Jogging machine with shock absorption system

Abstract: This invention relates to a top weighted shock absorption structure for jogging machines. The principal element of the invention is the location of a curved linking component (50) on each side of the jogging machine frame (24). A flexible shock absorption unit is located at the back end of the linking component shock absorption structure where the shock absorption unit is set firmly against the upper face of a block pad (262) located at the base structure (26). The function of the flexible shock absorption units and block pads effectively reduce shock to the frame during machine use.

Description: This invention relates to a jogging machine with a new shock absorption system. US 5 184 988 A discloses a treadmill including a deck assembly. The forward end of the deck assembly is supported by a suspension system utilizing lever arms mounted on the frame to pivot about an axis. The lever arms are pivotally interconnected with the deck at a locations distal from the pivot axis of the lever arms. Dampeners in the form of shock absorbers are connected between the lever arms and the frame to impart a progressively increasing damping force on the lever arms as the lever arms rotate about their pivot axis under the influence of the descending deck. Most jogging machine absorption systems reduce vibrations to the machine frame. Figure 1 shows the shock absorption system currently employed most extensively in jogging machines. US patents nos. 5,441,468; 5,279,528; 5,454,772; and 5,599,259 all use shock absorption systems similar to that shown in Figure 1. Those systems employ a number of flexible connectors 10 between the jogging board 11 and the frame 12. Since stresses are directly applied to the system vibrations are reduced. However, over time connectors 10 will harden and may break. Moreover, to replace the connectors 10, both jogging belt 13 and jogging board 11 must be dismantled. Clearly, both the application and convenience of current technology demonstrate room for improvement. Also, the jogging board 11 in the shock absorption system currently in widest use is supported and held in place by flexible connectors 10 lining both sides of said board. This results in a gap separating the jogging board 11 from the frame 12. In other words, when the user steps on the jogging board 11 and begins to jog, stress warping is certain to occur (at the points where the user's feet step) because the board undersides (left and right) are not in direct contact with the frame. Finally, based on our understanding that most jogging boards 11 currently in use are made of wood material, compromises with respect to material integrity and breakage will clearly result from such stresses over time. The problem is solved by jogging machine with a shock absorption system according to claim 1. According to the present invention a jogging machine with a shock absorption system is provided in which the shock absorption system is located where the frame is linked to the base (or rear base or rear grip bar). In addition to ease of assembly, the new configuration proposed by this invention permits a tighter fit between the jogging board and frame. Benefits include extension of jogging board usable life and shock absorption/vibration minimising capabilities far superior to systems now in popular use. The new shock absorption system according to the invention significantly decreases vibration as well as provides a system with fewer assembly steps and lower production costs. The design of the system according to the invention also allows the two sides of the jogging board to hold relatively tight to the machine frame so as to prevent walking and cracking of the jogging board. The shock absorption system according to the present invention is a type of top weighted shock absorption structure. The jogging machine may be composed of an electronic control board, a handles frame, the machine frame, the base, and rear grip bar. A jogging board is located on the upper part of the main frame. A jogging belt runs between forward and rear rollers of the jogging board. The jogging belt thus is able to run its full course, permitting the user to mount the machine and begin exercises. The key point of note is the set of matching pivot perforations appropriately located in the frame. The linked component is set into these perorations. In the midsection of this linked component is another perforation, which is set into the curved linked component. At the back section of the linked component is a flexible shock absorption unit. When assembled, this shock absorption unit is set firmly against the upper face of the block pad located inside the base structure. According to a second embodiment of the jogging machine of the present invention the shock absorption element is a shock absorption pad mounted at the corresponding base. According to a further embodiment the shock absorbing elements are fixed at the linking element as well as the base. These elements may for example be (hydaulic) dash pots. Two embodiments of the invention are now described by use of the attached drawings in which Figure 1 is a side view of the average jogging machine shock absorption system currently in use, Figure 2 is a three dimensional view of a jogging machine according to the present invention, Figure 3 is a three dimensional exploded view showing parts of the jogging machine in figure 2, Figure 4 is a side view, showing the parts in figure 3 in fully assembled form, and Figure 5 is a side view showing the parts in figure 3 in fully assembled form in another state. Referring to figures 2 and 3 the jogging machine comprises an electronic control board 20, a handles frame 22, the machine frame 24, the base 26, and rear grip bar 28. A jogging board 30 is located on the upper part of the main frame 24. The jogging board 30, the machine frame 24, forward and rear rollers 32 mounted at the machine frame 24 and a jogging belt 34 running between the rollers 32 form a track unit. By use of the rollers 32 the jogging belt 34 may be used in its full length. At one end of the machine frame 24 suitably placed through holes or perforations 241 are provided. The track unit is mounted at a supporting rear base 28 and by means of linking elements 50 at the base 26. The linking elements comprise an L-shaped main body. One leg of the L is provided with a first through hole or perforation and a second through hole 52 at its ends such that the first through hole is at one end of the linking element and the second through hole 52 in a mid section. At the end of the other leg a flexible shock absorption unit 54 is fixed being substantially perpendicular to the leg. The linking element 50 is pivotally fixed at the base 26 containing a through hole 261 by means of bolts 38, washers or pads 39, and bolt caps 40 the bolt 38 passing through the second through hole 52 of the linking element 50 thus forming an axle. Further, the linking element 50 is fixed at machine frame 24 of the track unit by means of bolts 35, washers or pads 36 and bolt caps 37 the bolts 35 passing through the through holes 241 of the frame and one of the through hole at the end of the linking element 50. When assembled, the shock absorption unit 54 is set firmly against the upper face of the block pad 252 located inside the base structure 26. As shown in figures 4 and 5, after completing installation, the flexible shock absorption unit 54 is set firmly against the upper face of the block pad 262. When a user stands on the belt 34 and begins to jog and the jogging board 30 and frame 24 are strained, the flexible shock absorption unit 54 is put into use to reduce the vibration strain to the frame 24. This action also brings the two edges of the jogging board 30 into closer contact with the frame 24 to prevent warping or cracking of the jogging board. In another embodiment the shock absorption pads to be located at the axis of the machine frame and supporting rear base (rear grip bar) to achieve the same shock absorption effectiveness as observed with the system described above. Therefore, this set up requires only a set of through holes to be placed on the back two edges of the machine frame and the rear base (rear grip bar). After such installation, shock absorption pads and bolt shafts, washers or pads, bolt caps may be installed accordingly. Naturally, this embodiment is installed in a similar fashion and the linking component and flexible shock absorption unit are set between the machine frame and rear base (rear grip bar) to achieve intended effectiveness.

Claims: Jogging machine comprising a first base (26), a second base (28) and a track unit (24, 30, 32, 34) having a machine frame (24), said machine frame (24) being supported by said first base (26) and said second base (28) characterized in that linking elements (50) are provided comprising an L-shaped main body wherein at one end the linking elements (24) are connected to the machine frame (24), in the mid section the linking elements are pivotally mounted at two opposite sides of at least one of said bases (26, 28) and a flexible shock absorption unit (54) is fixed at the other end of the linking elements (50), the flexible shock absorption unit (54) being set firmly against the upper face of a block pad (262) located inside the base structure. Jogging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the shock absorbing unit (54) are shock absorbing elements in contact with the respective base (26, 28). Jogging machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the shock absorbing elements contain resilient materials. Jogging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the shock absorbing unit (54) are elements in contact with shock absorption pads of the respective base (26, 28). Jogging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the shock absorbing unit (54) is shock absorption elements fixed to the respective base (26, 28). Jogging machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that one of said bases (26,28) is the main base (26) of said jogging machine and said linking elements are mounted at said main base (26). Jogging machine according one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that one of said bases (26,28) is the rear base (28) of said jogging machine and said linking elements are mounted at said rear base (28).

Inventors: WANG LEAO, WANG, LEAO
Applicants: WANG LEAO, WANG, LEAO
Application year: 1999
Main classification: A63B22
IPC codes: A63B22