Precor Incorporated

Patrick J Waite

David E Dyer

Rodney P West

Mark D Sand

Donald A Demuth

Chris Klemczyk

An exercise treadmill () is described having a number of assembly improvements. In one embodiment, a pivot assembly () is provided to allow a treadmill deck () to deflect during use. The rear pivot assembly includes a pin () transversely mounted on the upper surface of a treadmill frame (). A pivot block () is attached to the deck and includes a lower channel () that engages the pin. In another embodiment, an adjustable rear foot assembly () is provided having a foot () that is rotatable within a mounting block (). The foot is easily accessed through an upper opening () in the treadmill. In yet another embodiment, an air dam () is provided between a motor compartment () and an adjacent endless belt (). In still another embodiment, a highly elastic drivebelt () is used between a motor assembly () and a roller assembly () that drives the endless belt (). Lastly, an embodiment is described in which the treadmill frame () is assembled using swaged fasteners ().

Adjustable exercise device

A treadmill ( ) includes a frame ( ) on which are rotatably mounted first and second transverse roller assemblies ( ). An endless belt ( ) is trained around the roller assemblies. A deck ( ) is supported between the upper run of the belt and the frame by a plurality of rectilinear-shaped elastic cushions that are reversibly deformable under the load imposed on a deck by the footplant of the treadmill user. The cushions are not of uniform cross-section; rather, one or both of the ends of the cushions are relieved so as to present a nominally reduced cross-sectional area against the frame and/or deck. As the cushion is compressed from the load imposed on the deck, the cross-sectional area of the cushion providing resistance to further deformation/deflection of the cushion increases thereby increasing the resistance or stiffness of the cushion to further deformation and thus further travel of the treadmill deck ( ) towards the frame ( ).

Growing community of inventors

Renton, WA, United States of America

Patrick J Waite