CA2102029C - Exercise treadmill with tension-limited belt adjustment - Google Patents
Exercise treadmill with tension-limited belt adjustmentInfo
- Publication number
- CA2102029C CA2102029C CA002102029A CA2102029A CA2102029C CA 2102029 C CA2102029 C CA 2102029C CA 002102029 A CA002102029 A CA 002102029A CA 2102029 A CA2102029 A CA 2102029A CA 2102029 C CA2102029 C CA 2102029C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- shaft
- belt
- nut
- tension
- frame
- 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.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
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
-
- 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
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S482/00—Exercise devices
- Y10S482/908—Adjustable
Abstract
A treadmill (10) includes a frame (12) on which are rotatably mounted first and second roller assemblies (14, 16) on axles (40, 48) disposed on spaced aparttransverse axes (42, 50). An endless belt (18) is trained about the roller assemblies.
A ratcheting bolt assembly (52) is rotatably secured to the frame and is engaged with one end of the second roller assembly (16) to enable adjustment of the tension in the belt. The ratcheting bolt assembly has a threaded end portion (74) that is threadably engaged with one end of the axle on which the second roller assembly is mounted.The ratcheting bolt assembly includes a ratcheting head (80) that is graspable to rotate the adjustment bolt assembly for threadably advancing the axle on the threaded end portion of the adjustment bolt assembly, thereby changing the distance between the first and second roller assemblies and adjusting the tension in the belt. The ratcheting head ratchets on the adjustment bolt assembly to prevent an increase in the belttension in excess of a predetermined maximum belt tension.
A ratcheting bolt assembly (52) is rotatably secured to the frame and is engaged with one end of the second roller assembly (16) to enable adjustment of the tension in the belt. The ratcheting bolt assembly has a threaded end portion (74) that is threadably engaged with one end of the axle on which the second roller assembly is mounted.The ratcheting bolt assembly includes a ratcheting head (80) that is graspable to rotate the adjustment bolt assembly for threadably advancing the axle on the threaded end portion of the adjustment bolt assembly, thereby changing the distance between the first and second roller assemblies and adjusting the tension in the belt. The ratcheting head ratchets on the adjustment bolt assembly to prevent an increase in the belttension in excess of a predetermined maximum belt tension.
Description
21 02~29 EXERCISE TREADMILL Wll~ TENSION-LIMITED BELT ADJUSTMENT
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to exercise app~al~ls~ and more particularly, to met.h~nicm~ for adjusting the tension in exercise treadmill belts.
Background of the Invention Trea~millc have become popular in recent years for both home and office use to enable exercisers to run indoors in small confines. Most exercise tre~mill.c include first and second roller assemblies rotatably mounted across opposite ends of a frame.
Each roller assembly incl~ldes a cylindrical roller that is journaled on an axle or opposing stub shafts, with the axle or stub shafts being secured to opposite sides of the treadmlll frame. A belt is then trained about the roller assemblies. The ~lict~nce between the first and second roller assemblies determines the tension in the treadmill belt. The tension in the treadmill belt is initially set to provide a firm footing for the exerciser without slack that could result in injury to the exerciser, and to prevent undesirable side-to-side movement of the belt on the roller assemblies.
Over time with repeated usage, the bearings on which the rollers are journaled tend to wear, and the belt material may stretch. In order to initially set the treadmill belt tension and to later enable adjustment for this wear, many tre~mill~ include an ~djllstm~nt meçh~nism whereby the position of one of the roller assemblies can be adjusted relative to the frame and the other roller assembly by the exerciser. In some con~elllional models, this r.lech~l-icm may include a bolt that is longit~l-lin~lly disposed and rotatably mounted on the frame, and that has a threaded end that is engaged within a threaded cross-hole formed through one end of the roller assembly axle.Rotation of the bolt results in movement of that end of the axle along the length of the PREC~n33APDOC
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to exercise app~al~ls~ and more particularly, to met.h~nicm~ for adjusting the tension in exercise treadmill belts.
Background of the Invention Trea~millc have become popular in recent years for both home and office use to enable exercisers to run indoors in small confines. Most exercise tre~mill.c include first and second roller assemblies rotatably mounted across opposite ends of a frame.
Each roller assembly incl~ldes a cylindrical roller that is journaled on an axle or opposing stub shafts, with the axle or stub shafts being secured to opposite sides of the treadmlll frame. A belt is then trained about the roller assemblies. The ~lict~nce between the first and second roller assemblies determines the tension in the treadmill belt. The tension in the treadmill belt is initially set to provide a firm footing for the exerciser without slack that could result in injury to the exerciser, and to prevent undesirable side-to-side movement of the belt on the roller assemblies.
Over time with repeated usage, the bearings on which the rollers are journaled tend to wear, and the belt material may stretch. In order to initially set the treadmill belt tension and to later enable adjustment for this wear, many tre~mill~ include an ~djllstm~nt meçh~nism whereby the position of one of the roller assemblies can be adjusted relative to the frame and the other roller assembly by the exerciser. In some con~elllional models, this r.lech~l-icm may include a bolt that is longit~l-lin~lly disposed and rotatably mounted on the frame, and that has a threaded end that is engaged within a threaded cross-hole formed through one end of the roller assembly axle.Rotation of the bolt results in movement of that end of the axle along the length of the PREC~n33APDOC
bolt, çh~ngin~ the distance between the roller assembly axles. The other end of the axle may also be adjustably mounted to the frame with a similar adjustment bolt to enable the roller assemblies to be maint~ined in parallel re!ationship.
A drawback of such conventional treadmill belt tensioning adjustment 5 mech~nicmq is that the exerciser may inadvertently or purposefully overtighten the belt by drawing the axles too far apart from each other. This can result in excessive wear of the belt and the roller bearings, shortening the life of the treadmill.
Summary of the Invention The present invention provides an exercise treadmill with tension-limited belt ~0 adjustment. The treadmill includes a frame, first and second roller assemblies mounted on axles to the frame to rotate about first and second spaced transverse axes, and an endless belt trained about the first and second roller assemblies. The treadmill further incl~des an adj~lstm~nt merh~nism for adjusting tension in the belt, wherein the adjustment mech~ni.qm includes a limiting device for automatically limiting operation 15 ofthe adjustmçnt mech~niqm when a predetermined maximum belt tension is reached.
The adjustm~.nt mech~nism includes a shaft rotatably mounted on the frame and coupled to the second roller assembly so that rotatable advancement of the shaft relative to the second roller assembly results in displacement of the second roller assembly to adjust the tension in the endless belt. The adjustment mechani.qm also 20 includes an ~ngaging surface defined on the shaft and a cooperating engaging member mounted on either the frame or the shaft to be in contact with the engaging surface on the shaft. The cooperating engaging member is movable to rotatably advance the shaft. Means are provided for pe""iLlillg slip between the moving eng~ging member and the çngaging surface of the shaft when a predetermined rn~iml.m belt tension is 25 achieved.
In a plefelled more specific embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment mech~niqm comprises a r~tcheting bolt assembly. The ratcheting bolt assembly includes a threaded end portion and a ratcheting head. The adjustment bolt assembly is rotatably secured to the frame. The threaded end portion of the 30 adjustment bolt assembly is threadably engaged with an axle on which one of the roller assemblies is mounted. The ratcheting head of the adjustment bolt assembly is graspable to rotate the adjustm~nt bolt assembly and threadably advance the axle on PREC\7233AP.DOC
,~
-2a- 21 02029 the threaded end portion of the adjustment bolt assembly. This adjustment results in a change in the dist~nce between the first and second roller assemblies (and thus the first and second axes on which the roller assemblies are mounted) thereby adjusting the tension in the belt. However, the ratcheting head ratchets on the adjustment bolt 5 assembly to prevent movement of the roller assembly that would result in an increase in the tension of the belt in excess of a predetermined maximum belt tension.
The present invention provides a mec~ni~m for adjusting the tension in a treadmill belt, while limiting the degree of adj~lstment possible, to prevent inadvertent or purposeful overtensioning of the belt. Thus, undesirable wear of the belt and roller 10 assembly bearings is avoided, Pxt~n(ling the life of the treadmill.
Brief Description of the Drawings The foregoing aspects and many of the ~tt~n.l~nt advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by PREC\7233AP.DOC
. . .
A drawback of such conventional treadmill belt tensioning adjustment 5 mech~nicmq is that the exerciser may inadvertently or purposefully overtighten the belt by drawing the axles too far apart from each other. This can result in excessive wear of the belt and the roller bearings, shortening the life of the treadmill.
Summary of the Invention The present invention provides an exercise treadmill with tension-limited belt ~0 adjustment. The treadmill includes a frame, first and second roller assemblies mounted on axles to the frame to rotate about first and second spaced transverse axes, and an endless belt trained about the first and second roller assemblies. The treadmill further incl~des an adj~lstm~nt merh~nism for adjusting tension in the belt, wherein the adjustment mech~ni.qm includes a limiting device for automatically limiting operation 15 ofthe adjustmçnt mech~niqm when a predetermined maximum belt tension is reached.
The adjustm~.nt mech~nism includes a shaft rotatably mounted on the frame and coupled to the second roller assembly so that rotatable advancement of the shaft relative to the second roller assembly results in displacement of the second roller assembly to adjust the tension in the endless belt. The adjustment mechani.qm also 20 includes an ~ngaging surface defined on the shaft and a cooperating engaging member mounted on either the frame or the shaft to be in contact with the engaging surface on the shaft. The cooperating engaging member is movable to rotatably advance the shaft. Means are provided for pe""iLlillg slip between the moving eng~ging member and the çngaging surface of the shaft when a predetermined rn~iml.m belt tension is 25 achieved.
In a plefelled more specific embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment mech~niqm comprises a r~tcheting bolt assembly. The ratcheting bolt assembly includes a threaded end portion and a ratcheting head. The adjustment bolt assembly is rotatably secured to the frame. The threaded end portion of the 30 adjustment bolt assembly is threadably engaged with an axle on which one of the roller assemblies is mounted. The ratcheting head of the adjustment bolt assembly is graspable to rotate the adjustm~nt bolt assembly and threadably advance the axle on PREC\7233AP.DOC
,~
-2a- 21 02029 the threaded end portion of the adjustment bolt assembly. This adjustment results in a change in the dist~nce between the first and second roller assemblies (and thus the first and second axes on which the roller assemblies are mounted) thereby adjusting the tension in the belt. However, the ratcheting head ratchets on the adjustment bolt 5 assembly to prevent movement of the roller assembly that would result in an increase in the tension of the belt in excess of a predetermined maximum belt tension.
The present invention provides a mec~ni~m for adjusting the tension in a treadmill belt, while limiting the degree of adj~lstment possible, to prevent inadvertent or purposeful overtensioning of the belt. Thus, undesirable wear of the belt and roller 10 assembly bearings is avoided, Pxt~n(ling the life of the treadmill.
Brief Description of the Drawings The foregoing aspects and many of the ~tt~n.l~nt advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by PREC\7233AP.DOC
. . .
21 0202~
reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accol"pa,lyillg drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 provides a pictorial view of a treadmill constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIGURE 2 provides a top view of the treadmill of FIGURE 1, with the motor housing, motor, and railing removed for cla~ity;
FIGURE 3 provides an end view of the tension-limited adj..ctmPnt meçhAniem of the present invention mounted on the treadmill frame and engaged with one end of a roller assembly, with a portion of the frame siderail member cut away for clarity;
FIGURE 4 provides an exploded side elevation view of the bolt assembly of the present invention;
FIGURE S provides a pictorial view of the ratchet nut included on the ratcheting bolt assembly of FIGI~RE 4; and FIGURE 6 provides a pictorial view of the ratchet cap of the ratçhetin~ bolt assembly of FIGURE 4.
Detailed Description of the P, er~" ed Embodiment A treadmill 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGURE 1. The treadmill 10 includP~s a frame 12 on opposite ends of which aretransversely mounted a forward roller assembly 14 and a rear roller assembly 16. An endless belt 18 is trained about the fo,w~d roller assembly 14 and rear roller assembly 16. The treadmill 10 further inrludec an adjustment meçhAnicm, to be described subsequently, for adjusting tension in the belt 18. The 7~dj-lctmPnt l~eçl~AIlicm is constructed to autom~ticAlly limit further increasing of the tension in the belt 18 in excess of a predetermined ~ ulll belt tension.
Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, the frame 12 includes first and second longitullinAI siderail members 20 and 22. The siderail members 20 and 22 are spaced apart and are joined by cross members (not shown), as is well known for treadmill frame construction. A rigid deck 24 spans between and is supported above the first and second frame siderail members 20 and 22. A plurality of elastomeric springs 26 are disposed between the deck24 and the siderail members 20 and 22 to provide impact absorption. The endless belt 18 is preferably made of a flexible material, such as a rubber i""),eg~ted fabric. When installed about the front roller assembly 14 and rear roller assembly 16, the upper run of the belt 18 is supported by the deck 24. As used herein throughout, ~forward~ refers to the direction in which an exerciser faces when using the treadmill. The terms "rear" and "rearward" refer to the opposite direction.
PREC~n33AP.DOC
2~ 02029 The treadmill 10 further includes a motor 28 having a drive shaft 29 engaged by a drive belt 30 with a drive pulley (not shown) mounted on one end of the forward roller assembly 14, as in conventional treadmill~. The motor 28 is housed within a cover 32. The frame 12 further includes an upright member 34 projecting upwardlyfrom the forward end of the frame 12, which supports the center of a contoured railing 36 that is graspable by an exerciser running on the treadmill. The railing 36 extends downwardly on either side, termin~tin~ at and secured to the siderail members 20 and 22. The motor 28 drives rotation of the rO, wal~d roller assembly 14, thus causing movement of the treadmill belt 18 on which an exerciser strides during use ofthe treadmill 10. The fo,w~,d roller assembly 14 thus serves as the drive roller, while the rear roller assembly 16 serves as the takeup roller.
Referring to FIGURE 2, the forward roller assembly 14 includes a cylindrical roller shell 38 rotatably mounted on bearings (not shown) on an axle 40. The axle 40 is disposed transversely relative to the longitudin~l frame members 20 and 22 on a rol~ald axis 42, between the fo, ward ends of the frame siderail members 20 and 22.
Each end of the axle 40 is adjustably mounted within a mounting block 44 secured to the inside of the corresponding siderail member 20 or 22, as shall be described more fully subsequently. As used herein throughout, the term "axle" is intçnded to include not only unitary axles, but also opposing stub shafts.
The rear roller assembly 16 likewise inchldes a roller shell 46 that is mounted on bearings (not shown) on a transverse rear axle 48. The rear axle 48 is mounted parallel to the folwald axle 40, between the rear ends of the frame siderail members 20 and 22, on a rear axis S0. The ends of the rear axle 48 are mounted to the inside of the ends of the rear frame siderail members 20 and 22 within additional mountin~ blocks44, similarly to the ends of the forward axle40. The roller assemblies 14 and 16 thus rotate about transverse, spaced-apart, parallel axes 42 and 50, respectively.
Each of the mounting blocks 44 incl~ldes a meçhAni~ for enabling adjustm~nt of the positioning of the co.le~,onding axle end within the mounting block 44 along the longitu~in~l dimension of the frame. However, the mounting block 44 mounted on the inside of the rear end of the frame siderail member 22 carries a r~t~heting bolt assembly 52 to allow adjustm~nt of the position of that end of the axle 48 within the mounting block 44, while each of the r~ A;.~ing three mounting blocks 44 includes a conventional adj~lstm~nt bolt 54. The operation and construction of the ratchçtin~
bolt assembly 52 shall now be described, with the operation of the bolts 54 described thereafter.
PREC\7233AP.DOC
-s- 21 02029 Referring to FIGI~RE 3, the mounting block 44 is constructed from opposing lower and upper guide members 56 and 58. The lower guide member 56 has an upwardly opening, elongate C-shaped configuration, its upper surface defining anelongate recess 60. The upper guide member 58 is identically configured, but is 5 mated upside down on top of the lower guide member 56. The elongate recesses 60 of the mated guide members 56 and 58 thus define a longitu-lin~lly oriented (relative to the frame 12) inner slot 62. The lower guide member S6 and the upper guide member 58 are clamped together by means of a bolt 64. The lower guide member 56 is fixedly secured by welding or another conventional method to the inner surface of 10 the rear end ofthe frame siderail member 22.
An outer slot 66 is formed through the rear side of the joined lower guide member 56 and upper guide member 58, and extends into the inner slot 62. The inner slot 62 is wider than the outer slot 66. The end of the axle 48 is received within the slot 62 of the mounting block 44, thereby mounting the axle 48 to the frame 12. The axle 48 is slidable within the slot 62, allowing movement of the end of the axle 48 in the longitll~in~l direction, i.e., along the length of the frame siderail member 22. The width of the inner slot 62 substantially m~tçhe~ the ~ metP~r of the axle 48, while the outer slot 66 has a lesser width to avoid escape of the axle 48 from the inner slot 62.
A threaded aperture 68 is formed crosswise through the end of the axle 48. The axis of the aperture 68 is longitu-lin~lly oriented, parallel with the frame siderailmember 22 and the slot 62.
Referring to FIGURES 3 and 4, the r~tçheting bolt assembly 52 includes an elongate shaft 70. The elongate shaft 70 has a non-threaded shank portion 72 and a threaded portion 74. An annular flange 76 is formed about the shaft 70 and separates the non-threaded shank portion 72 from the threaded portion 74.
Referring to FIGURE 3, the threaded portion 74 of the shaft 70 is slidably inserted through the outer slot 66 in the rear end of the mounting block 44 and passes into the inner slot 62 therein. The threaded portion 74 of the shaft70 is then threadably engaged within the threaded aperture 68 of the axle 48. Rotation of the shaft 70 results in ~ ?.~ble adv~ncçm~nt of the axle 48 in either direction along the length of the shaft 70. Rotation of the shaft 70 in the clockwise direction results in the axle 48 moving in the lealward direction, i.e., toward the outer slot 66 of the mol~nting block 44. This causes the rear roller assembly 16 to move away from the folwald roller assembly 14, thereby tightçning, i.e., increasing the tension in, the belt 18. When the belt 18 is under tension, the annular flange 76 of the shaft 70 bears against the rearward face of the mounting block 44.
PREC~n33AP.DOC
2 ~ 02029 The ratcheting bolt assembly 52 includes a ratchet head 80 that is graspable for rotation of the shaft 70, but which prevents further clockwise rotation of the shaft 70 once a desired maximum tension in the belt 18 is reached. Referring to FIGURES 3 and 4, a coil co.l.ples~ion spring 82 is received axially on the non-threaded shank portion 72 of the shaft 70. A non-threaded annular nut 84 is then axially inserted onto the non-threaded shank portion 72 of the shaft 70, so that the spring 82 is sandwiched between the nut 84 and the annular flange 76. An annularratchet cap 86 is positioned on the outside of, and axially aligned with, the installed nut 84. The threaded length of a standard cap screw 88 is slidably inserted through the center ofthe annular ratchet cap 86, and is threadably received within an internally threaded central passage 89 formed longitudin~lly into the end of the non-threaded shank portion 72 of the shaft 70. When the cap screw 88 is fully inserted into the passage 89, the ratchet cap 86 is sandwiched between the head of the cap screw 88 and the nut 84. The spring 82 is partially co-l.pressed between the nut 84 and the aMular flange 76 of the shaft 70.
Referring to FIGURE 5, the outer (rearward) facing side of the nut 84 defines a ratchet surface 90. The ratchet surface 90 in~llldes four radially oriented grooves 92 formed into the surface 90 at 90 intervals. Each groove 92 inchldes sidewalls 94 that are oriented substantially perpendicularly to a plane defined by the ratchet surface 90.
Referring to FIGURE 6, the inner (forward) side of the ratchet cap 86 defines a corresponding mating ratchet surface 96. Four elongate, radially oriented, ridge-like teeth98 are formed on the mating ratchet surface 96. The teeth 98 are radially disposed at 90 intervals around the mating ratchet surface 96. Two of the teeth 98 are configured as long teeth 98a, and extend fully from the outer circumrelence of the annular ratchet cap 86 to a central apellule 100 formed therethrough. The two long teeth98a are aligned along a single radial line. The lelllA~ g two teeth98 are configured as short teeth98b, which extend from the outer circumference of the ratchet cap 86 to a point spaced away from the inner aperture 100. The dict~nce between the inner ends of the short teeth 98b corresponds to the diameter of thenon-threaded shank portion 72 of the shaft 70.
Referring to FIGURE 4, a slot 102 is formed crosswise across the end of the non-threaded shank portion 72 of the shaft 70. When the r~tç~leting bolt assembly 52 is fully assembled, an inner portion of each of the long teeth 98a on the mating ratchet surface 96 of the ratchet cap 86 is received within the slot 102 formed across the end ofthe shaft 70. This engagement serves to non-rotatably secure the ratchet cap 86 on the end of the shaft 70.
PREC~n33~P.DOC
When so assembled, each of the teeth 98a and 98b on the mating ratchet surface 96 engages with, and is received within, one of the grooves 92 formed in the ratchet surface 90 of the nut 84. The ratchet surface 90 of the nut is thus engaged with the mating ratchet surface 96 of the ratchet cap 86, with this engagement being S ~ Ai.~ed by the co.llpressive force ofthe partially compressed coil spring 82.
Referring to FIGURES 4 and 6, each of the teeth 98a and 98b inr.illdes an elongate leading side 104. The leading side 104 of each tooth98 is disposed sub~ ially perpendicular relative to the plane defined by the mating ratchet surface 96 of the ratchet cap 86. The opposing elongate following side 106 of each tooth 98a and 98b is beveled, tapering inwardly and upwardly toward the apex of the tooth 98. Thus, the contour of the following side 106 of each tooth 98 is obtusely angled relative to the plane defined by the mating ratchet surface 96 of the ratchet cap 86.
Refell;ng to FIGURES 3 and 4, the circunlferelll;~ surface of the nut 84 is contoured suitably for gripping, either m~n-~lly or by a wrench, for rotation of the ratr.hetin~ bolt assembly 52. In the plefelled embodiment illustrated, the nut 84 has a hexagonal outer configuration that is graspable by a wrench. When the nut 84 is graspedand rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the perpendicular leading side 104 of each tooth 98 on the ratchet cap 86 bears against an inner sidewall 94 of the corresponding groove 92 formed in the ratchet surface 90 of the nut 84. Because of the orthogonal disposition of the leading side 104 of each tooth98, and the sidewalls 94 of the grooves 92, the ratchet cap 86 and nut 84 are easily "~Ai.-~Ail-ed in çngPg~ment by the co,llpress;~e force of the spring 82. The entire ratcheting bolt asselllbly 52 thus rotates in unison in the counterclockwise direction, such that the transverse rear axle 48 of the rear roller assembly 16 advances forwardly on theshaft 70, i.e., towards the forward roller assembly 14. This results in a decrease in the d;slance between the rear roller assembly 16 and forward rjoller assembly 14, thereby decreasing the tension in the treadmill belt 18.
When the nut 84 is grasped and rotated in the clockwise direction, the beveled following sides 106 ofthe teeth 98 engage against the sidewalls 94 of the grooves 92.
The coll,ples~h~e force of the spring82 is normally sufficient to lllAhllA;~ theengagement between the teeth 98 and the grooves 92. Rotation of the nut 84 in the clockwise direction thus normally rotates the entire r~tcheting bolt assembly 52, such that the axle 48 of the rear roller assembly 16 moves rearwardly on the shaft 70. This results in the rear roller assembly 16 moving away from the forward roller assembly 14, increasing the distance between the axes of rotation42 and 50.
PREan33AP.DOC
2t 02029 Increasing the di~t~nce between the forward roller assembly 14 and rear roller assembly 16 increases the tension in the belt 18.
The ratchet head 80 of the ratcheting bolt assembly 52 acts to prevent overtensioning of the belt 18. When a predetermined maximum tension of the 5 belt 18 is reached, the torque required to further rotate the ratcheting bolt assembly S2, in order to further spread the roller assemblies 16 and 14, eYceeds the co",~ress;~e force of the spring 82. At this point, the nut 84 "breaks free" of the rçm~in-ler of the r~tçheting bolt assembly 52. The nut 84 rotates on the shaft 70, with the teeth 98 of the ratchet cap 86 coming out of engagement with the grooves 92 of the nut 84. The ratchet surface 90 of the nut 84 thus slides relative to the mating ratchet surface 96 of the ratchet cap 86, with the sidewall 94 of each groove 92sliding up and over the beveled following side 106 of each corresponding tooth 98.
Once this predetermined m~ximllm tensile load of the belt 18 is reached, the tension on the belt 18 cannot be further increased until additional slack is developed in the 15 belt 18 through use, either by normal stretching of the belt 18 or wear of the bearings on which the roller assemblies 14 and 16 are mounted. Overtensioning ofthe belt 18, which would result in excessive and accelerated wear of the roller bearings and stretching of the belt 18, is avoided, increasing the life of the treadmill 10.
Referring to FIGURE 2, the mounting block 44 mounted to the rear end of the 20 frame siderail member 22 receives the ratcheting bolt assembly 52. Each of the other mountin~ blocks 44 for mounting the opposing end of the axle 48 of the rear roller assembly 16, as well as each end of the axle40 of the ~olwald roller assembly 14, instead receives a conventional bolt 54. Each bolt 54 may be rotated to threadably advance the threadably engaged end of the axle 40 or 48, thereby slidably adjusting 25 the position of that end of the axle 40 or 48 relative to the frame siderail member 20 or 22. However, the bolts 54 do not have the tension-limiting feature provided by the ratchet head 80 of the ratçheting bolt assembly 52.
In order to initially set up the treadmill 10 for operation, the bolt 54 that isengaged with one end of the forward roller assembly 14 is turned fully clockwise, 30 drawing that end of the axle 40 fully in the forward direction. The bolt 54 engaged with the opposite end of the axle 40 is then also rotated clockwise as necessaly to align the axle40, and thus the forward roller assembly 14, subst~nti~lly perpendicularly relative to the frame siderail members 20 and 22.
The r~tçhP,ting bolt assembly 52 engaged with one end of the axle 48 of the 35 rear roller assembly 16 is then incrementally rotated to adjust tension of the belt 18.
The ratcheting bolt assembly 52 acts to avoid overtensioning of the belt 18, as P~n33AP.DOC
previously described. The bolt 54 engaged with the opposite end of the axle 48 is then adjusted to align the axle 48, and thus the rear roller assembly 16, subst~nti~lly parallel to the forward roller assembly 14. The ratcheting bolt assembly 52 and bolt54 on the ends of the axle48 are then alternately adjusted to refine this 5 positioning ofthe rear roller assembly 16. The ratchet head 80 ofthe ratcheting bolt assembly 52 also avoids overtensioning of the belt 18 during this portion of theprocess. The motor28 is then activated to start travel of the belt 18. The rear bolt 54 is then further adj~lsted as needed for proper tracking ofthe belt 18.
A~er the treadmill 10 has been used for a sufficient period for some wear of 10 the belt 18 and roller bearings, it being understood that excessive wear is avoided because of the proper initial adjustment afforded by the ratçheting bolt assembly 52, tension in the belt 18 can be readjusted using the r~tcheting bolt assembly 52 and colles~,ol1ding bolt 54. In each instance, the ratçheting bolt assembly 52 prevents overtensioning of the belt 18.
Although a prefe,led embodiment of the treadmill 10 has been described above, it should be appalt;,.l to those of ordillaly skill in the art that various alterations and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in place of the axles 40 and 48, it should be apparenl that opposing stub sha~s can be used. While a single end of the rear roller assembly 16 has been described as being mounted using the r~tçheting bolt assembly 52, with the opposingendof the rear rollerassembly 16 and the ends of the forward roller assembly 14 being mounted with conventional bolts 54, it should be appalel.l that additional r~tçheting bolt assemblies 52 could be utilized in place of one or more of the conventional bolts 54.
The ratchet head 80 of the ratcheting bolt assembly 52 has been described above as in~ lin~ a separate shaft 70, ratchet cap 86, and cap screw 88. However, it should be apparent that these components could be integrally formed, with the sha~ 70 having a unitary head that defines the mating ratchet surface 96. In this case, the annular flange 76 of the shaft 70 would not be present, with the nut 84 and spring 82 being axially slid over the threaded portion 74 onto the non-threaded shank portion 72. An alternate stop protuberance, such as a pin, would then be installed crosswise into the shaft70 between the non-threaded shank portion 72 and the threaded portion 74, in order to retain and compress the spring.
The ratcheting bolt assembly 52 has been described as operating to limit overtensioning of the belt 18 by limiting movement of one of the roller assemblies 16 relative to the other roller assembly 14. However, it should be apparel~l that the same PREC~n33AP.DOC
type of ratcheting head assembly 52 could be otherwise installed on the frame 12 to enable limited tension adjustment of the belt 18. For example, a third idler or takeup roller could be adjustably mounted to bear against the lower run of the belt 18 at a location spaced between the fo~ ud roller assembly 14 and rear roller assembly 16.
5 The degree of engagement of this third idler roller (not shown) against the belt 18 would be controlled by use of one or more ratcheting bolt assemblies 52 to change the distance between the third idler roller and the upper run of the belt 18.
While the plefellt;d embodiment of the invention and several modifications thereof have been illustrated and described herein, it will be apl)-eciated that various 10 other changes can be made therein by one of ordina-y skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thus intended that the scope of Letters Patent granted hereon be limited only by the definitions of the appended claims.
PREC~n33AP.DOC
reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accol"pa,lyillg drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 provides a pictorial view of a treadmill constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIGURE 2 provides a top view of the treadmill of FIGURE 1, with the motor housing, motor, and railing removed for cla~ity;
FIGURE 3 provides an end view of the tension-limited adj..ctmPnt meçhAniem of the present invention mounted on the treadmill frame and engaged with one end of a roller assembly, with a portion of the frame siderail member cut away for clarity;
FIGURE 4 provides an exploded side elevation view of the bolt assembly of the present invention;
FIGURE S provides a pictorial view of the ratchet nut included on the ratcheting bolt assembly of FIGI~RE 4; and FIGURE 6 provides a pictorial view of the ratchet cap of the ratçhetin~ bolt assembly of FIGURE 4.
Detailed Description of the P, er~" ed Embodiment A treadmill 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGURE 1. The treadmill 10 includP~s a frame 12 on opposite ends of which aretransversely mounted a forward roller assembly 14 and a rear roller assembly 16. An endless belt 18 is trained about the fo,w~d roller assembly 14 and rear roller assembly 16. The treadmill 10 further inrludec an adjustment meçhAnicm, to be described subsequently, for adjusting tension in the belt 18. The 7~dj-lctmPnt l~eçl~AIlicm is constructed to autom~ticAlly limit further increasing of the tension in the belt 18 in excess of a predetermined ~ ulll belt tension.
Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, the frame 12 includes first and second longitullinAI siderail members 20 and 22. The siderail members 20 and 22 are spaced apart and are joined by cross members (not shown), as is well known for treadmill frame construction. A rigid deck 24 spans between and is supported above the first and second frame siderail members 20 and 22. A plurality of elastomeric springs 26 are disposed between the deck24 and the siderail members 20 and 22 to provide impact absorption. The endless belt 18 is preferably made of a flexible material, such as a rubber i""),eg~ted fabric. When installed about the front roller assembly 14 and rear roller assembly 16, the upper run of the belt 18 is supported by the deck 24. As used herein throughout, ~forward~ refers to the direction in which an exerciser faces when using the treadmill. The terms "rear" and "rearward" refer to the opposite direction.
PREC~n33AP.DOC
2~ 02029 The treadmill 10 further includes a motor 28 having a drive shaft 29 engaged by a drive belt 30 with a drive pulley (not shown) mounted on one end of the forward roller assembly 14, as in conventional treadmill~. The motor 28 is housed within a cover 32. The frame 12 further includes an upright member 34 projecting upwardlyfrom the forward end of the frame 12, which supports the center of a contoured railing 36 that is graspable by an exerciser running on the treadmill. The railing 36 extends downwardly on either side, termin~tin~ at and secured to the siderail members 20 and 22. The motor 28 drives rotation of the rO, wal~d roller assembly 14, thus causing movement of the treadmill belt 18 on which an exerciser strides during use ofthe treadmill 10. The fo,w~,d roller assembly 14 thus serves as the drive roller, while the rear roller assembly 16 serves as the takeup roller.
Referring to FIGURE 2, the forward roller assembly 14 includes a cylindrical roller shell 38 rotatably mounted on bearings (not shown) on an axle 40. The axle 40 is disposed transversely relative to the longitudin~l frame members 20 and 22 on a rol~ald axis 42, between the fo, ward ends of the frame siderail members 20 and 22.
Each end of the axle 40 is adjustably mounted within a mounting block 44 secured to the inside of the corresponding siderail member 20 or 22, as shall be described more fully subsequently. As used herein throughout, the term "axle" is intçnded to include not only unitary axles, but also opposing stub shafts.
The rear roller assembly 16 likewise inchldes a roller shell 46 that is mounted on bearings (not shown) on a transverse rear axle 48. The rear axle 48 is mounted parallel to the folwald axle 40, between the rear ends of the frame siderail members 20 and 22, on a rear axis S0. The ends of the rear axle 48 are mounted to the inside of the ends of the rear frame siderail members 20 and 22 within additional mountin~ blocks44, similarly to the ends of the forward axle40. The roller assemblies 14 and 16 thus rotate about transverse, spaced-apart, parallel axes 42 and 50, respectively.
Each of the mounting blocks 44 incl~ldes a meçhAni~ for enabling adjustm~nt of the positioning of the co.le~,onding axle end within the mounting block 44 along the longitu~in~l dimension of the frame. However, the mounting block 44 mounted on the inside of the rear end of the frame siderail member 22 carries a r~t~heting bolt assembly 52 to allow adjustm~nt of the position of that end of the axle 48 within the mounting block 44, while each of the r~ A;.~ing three mounting blocks 44 includes a conventional adj~lstm~nt bolt 54. The operation and construction of the ratchçtin~
bolt assembly 52 shall now be described, with the operation of the bolts 54 described thereafter.
PREC\7233AP.DOC
-s- 21 02029 Referring to FIGI~RE 3, the mounting block 44 is constructed from opposing lower and upper guide members 56 and 58. The lower guide member 56 has an upwardly opening, elongate C-shaped configuration, its upper surface defining anelongate recess 60. The upper guide member 58 is identically configured, but is 5 mated upside down on top of the lower guide member 56. The elongate recesses 60 of the mated guide members 56 and 58 thus define a longitu-lin~lly oriented (relative to the frame 12) inner slot 62. The lower guide member S6 and the upper guide member 58 are clamped together by means of a bolt 64. The lower guide member 56 is fixedly secured by welding or another conventional method to the inner surface of 10 the rear end ofthe frame siderail member 22.
An outer slot 66 is formed through the rear side of the joined lower guide member 56 and upper guide member 58, and extends into the inner slot 62. The inner slot 62 is wider than the outer slot 66. The end of the axle 48 is received within the slot 62 of the mounting block 44, thereby mounting the axle 48 to the frame 12. The axle 48 is slidable within the slot 62, allowing movement of the end of the axle 48 in the longitll~in~l direction, i.e., along the length of the frame siderail member 22. The width of the inner slot 62 substantially m~tçhe~ the ~ metP~r of the axle 48, while the outer slot 66 has a lesser width to avoid escape of the axle 48 from the inner slot 62.
A threaded aperture 68 is formed crosswise through the end of the axle 48. The axis of the aperture 68 is longitu-lin~lly oriented, parallel with the frame siderailmember 22 and the slot 62.
Referring to FIGURES 3 and 4, the r~tçheting bolt assembly 52 includes an elongate shaft 70. The elongate shaft 70 has a non-threaded shank portion 72 and a threaded portion 74. An annular flange 76 is formed about the shaft 70 and separates the non-threaded shank portion 72 from the threaded portion 74.
Referring to FIGURE 3, the threaded portion 74 of the shaft 70 is slidably inserted through the outer slot 66 in the rear end of the mounting block 44 and passes into the inner slot 62 therein. The threaded portion 74 of the shaft70 is then threadably engaged within the threaded aperture 68 of the axle 48. Rotation of the shaft 70 results in ~ ?.~ble adv~ncçm~nt of the axle 48 in either direction along the length of the shaft 70. Rotation of the shaft 70 in the clockwise direction results in the axle 48 moving in the lealward direction, i.e., toward the outer slot 66 of the mol~nting block 44. This causes the rear roller assembly 16 to move away from the folwald roller assembly 14, thereby tightçning, i.e., increasing the tension in, the belt 18. When the belt 18 is under tension, the annular flange 76 of the shaft 70 bears against the rearward face of the mounting block 44.
PREC~n33AP.DOC
2 ~ 02029 The ratcheting bolt assembly 52 includes a ratchet head 80 that is graspable for rotation of the shaft 70, but which prevents further clockwise rotation of the shaft 70 once a desired maximum tension in the belt 18 is reached. Referring to FIGURES 3 and 4, a coil co.l.ples~ion spring 82 is received axially on the non-threaded shank portion 72 of the shaft 70. A non-threaded annular nut 84 is then axially inserted onto the non-threaded shank portion 72 of the shaft 70, so that the spring 82 is sandwiched between the nut 84 and the annular flange 76. An annularratchet cap 86 is positioned on the outside of, and axially aligned with, the installed nut 84. The threaded length of a standard cap screw 88 is slidably inserted through the center ofthe annular ratchet cap 86, and is threadably received within an internally threaded central passage 89 formed longitudin~lly into the end of the non-threaded shank portion 72 of the shaft 70. When the cap screw 88 is fully inserted into the passage 89, the ratchet cap 86 is sandwiched between the head of the cap screw 88 and the nut 84. The spring 82 is partially co-l.pressed between the nut 84 and the aMular flange 76 of the shaft 70.
Referring to FIGURE 5, the outer (rearward) facing side of the nut 84 defines a ratchet surface 90. The ratchet surface 90 in~llldes four radially oriented grooves 92 formed into the surface 90 at 90 intervals. Each groove 92 inchldes sidewalls 94 that are oriented substantially perpendicularly to a plane defined by the ratchet surface 90.
Referring to FIGURE 6, the inner (forward) side of the ratchet cap 86 defines a corresponding mating ratchet surface 96. Four elongate, radially oriented, ridge-like teeth98 are formed on the mating ratchet surface 96. The teeth 98 are radially disposed at 90 intervals around the mating ratchet surface 96. Two of the teeth 98 are configured as long teeth 98a, and extend fully from the outer circumrelence of the annular ratchet cap 86 to a central apellule 100 formed therethrough. The two long teeth98a are aligned along a single radial line. The lelllA~ g two teeth98 are configured as short teeth98b, which extend from the outer circumference of the ratchet cap 86 to a point spaced away from the inner aperture 100. The dict~nce between the inner ends of the short teeth 98b corresponds to the diameter of thenon-threaded shank portion 72 of the shaft 70.
Referring to FIGURE 4, a slot 102 is formed crosswise across the end of the non-threaded shank portion 72 of the shaft 70. When the r~tç~leting bolt assembly 52 is fully assembled, an inner portion of each of the long teeth 98a on the mating ratchet surface 96 of the ratchet cap 86 is received within the slot 102 formed across the end ofthe shaft 70. This engagement serves to non-rotatably secure the ratchet cap 86 on the end of the shaft 70.
PREC~n33~P.DOC
When so assembled, each of the teeth 98a and 98b on the mating ratchet surface 96 engages with, and is received within, one of the grooves 92 formed in the ratchet surface 90 of the nut 84. The ratchet surface 90 of the nut is thus engaged with the mating ratchet surface 96 of the ratchet cap 86, with this engagement being S ~ Ai.~ed by the co.llpressive force ofthe partially compressed coil spring 82.
Referring to FIGURES 4 and 6, each of the teeth 98a and 98b inr.illdes an elongate leading side 104. The leading side 104 of each tooth98 is disposed sub~ ially perpendicular relative to the plane defined by the mating ratchet surface 96 of the ratchet cap 86. The opposing elongate following side 106 of each tooth 98a and 98b is beveled, tapering inwardly and upwardly toward the apex of the tooth 98. Thus, the contour of the following side 106 of each tooth 98 is obtusely angled relative to the plane defined by the mating ratchet surface 96 of the ratchet cap 86.
Refell;ng to FIGURES 3 and 4, the circunlferelll;~ surface of the nut 84 is contoured suitably for gripping, either m~n-~lly or by a wrench, for rotation of the ratr.hetin~ bolt assembly 52. In the plefelled embodiment illustrated, the nut 84 has a hexagonal outer configuration that is graspable by a wrench. When the nut 84 is graspedand rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the perpendicular leading side 104 of each tooth 98 on the ratchet cap 86 bears against an inner sidewall 94 of the corresponding groove 92 formed in the ratchet surface 90 of the nut 84. Because of the orthogonal disposition of the leading side 104 of each tooth98, and the sidewalls 94 of the grooves 92, the ratchet cap 86 and nut 84 are easily "~Ai.-~Ail-ed in çngPg~ment by the co,llpress;~e force of the spring 82. The entire ratcheting bolt asselllbly 52 thus rotates in unison in the counterclockwise direction, such that the transverse rear axle 48 of the rear roller assembly 16 advances forwardly on theshaft 70, i.e., towards the forward roller assembly 14. This results in a decrease in the d;slance between the rear roller assembly 16 and forward rjoller assembly 14, thereby decreasing the tension in the treadmill belt 18.
When the nut 84 is grasped and rotated in the clockwise direction, the beveled following sides 106 ofthe teeth 98 engage against the sidewalls 94 of the grooves 92.
The coll,ples~h~e force of the spring82 is normally sufficient to lllAhllA;~ theengagement between the teeth 98 and the grooves 92. Rotation of the nut 84 in the clockwise direction thus normally rotates the entire r~tcheting bolt assembly 52, such that the axle 48 of the rear roller assembly 16 moves rearwardly on the shaft 70. This results in the rear roller assembly 16 moving away from the forward roller assembly 14, increasing the distance between the axes of rotation42 and 50.
PREan33AP.DOC
2t 02029 Increasing the di~t~nce between the forward roller assembly 14 and rear roller assembly 16 increases the tension in the belt 18.
The ratchet head 80 of the ratcheting bolt assembly 52 acts to prevent overtensioning of the belt 18. When a predetermined maximum tension of the 5 belt 18 is reached, the torque required to further rotate the ratcheting bolt assembly S2, in order to further spread the roller assemblies 16 and 14, eYceeds the co",~ress;~e force of the spring 82. At this point, the nut 84 "breaks free" of the rçm~in-ler of the r~tçheting bolt assembly 52. The nut 84 rotates on the shaft 70, with the teeth 98 of the ratchet cap 86 coming out of engagement with the grooves 92 of the nut 84. The ratchet surface 90 of the nut 84 thus slides relative to the mating ratchet surface 96 of the ratchet cap 86, with the sidewall 94 of each groove 92sliding up and over the beveled following side 106 of each corresponding tooth 98.
Once this predetermined m~ximllm tensile load of the belt 18 is reached, the tension on the belt 18 cannot be further increased until additional slack is developed in the 15 belt 18 through use, either by normal stretching of the belt 18 or wear of the bearings on which the roller assemblies 14 and 16 are mounted. Overtensioning ofthe belt 18, which would result in excessive and accelerated wear of the roller bearings and stretching of the belt 18, is avoided, increasing the life of the treadmill 10.
Referring to FIGURE 2, the mounting block 44 mounted to the rear end of the 20 frame siderail member 22 receives the ratcheting bolt assembly 52. Each of the other mountin~ blocks 44 for mounting the opposing end of the axle 48 of the rear roller assembly 16, as well as each end of the axle40 of the ~olwald roller assembly 14, instead receives a conventional bolt 54. Each bolt 54 may be rotated to threadably advance the threadably engaged end of the axle 40 or 48, thereby slidably adjusting 25 the position of that end of the axle 40 or 48 relative to the frame siderail member 20 or 22. However, the bolts 54 do not have the tension-limiting feature provided by the ratchet head 80 of the ratçheting bolt assembly 52.
In order to initially set up the treadmill 10 for operation, the bolt 54 that isengaged with one end of the forward roller assembly 14 is turned fully clockwise, 30 drawing that end of the axle 40 fully in the forward direction. The bolt 54 engaged with the opposite end of the axle 40 is then also rotated clockwise as necessaly to align the axle40, and thus the forward roller assembly 14, subst~nti~lly perpendicularly relative to the frame siderail members 20 and 22.
The r~tçhP,ting bolt assembly 52 engaged with one end of the axle 48 of the 35 rear roller assembly 16 is then incrementally rotated to adjust tension of the belt 18.
The ratcheting bolt assembly 52 acts to avoid overtensioning of the belt 18, as P~n33AP.DOC
previously described. The bolt 54 engaged with the opposite end of the axle 48 is then adjusted to align the axle 48, and thus the rear roller assembly 16, subst~nti~lly parallel to the forward roller assembly 14. The ratcheting bolt assembly 52 and bolt54 on the ends of the axle48 are then alternately adjusted to refine this 5 positioning ofthe rear roller assembly 16. The ratchet head 80 ofthe ratcheting bolt assembly 52 also avoids overtensioning of the belt 18 during this portion of theprocess. The motor28 is then activated to start travel of the belt 18. The rear bolt 54 is then further adj~lsted as needed for proper tracking ofthe belt 18.
A~er the treadmill 10 has been used for a sufficient period for some wear of 10 the belt 18 and roller bearings, it being understood that excessive wear is avoided because of the proper initial adjustment afforded by the ratçheting bolt assembly 52, tension in the belt 18 can be readjusted using the r~tcheting bolt assembly 52 and colles~,ol1ding bolt 54. In each instance, the ratçheting bolt assembly 52 prevents overtensioning of the belt 18.
Although a prefe,led embodiment of the treadmill 10 has been described above, it should be appalt;,.l to those of ordillaly skill in the art that various alterations and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in place of the axles 40 and 48, it should be apparenl that opposing stub sha~s can be used. While a single end of the rear roller assembly 16 has been described as being mounted using the r~tçheting bolt assembly 52, with the opposingendof the rear rollerassembly 16 and the ends of the forward roller assembly 14 being mounted with conventional bolts 54, it should be appalel.l that additional r~tçheting bolt assemblies 52 could be utilized in place of one or more of the conventional bolts 54.
The ratchet head 80 of the ratcheting bolt assembly 52 has been described above as in~ lin~ a separate shaft 70, ratchet cap 86, and cap screw 88. However, it should be apparent that these components could be integrally formed, with the sha~ 70 having a unitary head that defines the mating ratchet surface 96. In this case, the annular flange 76 of the shaft 70 would not be present, with the nut 84 and spring 82 being axially slid over the threaded portion 74 onto the non-threaded shank portion 72. An alternate stop protuberance, such as a pin, would then be installed crosswise into the shaft70 between the non-threaded shank portion 72 and the threaded portion 74, in order to retain and compress the spring.
The ratcheting bolt assembly 52 has been described as operating to limit overtensioning of the belt 18 by limiting movement of one of the roller assemblies 16 relative to the other roller assembly 14. However, it should be apparel~l that the same PREC~n33AP.DOC
type of ratcheting head assembly 52 could be otherwise installed on the frame 12 to enable limited tension adjustment of the belt 18. For example, a third idler or takeup roller could be adjustably mounted to bear against the lower run of the belt 18 at a location spaced between the fo~ ud roller assembly 14 and rear roller assembly 16.
5 The degree of engagement of this third idler roller (not shown) against the belt 18 would be controlled by use of one or more ratcheting bolt assemblies 52 to change the distance between the third idler roller and the upper run of the belt 18.
While the plefellt;d embodiment of the invention and several modifications thereof have been illustrated and described herein, it will be apl)-eciated that various 10 other changes can be made therein by one of ordina-y skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thus intended that the scope of Letters Patent granted hereon be limited only by the definitions of the appended claims.
PREC~n33AP.DOC
Claims (9)
1. An exercise treadmill, comprising:
(a) a frame;
(b) a first roller assembly mounted on the frame to rotate about a first transverse axis;
(c) a second roller assembly mounted on the frame to rotate about a second transverse axis spaced from the first transverse axis;
(d) an endless belt trained about the first and second roller assemblies; and (e) adjustment means for adjusting tension in the belt, comprising:
(i) a shaft rotatably mounted on the frame that is coupled to the second roller assembly, whereby rotatable advancement of the shaft relative to the second roller assembly results in displacement of the second roller assembly to adjust tension in the endless belt;
(ii) an engaging surface defined on the shaft;
(iii) a cooperating engaging member mounted on one of the frame or shaft in contact with the engaging surface on the shaft, the cooperating engaging member being movable to rotatably advance the shaft; and (iv) means for permitting slip between the engaging member and the engaging surface of the shaft when a predetermined maximum belt tension is reached.
(a) a frame;
(b) a first roller assembly mounted on the frame to rotate about a first transverse axis;
(c) a second roller assembly mounted on the frame to rotate about a second transverse axis spaced from the first transverse axis;
(d) an endless belt trained about the first and second roller assemblies; and (e) adjustment means for adjusting tension in the belt, comprising:
(i) a shaft rotatably mounted on the frame that is coupled to the second roller assembly, whereby rotatable advancement of the shaft relative to the second roller assembly results in displacement of the second roller assembly to adjust tension in the endless belt;
(ii) an engaging surface defined on the shaft;
(iii) a cooperating engaging member mounted on one of the frame or shaft in contact with the engaging surface on the shaft, the cooperating engaging member being movable to rotatably advance the shaft; and (iv) means for permitting slip between the engaging member and the engaging surface of the shaft when a predetermined maximum belt tension is reached.
2. The exercise treadmill of Claim 1, wherein the adjustment means is constructed and configured to adjust the distance between the first and second transverse axes.
3. The exercise treadmill of Claim 2, wherein:
(a) the first and second roller assemblies are rotatably mounted to the frame on first and second axles, respectively; and (b) the shaft and cooperating engaging member cooperatively comprise an adjustable bolt assembly including a threaded shaft having a ratchet head, wherein:
(i) the adjustment bolt assembly is rotatably secured to the frame with the threaded shaft threadably engaged with one end of the second axle;
(ii) the ratchet head is graspable to rotate the adjustment bolt assembly to threadably advance the second axle on the threaded shaft of theadjustment bolt assembly, thereby changing the distance between the first and second transverse axes and adjusting the tension in the belt; and (iii) the ratchet head ratchets on the adjustment bolt assembly to prevent an increase in the tension of the belt in excess of a predetermined maximum belt tension.
(a) the first and second roller assemblies are rotatably mounted to the frame on first and second axles, respectively; and (b) the shaft and cooperating engaging member cooperatively comprise an adjustable bolt assembly including a threaded shaft having a ratchet head, wherein:
(i) the adjustment bolt assembly is rotatably secured to the frame with the threaded shaft threadably engaged with one end of the second axle;
(ii) the ratchet head is graspable to rotate the adjustment bolt assembly to threadably advance the second axle on the threaded shaft of theadjustment bolt assembly, thereby changing the distance between the first and second transverse axes and adjusting the tension in the belt; and (iii) the ratchet head ratchets on the adjustment bolt assembly to prevent an increase in the tension of the belt in excess of a predetermined maximum belt tension.
4. The exercise treadmill of Claim 3, wherein the shaft of the bolt has a shank end portion, a threaded end portion, and a stop protuberance formed on theshaft between the shank end portion and the threaded end portion and the ratchethead of the bolt assembly comprises:
(a) a compression spring axially mounted on the shank end portion of the shaft;
(b) an annular nut slidably mounted on the shaft end portion of the shaft, so that the spring is disposed between the stop protuberance and the nut,wherein the nut defines an annular ratchet surface on the side of the nut furthest from the spring; and (c) a cap secured to the end of the shank end portion of the shaft, so that the spring and nut are compressed between the cap and the stop protuberance on the shaft, wherein:
(i) the cap defines a mating ratchet surface that engages with the ratchet surface of the nut; and (ii) the force of the compressed spring and engagement of the ratchet surface of the nut with the mating ratchet surface of the cap are sufficient such that rotation of the nut normally results in rotation of the shaft, except when the torque required to rotate the shaft exceeds the compressive force of the spring,whereupon the nut is rotatable on the shaft with the nut's ratchet surface sliding relative to the cap's mating ratchet surface.
(a) a compression spring axially mounted on the shank end portion of the shaft;
(b) an annular nut slidably mounted on the shaft end portion of the shaft, so that the spring is disposed between the stop protuberance and the nut,wherein the nut defines an annular ratchet surface on the side of the nut furthest from the spring; and (c) a cap secured to the end of the shank end portion of the shaft, so that the spring and nut are compressed between the cap and the stop protuberance on the shaft, wherein:
(i) the cap defines a mating ratchet surface that engages with the ratchet surface of the nut; and (ii) the force of the compressed spring and engagement of the ratchet surface of the nut with the mating ratchet surface of the cap are sufficient such that rotation of the nut normally results in rotation of the shaft, except when the torque required to rotate the shaft exceeds the compressive force of the spring,whereupon the nut is rotatable on the shaft with the nut's ratchet surface sliding relative to the cap's mating ratchet surface.
5. The exercise treadmill of Claim 4, wherein one of the ratchet surface and mating ratchet surface defines a plurality of radially oriented teeth, and the other of the ratchet surface and mating ratchet surface defines a plurality of correspondingly arranged but inversely contoured radially oriented grooves, the teeth normally being disposed within the grooves except for when the nut rotates relative to the cap.
6. The exercise treadmill of Claim 5, wherein each of the radially oriented teeth has a beveled leading side and a following side that is disposed substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the ratchet surface of the cap, with the leading side of each tooth bearing against an inner wall of the corresponding groove when the nut is rotated clockwise to increase tension in the belt, and the following side of the tooth bearing on an inner wall of the corresponding groove when the nut is turned counterclockwise to decrease tension in the belt.
7. The exercise treadmill of Claim 4, wherein:
(a) the frame includes a guide block defining a slot in which the end of the second axle is slidably received, slidable motion of the second axle within the slot resulting in movement of the second roller assembly relative to the first assembly;
(b) the threaded end portion of the shaft is slidably inserted through an aperture formed in the guide block and is then threadably engaged with a threaded aperture formed crosswise through the end of the second axle; and (c) the stop protuberance on the shaft bears against the guide block when the belt is under tension.
(a) the frame includes a guide block defining a slot in which the end of the second axle is slidably received, slidable motion of the second axle within the slot resulting in movement of the second roller assembly relative to the first assembly;
(b) the threaded end portion of the shaft is slidably inserted through an aperture formed in the guide block and is then threadably engaged with a threaded aperture formed crosswise through the end of the second axle; and (c) the stop protuberance on the shaft bears against the guide block when the belt is under tension.
8. The exercise treadmill of Claim 1, wherein:
(a) the first and second roller assemblies are mounted on first and second axles to the frame;
(b) the adjustment means is engaged with one end of the second axle; and (c) the other end of the second axle is also adjustably mounted to the frame.
(a) the first and second roller assemblies are mounted on first and second axles to the frame;
(b) the adjustment means is engaged with one end of the second axle; and (c) the other end of the second axle is also adjustably mounted to the frame.
9. The exercise treadmill of Claim 8, wherein at least one end of the first axle is also adjustably mounted to the frame.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/972,002 | 1992-11-05 | ||
| US07/972,002 US5302162A (en) | 1992-11-05 | 1992-11-05 | Exercise treadmill with tension-limited belt adjustment |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2102029A1 CA2102029A1 (en) | 1994-05-06 |
| CA2102029C true CA2102029C (en) | 1996-12-10 |
Family
ID=25519041
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002102029A Expired - Fee Related CA2102029C (en) | 1992-11-05 | 1993-10-29 | Exercise treadmill with tension-limited belt adjustment |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5302162A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2102029C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE4337874C2 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2272166B (en) |
Families Citing this family (58)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA2133251C (en) * | 1993-09-30 | 1999-01-12 | Gary D. Piaget | Striding exerciser with upwardly curved tracks |
| US5558604A (en) * | 1994-06-02 | 1996-09-24 | Hopkins; Thomas H. | Aquatic treadmill apparatus |
| US5529553A (en) * | 1995-02-01 | 1996-06-25 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Treadmill with belt tensioning adjustment |
| US5509872A (en) * | 1995-03-24 | 1996-04-23 | Chen; Victor | Treadmill having compact motor structure |
| US5913384A (en) * | 1996-06-03 | 1999-06-22 | Charles Williams | Treadmill lubricating devices and methods |
| US5921892A (en) * | 1997-06-30 | 1999-07-13 | Essi-Ferno | Underwater treadmill device |
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- 1993-10-29 CA CA002102029A patent/CA2102029C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-11-05 DE DE4337874A patent/DE4337874C2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2272166A (en) | 1994-05-11 |
| GB9322110D0 (en) | 1993-12-15 |
| DE4337874C2 (en) | 1998-09-10 |
| US5302162A (en) | 1994-04-12 |
| CA2102029A1 (en) | 1994-05-06 |
| DE4337874A1 (en) | 1994-05-11 |
| GB2272166B (en) | 1995-09-20 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |