The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 31, 2023
Filed:
Nov. 24, 2020
Nike, Inc., Beaverton, OR (US);
Jeffrey A. Beyer, Portland, OR (US);
Stacy E. Stamm, Beaverton, OR (US);
Jay T. Worobets, Portland, OR (US);
Brian R. Brothers, Lake Orion, MI (US);
Andrew James Lewis, Royal Oak, MI (US);
Edward F. Wettlaufer, Jr., St. Clair Shores, MI (US);
NIKE, Inc., Beaverton, OR (US);
Abstract
A dynamic belt-tensioning apparatus for a treadmill includes a base having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end. A foot-striking platform is movably supported by the base so as to allow for vertical movement of the platform during operation of the treadmill. A drive belt has a fixed circumference and is positioned above a top portion of the platform. A drive roller is pivotally mounted adjacent to the first end of the base and engages the drive belt. A bell crank is pivotally coupled to the platform such that pivoting of the bell crank translates into movement of a tensioning roller that is pivotally mounted to the base and that is capable of a range of movement to provide substantially constant tension to the drive belt in response to vertical movement of the platform.