Patent Publication Number: US-11027169-B2

Title: Electric treadmill

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of priority to Chinese patent application No. 201910020275.4, filed on Jan. 9, 2019, entitled “Electric Treadmill”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to the technical field of fitness instrument, in particular to an electric treadmill. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The treadmill is common fitness equipment used at home and gyms, which is the simple one and the optimization of household fitness instruments. The treadmill includes a base supporting a user to run or walk thereon, and an armrest equipped with various electronic components to control the treadmill and to provide interactions. 
     In order to provide a good running experience, a length of the base needs to be larger than a stride length of the user. Usually the length of the base ranges from 1.5 to 2 meters. However, the longer the length of the base, the wider a width of the base. Therefore, the treadmill may take up more spaces. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electric treadmill to solve or alleviate one or more technical problems in the prior art, or at least provide an advantageous selection. 
     In order to achieve the above object, in one aspect of the present disclosure, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electric treadmill, which includes: 
     a base including a front frame, a rear frame and a connecting assembly, wherein tread boards are provided within the front frame and the rear frame, and the front frame and the rear frame are hinged together by the connecting assembly to enable the base to be folded; 
     an armrest including a vertical tube and a cross tube, wherein one end of the vertical tube is connected to the cross tube, and the other end of the vertical tube is rotatably coupled to the base to fold the armrest with respect to the base. 
     In an embodiment, the connecting assembly includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member, two third connecting members, and a fourth connecting member, wherein one end of the first connecting member is connected to the front frame and the other end of the first connecting member is hinged with one end of each third connecting member; a middle portion of the second connecting member is hinged with a middle portion of each third connecting member; and one end of the fourth connecting member is hinged with one end of the second connecting member, and the other end of the fourth connecting member is connected to the rear frame. 
     In an embodiment, the first connecting member includes a head portion and a bottom portion; the head portion protrudes from an intermediate position of the bottom portion to form a a T shaped first connecting member; a first through hole is provided at one end of the bottom portion away from the head portion, to hinge the first connecting member with the base; a second through hole is provided at the head portion to hinge the first connecting member with each third connecting member, and a side of the bottom portion facing the second connecting member is provided with a first curved slot; 
     wherein the second connecting member includes a front portion and a rear portion disposed at a predetermined angle with the front portion, one end of the front portion away from the rear portion is provided with a first curved surface corresponding to the first curved slot, a middle portion of the second connecting member is hinged with a middle portion of each third connecting member, and one end of the rear portion away from the front portion is hinged with the one end of the fourth connecting member; 
     wherein the one end of each third connecting member is hinged with the head portion, the other end of each third connecting member is provided with an arcuate protrusion facing the fourth connecting member; and 
     wherein the one end of the fourth connecting member is hinged with the rear portion, the other end of the fourth connecting member is hinged with the rear frame, and the fourth connecting member further is provided with a second curved surface facing the third connecting members, and the second curved surface is fitted to the arcuate protrusion. 
     In an embodiment, the connecting assembly includes a front mount, a rear mount, a first hinge tooter, a second hinge tooth, a third hinge tooth and a fourth hinge tooth; the first hinge tooth, the second hinge tooth, the third hinge tooth, and the fourth hinge tooth are all L-shaped with a short portion and a long portion; the front mount is fastened to the front frame and the rear mount is fastened to the rear frame; a joint between the short portion and the long portion of the first hinge tooth, a joint between the short portion and the long portion of the second hinge tooth, a joint of the short portion and the long portion of the third hinge tooth, and a joint between the short portion and the long portion of the fourth hinge tooth are hinged together by a first rotating shaft; front ends of the long portions of the first hinge tooth and the second hinge tooth are hinged together by a second rotating shaft; rear ends of the long portions of the third hinge tooth and the fourth hinge tooth are hinged together by a third rotating shaft; the third hinge tooth is disposed between the first hinge tooth and the second hinge tooth, and the second hinge tooth is disposed between the third hinge tooth and the fourth hinge tooth; and 
     wherein the front mount is provided with a front relief groove for accommodating the first hinge tooth and the second hinge tooth, and a front chute extending in a front-rear direction; the rear mount is provided with a rear relief groove for accommodating the third hinge tooth and the fourth hinge tooth, and a rear chute extending in the front-rear direction; the second rotating shaft is slidably coupled to the front chute, and the third rotating shaft is slidably coupled to the rear chute. 
     In an embodiment, the vertical tube includes a hollow tube, an armrest tube, and a controllable gas spring, wherein the armrest tube is disposed in the hollow tube, one end of the controllable gas spring is connected to the armrest tube, and the other end of the controllable gas spring is connected to the hollow tube, and the armrest tube is telescoped relative to the hollow tube to adjust a length of the armrest. 
     In an embodiment, the electric treadmill further includes a side rest detachably connected with the armrest, and a connecting portion provided on the armrest tube, corresponding to the side rest; wherein the side rest comprises a main body; a tab is provided at an end of the main body; a slot is provided on the connecting portion; and the tab is inserted into the slot to connect the main body to the connecting portion. 
     In an embodiment, the electric treadmill further includes a spring provided at the end of the main body, and a ball connected to the spring; wherein the ball is abutted against the connecting portion by a force of the spring. 
     In an embodiment, the electric treadmill further includes a locking assembly, wherein the locking assembly includes a quick release lever, a pressing block, a positioning sleeve, a spring, and a spacer; the positioning sleeve is disposed at the joint between the hollow tube and the armrest tube; the quick release lever is hinged with the positioning sleeve, and the pressing block is disposed between the quick release lever and the positioning sleeve; and one end of the quick release lever connected to the positioning sleeve is provided with a cam structure so as to press the quick release lever against the pressing block to lock the armrest tube. 
     In an embodiment, the electric treadmill further includes a depressurizing lever, wherein one end of the depressurizing lever is connected to the armrest, and the other end of the depressurizing lever is connected to the base to slow down a speed of the armrest rotating toward the base. 
     In an embodiment, one end of the depressurizing lever is connected to the hollow tube, and the other end of the depressurizing lever is connected to the front frame, both ends of which are fastened by bolts and fasteners. 
     In an embodiment, the electric treadmill further includes a torsional spring, wherein one end of the torsional spring is connected to the vertical tube, and the other end of the torsional spring is connected to the front frame, to slow down a rotating speed of the vertical tube toward the front frame. 
     In an embodiment, an angle retaining plate, a stopper plate and a locking handle are provided at a joint between the vertical tube and the base, the angle retaining plate is provided with a curved retaining slot, and a retaining shaft corresponding to the curved retaining slot is provided at the base to cooperate with the angle retaining plate, so as to limit a rotating angle of the armrest, and wherein one end of the locking handle is provided with a cam structure so that the locking handle enables to limit a rotation of the vertical tube relative to the base, and the armrest is foldable over the base by pulling the locking handle and rotating the armrest for storage. 
     In an embodiment, an angle between the front frame and the rear frame varies between 0 and 180 degrees, the tread board comprises a front tread board and a rear tread board, the front tread board is provided in the front frame and the rear tread board is provided in the rear frame; and the front tread board and the rear tread board are combined to support the user in case of the angle between the front frame and the rear frame being 180 degrees. 
     In an embodiment, the armrest comprises a plurality of vertical tubes disposed on two sides of the front frame respectively, the vertical tubes are connected with the cross tube to form a storage space for accommodating the base, and the front frame and the rear frame is accommodated in the storage space in case of the angle between the front frame and the rear frame being 0 degree. 
     Some of the above technical solutions have the following advantages or beneficial effects. The front frame and the rear frame in the present disclosure may be folded with respect to each other, thus, reducing a length of the base for storage and improving the experience of users. 
     The above summary is for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended to limit. Additionally to the illustrative aspects, embodiments and features described above, further aspects, embodiments and features of the present disclosure will be readily apparent by reference to the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts or elements throughout unless otherwise specified. The drawings are not necessary drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings depict only some embodiments disclosed in accordance with present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the scope of present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a partial structure of a treadmill according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of a partial structure of a treadmill according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a treadmill in a collapsed state according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view of a connecting assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view of a first connecting member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of a second connecting member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic view of a third connecting member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view of a fourth connecting member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic view of a connecting assembly in a folded state according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic view of a connecting assembly in an enfolded state according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view of a partial structure of a connecting assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic view of a locking assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic view of a partial structure of a treadmill according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic view of a partial structure of a treadmill according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic view of a partial structure of a treadmill according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic view showing an armrest tube connecting with a side rest according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 17  is a sectional view showing an armrest tube connecting with a side rest according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following, only certain embodiments are briefly described. As can be recognized by those skilled in the art, various modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of present disclosure. Therefore, the drawings and the description are substantially regarded as exemplary rather than restrictive. 
     The present disclosure provides an electric treadmill. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the electric treadmill includes a base  10  and an armrest  20 . The base  10  is provided with a drive motor, a drum, a running belt and other components, while the armrest  20  is provided with an operation switch and other control components. 
     The base  10  presents a shape of a rectangular plate, and includes a front frame  11 , a rear frame  12 , and a connecting assembly  30 , wherein tread boards  13  are provided within the front frame  11  and the rear frame  12 . The front frame  11  and the rear frame  12  are hinged together by the connecting assembly  30  in order to fold the base  10  for storage. The connection between the front frame  11  and the rear frame  12  is not limited thereto, and the connection capable of folding and accommodating the base  10  may be applied thereto. 
     The armrest  20  includes a vertical tube  21  and a cross tube  22 . One end of the vertical tube  21  is connected to the cross tube  22 , and the other end of the vertical tube  21  is rotatably coupled to the base  10  to allow the armrest  20  to be folded with respect to the base  10 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the front frame  11  and the rear frame  12  may be foldable with respect to each other. The armrest  20  and the base  10  may also be foldable with respect to each other. A length of the base  10  is greatly reduced for storage, thus, improving the experience of users. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-8  in an embodiment, the connecting assembly  30  includes a first connecting member  31 , a second connecting member  32 , two third connecting members  33 , and a fourth connecting member  34 , wherein the second connecting member  32  is disposed between the two third connecting members  33 . One end of the first connecting member  31  is hinged with the front frame  11 , and the other end of the first connecting member  31  is hinged with one end of each third connecting member  33 . The middle portion of the second connecting member  32  is hinged with the middle portion of each third connecting members  33 . One end of the fourth connecting member  34  is hinged with one end of each second connecting member  32 , and the other end of the fourth connecting member  34  is hinged with the rear frame  12 . 
     Further, the first connecting member  31  includes a head portion  311  and a bottom portion  312 . The head portion  311  protrudes from an intermediate position of the bottom portion  312  to form a T shaped first connecting member  31 . A first through hole  71  is provided at one end of the bottom portion  312  away from the head portion  311 , to hinge the first connecting member  31  with the base  10  by a rotating shaft  70 . A second through hole  71  is provided at head portion  311  to hinge the first connecting member  31  with the third connecting members  33 . A side of the bottom portion  312  facing the second connecting member  32  is provided with a first curved slot  313 . 
     The second connecting member  32  includes a front portion  321 ; and a rear portion  322  disposed at a predetermined angle with the front portion  321 . One end of the front portion  321  away from the rear portion  322  is provided with a first curved surface  323  corresponding to the first curved slot  313 . The middle portion of the second connecting member  32 , that is, a joint between the front portion  321  and the rear portion  322 , is hinged with the middle portion of each third connecting member  33 . One end of the rear portion  322  away from the front portion  321  is hinged with the one end of the fourth connecting member  34 . 
     One end of each third connecting member  33  is hinged with the head portion  311 , and the other end of each third connecting members  33  is provided with an arcuate protrusion  331  facing the fourth connecting member  34 . 
     One end of the fourth connecting member  34  is hinged with the rear portion  322 , and the other end of the fourth connecting member  34  is hinged with the rear frame  12 . A second curved surface  341  facing the third connecting members  33  is provided with on the fourth connecting member  34 , wherein the second curved surface  341  is fitted to the arcuate protrusion  331 . 
     When the front frame and the rear frame are in a folded state, that is, the front frame and the rear frame are at an angle of 0 degree as shown in  FIG. 3 , the first curved surface  323  abuts the first curved slot  313  and the arcuate protrusion  331  abuts the second curved surface  341 . When the front frame and the rear frame are in an unfolded state, that is, the front frame and the rear frame are at an angle of 180 degrees, the rear frame rotates relative to the front frame to separate the first curved surface  323  from the first curved slot  313 , and separate the circular arcuate protrusion  331  from the second curved surface  341 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-11 , another connecting assembly  30 ′ is provided in another embodiment. The connecting assembly  30 ′ includes a front mount  35 , a rear mount  36 , a first hinge tooth  371 , a second hinge tooth  372 , a third hinge tooth  373 , a fourth hinge tooth  374 , and a rotating shaft  90 . The first hinge tooth  371 , the second hinge tooth  372 , the third hinge tooth  373 , and the fourth hinge tooth  374  are all L-shaped with a short portion  375  and a long portion  376 . A joint between the short portion  375  and the long portion  376  of the first hinge tooth  371 , a joint between the short portion  375  and the long portion  376  of the second hinge tooth  372 , a joint between the short portion  375  and the long portion  376  of the third hinge tooth  373  and a joint between the short portion  375  and the long portion  376  of the fourth hinge tooth  374  are hinged together by a first rotating shaft  90 . Front ends of the long portions  376  of the first hinge tooth  371  and the second hinge tooth  372  are hinged together by a second rotating shaft  90 . Rear ends of the long portions  376  of the third hinge tooth  373  and the fourth hinge tooth  374  are hinged together by a third rotating shaft  90 . The third hinge tooth  373  is disposed between the first hinge tooth  371  and the second hinge tooth  372 , and the second hinge tooth  372  is disposed between the third hinge tooth  373  and the fourth hinge tooth  374 . 
     The front mount  35  is provided with a front relief groove  351  for accommodating the first hinge tooth  371  and the second hinge tooth  372 . Also, the front mount  35  is also provided with a front chute  352  extending in a front-rear direction. The rear mount  36  is provided with a rear relief groove  361  for accommodating the third hinge tooth  373  and the fourth hinge tooth  374 . Also, the rear mount  36  is also provided with a rear chute  362  extending in the front-rear direction. The second rotating shaft  90  is slidably coupled to the front chute  352 . The third rotating shaft  90  is slidably coupled to the rear chute  362 . 
     when the front mount  35  and the rear mount  36  are unfolded, that is, a front abutting surface  354  of the front mount  35  and a rear abutting surface  364  of the rear mount  36  changes from a state of being in contact with each other to a state of being at 180 degrees therebetween, the front abutting surface  354  and the rear abutting surface  364  form an angle with respect to each other. The first hinge tooth  371 , the second hinge tooth  372 , the third hinge tooth  373  and the fourth hinge tooth  374  rotate around the first rotating shaft  90 , so that the second rotating shaft  90  may slide in the front chute  352  from front to rear, and the third rotating shaft  90  may slide in the rear chute  362  from rear to front. As the rotating around the first rotating shaft  90  and the sliding of the second and third rotating shaft  90 , the front mount  35  and the rear mount  36  may be completely unfolded. At this time, the second rotating shaft  90  remains at the rear end of the front chute  352 , and the third rotating shaft  90  remains at the front end of the rear chute  362 . 
     when the front mount  35  and the rear mount  36  are folded, that is, the front abutting surface  354  and the rear abutting surface  364  changes from the state of being at 180 degrees to the state of being in contact with each other, the rear frame  12  rotates relative to the front frame  11 . The rear mount  36  pushes the third rotating shaft  90  such that the second rotating shaft  90  may slide in the front chute  352  from rear to front. The front mount  35  pushes the second rotating shaft  90 , so that the second rotating shaft  90  may slide in the rear chute  362  from front to rear. As the rotating around the first rotating shaft  90  and the sliding of the second and third rotating shaft  90 , the front mount  35  and the rear mount  36  may be completely folded. Thus, the front abutting surface  354  and the rear abutting surface  364  are in contact with each other. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in an embodiment, the vertical tube  21  includes a hollow tube  211 , an armrest tube  212 , and a controllable gas spring  213 . The armrest tube  212  is disposed in the hollow tube  211 . One end of the controllable gas spring  213  is connected to the armrest tube  212  and the other end of the controllable gas spring  213  is connected to the hollow tube  211 . The armrest tube  212  may be telescoped relative to the hollow tube  211  to adjust a length of the armrest  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , in an embodiment, the electric treadmill further includes a locking assembly  40  for locking and fastening the armrest tube  212 , which specifically includes a quick release lever  41 , a pressing block  42 , a positioning sleeve  43 , a spring  44  and the spacer  45 . The positioning sleeve  43  is disposed at the joint between the hollow tube  211  and the armrest tube  212 . The quick release lever  41  is hinged with the positioning sleeve  43 , and the pressing block  42  is disposed between the quick release lever  41  and the positioning sleeve  43 . Meanwhile, a cam structure is provided at one end of the quick release lever  41  connected to the positioning sleeve  43 , so as to press the quick release lever  41  against the pressing block  42  to lock the armrest tube  212 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , in an embodiment, a side rest  214  is detachably is connected to the armrest tube  212 . A connecting portion  216  corresponding to the side rest  214  is provided on the armrest tube  212 . The side rest  214  includes a main body  215  with a tab  217  at an end. A slot  218  is provided on the connecting portion  216 . Referring to  FIG. 16 , the tab  217  may slide along a direction from up to down and insert into the slot  218 , so that the main body  215  may be connected to the connecting portion  216 . 
     Further, combining with  FIG. 17 , a spring  219  is provided at the end of main body  215 . One end of the spring  219  is connected to the main body  215 , and a ball  220  is provided at the other end of the spring  219 . As the tab  217  is inserted into the slot  218  along the direction from up to down, the ball  220  may contact a surface  221  of the connecting portion  216 . Thus, the surface  221  may apply a force to ball  220  so as to compress the spring  219 . Meanwhile, the spring  219  may react a force on the ball  220  and the surface  221  to abut the ball  220  against the surface  221 , thus fastening the tab  217  into the slot  218 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , in an embodiment, the electric treadmill further includes a depressurizing lever  50 . One end of the depressurizing lever  50  is connected to the armrest  20 , and the other end of the depressurizing lever  50  is connected to the base  10 , so as to slow down a speed of the armrest  20  rotating toward the base  10 . 
     Further, one end of the depressurizing lever  50  is connected to the hollow tube  211 , and the other end of the depressurizing lever  50  is connected to the front frame  11 . Both ends of the depressurizing lever are fastened by bolts and fasteners. 
     In another embodiment, referring to  FIG. 15 , the electric treadmill further includes a torsional spring  80 . One end of the torsional spring  80  is connected to the vertical tube  21 , and the other end of the torsional spring  80  is connected to the front frame  11 . The torsional spring  80  is stretched upon the vertical tube  21  rotating toward the front frame  11 , so that the torsional spring  80  may apply a counter force to slow down a rotating speed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 14 , in an embodiment, an angle retaining plate  23 , a stopper plate  24  and a locking handle  25  are provided at a joint between the armrest  20  and the base  10 . The angle retaining plate  23  is provided with a curved retaining slot  231 . A retaining shaft  14  corresponding to the curved retaining slot  231  is provided at the base  10 . The retaining shaft  14  and the angle retaining plate  23  cooperate to limit a rotating angle of the armrest  20 . One end of the locking handle  25  is provided with a cam structure so that the locking handle  25  may limit a rotation of the armrest  20  relative to the base  10 . When being folded for storage, the armrest  20  may be folded over the base  10  by pulling the locking handle  25  and rotating the armrest  20 , and it is very easy and convenient to operate. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , in an embodiment, an angle between the front frame  11  and the rear frame  12  varies between 0 and 180 degrees. The tread board  13  comprises a front tread board  131  and a rear tread board  132 . The front tread board  131  is provided in the front frame  11 , and the rear tread board  132  is provided in the rear frame  12 . When the angle between the front frame  11  and the rear frame  12  is 180 degrees, the front tread board  131  and the rear tread board  132  are combined to support the user. When the angle between the front frame  11  and the rear frame  12  is 0 degree, the front tread board  131  and the rear tread board  132  are folded for storage. 
     Further as shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3 , the armrest  20  includes a plurality of vertical tubes  21  disposed on two sides of the front frame  11  respectively. The vertical tube  21  is connected with the cross tube  22  to form a storage space  60  for accommodating the base  10 . When the angle between the front frame  11  and the rear frame  12  is 0 degree, the front frame  11  and the rear frame  12  may be accommodated in the storage space  60 . 
     It should be noted that words such as “front”, “rear”, “upper”, “lower” and the like described herein are all for convenience of description, and do not necessarily correspond to the front and rear of the space in actual work. 
     Other configurations of the electric treadmill of the present embodiments can employ various technical solutions that are known to those skilled in the art at present and in the future, which will not be described in detail herein. 
     In the description of the present specification, the description referring to the terms “one embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “an example”, “a specific example”, or “some examples” and the like means particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics in combination with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of present disclosure described. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more of the embodiments or examples. Additionally, different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples can be incorporated and combined by those skilled in the art without mutual contradiction. 
     Additionally, the terms “first” and “second” are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defining “first” and “second” may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present disclosure, “a plurality of” means two or more, unless expressly limited otherwise. 
     The foregoing descriptions are merely specific embodiments of the present disclosure, but not intended to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art may easily conceive of various changes or modifications within the technical scope disclosed herein, all these should be covered within the protection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.