A foldable treadmill includes a deck having a rear end that is hingedly attached to a stationary base. The deck can be selectively rotated between an operational position, wherein the deck is substantially level, and a storage position, wherein the front end of the deck is lifted so that the deck is substantially upright. The treadmill also includes a handrail that is movably attached to the deck. The handrail has a first end attached to the base and an opposing second end projecting above the front end of the deck when the deck is in the operational position. The handrail is configured to automatically collapse into substantial alignment with the deck when the deck is rotated into the storage position. The deck and the handrail are configured such that the treadmill can be selectively stored against a wall and the deck selectively rotated from the storage position to the operational position causing the handrail to also move without either the deck or handrail contacting the wall. The deck selectively rotates into an operational position in which the handrail extends toward the front of the deck thereby allowing the user to face away from the wall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. The Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to treadmills, and in particular to foldable 
treadmills. 
2. The Relevant Technology 
Treadmills are popular exercise machines that enable a user to engage in a 
running or walking movement while maintaining a relatively stationary 
position. A conventional treadmill includes two major sections: a base and 
a handrail. The base includes a frame having rollers mounted on opposing 
ends thereof. A continuous belt extends around and between the two rollers 
so as to be fashioned into a flat, continuous loop. In one design, an 
electrical motor is connected to the front roller. When the motor is 
turned on, the roller spins which imparts rotational movement to the belt. 
In an alternative design, no motor is provided. The continuous belt is 
rotated by the user standing on the belt and walking or running thereon. 
Friction between the user and the belt cause the belt to rotate in a 
continuous loop around the rollers. 
The handrail acts as a support or stabilizer for the user. Conventional 
handrails project from the frame toward and across the front of the 
treadmill. Some alternative treadmills include moveable arms attached to 
the handrail. The movable arms enable the user to exercise their arms 
while running or walking on the treadmill. 
A control console can also be mounted on the handrail. The control console 
is used to control the operation of the treadmill and to display related 
information such as elapsed time, speed, pulse, or calories burned. 
Controls for treadmill speed, inclination, or exercise program may also be 
part of the control console. 
To use the treadmill, a user steps onto the continuous belt facing the 
front of the treadmill. The electric motor is then turned on causing the 
top surface of the belt to rotate from the front of the base to the rear 
of the base. To maintain a stationary position on the treadmill, the user 
must then walk or run at a speed corresponding to the speed of the belt. 
If desired, the user can grasp the handrail for support. When the user is 
done exercising, he or she simply turns the treadmill off and steps off 
the continuous belt. 
Early treadmills tended to be bulky due to large motors and oversized 
parts. Such treadmills were difficult to move around and took up 
relatively large amounts of space. Accordingly, these early treadmill were 
almost exclusively found in spas and gyms having large amounts of floor 
space. 
As engineering improved, the size and weight of treadmills decreased. 
Nevertheless, the size of treadmills was limited by the length and width 
of the base which had to be large enough for a user to safely walk or run 
thereon. Due to this minimum size limitation, treadmills were 
significantly precluded from home or apartment use which did not have 
available space to house a treadmill. 
In an attempt to remedy this problem, foldable treadmills were developed. 
Foldable treadmills include a base having rollers and a continuous belt as 
previously described. The front of the base, however, is hingedly attached 
to a stationary stand. Upstanding from the stationary stand is a handrail. 
The base can be selectively moved between an operation and storage 
position. In the operation position, the base is substantially flat. The 
user stands on the base facing the stationary stand and walks or runs 
thereon as discussed above. When use is completed, the base can be 
selectively moved to a storage position by lifting up the rear end of the 
base. The base is-lifted to a substantially upright position with the 
front end of the base still rotatably connected to the stationary stand. 
By folding up the base, the treadmill takes up substantially less floor 
space making the treadmill more accessible for use in homes and 
apartments. 
While foldable treadmills take up less space, they still have other 
drawbacks. For example, to minimize obstruction by the treadmill, it is 
desirable for the treadmill to be folded up against a wall when not in 
use. The stationary stand must be positioned proximate to the wall to 
enable the base to fold out. With the treadmill positioned so that the 
stationary stand is closest to the wall a user is forced to face into the 
wall during use of the treadmill. The user typically prefers to look into 
the room, such as toward a television or other people, during use. 
To enable a user to face into a room during use of a conventional foldable 
treadmill, the user must first rotate the stationary stand away from the 
wall, and then move the treadmill sufficiently far away from the wall so 
that the base does not hit the wall when the base is lowered into the 
operational position. When use is completed, the user must fold up the 
treadmill and move it back to the wall for storage. This required moving 
of the treadmill for each use is time consuming, annoying, and awkward. As 
a result, the frequency of use of the treadmill is decreased, thereby 
partially defeating the purpose of the treadmill. 
OBJECTS AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide improved 
foldable treadmills that can be folded up for storage against a wall. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide foldable treadmills 
which can be unfolded from storage against a wall for use without 
contacting the wall and without additional movement of the treadmill. 
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide treadmills as 
above wherein the user is facing into the room and away from the wall 
during use of the treadmill when the treadmill, without further movement, 
is unfolded from storage against a wall. 
Finally, another object of the present invention is to provide treadmills 
as above in which the deck and correspondingly the handrail move between 
the operational position and the storage position entirely within the 
footprint of the treadmill. 
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the 
description which follows, and will be obvious from the description, or 
may be learned by the practice of the invention. The objects and 
advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the 
instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended 
claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth 
hereinafter. 
To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the invention as 
embodied and broadly described herein, a foldable treadmill is provided. 
The treadmill comprises a deck having a front end and an opposing rear 
end. A continuous belt is mounted on the deck and selectively rotates 
thereon. Specifically, the top surface of the continuous belt rotates from 
the front end toward the rear end of the deck. 
The rear end of the deck is hingedly attached to a stationary base. The 
deck can be selectively rotated between an operational position, where the 
deck is substantially level or otherwise positioned for operation by a 
person positioned thereon, and a storage position, where the front end of 
the deck is lifted so that the deck is substantially upright. 
The treadmill also includes a collapsible handrail attached to the deck. 
The handrail has a first end attached to the base and an opposing second 
end projecting above the front end of the deck when the deck is in the 
operational position. The handrail is configured to automatically collapse 
into a compact storage configuration when the deck is rotated into the 
storage position. A control panel, connected to the second end of the 
handrail, provides the user interface for controlling and monitoring the 
operation of the treadmill. 
The deck and the handrail are configured such that the treadmill can 
selectively be stored against a wall and the deck selectively rotated from 
the storage position to the operational position causing the handrail to 
also move without either the deck or handrail contacting the wall. The 
deck selectively rotates into an operational position in which the 
handrail extends toward the front of the deck, thereby allowing the user 
to face away from the wall. 
The configuration of the inventive treadmill enables the base to be 
positioned against a wall so that the deck can be selectively folded into 
the room. In contrast to conventional foldable treadmills, however, the 
front end of the inventive treadmill folds into the room so that the user 
faces into the room during operation of the treadmill. As a result, the 
user can operate the treadmill while facing into the room without having 
to move the entire treadmill. Likewise, when use is completed, the user 
simply folds up the deck so that the treadmill is stored against the wall. 
Furthermore, the deck can be rotated between the storage position and the 
operational position with having to move the base of the treadmill 
relative to the wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
The present invention relates to treadmills that are selectively foldable 
and enable a user to face into a room while exercising on the treadmill 
that is positioned substantially against a wall. Depicted in FIG. 1 is one 
embodiment of a treadmill incorporating the features of the present 
invention. Treadmill 10 includes a deck 12 and a handrail 16. Deck 12 is 
moveable between an operational position, where deck 12 is substantially 
flat or otherwise positioned for operation by a person positioned thereon, 
and a storage position in which deck 12 is substantially upright. Handrail 
16 projects above deck 12 when deck 12 is in the operational position and 
automatically collapses into substantial alignment with deck 12 when deck 
12 is rotated into the storage position. 
More specifically, fold-out treadmill 10 comprises a base 14, deck 12, and 
handrail 16. Deck 12 has a back end 30 and a front end 28. Back end 30 of 
deck 12 is hingedly mounted to base 14. Together, deck 12 and base 14 form 
the support structure of treadmill 10. One embodiment of treadmill 10 is 
illustrated in FIG. 1 with deck 12 in an operational position. In the 
operational position, deck 12 extends outwardly from base 14 and is 
substantially level or somewhat inclined depending on the user's 
preference. Deck 12 also has a storage position in which deck 12 is 
substantially upright as shown in FIG. 3. Deck 12 can be selectively 
rotated between the operational position and the storage position. 
Referring to FIG. 1, deck 12 comprises a frame structure 18 that includes a 
left frame member 20 and a right frame member 22. Left and right frame 
members 20 and 22 are defined when deck 12 is in the operational position 
and the user is facing front end 28 of deck 12. As shown in FIG. 1, left 
frame member 20 and right frame member 22 are generally aligned. Left 
frame member 20 and right frame member 22 each have a forward end 24 and a 
back end 26. 
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, deck 12 also comprises a front 
member 32. Front end 28 of deck 12 is defined as the forward-most end of 
deck 12 when deck 12 is in the operational position. A user faces front 
end 28 of deck 12 when using treadmill 10. Conversely, back end 30 of deck 
12 is defined as the rear-most end of deck 12 proximate to base 14. Back 
end 30 of deck 12 is rotatably connected to base 14. 
Front member 32 is attached to forward end 24 of both left frame member 20 
and right frame member 22 at front end 28 of deck 12. Left frame member 
20, right frame member 22, and front member 32 form frame structure 18 of 
deck 12. Left frame member 20 and right frame member 22 are in a 
longitudinal, spaced apart relationship while front member 32 is a cross 
member that extends laterally between forward end 24 of left frame member 
20 and forward end 24 of right frame member 22. 
Deck 12 has a continuous belt 34 mounted on deck 12. In particular, 
continuous belt 34 is positioned between left frame member 20 and right 
frame member 22. Continuous belt 34 is configured to receive a user 
thereon to perform exercises, including walking, running, jogging and 
other similar or related activities. Treadmill 10 can also be used for 
stationary exercises, such as stretching or bending, while the user is 
standing on continuous belt 34. The primary f unction, however, of 
treadmill 10 is for running, walking or jogging. 
One embodiment of left frame member 20 and right frame member 22 of frame 
structure 18 comprises a side rail 36 and a side base 38. As illustrated 
in FIG. 1, side base 38 is positioned over the top of side rail 36 of both 
left frame member 20 and right frame member 22. Left frame member 20 is 
not totally visible in FIG. 1 but is a mirror image of right frame member 
22. Side bases 38 of left frame member 20 and right frame member 22 are 
capable of supporting the weight of a user standing thereon. Side bases 38 
are positioned on each side of continuous belt 34. 
The position of side bases 38 of both left frame member 20 and right frame 
member 22 are such that a user of treadmill 10 can comfortably and easily 
step off of continuous belt 34 onto one or both of side bases 38. The user 
can also stand on side base 38 of either left frame member 20 or right 
frame member 22 or both until he or she is ready to step onto continuous 
belt 34. In addition, side bases 38 are wide enough for the user to 
comfortably place his or her foot thereon. It can be appreciated that 
other embodiments of left frame member 20 and right frame member 22 or the 
components thereof are equally effective in carrying out the intended 
function thereof. 
Treadmill 10 also comprises base 14 that is movably attached to back end 30 
of deck 12. One embodiment of base 14, shown in FIG. 1, includes main body 
15 and a pair of stabilizer members 68. Main body 15 of base 14 is 
positioned substantially directly behind endless belt 34 such that should 
the user roll backwards off of endless belt 34, he or she will land on 
main body 15 of base 14. Main body 15 has a low profile as will be 
discussed below that enables main body 15 to be slightly shorter in height 
than endless belt 34 when deck 12 is in the operational position. This 
helps to prevent the user from hitting base 14 while running or walking on 
treadmill 10. Base 14 is also configured to rest on a support surface with 
its rear end abutting, or in close proximity to, a wall. 
One embodiment of treadmill 10 includes a switching mechanism on base 14 
that automatically turns off motor 98 when the user is on main body 15 
and, consequently, prevents a user from being trapped on main body 15 
after inadvertently landing on main body 15 while treadmill 10 continuing 
to run. 
Stabilizer members 68 have a forward end 70 and a back end 72. Back end 72 
of each stabilizer member 68 is fixedly attached to main body 15 of base 
14 near the periphery thereof and extends outwardly from main body 15 in a 
direction generally parallel with deck 12 when deck 12 is in the 
operational position. 
In one embodiment, back end 30 of deck 12 is rotatably attached to base 14 
by conventional methods. Specifically, back end 26 of both left frame 
member 20 and right frame member 22 is pivotally attached to base 14 and 
extends laterally across back end 26 of both left frame member 20 and 
right frame member 22. Various other embodiments of structure capable of 
performing the function of a means for connecting deck 12 to base 14 so as 
to enable deck 12 to selectively rotate between the operational position 
in which deck 12 is substantially level, and a storage position in which 
deck 12 is substantially upright, are equally effective in performing the 
intended function thereof. 
FIG. 1 also shows one embodiment of handrail 16 that is movably attached to 
base 14 and deck 12. One embodiment of handrail 16 is substantially 
U-shaped. When deck 12 is in the operational position handrail 16 is open 
at the rear-most portion and closed at the front-most portion. As shown in 
FIG. 1, handrail 16 extends across deck 12 at front end 28 of deck 12 when 
deck 12 is in the operational position. It can be appreciated that various 
other configurations of handrail 16 are equally effective in performing 
the intended function thereof. 
Handrail 16 is configured to automatically collapse into substantial 
alignment deck 12 when deck 12 is in the storage position, as shown in 
FIG. 3. Handrail 16 has a first end 48 and a second end 50. First end 48 
of handrail 16 is attached to base 14, and second end 50 of handrail 16 is 
projects above front end 28 of deck 12 when deck 12 is in the operational 
position. 
Referring again to FIG. 1, handrail 16 comprises a pair of uprights 40. For 
clarity, the right side of handrail 16 is described, keeping in mind that 
the left side thereof is the mirror image of the right side of handrail 
16. Uprights 40 are movably attached to base 14 and frame structure 18 of 
deck 12. Uprights 40 have a lower end 44 movably attached to base 14 and 
deck 12 and an opposing upper end 42 projecting above front end 28 of deck 
12 when deck 12 is in the operational position. Lower end 44 of upright 40 
is movably attached to right frame member 22 of frame structure 18. The 
specific attachment of upright 40 to right frame member 22 will be 
discussed in further detail below. 
Handrail 16 also includes a pair of handles 46 that are fixedly attached to 
uprights 40 and extend outwardly from uprights 40 toward back end 30 of 
deck 12. Handle 46 is attached to each upright 40 near upper end 42 
thereof. The configuration of handles 46 may vary. Handles 46 must be 
capable of supporting the user of treadmill 10. In addition, handles 46 
must be comfortable for a user to grab or hold. Handles 46 are attached to 
uprights 40 by conventional methods such as screws, bolts, or welds. In 
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, handles 46 are bolted to uprights 
40. 
Handrail 16 may comprise an optional control console 54. Console 54 may be 
attached to upper end 42 of the pair of uprights 40. Control console 54 
provides the user interface for monitoring and controlling operation of 
treadmill 10 and may have operating controls such as an actuator switch to 
operate treadmill 10 and indicator means which may be operated by the user 
to determine various parameters associated with the exercise being 
performed. Console 54 may also include such things as a cup or glass 
holder so that the user may position a liquid refreshment for use during 
the course of performing the exercise. It can be appreciated that various 
embodiments of console 54 are possible and may be so simple as to include 
only an on/off switch. It is contemplated that console 54 may be 
completely replaced by a support member. 
When deck 12 is in the operational position, and handrail 16 is projecting 
above front end 28 of deck 12, handrail 16 defines the sides of an 
exercise space therebetween. Handles 46 are designed and positioned such 
that they are near the hands of the user for easy and quick grasping 
should a user need handles 46 to maintain his or her balance when the user 
is exercising on continuous belt 34, as well as making the user feel 
stable and secure while using treadmill 10. 
A pair of elongated supports 56 are movably attached to handrail 16 and 
deck 12, as shown in FIG. 1. Elongated supports 56 have a first end 58 
that is movably attached to upright 40 of handrail 16 and a second end 60 
that is movably attached to frame structure 18 of deck 12. As with 
handrail 16, the right side and left side of treadmill 10 are mirror 
images and for clarity, only the right side will be discussed in detail. 
First end 58 of elongated support 56 is pivotally attached to upright 40. 
Lower end 60 is pivotally attached to side rail 36 of right frame member 
20. Other methods of movably attaching first end 58 to upright 40 and 
second end 60 to side rail 36 are equally effective in carrying out the 
function thereof. 
In one embodiment of treadmill 10, lower end 44 of upright 40 of handrail 
16 is movably attached to a leg 62. As shown in FIG. 2A, leg 62 has a 
proximal end 64 that is movably attached to lower end 44 of upright 40 and 
a distal end 66 that is movably attached to forward end 70 of stabilizer 
member 68. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, distal end 66 of leg 
62 is pivotally attached to forward end 70 of stabilizer member 68. Other 
methods of movably attaching distal end 66 of leg 62 to forward end 70 of 
stabilizer member 68 are equally effective in carrying out the intended 
function thereof. 
An elongated slider bracket 74 is fixedly attached to the exposed outside 
surface 78 of both left frame member 20 and right frame member 22. Slider 
bracket 74 is attached to side rail 36. Slider bracket 74 is capable of 
receiving a wheel 76 rotatably attached to handrail 16 and allowing linear 
translation of lower end 44 of upright 40 of handrail 16 relative to deck 
12. Wheel 76 is configured to cooperate with slider bracket 74 and is 
disposed therein. Wheel 76 is movably attached to the inside of upright 40 
of handrail 16 proximate to deck 12 near or at the point of attachment 
between lower end 44 of upright 40 and proximate end 64 of leg 62. 
Elongated slider bracket 74 and wheel 76 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B 
are one embodiment of structure capable of preforming the function of a 
slider means for allowing linear translation of handrail 16 relative to 
deck 12. 
Elongated supports 56, legs 62, and slider means are one embodiment of 
structure capable of performing the function of a fold-out means for 
attaching handrail 16 to deck 12 so as to enable handrail 16 to project 
above deck 12 when deck 12 is in the operational position and to 
automatically collapse into substantial alignment with deck 12 when deck 
12 is rotated into the storage position. Fold-out means enables deck 12 to 
be repositioned by pivotal movement from the storage position into the 
operational position and simultaneously handrail 16 to be repositioned by 
a combination of pivotal movement and linear translation. FIGS. 2A and 2B 
illustrate the pivotal movement and linear translation allowed by fold-out 
means when deck 12 is pivoting between the operational position and the 
storage position while simultaneously handrail 16 pivots and linearly 
translates automatically in response to the movement by deck 12. 
When treadmill 10 is being repositioned, deck 12 and handrail 16 unfold 
outwardly so as to allow a user on deck 12 to be facing front end 28 of 
deck 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1. In those cases that treadmill 10 is 
selectively stored against a wall 11, deck 12 and handrail 16 unfold 
outwardly from wall 11 so that a user is both facing away from wall 11 and 
toward front end 28 of deck 12. It can be appreciated that various 
embodiments of structure capable of performing the function of such a 
fold-out means are equally effective in carrying out the intended function 
thereof. 
FIG. 3 illustrates deck 12 in the storage position where handrail 16 has 
automatically collapsed into substantial alignment with deck 12. In the 
storage position, deck 12 and handrail 16 are substantially upright. In 
this configuration, treadmill 10 is significantly more compact and 
occupies less floor space. When deck 12 is in the storage position, 
treadmill 10 is supported by base 14. Base 14 comprises body 15 and 
stabilizer members 68 and is configured to be freestanding. Base 14 stably 
supports treadmill 10 when deck 12 is in the storage position and during 
movement between the storage position and operational position. 
While the drawing and foregoing description disclose one presently 
preferred embodiment, it should be appreciated that other handrail 
configurations may be readily adapted for use with the present invention. 
For example, instead of handrail 16 folding and unfolding in a single 
motion as deck 12 is moved between the operational and storage positions, 
other more simplified handrail configurations can readily be employed 
wherein deck 12 is rotated between the its storage and operational 
positions in one motion and, then in a second and separate motion, 
handrail 16 and control console 54 are rotated between their compact 
storage and their operational positions. 
As illustrated in FIG. 3, deck 12 may include a rigid undercover 90 secured 
to frame structure 18. The rigid undercover 90 may be formed of 
plastic-like material to create an essentially rigid underside to deck 12. 
Although undercover 90 is rigid, undercover 90 may be made of material 
thin enough to be flexible or to deflect without breaking. Without rigid 
undercover 90 deck 12 has exposed operating structure such as electrical 
components and any inclination system are exposed. Aside from an 
undesirable visual appearance, the exposed components can be hazardous 
because of having sharp edges, points and structures against which things 
or items may bump or snag. Similarly, there is a risk of exposing any 
electrical components to moisture as well as exposing the user to an 
electrical shock hazard if the treadmill is inadvertently not turned off. 
It may also be noted that undercover 90 may be formed to cover only a 
portion of the exposed components or may be formed into multiple or 
removable sections to facilitate any needed repair. 
As depicted in FIG. 3, one embodiment of deck 12 includes a pair of feet 92 
which are rotatably secured to each side of the frame structure 18. 
Specifically, feet 92 are pivotally secured to right frame member 22 and 
frame member 20. Other conventional methods of movably attaching feet 92 
are equally effective in carrying out the intended function thereof. 
Deck 12 may include a mechanism for automatically varying the inclination 
of deck 12 relative to the support surface. A motor connected to a rack 
and a pinion which is connected to feet 92 may be used to vary the 
inclination of deck 12. Rotatable feet 92 and a mechanism for 
automatically varying the inclination are one example of structure capable 
of performing the function of an incline means for varying the inclination 
of deck 12 relative to the underlying support surface. It is contemplated 
that various types of known inclination means may be incorporated within 
deck 12. Other types of inclination means are equally effective in 
carrying out the intended function thereof. 
As illustrated in FIG. 4, base 14 has a cover 100 positioned over structure 
such as a drive means for supplying power to deck 12 to drive continuous 
belt 34. Cover 100 provides a place for the user of treadmill 10 to stand 
prior to getting on continuous belt 34 or when stepping off of continuous 
belt 34 as well as for aesthetics and safety reasons to minimize the risk 
of materials entering the drive mechanism or otherwise interfering with 
the operation and mechanism. 
Base 14 also comprises a forward cross-support 94 which is disposed between 
stabilizer members 68. Similarly, base 14 includes a rear cross-support 96 
that extends between and is connected to the back-most part of body 15 of 
base 14. Forward and rear cross-supports 94 and 96, respectively, may be 
attached to body 15 of base 14 by conventional attachment methods such as 
by nuts and bolts, brackets, welds, or by braising. 
Base 14 is sized and configured so as to provide adequate support to 
treadmill 10 when deck 12 is in the storage position. Base 14 also 
provides sufficient support while repositioning deck 12 from the 
operational position to the storage position when handrail 16 is 
automatically collapsing into substantial alignment with deck 12. Base 14 
is sized to provide treadmill 10 with sufficient support so that deck 12 
is stably supported in the storage position, in the operational position 
and during movement in between. Base 14 is also able to support handrail 
16 as it moves simultaneously with deck 12. 
Base 14 could be in any desired geometric shape with a predetermined length 
and width. The length and width are selected so that the distance between 
the vertical location of the center of gravity of treadmill 10 is are such 
that the force necessary to tip treadmill 10 is necessarily more than that 
applied by an accidental bump or nudge. The distance base 14, including 
stabilizing members 68, extends outward away from wall 11 in the direction 
that deck 12 rotates when moving into the operational position, is 
selected such that tipping of treadmill 10 can be effected only by a user 
deliberately seeking to tip treadmill 10. 
Similarly, the width of base 14 is selected so that the distance between 
the center of gravity and the perimeter of base 14 will resist accidental 
tipping by a bump or nudge. That is, treadmill 10 cannot be tipped 
sideways except by the application of a user deliberately seeking to tip 
treadmill 10 sideways. 
As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, treadmill 10 also comprises a motor 98 
that rotates a first pulley 100 that drives a belt 102. Belt 102 drives a 
second pulley 104 connected to rear roller 106 about which continuous belt 
34 is disposed. The forward portion of continuous belt 34 also is disposed 
around a front roller 108. Rear roller 106 and front roller 108 are 
attached laterally between left frame member 22 and right frame member 24. 
Motor 98, pulleys 100, 104, and belt 102 are one embodiment of structure 
capable of performing the function of a drive means for supplying power to 
deck 12 to drive continuous belt 34. Other embodiments capable of 
performing the function of such drive means may include a flywheel. 
Various embodiments of drive means are equally effective in carrying out 
the intended function thereof. 
As can be seen in FIG. 4, motor 98, pulley 100, 104, and belt 102 are 
positioned within base 14 to the side of main body 15. The portion of base 
14 that includes motor 98, pulleys 100, 104, and belt 102 is slightly 
raised in height when compared to main body 15. One advantage of having 
main body 15 separate from the drive means is that the height of main body 
15 can be reduced and is closer to support surface. This makes it easer 
for the user to step on and off of main body 15 of base 14. Reducing the 
height of base 14 also reduces the necessary height of deck 12. As a 
result, the height of the exercise surface formed by endless belt 34 is 
reduced. The weight of the drive means acts as a counterbalance to 
stabilize treadmill 10 when deck 12 is being reoriented from the 
operational position shown in FIG. 1 to the storage position illustrated 
in FIG. 3. 
An alternate embodiment of treadmill 10 includes deck 12 with drive means 
comprising a flywheel. Flywheel is connected to the continuous belt 34 and 
receives energy from the user operating the continuous belt 34 of deck 12. 
Flywheel also delivers energy to that continuous belt 34 as the user 
performs walking, running, or jogging exercises when the user is suspended 
and not in contact with continuous belt 34. In those embodiments of 
treadmill 10 that utilize a flywheel as a drive means rather than an 
electric motor, the operator may begin using treadmill 10 once deck 12 has 
been moved to the operational position. 
Deck 12 has a longitudinal length which is selected to facilitate the 
performance of walking, jogging, or running exercises desired. The length 
may vary for treadmills configured for walking and treadmills configured 
for jogging and running. In addition, the length of the continuous belt 34 
will vary correspondingly. 
For some users, the amount of lifting force necessary to move deck 12 from 
the operational position to the storage position with handrail 16 
automatically collapsing into substantial alignment with deck 12 may be 
large enough that rotating deck 12 is difficult. FIG. 3 illustrates one 
embodiment of treadmill 10 that incorporates a pneumatic cylinder 110. 
Pneumatic cylinder 110 is rotatably attached at one end to deck 12 and the 
opposite end thereof is attached to stabilizing member 68 of base 14. The 
embodiment of deck 12 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 have pneumatic cylinder 
110 attached to right frame member 22 of frame structure 18 and associated 
right side of base 14. Pneumatic cylinder 110 could instead be attached to 
the left frame member 20 of deck 12 and left side of base 14. Pneumatic 
cylinder 110 is one example of structure capable of performing the 
function of lift assistance means for applying a force urging deck 12 to 
move from the operational position to the storage position. Other 
embodiments of structure capable of performing the function of a lift 
assistance means are equally effective in carrying out the intended 
function thereof. 
It is also contemplated that handrail 16 may comprise moveable arms 
rotatably attached to the inside surface of uprights 40. For example, in 
one embodiment of handrail 16 moveable arms are pivotally attached to 
uprights 40 with a hand operated knob to tighten and secure moveable arms 
and to increase or decrease the resistance of the moveable arms to 
rotation. The moveable arms have a gripping portion configured for 
grasping by a user. 
To use fold-out treadmill 10, a user rotates deck 12 from the storage 
position shown in FIG. 3 to the operational position as shown in FIG. 1. 
FIG. 4 shows the various interim positions as deck 12 moves from the 
operational position to the storage position. In the operational position, 
base 14 and deck 12 define a "footprint" of treadmill 10. It is intended 
that the "footprint" of treadmill 10 be regarded as the perimeter of the 
geometric figure of base 14 and deck 12 projected on to the support 
surface when tread base 12 is in the operational position. When deck 12 is 
moved from the storage position to the operational position, handrail 16 
automatically moves into a position projecting above the front end 28 of 
deck 12. As deck 12 is moved between the operational position and the 
storage position, handrail 16 also moves. At all times during the movement 
of deck 12 between the operational position and storage position, both 
deck 12 and handrail 16 remain at all times within the "footprint" of 
treadmill 10. This enables treadmill 10 to be placed against a wall and 
remain there while deck 12 is moved between the operational and storage 
positions without either deck 12 or handrail 16 contacting the wall. 
With deck 12 in the operational position, the user stands on continuous 
belt 34 and walks, jogs, or runs to perform exercises. If the user desires 
to vary the inclination, the user may, depending on the embodiment of 
treadmill 10, operate a switch on console 54 to electrically operate the 
automatic incline means or may manually adjust the incline means shown in 
FIG. 3 by rotating feet 92. The user may thereafter operate console 54 to 
energize the motor. In order to operate treadmill 10 utilizing an electric 
drive means, the user must provide energy to the system by inserting the 
plug into a conveniently available wall outlet. 
Once the user is done exercising on treadmill 10, deck 12 is repositioned 
into the storage position by lifting front end 28 of deck 12, which causes 
handrail 16 to automatically collapse into substantial alignment with deck 
12 when deck 12 is rotated into the storage position. Specifically, 
lifting front 28 of deck 12 causes elongated support 56 to rotate downward 
about the pivotal connection of lower end 60 toward deck 12. The 
rotational movement of elongated support 56 causes lower end 44 of upright 
40 of handrail 16 that is attached to wheel 76 disposed in slider bracket 
74 to translate linearly relative to deck 12. The linear translation of 
upright 40 causes distal end 66 of leg 62 to rotate, while proximal end 64 
of leg 62 that is attached to lower end 44 of upright 40 rotates. The 
rotational movement of the various structural parts as well as the linear 
translation of handrail 16 relative to deck 12 happens substantially 
simultaneously while deck 12 is being lifted at front end 28 thereof. The 
rotational movement and the linear translation of handrail 16 
automatically occurs every time deck 12 is repositioning between the 
operational position and the storage position. In addition, the rotational 
movement and the linear translation of handrail 16 keeps handrail 16 
within the "footprint" of treadmill 10. 
Although not shown in the figures, it is contemplated that treadmill 10 may 
also include a latching means for retaining deck 10 in the storage 
position with handrail 16 collapsed into substantial alignment with deck 
12. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various forms and shapes 
of latching mechanism may be used to facilitate the automatic latching 
arrangement. 
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without 
departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described 
embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and 
not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by 
the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes 
which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are 
to be embraced within their scope.