Patent ID: 6123647
Filing Date: 2000-09-26
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
Apparatus arranged to provide a continuously moveable surface moveable in any direction within a defined area, comprisinga plurality of belt units each comprising a transverse belt forming a loop, each said belt unit, when in a first configuration, holding said transverse belt to permit rotational movement of said belt; said belt, when in said first configuration, having a substantially straight upper portion relative to said belt unit, the direction of rotational movement of said upper portion oriented along the length of said belt unit; wherein a changeable subset of said belt units are arranged in said first configuration in a row with the length of each belt unit proximal each immediately adjacent belt unit along a substantial portion of its length, the length of said belt units all oriented in a first direction; and wherein said substantially straight upper portion of each said transverse belts in said row provide an elongate surface comprising a portion of the length of the respective transverse belt and wherein said elongate surfaces arranged side by side in combination provide a surface over said area, further comprisingfirst driving means for driving each of said transverse belts of said subset of said belt units in either direction along its length,second driving means for transporting said subset of belt units across said area, either in a second direction not parallel to said first direction or in a direction opposite said second direction, for removing a belt unit from one end of said row when the upper portion of the belt no longer lies in said area, and for introducing a belt unit, in said first configuration, onto the opposite end of said row, to form a new subset in said changeable subset of belt units in a row;means for detecting motion of an object in any direction on said surface; and whereinsaid first driving means and said second driving means are arranged to transport said belt units and move said transverse belts such that said continuously moveable surface counteracts the motion of said object whereby to maintain the object within said area.