Patent Publication Number: US-7914421-B2

Title: Treadmill deck locking mechanism

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/205,470, filed on Aug. 16, 2005 and entitled “Treadmill Deck Locking Mechanism”, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,736,280, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/602,349, filed on Aug. 17, 2004 and entitled “Treadmill Deck Locking Mechanism”, which are hereby incorporated in their entireties by reference as though fully disclosed herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to treadmills, and more particularly, to a locking device for a treadmill having a treadmill deck pivotally connected with a base frame and positionable between an operating position and a storage position. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many currently available exercise treadmills include a treadmill deck supported on a treadmill frame, which in turn, is coupled with a base frame. Some of these exercise treadmills cover a substantial amount of floor space. Therefore, some treadmills provide treadmill decks that are positionable between a downward operating configuration and a generally upright storage configuration to reduce the amount of floor space taken up by the treadmill when not in use. However, adjustment or repositioning of the treadmill deck between the two configurations can be cumbersome. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a mechanism that provides for easy repositioning of a treadmill base. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects of the present invention relate to locking mechanisms for treadmills configurable between an operating configuration and a storage configuration. As discussed in more detail below, some treadmills include a treadmill frame pivotally coupled with a base frame. As such, embodiments of the present invention involve a locking mechanism for selectively locking the treadmill frame in a fixed position relative to the base frame. Other aspects of the present invention relate to a lift assist mechanism operably coupled with the treadmill frame and the base frame and adapted to resist pivotal movement of the treadmill frame in a downward direction. It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention described and depicted herein can be configured to work with various types of exercise treadmills and should not be construed to be limited to use with only the treadmills disclosed herein. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a treadmill configurable between an operating configuration and a storage configuration includes: a base frame and a treadmill frame pivotally connected with the base frame. The treadmill frame supports a deck, a front roller, and a rear roller, and has a tread belt positioned about the first and second rollers and passing over the deck. The treadmill also includes a locking mechanism operable to selectively lock the treadmill frame in a fixed position relative to the base frame. The locking mechanism is operable to selectively lock the treadmill frame in a fixed position relative to the base frame. In a further embodiment, the locking mechanism is operable to selectively lock the treadmill frame in a storage position and an operating position. In another aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism has a locking member connected with the treadmill frame and adapted to selectively engage at least one aperture on the base frame. In alternative embodiments, the locking member is spring loaded and/or a pop-pin. The locking mechanism, according to another aspect of the invention, has a knob and a cable connected with the locking member. Alternatively, the locking mechanism has a locking handle and a cable connected with the locking member. The locking mechanism can also have a locking member connected with the treadmill frame that is adapted to selectively engage a first aperture on the base frame to lock the treadmill base in an operating position and a second aperture on the base frame to lock the treadmill base in a storage position. The first aperture, in one embodiment, is elongated. In an additional embodiment, the locking mechanism has a locking member connected with the base frame and adapted to selectively engage at least one aperture on the treadmill frame. In a further aspect of the invention, the treadmill has a lift assistance mechanism operably coupled to the treadmill frame and the base frame. The lift assistance mechanism has, in one embodiment, at least one lift cylinder. 
     In another form of the present invention, a treadmill configurable between an operating configuration and a storage configuration includes a base frame and a treadmill frame. The base frame defines a first bracket defining a first aperture corresponding with the operating configuration and a second aperture corresponding with the storage configuration. The treadmill frame is pivotally connected with the base frame and supports a deck, at least one roller, and a tread belt passing over the deck. The treadmill frame also includes at least one frame rail including a second bracket supporting a pin movable between a first engaged position and a second disengaged position. 
     According to one aspect of the invention, the treadmill also has an actuator mechanism associated with the treadmill frame. The actuator mechanism is configured to actuate the pin to move between the first engaged position and the second disengaged position. The actuator mechanism has, in one embodiment, a rotatable knob and a cable operably coupled to the rotatable knob and the pin. Alternatively, the actuator mechanism has a handle and a cable operably coupled to the handle and the pin. In one embodiment, the treadmill also has a pivot member configured to pivotally connect the treadmill frame with the base frame. The pivot member can pivotally connect the first bracket and the second bracket. The treadmill in one aspect of the invention also has a lift assistance mechanism operably coupled to the base frame and the treadmill frame. The lift assistance mechanism is configured to urge the treadmill frame upward when the treadmill frame is moved between the operating configuration and the storage configuration. 
     In yet another form of the present invention, a treadmill includes a base frame, a treadmill frame, a locking mechanism, and an actuator mechanism. The treadmill frame is pivotally coupled to the base frame. The locking mechanism has a first bracket connected to the treadmill frame, a second bracket connected to the base frame, and a pivot member operably coupled with the first bracket and the second bracket. The first bracket has an engagement member. The second bracket is configured to engage with a portion of the engagement member. According to one embodiment, the pivot member allows the first bracket and the second bracket to be rotatable relative to each other. The actuator mechanism has an actuable member and a cable. The actuable member can be, in one aspect of the invention, a rotatable knob or a handle. The cable is operably coupled with the actuable member and the engagement member, and allows the engagement member to be movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. 
     In still another form of the present invention, a treadmill includes: a base frame; a treadmill frame; and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes an engagement member movable between an engaged position and a disengage position and an actuation mechanism including a handle pivotable about an axis. Pivoting the handle about the axis causes the engagement member to move between the engaged and disengaged positions. 
     In still another form of the present invention, a method for selectively positioning a treadmill frame relative to a base frame of a treadmill includes pivoting a handle member about a pivot axis to cause an engagement member to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position. 
     In still another embodiment of the present invention, a treadmill configurable between an operating configuration and a storage configuration includes: a base frame and a treadmill frame pivotally connected with the base frame. The treadmill frame supports a deck and at least one roller, and has a tread belt positioned about the at least one roller and passing over the deck. The treadmill frame is adapted to pivot between a downward operating position and upward storage position. The treadmill also includes a lift assistance mechanism operably coupled with the base frame and the treadmill frame. 
     While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. The features, utilities, and advantages of various embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and defined in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a right side isometric view of a treadmill in a operating configuration, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a right side isometric view of a treadmill in a storage configuration, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded right side isometric view of a locking mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a right side isometric view of a treadmill with a locking mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the treadmill depicted in  FIG. 2 , taken along line  5 - 5 . 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the treadmill depicted in  FIG. 2 , taken along line  6 - 6 . 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded right side isometric view of a locking mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom view of a treadmill base with an actuator mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the actuator mechanism depicted in  FIG. 8 , taken along line  9 - 9 . 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of an actuator mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded isometric view of an actuator mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a isometric view of the underside of a treadmill base with an actuator mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric view of an actuator mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom view of an actuator mechanism on the underside of a treadmill base, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a right side isometric view of a portion of a treadmill base with a lift assistance mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a right side isometric view of a portion of a treadmill base with a lift assistance mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects of the present invention provide a locking mechanism for use with exercise treadmills having a foldable treadmill frame. As discussed in more detail below, some treadmills are configured with the treadmill frame pivotally connected with a base frame to provide a user the ability to selectively place the treadmill in an operating configuration or a storage configuration. More particularly, the user can pivot the treadmill frame upward relative to the base frame to a generally upright position to place to the treadmill in the storage configuration. The user can also pivot the treadmill frame downward to place the treadmill in the operating configuration. As such, embodiments of the present invention involve a locking mechanism for selectively locking the treadmill frame in a fixed position relative to the base frame. In one embodiment, the treadmill frame may be locked in the operating configuration, the storage configuration, or some position therebetween. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism is configured to lock the treadmill in both the operating configuration and the storage position, while other embodiments are configured to lock the treadmill only in the storage configuration or only the operating configuration. Still other embodiments allow some relative movement between the treadmill frame and the base frame when the treadmill is in a locked state. It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the locking mechanism described and depicted herein can be configured to work with various types of exercise treadmills and should not be construed to be limited to use with only the treadmills disclosed herein. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show one example of a treadmill  10  with a locking mechanism adapted to selectively lock the treadmill in an operating configuration and a storage configuration. For example,  FIG. 1  shows the treadmill  10  locked in the operating configuration, and  FIG. 2  shows the treadmill  10  locked in the storage configuration. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the exercise treadmill  10  includes a treadmill frame  12  pivotally connected with a base frame  14  at a pivotal connection  16 , which also defines a pivot axis  18 . An exemplary right locking mechanism  8  comprises a portion of, or is associated or integral with, the pivotal connection  16  and pivot axis  18 . The base frame  14  includes a right upright member  20  and a left upright member  22  extending upwardly from a right base member  24  and a left base member  26 , respectively. To provide a user with upper body support while using the treadmill  10 , right and left handrails  28 ,  30  are connected with and extend rearwardly from the right and left upright members  20 ,  22 , respectively. A display console  32  can also be supported between the right and left upright members  20 ,  22 . 
     The treadmill frame  12  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  supports a treadmill deck  34  and includes a right frame rail  36  and a left frame rail  38 , both extending rearwardly from the pivotal connection  16  between the base frame  14  and the treadmill frame  12 . The treadmill frame  12  can also include a plurality of cross members  40  extending between the right and left frame rails  36 ,  38  to provide additional mechanical support for the deck  34 . A walking or running surface on the treadmill  10  is provided by a tread belt  42  adapted to move over the treadmill deck  34  between a front roller  44  and a rear roller  46 , both of which are rotatably supported between the right and left frame rails  36 ,  38 . It is to be appreciated that a locking mechanism of the present invention can function with various types of treadmills and should not be construed to be limited to function with only the treadmill shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , which is merely exemplary. According to one embodiment, the locking mechanisms of the present invention can generally be operable with any treadmill with a positionable treadmill base. 
     As discussed generally above, the treadmill  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  in the operating configuration with the treadmill frame  12  extending rearwardly from the pivotal connection  16  in a generally horizontal position. While in the operating configuration, a rear portion  48  of the treadmill frame  12  is supported by wheels  50  in contact with the ground or floor. The treadmill  10  is placed in the storage position as shown in  FIG. 2  by lifting the rear portion  48  of the treadmill frame  12  upward, causing the treadmill frame  12  to pivot around the pivotal connection  16  until the treadmill frame  12  extends upwardly from the pivotal connection  16  and the base frame  14  in a generally vertical position. The locking mechanism  8  of the present embodiment can be utilized to allow a user to selectively lock the treadmill frame  12  in the operating position of  FIG. 1  and/or the upright storage position of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  depict a locking mechanism  100 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. The locking mechanism  100  has a first bracket  102 , a second bracket  104 , an engagement member  106 , and a pivot member  108 . According to one embodiment, the first bracket  102  and second bracket  104  are rotatable in relation to one another at the pivot member  108 , while the engagement member  106  allows the two brackets  102 ,  104  to be lockable in specific positions in relation to one another. The first bracket  102  defines an engagement member aperture  110  and a pivot member aperture  112 . The engagement member aperture  110  is configured to receive the engagement member  106 , which is a pop-pin assembly  106  in  FIG. 3 . The pivot member aperture  112  is configured to receive the pivot member  108 . The second bracket  104  defines a first engagement member receiving aperture  114 , a second engagement member receiving aperture  116 , and a pivot member aperture  118 . The first and second engagement member receiving apertures  114 ,  116  are configured to receive the engagement member  106 . 
     The pivot member  108  rotatably or pivotably connects the first bracket  102  and the second bracket  104 . The pivot member  108 , in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, has a threaded bolt  120 , a first washer  124 , a second washer  126 , and two nuts  128 . The threaded bolt, according to one embodiment, has two flat surfaces  122  along the threaded portion of the bolt  120 . In use, the bolt  120  is disposed within the pivot member aperture  118  of the second bracket  104  and the pivot member aperture  112  of the first bracket  102  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The first washer  124  is positioned such that the bolt  120  is disposed therethrough and the washer  124  is further positioned on the first side  130  of the second bracket  104 . The second washer  126  is positioned such that the bolt  120  is disposed therethrough and the washer  126  is positioned between the first bracket  102  and the second bracket  104 . The two nuts  128  are configured to be threadably engaged with the bolt  120  and the nuts  128  are positioned on the second side  136  of the first bracket  102 . Alternatively, the pivot member  108  can be any known component or device capable of allowing the two brackets  102 ,  104  to be rotatable relative to each other. 
     The engagement member  106  according to one embodiment is a pop-pin assembly  106  as depicted in  FIGS. 3 ,  5 , and  6 . The assembly  106  has a pin member  142  with a cable retention member  144 . The pin member  142  is disposed within a pin housing  148 A,  148 B. The housing  148 A,  148 B comprises a threaded housing cylinder  148 A and a threadable cap  148 B configured to be capable of being threaded onto the cylinder  148 A. The pin member  142  is configured to be received within the housing  148 A,  148 B. According to one embodiment, a spring  146  is disposed between the housing cap  148 B and the pin member  142  such that the spring is configured to urge the pin member  142  away from the housing cap  148 B and toward the second bracket  104 . In one aspect of the invention, a cable  152  is configured to be insertable through an aperture  150  in the housing cap  148 B and further into an aperture  154  in the pin member  142 , where the cable  152  can be retained or removably attached to the pin member by threading the cable retention member  144  into the pin member  142  such that the cable  152  is clamped into place between the cable retention member  144  and an inner wall of the pin member  142 . Alternatively, the cable  152  can be attached to the pin member  142  by any known method or device. The pin member  142 , the spring  146 , and the housing cylinder  148 A, according to one embodiment, are positioned on the first side  134  of the first bracket  102 , while the cap  148 B is positioned on the second side  136  of the first bracket  102 . Alternatively, it is to be understood that the engagement member  106  can be any known mechanism for locking the two brackets  102 ,  104  into various predetermined positions in relation to one another. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the locking mechanism  100  in one aspect of the invention is configured to be associated with a right end portion of a pivotal connection  160  residing on the right hand side of a treadmill  170 . The first bracket  102  is connectable at a connection portion  103  with a treadmill frame  164  of a treadmill  170  and the second bracket  104  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) is connectable at a foot portion  105  with a base frame  166 . Alternatively, the first and second brackets  102 ,  104  are connectable at any portions of the brackets  102 ,  104  to any portion of the treadmill  170  so as to operate as a locking mechanism. According to one embodiment, the first bracket  102  is attached to the treadmill frame  164  such that the position of the first bracket  102  is fixed in relation to the treadmill frame  164 , and the second bracket  104  is attached to the base frame  166  such that the position of the second bracket  104  is fixed in relation to the base frame  166 . In such an embodiment, as the first bracket  102  rotates at the pivot member  108  in relation to the second bracket  104 , the treadmill frame  164  can be repositioned in relation to the base frame  166 , including being repositioned between operating and storage configurations. 
     In operation, according to one embodiment, the spring  146  as shown in  FIG. 3  is configured to apply a biasing force between the cap  148 B and the pin  142 , thereby urging an end portion  142 A of the pin member  142  to extend from the pin housing  148 A,  148 B a predetermined distance. By extending from the pin housing  148 A,  148 B, the end portion  142 A of the pin  142  extends into either of the first engagement member receiving aperture  114  or the second engagement member receiving aperture  116  when either aperture  114 ,  116  is aligned with the pin assembly  106 . The extension of the pin  142  into either of the apertures  114 ,  116  locks the first bracket  102  into a particular position in relation to the second bracket  104 , thereby locking the treadmill frame  164  into a particular position relative to the base frame  166 . According to one embodiment, when the engagement member  106  is received within the first engagement member aperture  114 , the treadmill  170  is in the storage configuration and when the member  106  is received within the second aperture  116 , the treadmill  170  is in the operating configuration. 
       FIG. 5  depicts the pin member  142  according to one embodiment in which it is extended into one of the apertures  114  or  116 , while  FIG. 6  depicts the pin member  142  according to another embodiment in which the pin member  142  is in its non-extended position (the pin member  142  is not extended out of the pin housing  148 A,  148 B). According to one embodiment, the pin member  142  is retained in or pulled into the non-extended position by the cable  152 , which is configured to be pullable or movable in the direction opposite that urged by the spring  146  such that the force of the spring  146  can be overcome by the cable  152  pulling on the pin member  142 . Alternatively, the engagement member  106  can comprise any components or configuration capable of urging the pin member  142  between its extended and non-extended positions. 
     While the locking mechanism  100  depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is, associated with the right end of the pivotal connection  160 ,  FIG. 7  depicts a locking mechanism  200  for use on a left end portion of a pivotal connection, according to one embodiment. The locking mechanism  200  has a first bracket  202 , a second bracket  204 , an engagement member  206 , and a pivot member  208 . In one aspect of the invention, the engagement member  206  is a pop-pin assembly  206 . Alternatively, the engagement member  206  can comprise any components or configuration capable of urging the pin member  242  between its extended and non-extended positions. The first bracket  202  defines an engagement member aperture  210  and a pivot member aperture  212 . The engagement member aperture  210  is configured to receive the engagement member  206  and the pivot member aperture  212  is configured to receive the pivot member  208 . The second bracket  204  defines a first engagement member receiving aperture  214 , a second engagement member receiving aperture  216 , and a pivot member aperture  218 . The first and second engagement member receiving apertures  214 ,  216  are configured to receive the engagement member  206 . 
     The pivot member  208  in  FIG. 7  rotatably or pivotably connects the first bracket  202  and the second bracket  204 . The pivot member  208 , in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, has a threaded bolt  220 , a first washer  224 , a second washer  226 , and two nuts  228 . Alternatively, the pivot member  208  can be any known component or device capable of allowing the two brackets  202 ,  204  to be rotatable relative to each other. The pop-pin assembly  206  has a pin member  242  with a cable retention member  244 . The pin member  242  is disposed within a pin housing  248 A,  248 B, which comprises a threaded housing cylinder  248 A and a threadable cap  248 B configured to be capable of being threaded onto the cylinder  248 A. The pin member  242  is configured to be received within the housing  248 A,  248 B. According to one embodiment, a spring  246  is disposed between the housing cap  248 B and the pin member  242 . In one aspect of the invention, a cable  252  is configured to be insertable through an aperture (not shown) in the housing cap  248 B and attached to the pin member  242 . The pin member  242 , the spring  246 , and the housing cylinder  248 A, according to one embodiment, are positioned on one side of the first bracket  202 , while the cap  248 B is positioned on the other side of the bracket  202 . 
     It is to be appreciated that certain embodiments of the locking mechanism of the present invention need not include first and second brackets. For example, the pin housing could be connected directly with the treadmill frame and the base frame could include the first and second apertures. It is also to be appreciated that in certain alternative embodiments, treadmills of the present invention can have more than one locking mechanism located near or on either or both left and right end portions of a pivotal connection. 
     In one aspect of the invention, the cable attached to the pin member can be caused to urge or retain the pin member in a non-extended position by an actuator mechanism that is actuated by a user.  FIGS. 8 ,  9 ,  10 , and  11  depict an actuator mechanism  300 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. The actuator mechanism  300  allows a user to selectively “unlock” the locking mechanism and reposition the treadmill frame  306  in relation to a base frame. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the actuator mechanism  300  is located on a bottom side  308  of the rear portion  310  of the treadmill frame  306 . More specifically, the actuator mechanism  300  is connected or integral with a cover or “shrouding”  312  located on the bottom side  308  of the frame  206 . The actuator mechanism  300  includes a turn knob  302  and a cable  304  connected at one end to the turn knob  302  and at the other end to a pin member in a pin housing (not shown) similar to the pin member described above. 
     The actuator mechanism  300  is shown in further detail in  FIG. 9 , which depicts a cross-sectional view of the actuator mechanism  300  depicted in  FIG. 8  taken along line  9 - 9 , and  FIG. 11 , which provides an exploded view of the components of the mechanism  300  and the shrouding  312 . The rotatable knob  302  of the mechanism  300  has a gripping portion  314 , which is a raised portion  314  defined by two recessed portions  315  on the bottom side  316  on the knob  302 . The knob  302  also has a projection  320  on the upper side  318  of the knob  302  that is connectable to the cable  304 . In addition, the knob  302  has a knob axle  324  and is rotatably seated within a knob receiving portion  322  such that the knob  302  can rotate in relation to the knob receiving portion  322  around the axle  324 . A knob connector  328  is positioned on the upper side of the knob receiving portion  322  and is connected with the knob axle  324 , thereby retaining the knob  302  within the receiving portion  322 . The knob  302  is positioned such that the upper side  318  of the turn knob  302  is adjacent to the bottom side of the shrouding  312 , thereby allowing the projection  320  and axle  324  to extend upwardly through a semicircular knob aperture  330  in the knob receiving portion  322 , which is attached to the shrouding  312 . The knob connector  328  has an equivalent semicircular knob aperture  332 . The semicircular apertures  330 ,  332  limit the radial travel of the turn knob  302 . That is, the knob  302  can be rotated until the projection  320  comes into contact with the edges of the apertures  330 ,  332 . 
       FIG. 10  depicts an upper view of the knob  302  attached to the top portion of the shrouding  312 . The projection  320 , according to one embodiment, is an arcuate member  320  to which the cable  304  is attached. In this particular embodiment, the cable  304  is partially wrapped around the member  320  and attached at a cable bracket  326  by being inserted therethrough. From the projection  320 , the cable  304  extends outwardly toward the right side of the treadmill frame  306  as shown in  FIG. 10 . According to one embodiment, the cable is disposed within a cable guide  334  positioned between the knob  302  and the right side of the treadmill frame  306 . At the right side of the treadmill frame  306 , the cable  304  is routed forwardly along the treadmill frame  306  toward the pivotal connection with the base frame (not shown). According to one embodiment, the change in direction in the cable  304  at the right side of the treadmill frame  306  is accomplished with a pulley (not shown). Alternatively, the re-routing of the cable  304  can be caused by any known mechanism for changing the direction of a cable or similar component. At or near the pivotal connection (not shown), the cable  304  is re-routed along the pivotal connection toward the first bracket (not shown). At the first bracket, the cable is disposed through a pin housing and attached to a pin in a configuration that, according to one embodiment, is similar to the configuration depicted in  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, the actuation mechanism  300  can be any known component capable of providing a pulling force on a cable connected to a locking mechanism. 
     In use, a user can rotate the turn knob  302  by grasping the gripping portion  314  with her fingers and applying a twisting force thereto. More particularly, when a user twists the turn knob  302 , the knob  302  pulls the cable  304  attached thereto, and the cable  304  in turn operates to “unlock” a locking mechanism of the present invention. The unlocking of the locking mechanism can be accomplished in the following manner, according to one aspect of the present invention. The cable  304 , according to one exemplary embodiment in which the cable  304  is coupled to an embodiment of the locking assembly  100  as depicted in  FIG. 3 , is being pulled toward the turn knob  302  as a result of the turn knob  302  being rotated. This movement of the cable  304  causes the pin member  142  to be withdrawn from either aperture  114 ,  116  in the second bracket  104 , thereby “unlocking” the locking mechanism and making it possible to reposition the treadmill frame  306 . When the user releases the turn knob  302 , the spring  146  forces the pin  142  from the pin housing  148 A,  148 B, which in turn causes the cable  304  to pull on the turn knob  302 , causing the turn knob  302  to rotate in a direction opposite the original turning direction. It is to be understood that the use of the actuator mechanism  300  with the locking assembly  100  of  FIG. 3  is merely exemplary and that the actuator assembly  300  can be used with any equivalent or similar embodiment of the locking assembly and further that the locking assembly  100  can be used with any known actuator assembly capable of moving the pin member  142  between extended and non-extended positions. 
     Continuing to use  FIG. 3  as an exemplary embodiment, in the operating configuration (i.e. the treadmill frame  306  positioned rearwardly from the pivot axis and substantially horizontal to the floor or ground), the pin  142  extends out of the pin housing  148 A,  148 B and into the aperture  116  of the second bracket  104 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the aperture  116  is elongated, which allows a user to lift the treadmill frame  206  some distance without having to first extract the pin  142  from the aperture  116 . In other embodiments, the aperture  116  is not elongated, and as such, does not allow the treadmill frame  306  to be moved without first extracting the pin  142  from the aperture  116 . Still other embodiments of the present invention utilize only one aperture in the second bracket to allow a user to selectively lock the treadmill in only the operating configuration or the storage configuration. 
     To place the treadmill in the storage configuration (i.e. the treadmill frame  306  extends upwardly from the pivotal connection), the user first reaches under the treadmill frame  306  and twists the turn knob  302  until the pin member  142  is extracted from the aperture  116 . In embodiments having an elongated aperture  116  similar to the aperture shown in  FIG. 3 , the user may lift the rear end portion of the treadmill frame  306  slightly before turning the turn knob  302 , which provides the user better initial access to the turn knob  302 . Once the pin  142  is extracted from the aperture  116 , the first bracket  102  is free to move relative to the second bracket  104 . Hence, the treadmill frame  306  is free to pivot relative to the base frame (not shown). Once the user moves the treadmill frame  306  upward a sufficient distance such that the pin  142  is no longer in alignment with the aperture  116  in the second bracket  104 , the user may release the turn knob  302 , which allows the spring  146  to force the pin  142  against side  132  of the second bracket  104 . Once the treadmill frame  306  is lifted to the upright storage position such that the aperture  114  is aligned with the pin  142 , the spring  146  forces the pin  142  into the aperture  114 , which in turn holds the first bracket  102  in a fixed position relative to the second bracket  104 , locking the treadmill frame  306  in the storage position. To return the treadmill frame  306  to the operating configuration, the user turns the turn knob  302  to extract the pin  142  from the aperture  114  and lowers the treadmill frame  306  until the spring  146  forces the pin  142  into the aperture  116 . 
       FIGS. 12 ,  13 , and  14  depict an alternative actuator mechanism  400 , according to another embodiment of the present invention. The actuator mechanism  400  is located on the underside  414  of a treadmill frame  412  and includes a locking handle  402  and two cables  404 ,  406  coupled to the locking handle  402 , with cable  404  coupled at the left end of the locking handle  402  and cable  406  coupled at the right end. The locking handle  402 , according to one embodiment, has a cam member  408  at the left end of the handle  402  and cam member  410  at the right end. The cable  404  is coupled at one end to the cam member  408  and is positioned such that the cable  404  is disposed along or inside the left rail  416  of the treadmill frame  412  as shown in  FIG. 12 . According to one embodiment, the cable is disposed within guide members  420  and further disposed within the left rail  416  at the cable aperture  422 . Further, cable  406  is coupled at one end to the cam member  410  and is disposed along or inside the right rail  418  in a configuration similar to cable  404  (not shown). 
     According to one embodiment, the other end of each cable  404 ,  406  is attached to separate locking mechanisms. In one aspect of the invention, cable  404  is attached to a left locking mechanism that, according to one embodiment, can be a locking mechanism similar to the mechanism depicted in  FIG. 7 , while cable  406  is attached to a right locking mechanism that, according to one embodiment, can be a locking mechanism similar to the mechanism depicted in  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, each of the cables  404 ,  406  can be attached to any known locking mechanism that can be unlocked by pulling on each of the cables  404 ,  406 . 
       FIG. 14  depicts a locking handle  402  on the underside of the treadmill frame  412 . In this embodiment, the actuator mechanism is substantially covered by a shrouding  424  on the underside of the frame  412 , with only the handle  402  itself exposed in order for the user to be able to actuate the handle  402 . 
     In use, a user can use the actuator mechanism  400  to selectively “unlock” the locking mechanism and reposition the treadmill frame  412  in relation to a base frame. Thus, when a user pulls the locking handle  402  upward in the direction of the arrow in  FIG. 13  such that each cam  408 ,  410  pivots about a common horizontal axis, each cam  408 ,  410  applies pressure to the respective cables  404 ,  406 , causing the cables to be pulled in the direction of the cams  408 ,  410 . According to one embodiment, the cables  404 ,  406  are attached to the exemplary locking mechanisms of  FIGS. 3 and 7 . In this embodiment, pulling the cables  404 ,  406  in the direction of the cams  408 ,  410  causes the cable  404  to pull the pin member  342  away from the second bracket  304  and further causes cable  406  to pull the pin member  142  away from the second bracket  104 . Thus, pin member  342  is withdrawn from either aperture  314  or  316 , unlocking the left locking mechanism, and pin member  142  is withdrawn from either aperture  114  or  116 , unlocking the right locking mechanism, and thereby allowing the user to reposition the treadmill frame  412 . In an alternative embodiment, the locking handle is connected to one cable and only unlocks one locking mechanism. In one aspect, the locking handle is attached to a cable on the left end of the handle and the cable is attached to a left locking mechanism. Alternatively, the locking handle is attached to a cable on the right end of the handle and the cable is attached to a right locking mechanism. 
     As described above in relation to the first embodiment of the locking mechanism, actuating the locking handle  402  and thereby unlocking the locking mechanism allows a user to pivot the treadmill frame  412  relative to the base frame (not shown) about the pivot axis (not shown) to configure the treadmill in either the storage configuration or operating configuration. 
     It is to be appreciated that various forms of actuator mechanisms can be used with the locking mechanism to actuate the engagement member and should not be construed to be limited to the actuator mechanisms described and depicted herein. For example, instead of having the turn knob or locking handle described above, other forms of the locking mechanism can include a knob or handle located at a distal end portion of the treadmill frame that is adapted to be pushed or pulled in a linear direction relative to the treadmill frame, as opposed to pivoting or rotating. Such an actuator mechanism can also be operably coupled with the engagement member via a cable or a rigid member, such as a rod or pole. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  show detailed views of a treadmill including a lift assistance mechanism  500  configured to apply forces on a treadmill frame  502  to resist pivotal movement of the treadmill frame in the downward direction. As such, the lift assistance mechanism helps to slow the rate at which the treadmill frame would otherwise move when pivoting downward from the storage position to the operating position. In this manner, the lift assistance mechanism helps to prevent the treadmill frame from pivoting downward at a relatively high rate of speed, such as when free falling from the upright storage configuration (see  FIG. 16 ) to the downward operating configuration (see  FIG. 15 ). In addition, the lift assistance mechanism  500  allows a user to more easily lift and pivot the treadmill frame  502  from the operating configuration shown in  FIG. 15  to the storage configuration shown in  FIG. 16 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the lift assistance mechanism  500  includes two lift cylinders  504 ,  506 . As discussed in more detail below, the lift cylinders contain pressurized air that acts to extend the overall length lift cylinders, which in turn, applies forces on the treadmill frame  502  that resist downward pivotal motion of the treadmill frame. As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , each lift cylinder  504 ,  506  is pivotally connected with a base frame  508  and the treadmill frame  502 . More particularly, each lift cylinder  504 ,  506  includes a cylinder portion  510  operably connected with a piston portion  512 . The cylinder portion includes a hollow cylinder body  514  having a circular cross section and having a closed first end portion  516  and a second end portion  518 . The closed first end portion  516  of the cylinder body  514  is pivotally connected with a first bracket  519  connected with a cross member  520  on the treadmill frame  502  at a first end pivotal connection  522 . The piston portion includes a piston shaft  524  connected with a piston head (not shown) inside the cylinder body  514 . The piston shaft  524  extends from the piston head (not shown), through the second end portion  518  of the cylinder body  514 , to a second end portion  526  pivotally connected with a second bracket  528  connected with the base frame  508  at a second end pivotal connection  530 . The second pivotal connection  530  defines a lift cylinder pivot axis  532  about which the lift cylinders  504 ,  506  pivot when the treadmill frame  502  pivots relative to the base frame  508 . As discussed in more detail below, pressurized air inside the cylinder body between closed first end portion of the cylinder body and the piston head acts to force piston head toward the second end portion of the cylinder body, which in turn, causes the lift cylinders to press against the treadmill frame and the base frame in the directions F 1  and F 2  shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . 
     As discussed above with reference to various treadmill embodiments and as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the treadmill frame  502  is pivotally connected with the base frame  508  at a pivotal connection  534 , defining a first pivot axis  536 . The first pivot axis  536  is positioned forward and upward relative to the lift cylinder pivot axis  532 . The relative positions of the first pivot axis  536  and the lift cylinder pivot axis  532  causes the piston shafts  524  of the lift cylinders  504 ,  506  to extend from and compress into the cylinder bodies  514  as the treadmill frame  502  pivots up and down relative to the base frame  508 . More particularly, the lift cylinders  504 ,  506  define a relatively extended length when the treadmill frame is in the upright storage configuration shown in  FIG. 16 . Conversely, the lift cylinders define a relatively compressed length when the treadmill frame is in the downward operating configuration shown in  FIG. 15 . As previously mentioned, pressurized air inside the lift cylinders causes the lift cylinders to press against the treadmill frame  502  and the base frame  508  in the directions F 1  and F 2  shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . As the treadmill frame  502  pivots from the storage configuration to the operating configuration, movement of the piston shafts  524  of the lift cylinders into the cylinder bodies  514  causes the air pressure inside the lift cylinders to increase. As such, the forces exerted by the lift cylinders on the base frame and the treadmill frame increases as the treadmill frame pivots downward from the storage configuration to the operating configuration. 
     As previously mentioned, forces exerted by the lift cylinders  504 ,  506  on the base frame  508  and the treadmill frame  502  resist the moment forces caused by the weight of the treadmill frame and deck as the treadmill frame pivots between the operating and storage configurations. As such, forces exerted by the lift cylinders on the treadmill frame act to slow the rate at which the treadmill frame would otherwise pivot from the storage configuration to the operating configuration, such as when free falling. In addition, the forces exerted by the lift cylinders on the treadmill frame lessen the forces required to lift and pivot the treadmill frame from the operating configuration to the storage configuration. 
     It is to be appreciated that various embodiments lift assistance mechanisms can utilize various sizes, types, and arrangements of lift cylinders and are not limited to the arrangement depicted and described herein. For example, some lift assistance mechanisms include lift cylinders with air pressurized to 600 psig with an extended or neutral uncompressed length of 425 mm. In another scenario, depending on the length and weight of the treadmill frame as well as the force characteristics of the lift cylinder, the lift mechanism may include a single lift cylinder as opposed to two lift cylinders. In such an arrangement, a spacer can be installed to consume the vacant space in the bracket where a second cylinder would otherwise be located. In one particular example, a treadmill having a deck length of 60 inches may utilize two lift cylinders whereas a treadmill having a deck length of 54 inches may utilize only one lift cylinder. It should also be appreciated that more than one lift cylinder can be used. Further, it should be appreciated that lift assistance mechanism is not limited to having air pressurized lift cylinders and can include any known mechanism capable of applying an upward force on the treadmill frame, such as a spring or some type of hydraulic system. 
     It will be appreciated from the above noted description of various arrangements and embodiments of the present invention that a locking mechanism for use with a foldable exercise treadmill has been described which allows a user to selectively configure a treadmill in an operating configuration and/or a storage configuration. The locking mechanism can be formed in various ways and operated in various manners. It will be appreciated that the features described in connection with each arrangement and embodiment of the invention are interchangeable to some degree so that many variations beyond those specifically described are possible. 
     Although various representative embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification and claims. All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. 
     In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends” having a particular characteristic and/or being connected with another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term “end” should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link, component, part, member or the like. In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.