Patent ID: 6436008
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
An exercise treadmill structure, comprising:a frame structure including a pair of spaced apart longitudinal frame members for providing longitudinal structural support for said frame structure and at least two longitudinally spaced apart cross members for providing lateral structural support for said frame structure; a first belt pulley rotatably secured to a first end of said frame structure, a second belt pulley rotatably secured to a second end of said frame structure an endless belt extending over said belt pulleys providing a moveable exercise surface on which a human user can walk or run while exercising; a motor; a transmission operatively connecting said motor to said first belt pulley; a deck member composed substantially of wood having a first end and a second end and extending parallel to said longitudinal members for supporting the weight of a human user secured beneath at least a portion of said exercise surface; a first compressible support member substantially comprised of an elastomeric material secured to said frame structure in a lateral plane between said frame structure and said deck member with respect to said frame structure and permanently secured to said frame structure so as to prevent longitudinal movement of all of said first compressible support member with respect to said deck member and wherein said elastomeric material in said first compressible support members serves to support at least a portion of a first portion of said deck member with respect to said frame structure and wherein said elastomeric material is additionally sufficiently compressible to permit said first portion of deck member to move downwardly with respect to said frame in response to the impact force of the human user's feet on said exercise surface thereby lowering impact loads on the user's feet; and a second compressible support member substantially comprised of said elastomeric material secured to said frame structure spaced laterally apart from said first compressible support member in said lateral plane and permanently secured to said frame structure so as to prevent longitudinal movement of all of said second compressible support member and wherein said elastomeric material in said second compressible support member serves to supports at least a portion of said deck member with respect to said deck member and wherein said elastomeric material is additionally sufficiently compressible to permit said first portion of deck member to move downwardly with respect to said frame in response to the impact force of the human user's feet on said exercise surface thereby lowering impact loads on the user's feet.