Patent Publication Number: US-2022212056-A1

Title: Systems and methods for restricting transverse movement of a treadmill belt

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of PCT/US2020/052191, filed Sep. 23, 2020, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/905,060, filed Sep. 24, 2019, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to exercises devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to exercise devices with moving belts. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Treadmills include running belts that rotate relative a frame so as to provide a continuous surface on which a user may walk or run (or perform variations walking/running). Extended use or specific use patterns can cause the running belt of the treadmill to move in a longitudinally transverse direction. Transverse movement of the running belt can lead to uneven wear or damage as a result of the running belt contacting unintended components of the treadmill. Accordingly, it is desirable to retain the belt of the treadmill in the desired position during use. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment of the present disclosure is a treadmill. The treadmill includes a frame having a front end and a rear end, substantially opposite the front end; a front shaft assembly coupled to the frame proximate the front end of the frame; a rear shaft assembly coupled to the frame proximate the rear end of the frame; a running belt disposed about the front and rear shaft assemblies; and, a bumper coupled to the frame proximate the running belt such that the bumper is disposed between the running belt and the frame. In use, the bumper is configured to at least one of selectively move the running belt away from the frame and restrict movement of the running belt towards at least a portion of the frame. 
     The running belt may define a running surface and the bumper is disposed at least partially below the running surface. 
     In some embodiments, the bumper includes a first bumper and a second bumper. The first bumper is disposed between the frame and the running belt and the second bumper is disposed between the frame and the running belt such that the first and second bumpers are disposed on transverse sides of the running belt. 
     In some embodiments, the bumper is at least partially made of at least one of Nylon or ultra-high molecular weight Polyethylene. 
     In some embodiments, the bumper is configured to selectively deflect inwardly away from the running belt upon an impact of the running belt with the bumper. 
     In some embodiments, the bumper is rigid and non-deflecting such that the running belt slides or rubs against the bumper with substantially no inward deflection of the bumper. 
     In some embodiments, the bumper defines an aperture that receives a fastener to couple the bumper to the frame. 
     In some embodiments, the bumper includes a partially rounded surface and a substantially flat surface coupled to the partially rounded surface, wherein the substantially flat surface of the bumper is directly coupled to the frame. 
     In some embodiments, the partially rounded surface and the substantially flat surface of the bumper are made of at least partially different materials. 
     Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a treadmill. The treadmill includes a frame having a front end and a rear end substantially opposite the front end; a front shaft assembly coupled to the frame proximate the front end of the frame; a rear shaft assembly coupled to the frame proximate the rear end of the frame; a running belt disposed about the front and rear shaft assemblies; and, a first left side bumper coupled to the frame proximate the running belt such that the first left side bumper is disposed between the frame and the running belt. In use, the first left side bumper is configured to selectively restrict movement of the running belt toward the frame. The treadmill also includes a first right side bumper coupled to the frame proximate the running belt such that the first right side bumper is disposed between the frame and the running belt. In use, the first right side bumper is configured to selectively restrict movement of the running belt toward the frame. 
     In some embodiments, the first left side bumper is positioned on or substantially on a transverse opposite side of the running belt relative to the first right side bumper. 
     In some embodiments, the treadmill further includes a second left side bumper coupled to the frame and spaced apart from the first left side bumper. In use, the second left side bumper is configured to selectively restrict movement of the running belt toward the frame. The treadmill may further include a second right side bumper coupled to the frame and spaced apart from the first right side bumper. In use, the second right side bumper is configured to selectively restrict movement of the running belt toward the frame. 
     In some embodiments, each of the first and second left side bumpers and the first and second right side bumpers are substantially identical in shape to each other. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second left side bumpers and the first and second right side bumpers differs in shape relative to the remaining of the at least one of the first and second left side bumpers and the first and second right side bumpers. 
     In some embodiments, the running belt defines a running surface at least a portion of which is curved. 
     In some embodiments, at least a portion of one of the first left and right side bumpers is positioned at or below the running surface. 
     Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a method of restricting transverse movement of a running belt of a treadmill. The method includes providing a frame including a left side member and a right side member, the left side member spaced apart from the right side member; providing a running belt coupled to the frame; disposing a first bumper between the right side member of the frame and the running belt; disposing a second bumper between the left side member of the frame and the running belt; and selectively restricting, by one of the first bumper or the second bumper, the lateral movement of the running belt relative to the frame. 
     In some embodiments, the running belt defines a running surface, at least a portion of which is curved. 
     In some embodiments, wherein during the selective restriction, the running belt slides along or rubs against the one of the first bumper or the second bumper. 
     In some embodiments, the method further includes in response to coming into contact with the running belt, deflecting, by the one of the first bumper or the second bumper inwardly away from the running belt. 
     This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a treadmill having a non-planar running surface, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the treadmill of  FIG. 1  with most of the external, protective covers removed, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a treadmill having a substantially planar running surface, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the treadmill of  FIG. 3  with most of the external, protective covers removed, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is another perspective view of the treadmill of  FIG. 3  with most of the external, protective covers removed as well as the running belt, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the treadmill of  FIG. 5 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a treadmill frame, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the treadmill frame of  FIG. 7 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is an additional side view of the treadmill frame of  FIG. 7 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of a treadmill frame, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of the treadmill frame of  FIG. 10 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is an additional side view of the treadmill frame of  FIG. 10 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of a portion of a treadmill, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of the portion of the treadmill of  FIG. 13 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of the treadmill of  FIG. 13 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of a frame for a treadmill, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of a treadmill, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of a portion of the treadmill of  FIG. 17 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  is a side view of the portion of the treadmill of  FIG. 18 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a top view of the treadmill of  FIG. 17 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of a treadmill frame, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  is a top view of the treadmill frame of  FIG. 21 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 23  is an additional side view of the treadmill frame of  FIG. 21 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  is a side view of a treadmill bumper, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  is a top view of the treadmill bumper of  FIG. 24 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  is a front view of the treadmill bumper of  FIG. 24 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the treadmill bumper of  FIG. 24 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a treadmill bumper of  FIG. 24 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 29  is a top view of a portion of a treadmill including the treadmill bumper of  FIG. 24 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the treadmill including the treadmill bumper of  FIG. 29 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 31  is an additional top view of the treadmill including the treadmill bumper of  FIG. 29 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 32  is a top view of a treadmill without the treadmill bumper of  FIG. 24 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 33  is a top view of the treadmill of  FIG. 32  with the treadmill bumper of  FIG. 24 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Referring to the Figures generally, a treadmill with bumpers is shown according to various embodiments herein. A treadmill includes a running belt that rotationally moves relative to a substantially stationary treadmill frame. The bumpers are coupled to the treadmill frame to constrain a transverse movement of the running belt relative to a longitudinal axis of the running belt. In particular, bumpers are coupled to at least one of the opposing sides of the treadmill frame, preferably both sides such that the bumpers are disposed on transverse opposite sides of and adjacent to the running belt. The bumpers are configured to keep or maintain the running belt in a desired position (i.e., substantially in a side-to-side middle of the treadmill) during operation of treadmill. In this regard and as the treadmill is operated, a user may provide uneven forces to the running belt that cause the running belt to move laterally or side-to-side relative to the treadmill frame in addition to the rotation in the desired longitudinal direction. The side-to-side movement may cause the running belt to move transversely relative to the frame and the longitudinal axis. This movement may result in the running belt contacting various parts of the treadmill (e.g., parts of the frame) in an undesirable manner which may lead to non-smooth rotational movement of the running belt (e.g., off-balanced rotation) as well as uneven wear of the running belt. The bumpers are positioned to bump, impact, or otherwise contact the running belt during any side-to-side movement to nudge the running belt away from the sides of the treadmill frame and back towards the desired central or substantially central position. Accordingly, the bumpers provide several benefits: the mitigation of undesireable wear on the running belt resulting from the extended rubbing of the rotating sides of the running belt against stationary elements of the treadmill frame; the mitigation of the potential misalignment or dislodging of the running belt resulting from too much lateral movement of the belt relative to the support structure for the running belt (e.g., a plurality of bearings); a potential in operating cost savings resulting from the reduction in repairs needed for the running belt (e.g., for a slat style running belt, the slats of the belt may maintain their form longer by not impacting the treadmill frame); quieter operation of the treadmill because the rotating treadmill belt is prevented from contacting stationary elements of the treadmill frame and, among other benefits, to promote a continuous smooth movement of the running belt relative to the treadmill frame due to maintenance of the running belt on the desired running belt support structure(s). 
     The bumpers as shown and described herein may be implemented with various treadmill types. For example, the bumpers may be implemented with a motorized treadmill, or a non-motorized treadmill. Additionally, the bumpers may be implemented with planar treadmills (e.g., a treadmill having a running belt that defines a flat or substantially flat running surface) and non-planar treadmills (e.g., a treadmill having a running belt that defines a non-planar such as a curved running surface), both of which can be motorized or non-motorized. In this regard,  FIGS. 1-2  depict a non-planar treadmill while  FIGS. 3-6  depict a planar treadmill, according to various embodiments. The bumpers as shown and described herein can be implemented with both of these types of treadmills along with other treadmills not specifically depicted in the drawings. The non-planar and planar treadmill embodiments are firstly described before turning to the description of the bumpers relative to the exemplary treadmill embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-2 , a motorized non-planar treadmill  10  is shown according to an example embodiment. As shown, the treadmill  10  includes a base  12 , a handrail  14  mounted or coupled to the base  12 , a display device  16  coupled to the handrail  14 , a running belt  30  that extends substantially longitudinally along a longitudinal axis  18 , a pair of side panels  40  and  42  (e.g., covers, shrouds, etc.) that are provided on the right and left side of the base  12 , a pair of rearward positioned feet  52  (i.e., proximate the rear end  22 ), a pair of forward positioned feet  52  (i.e., proximate the front end  20 ), and a pair of wheels  54  (e.g., casters, rollers, etc.) positioned proximate the front end  20 ). The longitudinal axis  18  extends generally between a front end  20  and a rear end  22  of the treadmill  10 ; more specifically, the longitudinal axis  18  extends generally between the centerlines of a front shaft and a rear shaft, which will be discussed in more detail below. The side panels  40  and  42  may shield the user from the components or moving parts of the treadmill  10 . The base  12  is supported by multiple support feet  50  and  52 , while the pair of wheels  54  enable a user to grip a handle (not shown) of the base  12  to relatively easily move the treadmill  10 . In use, the wheels  54  of the treadmill  10  are supported above a support surface; the wheels  54  may contact the ground to thereby permit the user to easily roll the entire treadmill  10  when desired. It should be noted that the left and right-hand sides of the treadmill and various components thereof are defined from the perspective of a forward-facing user standing on the running surface of the treadmill  10 . 
     A display device  16  may be adapted to calculate and display performance data relating to operation of the treadmill  10  according to an exemplary embodiment. The display device  16  may include any type of display device including, but not limited to, touchscreen display devices, physical input devices in combination with a screen, and so on. The display device  16  may include an integrated power source (e.g., a battery), or be electrically coupled to an external power source (e.g., via an electrical cord that may be plugged into a wall outlet). The feedback and data performance analysis from the display may include, but are not limited to, speed, time, distance, calories burned, heart rate, etc. According to other exemplary embodiments, other displays, cup holders, cargo nets, heart rate grips, arm exercisers, TV mounting devices, user worktops, and/or other devices may be incorporated into the treadmill. Further and as shown, the display device  16  may include a plurality of input devices (e.g., buttons, switches, etc.) that enable a user to provide instructions to the treadmill  10  and to control the operation thereof. 
     As shown in more detail in  FIG. 2 , the base  12  includes a frame  60  which preferably is an assembly of elements such as longitudinally-extending, opposing side members, shown as a right-hand side member  61  and a left hand side member  62  and one or more lateral or cross-members  63  extending between and coupled to the side members  61  and  62 . The frame  60  is adapted to support a front shaft assembly  70  preferably positioned near a front end  20  of the frame  60 , a rear shaft assembly  80  preferably positioned near the rear end  22  of frame  60 , a plurality of bearings  90  coupled to and extending generally longitudinally along the right-side member  61  of the frame  60 , a plurality of bearings  91  coupled to and extending generally longitudinally along the left-side member  62  of the frame  60 . The pluralities of bearings  90 ,  91  are substantially opposite each other about the longitudinal axis  18 , and a tension assembly  100  coupled to the frame  60 . Each of these components is described herein below. 
     The front shaft assembly  70  includes a pair of front running belt pulleys  72  coupled to, and preferably directly mounted to, a shaft  71 , while the rear shaft assembly  80  includes a pair of rear running belt pulleys  82  coupled to, and preferably directly mounted to, a shaft  81 . In operation, multiple bearing assemblies  75  may rotationally couple the front shaft assembly  70  and rear shaft assembly  80  to the frame  60 . The bearing assemblies  75  may be structured as any type of bearing assembly configured to support and enable rotation of the shaft assemblies relative to the frame  60  (e.g., thrust bearings, etc.). The front and rear running belt pulleys  72 ,  82  are configured to facilitate movement/rotation of the running belt  30 . As the front and rear running belt pulleys  72 ,  82  are preferably fixed relative to shafts  71  and  81 , respectively, rotation of the front and rear running belt pulleys  72 ,  82  causes the shafts  71 ,  81  to rotate in the same direction. The front and rear running belt pulleys  72 ,  82  may be formed of any material sufficiently rigid and durable to maintain shape under load. According to one embodiment, the material is relatively lightweight so as to reduce the inertia of the pulleys  72 ,  82 . The pulleys  72 ,  82  may be formed of any material having one or more of these characteristics (e.g., metal, ceramic, composite, plastic, etc.). According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the front and rear running belt pulleys  72 ,  82  are formed of a composite-based material, such as a glass-filled nylon, for example, Grivory® GV-5H Black 9915 Nylon Copolymer available from EMS-GRIVORY of Sumter, S.C. 29151, which may save cost and reduce the weight of the pulleys  72 ,  82  relative to metal pulleys. To prevent a static charge due to operation of the treadmill  10  from building on a pulley  72 ,  82  formed of electrically insulative materials (e.g., plastic, composite, etc.), an antistatic additive, for example Antistat 10124 from Nexus Resin Group of Mystic, Conn. 06355, maybe may be blended with the GV-5H material. Alternatively, the pulleys  72 ,  82  may be formed of a relatively heavy or high mass material (e.g., metal, ceramic, composite, etc.) if it is desired to create a support structure which has a relatively high inertia as the user generates rotation of the running belt. 
     The pluralities of bearings  90 ,  91  are attached or coupled to the frame  60  and structured to support or at least partially support the running belt  30  and to facilitate movement thereof. In this regard, the pluralities of bearings  90 ,  91  may be arranged to facilitate a desired shape or contour of the running surface  32  of the running belt  30 . Accordingly, the running belt  30  assumes a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of the profile of the pluralities of the bearings  90 ,  91 . The bearings  90 ,  91  are configured to rotate to thereby decrease the friction experienced by the running belt  30  as the belt moves or rotates relative to the frame  60 . The tension assembly  100  may be structured to selectively adjust a position of the rear shaft assembly  80  to add, reduce, and generally control a tension applied to the running belt  30 . An exemplary structure of the bearings  90 ,  91  and tension assembly  100 , components that may be included therewith, and arrangements therefor (e.g., relative positions on the treadmill) is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/765,681, filed Apr. 3, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In this regard, the tension assembly may cooperate with a slot (e.g., slot  91  of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/765,681) that is curve-shaped, linear-shaped, or non-linear shaped. 
     As shown, the running belt  30  is disposed about the front and rear running belt pulleys  72 ,  82 , and at least partially supported by at least some of the pluralities of bearings  90 ,  91 . The running belt  30  includes a plurality of slats  31  and defines a non-planar running surface  32  (e.g., curved running surface); hence, the “non-planar” treadmill  10 . An example structure of the slats  31  and shape of the running surface  32  is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/765,681, filed Apr. 3, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     As also shown, the treadmill  10  includes a motor system. The motor system is structured to selectively provide power or rotational force to the running belt  30  to operate the treadmill  10 . As shown, the motor system includes a motor attached or coupled to the frame  60  (particularly, the left-hand side member  62 ) by a bracket  76  (e.g., housing, support member, etc.). The motor includes an output shaft which is rotatably coupled to a drive pulley that is rotatably coupled to a driven pulley by a motor belt (not shown). As shown, the motor system cooperates with the front shaft assembly  70 . In particular, the driven pulley is coupled to the front shaft  71 , such that rotation of the driven pulley causes rotation of the front shaft  71  (and, in turn, the front running belt pulleys  72 ). However, in other embodiments, the motor system may cooperate with the rear shaft assembly (e.g., the driven pulley may be rotationally coupled to the rear shaft) and/or multiple motor systems may be included whereby the motor systems are included in various positions with various connections to various components of the treadmill. While a motor belt is shown to translate the drive force/braking action of the motor to the running belt, it is to be understood that any conventional means for interconnecting the motor to the running belt including gears, chains, and the like may be used in addition to or in place of the motor belt. 
     The motor may be structured as any type of motor that may be used to selectively power (e.g., impart force to or otherwise drive rotation of) the running belt  30 . In this regard, the motor may be an alternating current (AC) motor or a direct current (DC) motor and be of any power rating desired. In one embodiment, the motor is structured as brushless DC motor in order to be able to selectively provide a driving force. Further, the motor may receive electrical power from an external source (e.g., from a wall outlet) or from a power source integrated into the treadmill, such as a battery. Additionally, the motor may be solely a motor or be a motor/generator combination unit (i.e., capable of generating electricity). Similarly, the drive pulley, driven pulley, and belt may be structured as any type of pulley and belt combination. For example, in one embodiment, the belt may be structured as a toothed belt. In another example, the belt may be structured as a v-shaped belt. In yet another example, the belt may be structured as a substantially smooth belt. In each configuration, the configuration of the pulleys may correspond (e.g., a v-shaped pulley to correspond with a v-shaped belt) with the structure of the belt. Moreover and as shown, the drive pulley is of a relatively larger size (e.g., diameter) than the driven pulley. In another embodiment, the driven pulley is of a relatively larger size (e.g., diameter) than the drive pulley. In still other embodiments, the driven pulley and drive pulley are of substantially similar sizes (e.g., diameters). Differing diameters of the drive pulley in comparison to the driven pulley varies the speed differential between the two pulleys, which may be used to achieve a desired speed ratio for the treadmill  10 . Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize and appreciate the wide variety of structural configurations of the motor system, with all such variations intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     While the treadmill of  FIGS. 1-2  is shown to include a motor system, in other embodiments, the motor may be removed and the treadmill may be solely manually powered (i.e., powered by the user of the treadmill). In this regard, the user solely causes the running belt  30  to rotate. 
     Before turning to the description of the treadmill bumper, as mentioned above, the systems and methods described herein may also be implemented with planar or substantially planar motorized or non-motorized treadmills. Therefore, turning now to  FIGS. 3-6 , a planar motorized treadmill  200  is shown according to an example embodiment. The planar motorized treadmill  200  may be substantially similar as the non-planar motorized treadmill  10  except that the running surface of the running belt of the treadmill  200  is substantially planar in nature (e.g., flat, not-curved, etc.). While the incline of the running surface may change with either the treadmill  10  or treadmill  200 , the characteristic planar feature of the treadmill  200  remains constant. Thus, to ease explanation of the treadmill  200 , similar reference numbers are used with  FIGS. 3-6  as were used in  FIGS. 1-2  with the treadmill  10  except with the prefix “2” (with the notable exception of reference number  200  being used from the treadmill of  FIGS. 3-6  compared to the reference number  10  for the treadmill of  FIGS. 1-2 ). In this regard, similar reference numbers are used to denote similar components unless context indicates otherwise or unless explicitly described otherwise. 
     In this regard and referring collectively to  FIGS. 3-6 , the planar motorized treadmill  200  includes a base  212 , a handrail  214  mounted or coupled to the base  212 , a display device  216  coupled to the handrail  214 , a running belt  230  that extends substantially longitudinally along a longitudinal axis  218 , a pair of side panels  240  and  242  (e.g., covers, shrouds, etc.) that are provided on the right and left side of the base  212 , and a frame  260  including a right-hand side member  261  and a left-hand side member  262  disposed substantially longitudinally opposite the right-hand side member  261 . One or more cross-members, such as cross-members  263 , may be used to join, couple, or otherwise connect the right-hand and left-hand side members  261 ,  262  together. The longitudinal axis  218  extends generally between a front end  220  and a rear end  222  of the treadmill  200 . The side panels  240  and  242  may shield the user from the components or moving parts of the treadmill  200 . Like the treadmill  10 , it should be noted that the left and right-hand sides of the treadmill and various components thereof are defined from the perspective of a forward-facing user standing on the running surface of the treadmill  200 . It should also be noted that similar support feet and wheels as described herein with respect to the treadmill  10  may also be included with the treadmill  200 . 
     Like the treadmill  10 , the treadmill  200  includes a pair of front running belt pulleys  272  coupled to, and preferably directly mounted to, a shaft  271 , and a rear shaft assembly  280  includes a pair of rear running belt pulleys  282  coupled to, and preferably directly mounted to, a shaft  281 . The front and rear running belt pulleys  272 ,  282  are configured to facilitate rotational movement of the running belt  230 , and may be rotationally coupled to the frame  260  by multiple bearing assemblies (not shown). As the front and rear running belt pulleys  272 ,  282  are preferably fixed relative to shafts  271  and  281 , respectively, rotation of the front and rear running belt pulleys  272 ,  282  causes the shafts  271 ,  281  to rotate in the same direction. 
     As also shown, the treadmill  200  may include a plurality of bearings  290  coupled to and extending longitudinally along the right-side member  261  of the frame  260 , and a plurality of bearings  291  coupled to and extending longitudinally along the left-hand side member  262  of the frame  260  such that the pluralities of bearings  290 ,  291  are substantially opposite each other about the longitudinal axis  218 . Relative to the pluralities of bearings  290 ,  291 , the pluralities of bearings  290 ,  291  are arranged in a substantially planar configuration to at least partly support the running belt  230  in the substantially planar orientation/configuration. 
     As shown, the running belt  230  is disposed about the front and rear running belt pulleys  272 ,  282 , and at least partially supported by the bearings  290 ,  291 . The running belt  230  includes a plurality of slats  231  and defines a planar or substantially planar running surface  232  (e.g., non-curved running surface); hence, the “planar” treadmill  10 . An example structure of the slats  231  is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/765,681, filed Apr. 3, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, in other embodiments, the running belt  230  and running belt  30  may be constructed as an endless belt, also referred to as a closed-loop treadmill or running belt (e.g., a non-slat embodiment). The running belt  230  includes an endless belt  233 , which interfaces with or engages with a front running belt and a rear running belt pulley. Another endless belt (not shown) engages with the other front running belt pulley and rear running belt pulley. The endless belts  233  may be supported by the plurality of bearings  290 ,  291 , respectively. Further details regarding example configurations of the endless belts  233  are provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/832,708 and related applications, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Similar to the treadmill  10 , the treadmill  200  is motorized and includes a motor system  350 . The motor system  350  is structured to selectively provide power, to not provide power, or to provide braking to resist rotational movement of the running belt  230  as the treadmill  200 . As shown, the motor system  350  includes a motor attached or coupled to the frame  260  (particularly, the left-hand side member  262 ) by a bracket (e.g., housing, support member, etc.) and has an output shaft, a drive pulley, and a driven pulley coupled to the drive pulley by a motor belt (not shown). As shown, the motor system  350  is in cooperation with the rear shaft assembly  280 . In particular, the driven pulley is coupled to the rear shaft  281 , such that rotation of the driven pulley causes rotation of the rear shaft  281  (and, in turn, the rear running belt pulleys  282 ). However, in other embodiments, the motor system  350  may be in cooperation with the front shaft assembly (e.g., the driven pulley may be rotationally coupled to the rear shaft) and/or multiple motor systems may be included whereby the motor systems are included with the treadmill. 
     As mentioned above and described herein, bumpers (e.g., pads, spacers, impact elements or members, guide elements or members, glides, etc.) may be used with motorized or non-motorized planar and non-planar treadmills like those shown in  FIGS. 1-2 and 3-6 . In this regard, one or more bumpers may be coupled to medial surfaces (e.g., proximate a longitudinal middle portion of the frame  60  relative to the longitudinal axis  18 ) of the frame  60  and in particular, to the right-side member  61  and the left-side member  62 . The bumpers may be coupled to only one of the two side members  61 ,  62 , or coupled to both. When coupled to the left and right-side members  62  and  61 , the bumpers extend laterally inward towards the opposite side member. For example, a bumper coupled to the medial surface of the right-side member  61  extends inwards towards the left-side member  62 . Similarly, a bumper coupled to the medial surface of the left-side member  62  extends inwards towards the right-side member  61 . A similar arrangement is used with the treadmill  200 . The purpose of the bumpers is to assist in guiding or maintaining accurate and consistent tracking or rotation of the running belt  30  in relation to the frame. Accordingly, the running belt  30  and  230  can be retained in a desired position (e.g., the running belt  30  positioned with the lateral edges substantially equidistant between the right-side member  61  and the left-side member  62 ) during operation of the treadmill. By retaining the running belt  30  in the desired position during operation, the bumpers may prevent longitudinally transverse movement (e.g., in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  18 ) of the running belt  30  and further prevent uneven wear or damage to the running belt  30 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7-23 , bumpers for a treadmill are shown according to various embodiments. The bumpers  704  are shown to be coupled to a right hand side member  701  and a left hand side member  702  of a treadmill frame (which can be the same as or similar to the right-side member  61  and left-side member  62  as shown and described with reference to the treadmill  10 , or the right-side member  261  and the left-side member  262  of the treadmill  200 ). The bumpers  704  are coupled to an inside portion of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702 , such that the bumpers  704  are arranged between the right-side member  701  and the running belt  706  on one side of the running belt  706 , and between the left-side member  702  and the running belt  706  on the opposite side of the running belt  706 . Accordingly, the bumpers  704  retain or substantially retain the running belt  706  in the desired alignment or position relative to the left and right-side members of the treadmill frame (e.g., lateral edges of the running belt  706  equidistant the right-side member  701  and the left-side member  702 ). 
     The bumpers  704  may be coupled to the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  through one or more of a variety of means. For example, the bumpers  704  may be mechanically coupled to the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  by one or more mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts and nuts, screws, nails, rivets, etc.). In another embodiment, the bumpers  704  may be coupled to the frame using adhesive (e.g., epoxy, glue, etc.). In still another embodiment, the bumpers  704  may be coupled to the frame using a mechanical connection means (e.g., a protrusion of the bumper may snap into an opening of the frame to avoid the use of extra components). In yet another embodiment, any combination of the aforementioned ways may be used to mount or couple the bumpers  704  to the treadmill frame (particular, the left and right-side members). In the example shown, the bumpers  704  are coupled to the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  such that a space or gap exists between a lateral edge of the running belt  706  and the bumper  704 . In other embodiments, the bumpers  704  may be configured to contact, and preferably, only lightly contact the running belt  706  during operation. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7-20  the bumpers  704  are disposed variously along the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  of the frame  700 . Each of the bumpers  704  is shown to be coupled to an upper portion of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  such that a top surface of each of the bumpers  704  is substantially flush (i.e., coplanar) or adjacent to a top surface of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702 . Accordingly, the bumpers  704  are arranged so that the bumpers  704  do not protrude vertically above the upper portion of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702 . As shown in  FIGS. 7-20 , the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  each includes three bumpers  704 . Preferably, each of the bumpers  704  of  FIGS. 7-20  is coupled opposite the frame  700  from a corresponding bumper  704  provided on the opposite frame member (but this opposing arrangement is not required). For example, a bumper coupled to the right-side member  701  is arranged opposite a bumper coupled to the left-side member  702  such that the bumpers on the left side mirror the arrangement of the bumpers on the right side. As shown, the bumpers  704  may be coupled to substantially flat portions of the right-side member  701  and the left-side member  702  (e.g., the middle portion as shown in  FIG. 7 , for example). However, the bumpers  704  may also be coupled to angled portions of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  (e.g., the portions of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  nearest the front and rear of the frame  700  relative to the wheels). Additionally, the bumpers  704  are disposed substantially along a front portion or half of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  (e.g., the portion or half of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  closest to the wheels  54  of the treadmill  10 , with reference to  FIG. 1 ). Conversely, the bumpers  704  as shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 10-12  are disposed substantially along a rear portion or half of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  (e.g., the portion or half of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  opposite that closest to the wheels  54  of the treadmill  10 , with reference to  FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 21-23 , the bumpers  704  are shown about the frame  700  in an arrangement different from that of  FIGS. 7-20 .  FIGS. 21-23  include the bumpers  704  coupled to the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  similar to that shown in  FIGS. 7-20  but in an alternate arrangement.  FIGS. 21-23  are shown to include a pair of bumpers  704  coupled to each of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  with a first bumper  704  coupled to a flat portion of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  and a second bumper  704  coupled to an angled portion of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702 . Similar to the exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 7-20 , the bumpers  704  are arranged and coupled to the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  substantially opposite one another. Contrary to  FIGS. 7-20 ,  FIGS. 21-23  show the bumpers  704  coupled to middle and rear portions of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  relative to a rear portion of the frame  700  (relative the wheels of the frame  700 ). However, in some embodiments the bumpers  704  may be coupled to other portions of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  relative the frame  700  (e.g., middle and front portions of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702 ). The bumpers  704  as shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 21-23  may also be of a different size than the bumpers of  FIGS. 7-20 . For example, in  FIGS. 7-20  each of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  is shown to include three bumpers  704  all having a common, first size,  FIGS. 21-23  show each of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  including two bumpers both having a second size. Further to the previous example, the bumpers of the first size as shown in  FIGS. 7-20  may be smaller than the bumpers of the second size as shown in  FIGS. 21-23 . The bumpers can be positioned in any desired arrangement with any desired or varying size depending upon the structure of the treadmill and running belt. 
     In each of these embodiments, the bumpers  704  are structured to retain the running belt  706  in the desired position and alignment during operation of the treadmill. For example, if the gait of a user on the running belt  706  is unbalanced, the running belt  706  may be subject to a skewing or transverse movement (i.e., towards the left and right-side members  702  and  701 ). The bumpers  704  are configured such that a portion of the running belt  706  (e.g., one or more slats or other component of the running belt such as the belt used to interconnect the slats) may impact, contact, touch, or otherwise engage with one or more of the bumpers  704  thus limiting the transverse movement of the running belt relative to the frame or side members  701 ,  702 . Accordingly, the bumpers  704  may be configured to prevent uneven wear of the running belt  706  (at least a portion thereof) over time. For example, in the absence of the bumpers  704  the running belt  706  may be subject to longitudinally transverse movement over an extended period of time thus resulting in uneven wear (e.g., a side of the running belt  706  may contacts the right-side member  701  and/or left-side member  702  during operation). As such, the bumpers  704  are configured to prevent said longitudinally transverse movement or misalignment of the running belt  706 , thus facilitating even wear of the running belt  706  over an extended period of time. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 24-28 , the bumpers  704  are shown in more detail. The bumpers  704  may be constructed of various materials, such as Delrin, UHMW polymer (e.g., ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene), Nylon, ABS, or other polymers, although other materials may also be used. For example, the material may be chosen to have some resiliency such that if and when the running belt impacts the bumper, the bumper is pliable enough to deflect inward (slightly) yet still provides a counteracting force to push the belt away from the bumper and the side members  701 ,  702 . The slight resiliency may be beneficial to prevent wear from occurring between the bumper and the running belt. In other embodiments, a rigid bumper may be used that does not or likely does not deflect inward when contacted by the running belt. This may be beneficial to quickly push or force the running belt back into a desired position after contact with the bumper. 
     The bumpers may include structural features to facilitate coupling to the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  of the frame  700 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 24-28  the bumpers  704  include a plurality of apertures  710 . The plurality of apertures  710  may be configured to receive one or more components to facilitate the coupling to the frame  700  and in particular, the right-side member  701  and the left-side member  702  by nuts and bolts, screws, rivets, pins, bolts, etc. 
     The shape and size of the bumper  704  may be highly configurable. As shown in  FIGS. 25 and 27 , the bumpers  704  may include a partially rounded surface positioned  712  opposite a substantially flat surface  714 . In some embodiments, the substantially flat surface  714  may be configured to contact a similarly substantially flat surface of the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  so as to facilitate coupling of the bumpers  704  to the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702 . The partially rounded surface  712  may be configured to contact the running belt  706  to prevent misalignment or longitudinally transverse movement thereof. As mentioned above, the bumpers  704  may also comprise one or more different materials. Such different materials may correspond to a function of different portions of the bumpers  704 . For example, the partially rounded surface  712  as described previously may be comprised of a material structured to provide minimal wear to the running belt  706  should the running belt  706  contact the bumper  704 . Conversely, other portions such as the substantially flat surface  714  of the bumpers  704  may be comprised of different materials, for example a material configured to facilitate coupling to the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  (e.g., a rigid material conducive to mechanical coupling such as metal, or a material configured to promote adhesive coupling). In some embodiments, all of the bumpers  704  coupled to the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  of the frame  700  may be of the same shape and size, while in other select embodiments bumpers  704  of various shapes and sizes may be coupled to the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  of the frame  700 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 29-32 , the bumpers  704  are shown to be coupled to the left-side member  702  of the frame  700  of a treadmill such as the treadmill  10 , according to an exemplary embodiment. The running belt  706  is shown to have a plurality of slats, such as the slats  31  of the running belt  30  as shown and described. In some embodiments similar to that shown in  FIGS. 28-32 , the running belt  706  may be configured otherwise (e.g., without slats). The bumpers  704  are configured between the running belt  706  and either the right-side member  701  or left-side member  702 . The medial surface of the bumpers  704  (e.g., the surface closest the running belt  706 ) and the lateral surface of the running belt  706  (e.g., the edge of the running belt closes the bumpers  704 ) is configured to selectively engage with each other upon longitudinally transverse movement of the running belt  706 . The contact with the bumpers  704  returns the running belt  706  to the desired position or prevents further longitudinally transverse movement of the running belt  706 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 32-33 , longitudinally transverse movement of the running belt  706  is shown. For example, in  FIG. 32  the running belt  706  is shown to have deviated from the desired position (e.g., centrally positioned with the edges equidistant from the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702 ) and moved in a longitudinally transverse direction such that an edge of the running belt  706  contacts the left-side member  702 . As shown in  FIG. 32 , the left-side member  702  is absent the bumpers  704 , thus resulting in excess and undesirable longitudinally transverse movement of the running belt  706  such that contact with the left-side member  702  occurs. Such movement may result in uneven wear of the running belt  706  (and/or other components of a treadmill such as the treadmill  10 ), and may also prevent danger to a user in the form of the running belt  706  sustaining damage and/or catching on the left-side member  702  or a portion thereof. As shown in  FIG. 33 , the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  are shown to include the bumpers  704 . Similar to  FIG. 32 , the running belt  706  is shown to have moved in a longitudinally transverse direction such that the edges of the running belt  706  are no longer equidistant the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  (and thus the running belt  706  has deviated from the desired position or alignment). However, contrary to  FIG. 32 , the running belt  706  is shown to contact the bumpers  704 , thus minimizing the longitudinally transverse movement of the running belt  706  relative to the frame. By minimizing the longitudinally transverse movement of the running belt  706 , even wear of the running belt  706  is promoted. 
     The bumpers  704  as shown and described previously may be configured to couple with the right-side member  701  and left-side member  702  of a non-planar (e.g., curved) treadmill (such as the treadmill  10 ), or with a planar treadmill (e.g., flat/traditional; such as the treadmill  200 ). Accordingly, the arrangement of the bumpers  704  may be adjusted according to the whether the bumpers  704  are implemented in conjunction with a planar treadmill or a non-planar treadmill. Regardless of the treadmill with which the bumpers  704  are implemented, the bumpers  704  are structured so as to prevent longitudinally transverse movement of the running belt  706  of the treadmill through contact with an edge of the running belt  706 . Accordingly, the running belt  706  is prevented from wearing unevenly or potentially damaging the alignment of the pulleys, belt and frame. 
     It should be understood that many modifications are possible to the structure and arrangement of the bumpers with the treadmill that are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the number and placement of the bumpers is highly configurable. In some arrangements, only one bumper per frame side is used. In other embodiments, multiple bumpers per frame side are used. As another example and rather than multiple bumpers per frame side member, one long bumper may be coupled to each frame side member. As yet another example, the bumper may be replaceable. For example, a strip of Velcro may be coupled to the left and right hand side frame members. If the bumper wears down, the old bumper may be discarded and a new bumper may be coupled to the strip of Velcro thereby enabling an easy replacement of the bumper. This arrangement also allows for easy replacement and adjustment of the bumper relative to the left and right hand side frame members (e.g., up/down, left/right, etc.). Further, the use of Velcro in this manner enables an easy retrofitting of the bumper with existing treadmills. As yet another example, the bumpers  704  may also be configured to be dynamically adjustable or rigidly coupled to the frame. For example, the bumpers  704  may be configured to be dynamically adjustable relative to the frame (particularly, the left and right-side members). For example, upon receiving a contact from the running belt  706 , the bumpers  704  are configured to move within a specified range of motion outwards and away from the transverse center of the running belt. The bumpers may either deflect (e.g., via a resilient material of the bumper) or be movably coupled to the frame to allow for such movement. The bumpers  704  may also be configured to be rigid such that upon receiving contact from the running belt  706  as a result of a transverse force, the bumpers  704  do not move relative to the frame (particularly, the left and right-side members of the frame). 
     Additionally, other devices configured to prevent and/or restrict movement of the running belt  706  in a longitudinally transverse direction are also possible. As shown, the bumper  704  has a block-like structure. However, in other embodiments, a roller may be used. One or more rollers (e.g., wheel, bearing, etc.) may be rotatably coupled to the left and right hand side members of the frame. Upon impact of the running belt with the one or more rollers, they may simply rotate which beneficially functions to minimally slow down the movement of the treadmill belt yet still nudge the belt back to its desired position. As a variation of this arrangement, one or more rollers and one or more bumpers  704  may be used. As still another variation, a roller may be included with the bumper such that a surface of the wheel of the bumper  704  is configured to contact a lateral edge of the running belt  706  upon longitudinally transverse movement thereof. Accordingly, as the running belt  706  rotates about the treadmill, the roller of the bumper  704  may rotate such that the running belt is prevented from moving further in the aforementioned longitudinally transverse or misaligned direction. 
     As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims. 
     It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic. 
     The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above.