US20070072743A1 - Treadmill belt article, apparatus, and method - Google Patents
Treadmill belt article, apparatus, and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070072743A1 US20070072743A1 US11/238,728 US23872805A US2007072743A1 US 20070072743 A1 US20070072743 A1 US 20070072743A1 US 23872805 A US23872805 A US 23872805A US 2007072743 A1 US2007072743 A1 US 2007072743A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- belt
- treadmill
- roller
- cobblestone
- shaped
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- 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
- A63B22/0235—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 driven by a motor
- A63B22/0242—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 driven by a motor with speed variation
-
- 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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B26/00—Exercising apparatus not covered by groups A63B1/00 - A63B25/00
- A63B26/003—Exercising apparatus not covered by groups A63B1/00 - A63B25/00 for improving balance or equilibrium
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of exercise treadmills and particularly to the endless loop belt component used in treadmills.
- Almost all exercise treadmills comprise an endless loop rubber belt which is driven by rollers at each end, the rollers in turn being driven by an electric motor and controlled by a controller which enables the user to select speed, duration, and other features.
- the top of the belt loop is usually supported by strong support surface which allows the belt to travel smoothly over it and is strong enough to support the weight of a heavy, running user.
- the present invention which in one aspect comprises a treadmill belt, the belt having a flat inner surface and a cobblestone-shaped outer surface.
- the cobblestone-shaped outer surface is formed of molded rubber.
- the treadmill can have a support frame having a first end and a second end, a first roller supported on a first shaft at the first end and a second roller supported on the second shaft at the second end, the cobblestone-surfaced treadmill belt encircling around the first roller and the second roller, and a motor having a shaft operable connected to the first roller and/or the second roller.
- the treadmill of the invention differs from conventional treadmills primarily in the belt surface feature. Other variations from conventional treadmills may be necessary to accommodate the increased thickness of the cobblestone shaped belt versus conventional flat belts.
- An optional, novel feature of the invention is a system for generating the sound of a person walking on real cobblestones while the treadmill is running.
- the using the treadmill of the invention can be used to improve circulation and/or balance at home or at a gym and is especially useful when real cobblestone paths or streets are unavailable or inconvenient to use.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a treadmill according to the invention, illustrating a first embodiment of a belt according to the invention.
- FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view through 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a treadmill according to the invention, illustrating a second embodiment of a belt according to the invention.
- FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view through 2 - 2 of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 1 an example of a treadmill machine 1 of the invention comprising a base 11 , belt support rollers 2 , lower rollers 21 , motor 5 which drives at least one roller 2 , control panel 13 , handles 12 , belt 3 , with novel cobblestone pattern 4 .
- the cobblestone-shaped surface of this first embodiment provides the special benefit of the invention versus the traditional and typical flat surfaced belts used on prior treadmills.
- rollers 2 are illustrated, any number of rollers or alternative support systems such as a flat support can be used.
- rollers 2 mounted respectively at two longitudinal ends of the support frame 11 .
- the belt 3 runs on the rollers 2 which are driven by the motor 5 .
- the belt 3 with cobblestone pattern 4 forms a loop around the upper rollers 2 and the loop is supported below by rollers 21 .
- the handle 12 and control panel 13 are illustrated in this view.
- the belt 3 has a brick 4 pattern, the brick pattern designed to simulate walking on a brick path and with the intended effect of increasing circulation in the legs of the walker.
- FIG. 4 illustrates the brick 4 pattern on belt 3 in an otherwise similar treadmill design.
Abstract
A treadmill belt, the belt having a flat inner surface and a cobblestone-shaped or brick-shaped outer surface, is disclosed. A treadmill including the novel belt is useful for improving circulation and balance.
Description
- The present invention relates to the field of exercise treadmills and particularly to the endless loop belt component used in treadmills.
- Almost all exercise treadmills comprise an endless loop rubber belt which is driven by rollers at each end, the rollers in turn being driven by an electric motor and controlled by a controller which enables the user to select speed, duration, and other features. The top of the belt loop is usually supported by strong support surface which allows the belt to travel smoothly over it and is strong enough to support the weight of a heavy, running user.
- There have been some suggestions in the art to include massaging knobs on the support surface (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,858 to Yeh, for example) or a plurality of beads on the belt itself as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,241, to Peng, which shows magnetic beads distributed on a belt surface. U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,540 to Huang discloses a massaging body suitable for massaging the soles of the user's feet and mounted on a base plate between a tread frame, with a wear resistant film between the walking belt and the massaging body. Although the idea of massaging the soles of a treadmill user's feet during walking or running exercise is very good in concept, due to various complications in manufacturing or ineffectiveness in designs, none of the prior art massaging treadmills has achieved commercial success as far as known to the present inventor.
- It has been reported recently (Philadelphia Inquirer, Jul. 12, 2005) that when people over 60 walk on cobblestones roads or sidewalks, their blood pressure was significantly lowered and their balance was improved. Although many people with health problems would benefit from walking on cobblestone streets, such streets are not widely available. It is an object of the present invention to provide an article, apparatus, and method so that people can benefit from walking on a cobblestone shaped surface.
- This object, and others which will become apparent from the following disclosure, are achieved by the present invention which in one aspect comprises a treadmill belt, the belt having a flat inner surface and a cobblestone-shaped outer surface. Preferably, the cobblestone-shaped outer surface is formed of molded rubber.
- The treadmill can have a support frame having a first end and a second end, a first roller supported on a first shaft at the first end and a second roller supported on the second shaft at the second end, the cobblestone-surfaced treadmill belt encircling around the first roller and the second roller, and a motor having a shaft operable connected to the first roller and/or the second roller.
- Conventional treadmill motor controller, switching, metering, speed adjustment, and the like can be provided. The treadmill of the invention differs from conventional treadmills primarily in the belt surface feature. Other variations from conventional treadmills may be necessary to accommodate the increased thickness of the cobblestone shaped belt versus conventional flat belts.
- An optional, novel feature of the invention is a system for generating the sound of a person walking on real cobblestones while the treadmill is running.
- The using the treadmill of the invention can be used to improve circulation and/or balance at home or at a gym and is especially useful when real cobblestone paths or streets are unavailable or inconvenient to use.
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a treadmill according to the invention, illustrating a first embodiment of a belt according to the invention. -
FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view through 2-2 ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a treadmill according to the invention, illustrating a second embodiment of a belt according to the invention. -
FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view through 2-2 ofFIG. 3 . - Referring first to
FIG. 1 , an example of a treadmill machine 1 of the invention comprising abase 11,belt support rollers 2,lower rollers 21,motor 5 which drives at least oneroller 2,control panel 13,handles 12,belt 3, withnovel cobblestone pattern 4. The cobblestone-shaped surface of this first embodiment provides the special benefit of the invention versus the traditional and typical flat surfaced belts used on prior treadmills. - Although eight
rollers 2 are illustrated, any number of rollers or alternative support systems such as a flat support can be used. Preferablyrollers 2 mounted respectively at two longitudinal ends of thesupport frame 11. Thebelt 3 runs on therollers 2 which are driven by themotor 5. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , thebelt 3 withcobblestone pattern 4 forms a loop around theupper rollers 2 and the loop is supported below byrollers 21. Thehandle 12 andcontrol panel 13 are illustrated in this view. - When operating according to the method of the invention, a person desiring to improve his or her circulation walks or runs on the
cobblestone 4 surfaced-treadmill belt 3 of the invention in an otherwise-normal fashion as those skilled in this art are familiar with. The special surface on the belt of the invention provides an uneven walking surface which is superior to prior ball surfaces, flat surfaces, and other variegated surfaces for the circulation and balance improvement features of the invention. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , a second embodiment is illustrated wherein thebelt 3 has abrick 4 pattern, the brick pattern designed to simulate walking on a brick path and with the intended effect of increasing circulation in the legs of the walker. -
FIG. 4 illustrates thebrick 4 pattern onbelt 3 in an otherwise similar treadmill design. - The embodiments of the present invention described above are to be regarded in all respects as being illustrative and nonrestrictive. Accordingly, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (6)
1. A treadmill belt, the belt having a flat inner surface and a cobblestone-shaped or brick-shaped outer surface.
2. The article of claim 1 wherein the cobblestone-shaped outer surface is formed of molded rubber.
3. A treadmill having a support frame having a first end and a second end, a first roller supported on a first shaft at the first end and a second roller supported on the second shaft at the second end, the treadmill belt of claim 1 encircling around the first roller and the second roller, and a motor having a shaft operable connected to the first roller and/or the second roller.
4. The machine of claim 3 further including a motor controller for controlling the motor speed and/or duration of operation.
5. The treadmill of claim 3 further including a system for generating a sound simulating walking on stone cobblestones or bricks.
6. A method of improving circulation and/or balance comprising providing a treadmill according to claim 3 and walking or running on the cobblestone-shaped or brick-shaped surface while the belt is being driven by the motor.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/238,728 US20070072743A1 (en) | 2005-09-29 | 2005-09-29 | Treadmill belt article, apparatus, and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/238,728 US20070072743A1 (en) | 2005-09-29 | 2005-09-29 | Treadmill belt article, apparatus, and method |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070072743A1 true US20070072743A1 (en) | 2007-03-29 |
Family
ID=37894841
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/238,728 Abandoned US20070072743A1 (en) | 2005-09-29 | 2005-09-29 | Treadmill belt article, apparatus, and method |
Country Status (1)
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US (1) | US20070072743A1 (en) |
Cited By (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8377221B1 (en) | 2010-07-22 | 2013-02-19 | Mark L. Taylor | Apparatus and method for the safe and efficient cleaning and maintenance of a vault having submerged equipment |
CN107890634A (en) * | 2017-12-06 | 2018-04-10 | 葛留生 | Human body imitates the original place travelling platform of animal walking and specification walking postures |
US20180104534A1 (en) * | 2016-10-19 | 2018-04-19 | HÜBNER GmbH & Co. KG | Treadmill belt of a treadmill trainer, and a treadmill trainer |
US10010748B1 (en) * | 2015-04-17 | 2018-07-03 | Samsara Fitness LLC | Treadmill having textured tread surfaces |
US20180297254A1 (en) * | 2017-04-17 | 2018-10-18 | Chung-Fu Chang | Method for manufacturing massage wear-resistant treadmill deck and finished product thereof |
FR3066397A1 (en) * | 2017-05-22 | 2018-11-23 | Assistance Publique Hopitaux De Paris | DEVICE FOR TRAINING ON THE MARKET |
US10213642B2 (en) * | 2017-04-28 | 2019-02-26 | Katie Swarts | Terrain belt for use with a treadmill |
US10299988B2 (en) * | 2014-12-08 | 2019-05-28 | Hyun Oh Shin | Acupressure walking machine applying pressure to foot reflex zones |
USD875856S1 (en) * | 2018-01-05 | 2020-02-18 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Treadmill slat |
US10864406B2 (en) | 2016-08-27 | 2020-12-15 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US10898760B2 (en) | 2017-12-14 | 2021-01-26 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Coordinating workouts across remote exercise machines |
US10974094B2 (en) | 2016-08-27 | 2021-04-13 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11033767B2 (en) * | 2017-01-03 | 2021-06-15 | Engen Fitness, Inc. | Guided movement exercise machine |
US11081224B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2021-08-03 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11219799B2 (en) | 2016-08-27 | 2022-01-11 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11298591B2 (en) | 2016-08-27 | 2022-04-12 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise machine controls |
US11311791B2 (en) | 2016-08-27 | 2022-04-26 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11338190B2 (en) | 2017-11-12 | 2022-05-24 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | User interface with segmented timeline |
US20220184457A1 (en) * | 2017-05-05 | 2022-06-16 | Surefooted Llc | Physical therapy apparatus and method of use |
US11413499B2 (en) * | 2018-03-09 | 2022-08-16 | Nicholas Maroldi | Device to produce assisted, active and resisted motion of a joint or extremity |
US11610664B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2023-03-21 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
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US4925183A (en) * | 1987-06-01 | 1990-05-15 | Kim Sang Sup | Indoor-rollbike apparatus |
US4958832A (en) * | 1987-06-01 | 1990-09-25 | Kim Sang Sup | Stationary exercising bicycle apparatus |
US5352166A (en) * | 1993-09-28 | 1994-10-04 | Chang Tsan Yun | Mountain climbing training machine |
US5527241A (en) * | 1995-08-31 | 1996-06-18 | Peng; Yue-Hong | Jogging exerciser |
US6918859B1 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2005-07-19 | Don-Lon Yeh | Dynamic sole-massaging machine with mutiple functions of joints soothing and blood circulation stimulating |
-
2005
- 2005-09-29 US US11/238,728 patent/US20070072743A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US4925183A (en) * | 1987-06-01 | 1990-05-15 | Kim Sang Sup | Indoor-rollbike apparatus |
US4958832A (en) * | 1987-06-01 | 1990-09-25 | Kim Sang Sup | Stationary exercising bicycle apparatus |
US5352166A (en) * | 1993-09-28 | 1994-10-04 | Chang Tsan Yun | Mountain climbing training machine |
US5527241A (en) * | 1995-08-31 | 1996-06-18 | Peng; Yue-Hong | Jogging exerciser |
US6918859B1 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2005-07-19 | Don-Lon Yeh | Dynamic sole-massaging machine with mutiple functions of joints soothing and blood circulation stimulating |
Cited By (39)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8377221B1 (en) | 2010-07-22 | 2013-02-19 | Mark L. Taylor | Apparatus and method for the safe and efficient cleaning and maintenance of a vault having submerged equipment |
US11289185B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2022-03-29 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11170886B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2021-11-09 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11139061B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2021-10-05 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11610664B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2023-03-21 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11915817B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2024-02-27 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11295849B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2022-04-05 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11295850B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2022-04-05 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11145399B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2021-10-12 | Peleton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11081224B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2021-08-03 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11183288B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2021-11-23 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11640856B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2023-05-02 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11145398B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2021-10-12 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US10299988B2 (en) * | 2014-12-08 | 2019-05-28 | Hyun Oh Shin | Acupressure walking machine applying pressure to foot reflex zones |
US10010748B1 (en) * | 2015-04-17 | 2018-07-03 | Samsara Fitness LLC | Treadmill having textured tread surfaces |
US11298591B2 (en) | 2016-08-27 | 2022-04-12 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise machine controls |
US10974094B2 (en) | 2016-08-27 | 2021-04-13 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11400344B2 (en) | 2016-08-27 | 2022-08-02 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US10864406B2 (en) | 2016-08-27 | 2020-12-15 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
USD995554S1 (en) | 2016-08-27 | 2023-08-15 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Display screen or portion thereof with graphical user interface |
US11219799B2 (en) | 2016-08-27 | 2022-01-11 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11617921B2 (en) | 2016-08-27 | 2023-04-04 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise machine controls |
US11311791B2 (en) | 2016-08-27 | 2022-04-26 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US20180104534A1 (en) * | 2016-10-19 | 2018-04-19 | HÜBNER GmbH & Co. KG | Treadmill belt of a treadmill trainer, and a treadmill trainer |
US11033767B2 (en) * | 2017-01-03 | 2021-06-15 | Engen Fitness, Inc. | Guided movement exercise machine |
US20180297254A1 (en) * | 2017-04-17 | 2018-10-18 | Chung-Fu Chang | Method for manufacturing massage wear-resistant treadmill deck and finished product thereof |
US10994457B2 (en) * | 2017-04-17 | 2021-05-04 | Chung-Fu Chang | Method for manufacturing massage wear-resistant treadmill deck and finished product thereof |
US10213642B2 (en) * | 2017-04-28 | 2019-02-26 | Katie Swarts | Terrain belt for use with a treadmill |
US20220184457A1 (en) * | 2017-05-05 | 2022-06-16 | Surefooted Llc | Physical therapy apparatus and method of use |
US11938377B2 (en) * | 2017-05-05 | 2024-03-26 | Surefooted Llc | Physical therapy apparatus and method of use |
WO2018215383A1 (en) * | 2017-05-22 | 2018-11-29 | Assistance Publique Hopitaux De Paris | Gait training device |
FR3066397A1 (en) * | 2017-05-22 | 2018-11-23 | Assistance Publique Hopitaux De Paris | DEVICE FOR TRAINING ON THE MARKET |
US11338190B2 (en) | 2017-11-12 | 2022-05-24 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | User interface with segmented timeline |
CN107890634A (en) * | 2017-12-06 | 2018-04-10 | 葛留生 | Human body imitates the original place travelling platform of animal walking and specification walking postures |
US10898760B2 (en) | 2017-12-14 | 2021-01-26 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Coordinating workouts across remote exercise machines |
USD875856S1 (en) * | 2018-01-05 | 2020-02-18 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Treadmill slat |
USD946097S1 (en) | 2018-01-05 | 2022-03-15 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Set of control knobs |
USD902332S1 (en) | 2018-01-05 | 2020-11-17 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Treadmill deck |
US11413499B2 (en) * | 2018-03-09 | 2022-08-16 | Nicholas Maroldi | Device to produce assisted, active and resisted motion of a joint or extremity |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |