and may provide a relatively low friction interface between the deck 16 of the treadmill 10 and the treadbelt 14 .
- Additional material layers may also be positioned adjacent to the second textile layer 34 to provide the interface between the deck 16 of the treadmill 10 and the treadbelt 14 .
- a cushioning layer 46 may be positioned over the second side 42 of the first textile layer 32 and the fibers 28 , 30 may extend through the cushioning layer 46 .
- the cushioning layer 46 may include one or more of a polymer material, a polymer foam, and a non-woven textile.
- the cushioning layer 46 combined with the tufts 26 , may be selected to provide an impact response (i.e., foot-feel) approximating turf.
- the fibers 28 , 30 may have one or more cross-sectional shapes, which may affect the look and/or feel of the fibers 28 , 30 (e.g., giving the fibers 28 , 30 the look and/or feel of blades of grass).
- the plurality of fibers 28 , 30 may include fibers 28 , 30 having a cross-sectional shape exhibiting a breadth that is greater than a width thereof, as shown in FIGS. 5-8 , similar to a blade of grass.
- fibers 28 , 30 may have a cross-section shaped generally as a rectangle, as shown in FIG. 5 , or a rounded rectangle, as shown in FIG. 6 .
- fibers 28 , 30 may have a cross-section shaped generally as a chevron, as shown in FIG. 7 .
- fibers 28 , 30 may have an arcuate cross-sectional shape, as shown in FIG. 8 .
- fibers 28 , 30 may have a circular cross-sectional shape, as shown in FIG. 9 .
- the plurality of fibers 28 , 30 that form the tufts 26 may include fibers 28 that extend substantially straight in a relaxed state (i.e., straight fibers) and may, include fibers 30 that extend in a generally helical shape (i.e., curly fibers).
- the straight fibers 28 may extend beyond the curly fibers 30 and visibly appear as blades of grass.
- the curly fibers 30 may be somewhat obscured from view by the straight fibers 28 , but may provide structure to keep the straight fibers 28 extended substantially perpendicular to the surface of the treadbelt and reduce matting of the fibers 28 .
- the curly fibers 30 may provide resilience to the tufts 26 and provide a cushioning effect to a user running on the treadmill 10 .
- the fibers 28 , 30 may be comprised of a synthetic material, such as a polymer.
- the plurality of fibers 28 , 30 may include at least one of polymer fibers, polyamide fibers, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers.
- a treadbelt may include another specialized surface.
- a treadbelt 50 for a treadmill may include a major surface 52 having protrusions 54 extending therefrom.
- the protrusions 54 may be spatially distributed on the major surface 52 of the treadbelt 50 in an irregular and non-repeating configuration, so as to approximate the look and/or feel of a trail, or another natural footpath.
- the protrusions 54 may include irregular and non-repeating shapes.
- the protrusions 54 may exhibit the appearance of naturally occurring rock shapes.
- the treadbelt may include at least one textile layer 56 , 58 , a texture layer 60 , and, optionally, a cushion layer 62 .
- a first textile layer 56 may be a woven textile that may provide structural strength (e.g., tensile strength) to the treadbelt 50 . Accordingly, the first textile layer 56 may be formed, at least in part, of high strength synthetic yarns, such as polymer yarns (e.g., polyester yarns).
- a second textile layer 58 may be adhered to a first side 64 of the first textile layer 56 , such as with an adhesive material, and the second textile layer 58 may provide an exterior surface of the interior of the treadbelt 50 . Accordingly, the second textile layer 58 may provide a relatively low friction interface between the treadbelt 50 and a deck of a treadmill.
- the texture layer 60 may be formed from a relatively hard polymer material and may include the plurality of protrusions 54 molded or otherwise formed thereon.
- the optional cushion layer 62 may be positioned over a second side 66 (opposing the first side) of the first textile layer 56 , between the first textile layer 56 and the texture layer 60 .
- the cushion layer 62 may be adhered to the second side of the first textile layer 56 by an adhesive, or may include a polymer that is applied to the first textile layer 56 in a less than fully cured state and cured on the first textile layer 56 .
- the cushion layer 62 may include a foamed polymer.
- the cushion layer 62 may include at least one of a polymer material, polymer foam, and a non-woven textile.
- the cushion layer 62 can also be configured to approximate the impact response of a trail. Accordingly, the cushion layer 62 may provide an impact response similar to compacted soil.
- a treadbelt 70 may approximate the look and/or feel of a sandy beach.
- the treadbelt 70 may include an impact response similar to wet or dry packed sand and may have a textured surface 72 approximating the feel of sand.
- the treadbelt 70 may include at least one textile layer 74 , 76 , a cushion layer 78 , and a texture layer 80 .
- a first textile layer 74 may be a woven textile that may provide structural strength (e.g., tensile strength) to the treadbelt 70 . Accordingly, the first textile layer 74 may be comprised of high strength synthetic yarns, such as polymer yarns (e.g., polyester yarns).
- a second textile layer 76 may be adhered to a first side of the first textile layer 74 , such as with an adhesive material, and the second textile layer 76 may provide an exterior surface of the interior of the treadbelt 70 . Accordingly, the second textile layer 76 may provide a relatively low friction interface between the treadbelt 70 and a deck of a treadmill.
- the cushion layer 78 may be positioned over a second side of the first textile layer 74 .
- the cushion layer 78 may be adhered to the second side of the first textile layer 74 by an adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or may comprised of a polymer that is applied to the first textile layer 74 in a less than fully cured state and cured on the first textile layer 74 .
- the cushion layer 78 may include a foamed polymer.
- the cushion layer 78 may include at least one of a polymer material, polymer foam, and a non-woven textile.
- the texture layer 80 may be positioned over the cushion layer 78 and may provide the exterior of the outer surface of the treadbelt 70 and may provide an interface between the treadbelt 70 and a user and may approximate the texture of sand.
- the texture layer 80 may include a texture formed from a polymer, which may be less abrasive than sand.
- a polymer material may be applied to the surface of a treadbelt 70 utilizing a sputtering process that may provide a textured surface on the treadbelt 70 .
- sand may be utilized for texture, but not exposed on the surface 72 of the treadbelt 70 .
- sand may be mixed into a polymer and applied to a major surface of the treadbelt 70 , or a polymer layer may be formed over a layer of sand to provide a similar feel to sand without the same abrasive properties of sand.
- the texture layer 80 and the cushion layer 78 may approximate the impact response of sand (e.g., packed sand). Such embodiments may approximate the sensation and impact response of running on a beach, especially for barefoot runners.
- some embodiments may provide a specialized surface that emulates a manmade surface.
- a ground vulcanized rubber 82 may be applied to a major surface 84 of a treadbelt 86 to provide a specialized surface that approximates a track surface, as shown in FIG. 13 .
- a polymer with a relatively high hardness may be applied to a major surface 92 of a treadbelt 94 to approximate a hardwood surface (e.g., a basketball court).
- a polymer layer 96 having a durometer hardness between about 80 Shore D and about 90 Shore D may be applied to the major surface 92 of the treadbelt 94 .
- the specialized surface of the treadbelt 94 may additionally have a surface roughness similar to a finished hardwood floor.
- treadbelts with a relatively flat surface that is compatible with running shoes, but that may not be compatible with other shoes, such as cleats. Accordingly, such treadbelts do not provide users with the feel and response of various common running surfaces.
- a treadbelt available to a football player would be no different than a treadbelt for a track runner, or for a beach volleyball player.
- conventional treadmills are also not specialized for barefoot running Accordingly, a barefoot runner using a current treadmill may not have the same tactile experience as they may have when running outside, as the treadbelts have a continuous, smooth, unchanging surface.
- treadbelts for treadmills that include a specialized surface, such as a tufted surface and/or a surface having similarities to a natural surface.
- a specialized surface on a treadbelt may provide the user with a feel and response similar to a specific running surface, such as turf, a mountain trail, or another running surface, which may facilitate training for specific running conditions and sports.
- a treadbelt may include tufts extending from a major surface.
- the tufts may be comprised of a plurality of fibers that are sized, shaped and positioned to exhibit the appearance of turf. Additionally, the tufts may provide a surface that exhibits a feel similar to turf.
- a treadbelt may include a major surface comprising protrusions spatially distributed on the major surface of the treadbelt in an irregular and non-repeating configuration. Such embodiments may approximate the look and/or feel of a trail or another natural footpath.
- a treadbelt may approximate the look and/or feel of a sandy beach, may exhibit an impact response similar to wet or dry packed sand, and may have a textured surface approximating the feel of sand.
- some embodiments may provide a specialized surface that emulates a manmade surface or a hardwood surface (e.g., a basketball court).
- a user may select a treadbelt with a specialized surface for a specific training or exercise.
- a treadbelt with a specialized surface for a specific training or exercise.
- an athlete that competes on turf such as a football player
- the athlete may run using footwear worn in competition, such as cleats, on the specialized surface. This may allow the user to better train for competition, and may facilitate the evaluation of footwear for competition.
- an athlete that competes on the sand such as a beach volleyball player, may train on a treadmill having a treadbelt approximating the impact response and feel of sand.
- Treadmills comprising treadbelts with specialized surfaces may also provide a superior running experience to runners with preferences for particular running surfaces, especially barefoot runners.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/625,847 filed Apr. 18, 2012.
- In general, the present disclosure relates to exercise devices and components for exercise devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to treadbelts for treadmills that include a specialized surface, treadmills including such treadbelts, and related methods.
- Conventional treadmills may include a treadbelt with a relatively flat surface that is compatible with running shoes. Such treadbelts may be effective for exercise and may provide a relatively comfortable surface for users. Such treadbelts, however, do not provide users with the feel and response of various common running surfaces. A treadbelt available to a football player would be no different than a treadbelt for a track runner, or for a beach volleyball player. Accordingly, if an athlete is not able to train on their actual field or environment, they are not currently able to approximate the running conditions of their sport on a treadmill. Additionally, conventional treadmills are not configured for footwear other than running shoes.
- Similarly, conventional treadmills are also not specialized for barefoot running Barefoot running has become increasingly popular for runners, as it is believed that running without traditional running shoes may improve a runner's form, may reduce foot and leg injury, and may make running more enjoyable. Accordingly, many runners now run without shoes, or with shoes that have very thin soles with little to no cushioning. Consequently, these runners now tactilely experience the terrain beneath their feet. A barefoot runner using a traditional treadmill with a continuous, smooth, unchanging surface will not have the same tactile experience as they will have when running outside.
- One type of treadmill belt is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,925 issued to Peter E. Radding et al. and assigned to Veyance Technologies, Inc. In this patent, a treadmill belt is disclosed that includes a fabric base and a foamed cushion layer. However, only a traditional outer wear layer is disclosed.
- In one aspect of the disclosure, a treadbelt for a treadmill may include a major surface having a plurality of tufts extending therethrough.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include a first textile layer and a plurality of fibers extending through the first textile layer to provide the plurality of tufts.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include a plurality of fibers that are sized, shaped and positioned to exhibit the appearance of turf.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include fibers having a cross-sectional shape exhibiting a breadth that is greater than a width thereof.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include fibers having a cross-section sized and shaped generally as a cross-section of a blade of grass.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include fibers having a generally circular cross-sectional shape.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include polymer fibers.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include at least one of polyamide fibers and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include a plurality of fibers that extend over a portion of a first side of the first textile layer and the free ends of each of the plurality of fibers extending from an opposing second side of the first textile layer.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include a first textile layer including a woven textile layer.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include a second textile layer adhered to the first side of the first textile layer and extending over the middle portion of each of the plurality of fibers.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the first textile layer having polyester yarns.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include fibers extending substantially straight from the second side of the first textile layer.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include fibers extending in a generally helical shape from the second side of the first textile layer.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include a major surface comprising a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include a plurality of protrusions spatially distributed on the major surface of the treadbelt in an irregular and non-repeating configuration.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the plurality of protrusions exhibiting irregular and non-repeating shapes.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the appearance of naturally occurring rock shapes.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include a major surface configured to approximate to a runner the impact response of at least one of turf, sand, a trail, a ground vulcanized rubber track, and a hardwood surface.
- Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include a major surface configured to approximate to a runner the visual appearance of at least one of turf, sand, a trail, a ground vulcanized rubber track surface, and a hardwood surface.
- The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present method and system and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present system and method and do not limit the scope thereof.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a treadmill including a treadbelt having tufts extending therefrom according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of an interior of a base portion of the treadmill ofFIG. 1 , according to one embodiment. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the treadbelt ofFIG. 1 , according to one embodiment. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional detail view of a portion of the treadbelt ofFIG. 1 , according to one embodiment. -
FIGS. 5-9 illustrate cross-sectional views of fibers of a treadbelt, such as shown inFIG. 1 , according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a plan view of an interior of a base portion of a treadmill, such as shown inFIG. 1 , with a treadbelt having protrusions extending therefrom, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional detail view of a portion of the treadbelt ofFIG. 10 , according to one embodiment. -
FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional detail view of a portion of a treadbelt that approximates a sandy beach according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional detail view of a portion of a treadbelt that approximates a track according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional detail view of a portion of a treadbelt that approximates a hardwood floor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. - Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.
- The present disclosure provides a treadbelt for a treadmill that includes a specialized surface, such as a tufted surface and/or a surface having similarities to a natural surface. Such a specialized surface on a treadbelt may provide the user with a feel and response similar to a specific running surface, such as turf, a mountain trail, or another running surface, which may facilitate training for specific running conditions and sports.
- Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “connected” and “associated with” are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect connections and associations. Further, these terms are not restricted to mechanical attachments, but also include frictional, adhesive, magnetic and other attachments.
- A treadmill including a treadbelt according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in
FIG. 1 . As illustrated, atreadmill 10 may include aframe 12, atreadbelt 14 and adeck 16. Theframe 12 may include various parts of thetreadmill 10 and may impart structural stability and/or support to thetreadmill 10. When installed on the treadmill, thetreadbelt 14 is exposed at an upper region of thedeck 16, and provides a movable surface upon which a user may walk and/or run. Thetreadmill 10 may additionally include adrive motor 18 associated with thetreadbelt 14, positioned and configured to drive thetreadbelt 14, as shown inFIG. 2 . For example, thedrive motor 18 may be connected to a roller 20 with abelt 22 and thetreadbelt 14 may be positioned over the roller 20. - In some embodiments, such as shown in
FIG. 3 , thetreadbelt 14 may include amajor surface 24 comprising a plurality oftufts 26 extending therefrom. A plurality offibers surface 24 of thetreadbelt 14 to form thetufts 26, and the plurality offibers tufts 26 may provide asurface 24 on thetreadbelt 14 that exhibits a feel and/or an impact response similar to turf. Thetreadbelt 14 may include one or moretextile layers fibers textile layer 32 to provide the plurality oftufts 26 extending from themajor surface 24 of thetreadbelt 14. - As illustrated in
FIG. 4 , thetreadbelt 14 may include afirst textile layer 32 and asecond textile layer 34 and, optionally, additional layers. Thefirst textile layer 32 may include a woven textile comprising weft yarns interwoven with warp yarns, which may extend perpendicular to the weft yarns. The yarns of thefirst textile layer 32 may be made of a synthetic material, such as a polymer (e.g., polyester). Thefibers first textile layer 32. Amiddle portion 36 of each of the plurality offibers first side 38 of thefirst textile layer 32 and the free ends 40 of each of the plurality offibers second side 42 of thefirst textile layer 32. In some embodiments, themiddle portion 36 of thefibers first textile layer 32. In further embodiments, themiddle portion 36 of thefibers first textile layer 32. In yet further embodiments, themiddle portion 36 of thefibers first textile layer 32. - A
second textile layer 34 may be adhered to thefirst side 38 of thefirst textile layer 32 and may extend over themiddle portion 36 of thefibers second textile layer 34 may be also be comprised of a woven textile. Thesecond textile layer 34, and an adhesive 44 between the first and second textile layers 32, 34 may hold thefibers fibers first textile layer 32 during normal operation of thetreadmill 10. Thesecond textile layer 34 may also form a second major surface of the treadbelt 14 (i.e., an inner surface of the treadbelt). Accordingly, thesecond textile layer 34 of thetreadbelt 14 may contact the rollers 20 and thedeck 16 of thetreadmill 10 when installed thereon and may provide a relatively low friction interface between thedeck 16 of thetreadmill 10 and thetreadbelt 14. Additional material layers may also be positioned adjacent to thesecond textile layer 34 to provide the interface between thedeck 16 of thetreadmill 10 and thetreadbelt 14. - As illustrated in
FIG. 4 , acushioning layer 46 may be positioned over thesecond side 42 of thefirst textile layer 32 and thefibers cushioning layer 46. For example, thecushioning layer 46 may include one or more of a polymer material, a polymer foam, and a non-woven textile. Thecushioning layer 46, combined with thetufts 26, may be selected to provide an impact response (i.e., foot-feel) approximating turf. - The
fibers fibers 28, 30 (e.g., giving thefibers fibers fibers FIGS. 5-8 , similar to a blade of grass. For example,fibers FIG. 5 , or a rounded rectangle, as shown inFIG. 6 . For another example,fibers FIG. 7 . For yet another example,fibers FIG. 8 . For yet a further example,fibers FIG. 9 . - Returning again to
FIG. 4 , the plurality offibers tufts 26 may includefibers 28 that extend substantially straight in a relaxed state (i.e., straight fibers) and may, includefibers 30 that extend in a generally helical shape (i.e., curly fibers). Thestraight fibers 28 may extend beyond thecurly fibers 30 and visibly appear as blades of grass. Thecurly fibers 30 may be somewhat obscured from view by thestraight fibers 28, but may provide structure to keep thestraight fibers 28 extended substantially perpendicular to the surface of the treadbelt and reduce matting of thefibers 28. Additionally, thecurly fibers 30 may provide resilience to thetufts 26 and provide a cushioning effect to a user running on thetreadmill 10. Thefibers fibers - In Further embodiments, a treadbelt may include another specialized surface. For example, as shown in
FIG. 10 , atreadbelt 50 for a treadmill may include amajor surface 52 havingprotrusions 54 extending therefrom. Theprotrusions 54 may be spatially distributed on themajor surface 52 of thetreadbelt 50 in an irregular and non-repeating configuration, so as to approximate the look and/or feel of a trail, or another natural footpath. Theprotrusions 54 may include irregular and non-repeating shapes. For example, theprotrusions 54 may exhibit the appearance of naturally occurring rock shapes. As shown inFIG. 11 , the treadbelt may include at least onetextile layer texture layer 60, and, optionally, acushion layer 62. Afirst textile layer 56 may be a woven textile that may provide structural strength (e.g., tensile strength) to thetreadbelt 50. Accordingly, thefirst textile layer 56 may be formed, at least in part, of high strength synthetic yarns, such as polymer yarns (e.g., polyester yarns). In one embodiment, asecond textile layer 58 may be adhered to afirst side 64 of thefirst textile layer 56, such as with an adhesive material, and thesecond textile layer 58 may provide an exterior surface of the interior of thetreadbelt 50. Accordingly, thesecond textile layer 58 may provide a relatively low friction interface between the treadbelt 50 and a deck of a treadmill. Thetexture layer 60 may be formed from a relatively hard polymer material and may include the plurality ofprotrusions 54 molded or otherwise formed thereon. Theoptional cushion layer 62 may be positioned over a second side 66 (opposing the first side) of thefirst textile layer 56, between thefirst textile layer 56 and thetexture layer 60. Thecushion layer 62 may be adhered to the second side of thefirst textile layer 56 by an adhesive, or may include a polymer that is applied to thefirst textile layer 56 in a less than fully cured state and cured on thefirst textile layer 56. For example, thecushion layer 62 may include a foamed polymer. As an additional example, thecushion layer 62 may include at least one of a polymer material, polymer foam, and a non-woven textile. Thecushion layer 62 can also be configured to approximate the impact response of a trail. Accordingly, thecushion layer 62 may provide an impact response similar to compacted soil. - In some embodiments, such as shown in
FIG. 12 , atreadbelt 70 may approximate the look and/or feel of a sandy beach. Thetreadbelt 70 may include an impact response similar to wet or dry packed sand and may have a texturedsurface 72 approximating the feel of sand. Thetreadbelt 70 may include at least onetextile layer cushion layer 78, and atexture layer 80. Afirst textile layer 74 may be a woven textile that may provide structural strength (e.g., tensile strength) to thetreadbelt 70. Accordingly, thefirst textile layer 74 may be comprised of high strength synthetic yarns, such as polymer yarns (e.g., polyester yarns). Optionally, asecond textile layer 76 may be adhered to a first side of thefirst textile layer 74, such as with an adhesive material, and thesecond textile layer 76 may provide an exterior surface of the interior of thetreadbelt 70. Accordingly, thesecond textile layer 76 may provide a relatively low friction interface between the treadbelt 70 and a deck of a treadmill. Thecushion layer 78 may be positioned over a second side of thefirst textile layer 74. Thecushion layer 78 may be adhered to the second side of thefirst textile layer 74 by an adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or may comprised of a polymer that is applied to thefirst textile layer 74 in a less than fully cured state and cured on thefirst textile layer 74. For example, thecushion layer 78 may include a foamed polymer. As an additional example, thecushion layer 78 may include at least one of a polymer material, polymer foam, and a non-woven textile. - The
texture layer 80 may be positioned over thecushion layer 78 and may provide the exterior of the outer surface of thetreadbelt 70 and may provide an interface between the treadbelt 70 and a user and may approximate the texture of sand. Rather than actual sand forming thesurface 72 of thetreadbelt 70, thetexture layer 80 may include a texture formed from a polymer, which may be less abrasive than sand. For example a polymer material may be applied to the surface of atreadbelt 70 utilizing a sputtering process that may provide a textured surface on thetreadbelt 70. In further embodiments, sand may be utilized for texture, but not exposed on thesurface 72 of thetreadbelt 70. For example, sand may be mixed into a polymer and applied to a major surface of thetreadbelt 70, or a polymer layer may be formed over a layer of sand to provide a similar feel to sand without the same abrasive properties of sand. In view of the foregoing, thetexture layer 80 and thecushion layer 78 may approximate the impact response of sand (e.g., packed sand). Such embodiments may approximate the sensation and impact response of running on a beach, especially for barefoot runners. - In addition to providing specialized surfaces that approximate natural surfaces, some embodiments may provide a specialized surface that emulates a manmade surface. In some embodiments, a ground vulcanized
rubber 82 may be applied to amajor surface 84 of atreadbelt 86 to provide a specialized surface that approximates a track surface, as shown inFIG. 13 . In additional embodiments, such as shown inFIG. 14 , a polymer with a relatively high hardness may be applied to amajor surface 92 of atreadbelt 94 to approximate a hardwood surface (e.g., a basketball court). For example, apolymer layer 96 having a durometer hardness between about 80 Shore D and about 90 Shore D may be applied to themajor surface 92 of thetreadbelt 94. The specialized surface of thetreadbelt 94 may additionally have a surface roughness similar to a finished hardwood floor. - Currently, it is not possible for many athletes to approximate the running conditions of their sport on a treadmill. Conventional treadmills may include a treadbelt with a relatively flat surface that is compatible with running shoes, but that may not be compatible with other shoes, such as cleats. Accordingly, such treadbelts do not provide users with the feel and response of various common running surfaces. A treadbelt available to a football player would be no different than a treadbelt for a track runner, or for a beach volleyball player.
- Furthermore, conventional treadmills are also not specialized for barefoot running Accordingly, a barefoot runner using a current treadmill may not have the same tactile experience as they may have when running outside, as the treadbelts have a continuous, smooth, unchanging surface.
- The present disclosure provides treadbelts for treadmills that include a specialized surface, such as a tufted surface and/or a surface having similarities to a natural surface. Such a specialized surface on a treadbelt may provide the user with a feel and response similar to a specific running surface, such as turf, a mountain trail, or another running surface, which may facilitate training for specific running conditions and sports.
- In some embodiments, a treadbelt may include tufts extending from a major surface. The tufts may be comprised of a plurality of fibers that are sized, shaped and positioned to exhibit the appearance of turf. Additionally, the tufts may provide a surface that exhibits a feel similar to turf.
- In further embodiments, a treadbelt may include a major surface comprising protrusions spatially distributed on the major surface of the treadbelt in an irregular and non-repeating configuration. Such embodiments may approximate the look and/or feel of a trail or another natural footpath.
- In additional embodiments, a treadbelt may approximate the look and/or feel of a sandy beach, may exhibit an impact response similar to wet or dry packed sand, and may have a textured surface approximating the feel of sand.
- In addition to providing specialized surfaces that approximate natural surfaces, some embodiments may provide a specialized surface that emulates a manmade surface or a hardwood surface (e.g., a basketball court).
- In view of the foregoing, a user may select a treadbelt with a specialized surface for a specific training or exercise. For example, an athlete that competes on turf, such as a football player, may train on a treadmill with a treadbelt having a surface that approximates turf. Additionally, the athlete may run using footwear worn in competition, such as cleats, on the specialized surface. This may allow the user to better train for competition, and may facilitate the evaluation of footwear for competition. As another example, an athlete that competes on the sand, such as a beach volleyball player, may train on a treadmill having a treadbelt approximating the impact response and feel of sand.
- Treadmills comprising treadbelts with specialized surfaces may also provide a superior running experience to runners with preferences for particular running surfaces, especially barefoot runners.
Claims (20)
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