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. 30, 2001
Filed:
Sep. 20, 1999
Paul D. Barker, Woodinville, WA (US);
Gregory Wing, Carnation, WA (US);
Paul Stevens, Yakima, WA (US);
Illinois Tool Works Inc., Glenview, IL (US);
Abstract
A treadmill (,) includes a frame (,) on which are mounted transverse forward and rearward roller assemblies (,). An endless belt (,) is trained about the forward and rearward roller assemblies. A deck (,) is positioned between the upper run of the belt and the frame. The rearward portion of the deck (,) is hinged to the frame by pivot brackets (,) mounted to the frame to allow pivoting of a deck about an axis extending transversely to the length of the deck. Preferably, the pivot bracket (,) is of unitary construction, but of sufficient flexibility to allow the relatively free pivoting of the rear portion of the deck in relationship to the frame. Elastomeric cushions or springs are supported by the forward portion of the frame to underlie and support the forward portion of the deck and to absorb impact loads imparted on the deck by the user. A pivot wall (,) extends downwardly from the rear portion of the frame (,) to support the rear of the deck and also to raise and lower the rear of the treadmill deck relative to the forward end of the treadmill deck, thereby to provide an adjustable incline for the deck.