Abstract:
A lateral tilting system comprising one or more crossbeams that are each pivotably supported by a respective base member for pivotable motion about a common longitudinal axis. A drive mechanism is operably connected to a drive shaft to mechanically drive pivotable motion of the crossbeams about the axis, and resulting lateral tilt of an associated treadmill deck. A control system may be included to receive a user&#39;s input for controlling an oscillation rate or other parameter of the lateral tilting, and optionally longitudinal incline of the treadmill deck. A novel treadmill including a lateral tilting system and a lateral tilting accessory for conventional exercise equipment are provided also.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/278,076 (Attorney Docket No. 368321.00002) filed on Jan. 13, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to exercise treadmills having a deck supporting a movable treadmill belt, and more particularly, to a novel treadmill having a tilting deck feature that reduces stress and/or wear on the anatomy of a user of the treadmill, and thus tends to avoid joint and other physical injuries, and to an accessory to conventional treadmills for causing lateral tilting of a treadmill deck. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Exercising treadmills of various configurations are in widespread use. Generally, such treadmills permit walking or running “in place” indoors to maintain a program of physical fitness or for medical testing purposes. Generally, exercise treadmills include a frame extending lengthwise of the treadmill that supports a treadmill deck. The deck generally includes a pair of laterally spaced apart side rails supporting a pair of longitudinally spaced apart (front and rear) rollers interposed therebetween and journaled with respect to the side rails. These rollers extend generally horizontally, and an endless treadmill belt is entrained around the rollers and the upper reach of the belt is supported by a bed or the like to provide surface that will support a user of the treadmill while walking or running thereon. The treadmill belt is driven by an electric motor or the like such that the upper reach of the belt moves from front to rear over the bed, thus permitting a user of the treadmill to walk or run in a forward direction on the moving belt so as to remain stationary with respect to the frame of the treadmill. Typically, the speed of the treadmill belt can be varied. 
         [0004]    For a general description of such treadmills, reference may be made to our U.S. Pat. No. 4,616,822, issued Oct. 14, 1986, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0005]    In addition to increasing or decreasing the speed of the belt to vary the amount of physical exertion expended by a user of the treadmill, it is common for the treadmill to have an elevation system that selectively raises the front of the treadmill belt/deck relative to the rear of the treadmill belt/deck, thus inclining the jogging or walking surface such that a person walking or jogging on the upper reach of the treadmill belt will, in essence, be required to walk or run uphill, thus expending additional energy. Examples of such an elevation system are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,643,943, 3,731,917, 3,826,491, 4,344,616, and in U.S. Design Pat. Nos. 270,555 and 273,029. 
         [0006]    Common to these and many other prior art treadmills is that the treadmill deck, belt and walking/running surface remain neutral, flat, horizontal, or otherwise are not adjustable in the lateral direction. Despite the incline provided in the fore/aft direction (analogous to “pitch”), the consistency of the horizontal/orientation (analogous to “roll”) leads to excessive repetitive motion, and resulting excessive repetitive wearing on a limited portions of the anatomy, and in particular, limited portions of the joints of the foot, ankle, need, and hip that correspond to the limited (neutral) roll position of the deck. 
         [0007]    What is needed is an exercise equipment arrangement that lessens or avoids such excessive repetitive motion, and such resulting excessive repetitive wearing on limited portions of the anatomy. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The present invention provides exercise equipment arrangements that lessen or avoid excessive repetitive motion, and resulting excessive repetitive wearing on limited portions of the anatomy. More specifically, the present invention provides a treadmill arrangement that allows for lateral tilting of the deck, from side to side (laterally, analogous to “roll”), without, or in addition to, any elevation or incline of the deck from front to rear (longitudinally, analogous to “pitch”). 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, the present invention provides a lateral tilting system for conventional exercise equipment, such as a treadmill, exercise bicycle, elliptical machine, stair climber, or the like. The conventional exercise equipment may or may not have incline functionality. The lateral tilting system comprises one or more lateral tilt assemblies configured to laterally tilt the conventional exercise equipment. The lateral tilting system may be configured to be a part of, or to couple directly to or support the conventional equipment on a tiltable support surface, and thus tilts the entire conventional equipment, such as a treadmill, including the conventional treadmill&#39;s deck. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, the present invention provides a novel treadmill that includes generally conventional components, but further includes a lateral tiling system in accordance with the present invention a treadmill deck that is supported in a fashion providing lateral tilting, e.g., to raise or elevate a left lateral edge relative to a right lateral edge, and/or to raise or elevate a right lateral edge relative to the left lateral edge. Further, the treadmill is configured to cause such tilting to vary during the course of operation. 
         [0011]    By varying the lateral tilting of the treadmill&#39;s deck (or corresponding portion of other exercise equipment), the lateral tilting system causes a corresponding varying in the use and/or loading of the user&#39;s anatomy, which tends to vary loads over a broader range or portion of the joints, etc., and accordingly leads to reduced wearing on a limited portions of the anatomy, and in particular, less wear on limited portions of the joints of the foot, ankle, need, and hip that correspond to the limited (neutral) roll position of the deck etc. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    An understanding of the following description will be facilitated by reference to the attached drawings, in which: 
           [0013]      FIGS. 1 and 2  are perspective and side views of an exemplary treadmill providing for fore/aft longitudinal incline of the deck, as is representative of the prior art; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are top and side views, respectively, of an exemplary lateral tilting system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C  are end, top and magnified views, respectively, of an exemplary lateral tilting assembly for a treadmill, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are end and top views, respectively, of an exemplary lateral tilting assembly for a treadmill, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are end and top views, respectively, of an exemplary treadmill device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exemplary lateral tilting accessory for conventional exercise equipment, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is an end view of the exemplary lateral tilting accessory of  FIG. 7 , shown supporting a conventional prior art treadmill; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 9A-9D  depict lateral tilting device in various different stages of lateral tilt and longitudinal incline, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0021]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are end views depicting a treadmill including a lateral tilting system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    For non-limiting illustrative purposes, the present invention is discussed herein with reference to a treadmill-type exercise equipment. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, to adapt the tilting mechanisms described herein to other types of exercise equipment. 
         [0023]      FIGS. 1 and 2  are perspective and side views of an exemplary treadmill providing for fore/aft longitudinal incline of the deck, as is representative of the prior art. This exemplary treadmill is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,449, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. By way of brief example, exemplary prior art exercise treadmill  1  includes a frame, as generally indicated at  3 , having a pair of generally horizontally disposed, spaced apart side rails  5   a ,  5   b . A bed  7  supported by rails  5   a  and  5   b  is disposed between the rails. An endless belt, as generally indicated at  9 , is entrained around a front and a rear roller (not shown) interposed between and journaled with respect to side rails  5   a  and  5   b , with the upper reach of the belt overlying bed  7  such that the upper reach of the belt slides on the bed and is supported by the bed. In this manner, a user of treadmill  1  may walk or jog on the upper surface of the belt supported by the bed. The frame  3  further includes a pair of spaced uprights  11   a ,  11   b  extending generally upwardly from a respective side rail  5   a ,  5   b  at the forward or front end of the frame. A control panel  13  extends transversely between the upper ends of the uprights and a front frame  15  spans between the front ends of side rails  5   a ,  5   b . As indicated generally at  21 , an adjustable elevation system for the treadmill is provided. This treadmill elevation system is operable to cause the bed  7  and upper reach of belt  9  of treadmill  1  to be adjustable between a first position in which they are substantially horizontal, to a raised or elevated position, as shown in  FIG. 2 , in which the forward end of bed  7  inclines upwardly such that the surface on which a user of the treadmill walks or jogs inclines upwardly or uphill. Consistent with the present invention, the conventional treadmill may have any suitable structure and any suitable elevation mechanism, if any. 
         [0024]    Consistent with the present invention,  FIGS. 3A and 3B  show a top and side view, respectively, of an exemplary lateral tilting system for a treadmill, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to  FIG. 3A , the exemplary lateral tilting system  300  comprises lateral tilt assemblies  302  and  304 , a drive shaft  306  and a drive mechanism  308 . In one embodiment, lateral tilt system further comprises a control system,  314 , communicatively coupled to the drive mechanism. Further, lateral tilting system  300  may also comprise one or more support braces  312  mechanically coupling lateral tilt assemblies  302  and  304  to each other. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3B , a support brace,  312 B, is disposed below drive shaft  306 . 
         [0025]    Lateral tilting system  300  is mechanically coupled to the deck of a treadmill in a fashion that permits the deck of the treadmill to tilt laterally, from side to side, e.g. to roll about a longitudinally extending axis in the Y-direction, as shown in  FIG. 3A . For reference the deck of the treadmill is an elongated deck with a belt extending between two side rails. Any suitable structure may be used to permit lateral tilting system  300  to laterally tilt the deck of the treadmill e.g., to raise or elevate a left lateral edge relative to a right lateral edge, and/or to raise or elevate a right lateral edge relative to the left lateral edge. The left and right lateral edges may refer to the long edges of a treadmill and are parallel to the direction of motion of the treadmill belt. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , lateral tilting system is mechanically coupled to the deck of the treadmill through at least two lateral tilt assemblies,  302  and  304 . Although two lateral tilt assemblies are shown, in various embodiments, one or more than two lateral tilt assemblies may be employed. Each lateral tilt assembly comprises a support mechanism configured to be coupled to the deck of the treadmill and to apply lateral tilting movement to the deck. Each lateral tilt assembly includes a crossbeam that is pivotably mounted to a pivot support member, such as base members,  408  or  508 , for pivoting motion relative to a first position, and is coupled to the deck. Each lateral tilt assembly engages the ground. In one embodiment, each lateral tilt assembly comprises one or more feet coupled to each respective base member (e.g.,  408  and  508 ) that support lateral tilt system  300  and engage the ground. In another embodiment, lateral tilt assembly  304  comprises one or more feet coupled to base  508  and lateral tilt assembly  302  is coupled to an elevation system (e.g.,  310 ), where that the one or more feet and the elevation system  310  support lateral tilt system  300  and engage the ground. Alternatively, lateral tilt system  300  may comprise one or more feet coupled to its base member while also being coupled to an elevation system. In such an embodiment, the feet may engage the ground while there is no horizontal tilt (longitudinal incline), supporting at least a portion of lateral tilt system  300 . Further, the feet may remain engaged with the ground in the when the treadmill is horizontally tilted or the feet may be disengaged from the ground when the treadmill is horizontally tilted. In one embodiment, at least two lateral tilt assemblies are positioned in a spaced longitudinal relationship along the direction of elongation where each lateral tilt assembly includes an upper brace pivotably supported on a lower brace, e.g., by joining the upper and lower braces with a pivot pin. 
         [0026]      FIG. 4A  is an end view of lateral tilting assembly  302  and  FIG. 4B  is a top view of lateral tilting assembly  302 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the lateral tilting assembly  302  comprises a pivot support member  402 , crossbeam  404  and drive hub  406 . Lateral tilting assembly  302  further comprises base member  408  and connection component  410 . Crossbeam  404  is rotatably coupled to pivot support member  402  in a fashion that permits that crossbeam  404  to pivot about a pivot point, e.g., as defined by a pivot pin, bolt of the like. In one embodiment, pivot support member  402  is connected to a central location of crossbeam  404 . Pivot support member  402  may be triangular in shape and be coupled to crossbeam  404  adjacent a vertex in a fashion that allows crossbeam  404  to pivot about an axis adjacent the vertex. In one embodiment, connection component  410  is configured to be coupled to the frame of a treadmill deck, or a support for conventional exercise equipment. Further, in one embodiment, drive mechanism  308  is supported on lateral tilting assembly  302 , as is shown in  FIG. 4B . However, in other embodiments, drive mechanism  308  may be supported on other aspects of lateral tilting system  300 . 
         [0027]    Drive hub  406  is coupled to a first end of crossbeam  404  and receives drive shaft  306 . In one embodiment, drive hub  406  is coupled to crossbeam  404  at a distal location along crossbeam  404 . As shown in  FIG. 4C , Drive hub  406  may be coupled to a support brace (e.g.,  312 ) passing through base member  408  of tilting assembly  302  through a connecting link arm, connecting link arm  412 . Alternatively, drive hub  406  may be coupled directly to base member  408  of tilting assembly  302  through connecting link arm  412 . Further, drive hub  406  may be coupled to crossbeam  404  in a fashion that permits that drive hub  406  to transfer motion from drive shaft  306  to crossbeam  404 , pivoting crossbeam about pivot member  402 . Drive hub  406  transfers motion driven onto drive shaft  306  by drive mechanism  308  to crossbeam  404 , causing the end of crossbeam  404  coupled to drive hub  406  and drive shaft  306  to rise and fall. In one embodiment, a pin is eccentrically mounted to drive shaft  306  and is coupled to the connecting link arm, such that axial rotation of draft shaft  306  causes eccentric motion of the pin. The eccentric motion of the pin causes reciprocating motion of the end of the connecting link arm connected to support brace  312  or base member  408 , such that reciprocating lateral tilting of the crossbeam  404  is provided. 
         [0028]    Lateral tilting assembly  304  is illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B .  FIG. 5A  is an end view of lateral tilting assembly  304  and  FIG. 5B  is a top view of lateral tilting assembly  304 . Lateral tilting assembly  304  comprises similar features as lateral tilting assembly  302  and functions in a similar way to laterally pivot the treadmill. In one embodiment, tilting assembly  304  comprises a pivot support member  502 , crossbeam  504  and drive hub  506 . Crossbeam  504  is pivotably coupled to pivot support member  502  in a fashion that permits that crossbeam  504  to pivot about a pivot point. In one embodiment, pivot support member  502  is coupled to a geometric central location of crossbeam  504 . Pivot support member  502  may be triangular in shape and be coupled to crossbeam  504  adjacent a vertex in a fashion that allows crossbeam  504  to pivot about an axis adjacent the vertex. In one embodiment, connection component  510  is configured to be coupled to the frame of a treadmill or a support for conventional exercise equipment. 
         [0029]    Drive hub  506  is coupled to a first end of crossbeam  504  and drive shaft  306 . In one embodiment, drive hub  506  is coupled to crossbeam  504  at a distal location along crossbeam  504 . Drive hub  506  may be coupled to a support brace (e.g.,  312 ) passing through base member  508  of lateral tilt assembly  304  through a connecting link arm. Alternatively, drive hub  506  may be coupled directly to base member  508  of lateral tilt assembly  304  through a connecting link arm. Drive hub  506  may be coupled to crossbeam  504  in a fashion that permits that drive hub  506  to transfer motion to crossbeam  504 , pivoting crossbeam about pivot member  502 . Drive hub  506  may transfer motion driven onto drive shaft  306  by drive motor  308  to crossbeam  504 , causing the end of crossbeam  504  coupled to drive hub  506  and drive shaft  306  to rise and fall. In one embodiment, a pin is eccentrically mounted to drive shaft  306  and is coupled to the connecting link arm, such that axial rotation of draft shaft  306  causes eccentric motion of the pin. The eccentric motion of the pin causes reciprocating motion of the end of the connecting link arm connected to support brace  312  or base member  508 , such that reciprocating lateral tilting of the crossbeam  504  is provided. Lateral tilt assembly  304  may further comprise at least one support component configured to be in contact with the ground or floor. Each support component may be adjustable to level the treadmill. Further, each support component may comprise a wheel, such that the treadmill may be moved. 
         [0030]    In one embodiment, lateral tilt assembly  302  and lateral tilt assembly  304  are each individually coupled and driven by separate drive motors (e.g., drive mechanism  308 ). The drive hub of each lateral tilt assembly may be coupled to a respective drive motor by a different drive shaft such that each lateral tilting assembly may be individually driven. Each drive motor may drive a respective drive shaft and, in turn, a drive hub in a manner as described above. In one embodiment, a single drive shaft is driven by each drive motor such that each lateral tilting assemblies are simultaneously driven. 
         [0031]    A drive mechanism  308  is provided for driving the tilt of the lateral tilting system  300  and may be referred to as a drive motor in one or more embodiments. In one embodiment, the drive mechanism includes an electric motor, rotary actuator or linear actuator operable to drive draft shaft  306 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4B , drive mechanism  308  may be coupled to lateral tilting assembly  302 . However, in other embodiments, drive mechanism  308  may be coupled to other features of lateral titling system  300  shown or not shown. The drive mechanism may comprise at least one motor and a gear box coupled to drive shaft  306  and configured to impart motion to the drive shaft, and in response, change the tilt of lateral tilt assemblies  302  and  304  In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 8 , drive mechanism  308  extends one or more actuators, not shown, causing tilt in a first (e.g., clockwise) direction, and operation of the drive mechanism  308  to retract an actuator causes tilt in a second, opposite (e.g., counterclockwise) direction. In another embodiment, drive mechanism  308  extends an actuator of a pivot point causing tilt in a first (e.g., clockwise) direction, and retracts an actuator of a pivot point causing tilt in a second, opposite (e.g., counterclockwise) direction. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are end and top views, respectively, of an illustrate an alternative embodiment of a treadmill  600  incorporating lateral tilting system  300 . In this exemplary embodiment, the treadmill  600  includes many generally conventional components, but further includes in accordance with the present invention a treadmill deck  620  that is supported in a fashion permitting lateral tilting, e.g., to raise or elevate a left lateral edge relative to a right lateral edge, and/or to raise or elevate a right lateral edge relative to the left lateral edge. Further, the treadmill is configured to cause such tilting to vary during the course of operation, e.g., by way control system  314  similar to that described above. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the treadmill  600  includes a frame, as generally indicated at  604 , having a pair of generally horizontally disposed, spaced apart side rails  606 ,  608 . The frame and side rails are configured to rest in a stable manner upon the floor. The lateral tilting deck  620  is supported by rails  606  and  608  and disposed between the rails. An endless belt, as generally indicated at  612 , is entrained around front and rear rollers interposed between and journaled with respect to side rails  606  and  608 , with the upper reach of the belt overlying lateral tilting deck  620  such that the upper reach of the belt slides on the lateral tilting deck  620  and is supported by the lateral tilting deck  620 . In this manner, a user of treadmill may walk or jog on the upper surface of the belt supported by the lateral tilting deck  620 . Optionally, an adjustable elevation system for longitudinally inclining the treadmill may be provided. This elevation system, elevation system  310 , is operable to cause the lateral tilting deck  620  and upper reach of belt  612  of the treadmill to be adjustable between a first position in which they are substantially horizontal, to a raised or inclined position, in which the forward end of lateral tilting deck  620  inclines upwardly at an elevation angle such that the surface on which a user of the treadmill walks or jogs inclines upwardly or uphill. 
         [0034]    In accordance with the present invention, the lateral tilting deck  620  is further supported for lateral tilting movement, relative to the frame. More specifically, the lateral tilting deck  620  is supported on and mechanically coupled to the frame  604  in a fashion that permits a support table to tilt laterally, from side to side, e.g. to roll about an axis in the X-direction shown in  FIG. 7 . Any suitable structure may be used to support the lateral tilting deck  620  in a fashion permitting lateral tilting, e.g., to raise or elevate a left lateral edge relative to a right lateral edge, and/or to raise or elevate a right lateral edge relative to the left lateral edge. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 6B , the lateral tilting deck  620  is mechanically coupled to the frame  604  by lateral tilting system  300 . In the illustrated embodiment, lateral tilting system  300  comprises at least two pivot mounts  630  positioned in spaced longitudinal relationship along the direction of elongation of the lateral tilting deck  620 . Each pivot mount  630  includes an upper brace  732  pivotably supported on a lower brace  734 , e.g., by joining the upper and lower braces  732 ,  734  with a pivot pin  736 . The upper braces  732  are joined to the lateral tilting deck  620  in a manner that does not interfere with the movement of the endless belt about the rollers on which it is supported. 
         [0035]    A drive mechanism, e.g., drive mechanism  308 , is provided for driving the tilt of the tilting accessory  700 . In one embodiment the drive mechanism includes an electric motor or linear actuator operable to extend or retract a drive member, and the drive mechanism is mechanically coupled, e.g. via bosses, yokes or other structures  716 ,  726  to each of the frame  704  and the lateral tilting deck. In this manner, operation of the drive mechanism  740  to extend an actuator causes tile in a first (e.g., clockwise) direction, and operation of the drive mechanism  740  to retract an actuator causes tilt in a second, opposite (e.g., counterclockwise) direction, as well be appreciated from the exemplary drive mechanism shown in  FIG. 8 . A similar control system  314  is further provided, and the device operates in a manner similar to that described below. 
         [0036]    Control system  314  is provided for supplying power and/or other controls signals to the drive mechanism to cause operation of the drive mechanism. In one embodiment, control system  314  is configured to be responsive to user input, e.g., to tilt the deck of the treadmill in accordance with tilt instructions provided as input by a user. In another embodiment, control system  314  is configured to operate automatically and/or programmatically. For example, in one mode, control system  314  causes tilting of the treadmill deck according to a predefined program/profile, or according to passage of predetermined time intervals, and/or to cycle tilting at a predefined, or user-specified rate. In a preferred embodiment, control system  314  is provided to cause the tilt to be varied in cyclical fashion between a prescribed tilt in each direction. Control system  314  may provide control signals to drive mechanism  308  to drive the lateral tilting assemblies to laterally tilt the treadmill by +/−3°. In other embodiments, treadmill may be laterally tilted by +/−5° or more. Further, control system  314  may provide control signals to vary the rate of lateral oscillation, e.g., between one to three cycles per minute. In other embodiments, the lateral oscillation may be greater than three cycles per minute. In this mode, the tilting varies the loading of the joints/anatomy during walking/running, and tends to better distribute wear/stress over a relatively larger area of joints, etc. In another mode, the control system causes provides a relatively static tilt—e.g., one that does not vary during an intended exercise period. In this mode, the tilting causes loading of the joints/anatomy in a prescribed fashion according to the provided tile, for example to favor one side or another of the body, to accommodate arthritic or pathologic conditions. By way of non-limiting example, these conditions may be present as medial knee arthritis, lateral knee arthritis or in any other joint or bone that would benefit from deviation of the mechanical axis of the body. 
         [0037]    In one or more embodiments, lateral tilt system  300  may comprise an adjustable elevation system  310  that may be coupled to lateral tilting assembly  302  to horizontally raise and lower one end of the deck of treadmill, longitudinally inclining the treadmill or another type of exercise equipment. In other embodiments, elevation system  310  may be coupled to other aspects of lateral tilting system  300  or of the treadmill in a fashion that allows elevation system to adjust the incline of the treadmill deck in a conventional fashion. For example, elevation system  310  may be configured to cause an upper reach of the belt of the treadmill to be adjustable between a first position, in which it is substantially horizontal, to a raised or inclined position, in which the forward end of belt inclines upwardly at an elevated angle. Further, elevation system  310  may comprise a conventional treadmill deck incline mechanism, such as a rod component that is inserted into a housing component. As the rod component is driven into or extracted from the housing component, the treadmill is longitudinally inclined. In one embodiment, the rod and housing components are threaded and the rod component is threaded into and out of the housing component to raise and lower the deck of the treadmill. In one embodiment, as the rod component is driven into the housing component, elevation system  310  moves away from a first end of treadmill, lowering the first end decreasing longitudinal incline, and as the rod component is extracted from the housing component, elevation system  310  moves closer to the first end of treadmill, raising the first end of the treadmill and increasing the longitudinal incline. Elevation system  310  may comprise one or more wheels that allow elevation system  310  to move closer to or away from the treadmill, raising and lowering a first end of treadmill, longitudinally inclining the treadmill. 
         [0038]    In various embodiments, control system  314  provides control signals drive mechanism  308  to drive to lateral tilting system  300  and/or elevation system  310  to laterally and/or longitudinally incline the treadmill at the same time. In one embodiment, control system  314  instructs drive mechanism  308  to drive lateral tilting device  300  to laterally tilt the treadmill during a first period and elevation system  310  is configured to longitudinally incline the treadmill during a second period, where the first period and second period are at least partially overlapping in time.  FIG. 9A  illustrates an embodiment where treadmill  900  is neither laterally tilted nor longitudinally inclined.  FIG. 9B  illustrates an embodiment where treadmill  900  is laterally tilted but not longitudinally inclined.  FIG. 9C  illustrates an embodiment where treadmill  900  is longitudinally inclined but not laterally tilted.  FIG. 9D  illustrates an embodiment where treadmill  900  is both laterally tilted and longitudinally inclined. 
         [0039]    In one embodiment, lateral tilting system  300  laterally tilts the treadmill from side to side while maintaining the treadmill deck at a constant longitudinal incline. In other embodiments, the longitudinal incline may be adjusted by elevation system  310  while the lateral tilt remains constant. In other embodiments, the lateral tilt and longitudinal incline may be adjusted at the same time. 
         [0040]    In accordance with an one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 9D , treadmill  900  includes many generally conventional components, but further includes in accordance with the present invention a treadmill frame  902  that is supported in a fashion permitting lateral tilting, e.g., to raise or elevate a left lateral edge relative to a right lateral edge, and/or to raise or elevate a right lateral edge relative to the left lateral edge. Further, the treadmill is configured to cause such tilting to vary during the course of operation, e.g., by way of a control system similar to that described above. Treadmill  900  further comprises side rail  904  and  906 , deck  910  and belt  908 . Frame  902  may be coupled to connection components  410  and  510  of lateral tilting assemblies  302  and  304 . 
         [0041]    Frame  902  further comprises deck  910  that is disposed between the rails. Deck  910  may be an elongated deck. An endless belt, as generally indicated by  908 , is entrained around a front and a rear roller interposed between and journaled with respect to side rails  904  and  906 , with the upper reach of the belt overlying deck  610  such that the upper reach of the belt slides on deck  610  and is supported by deck  610 . 
         [0042]    Treadmill  900  may also comprise one or more handrails, not shown. The handrails may be disposed along the side rails of the deck extending away from the deck of the treadmill in a fashion such that they can be held by a user. In one embodiment, as treadmill  900  is laterally tilted, the handrails do not move in relation to the deck,  910 , of the treadmill. The deck of the treadmill may be configured to slide over the handrails such that treadmill may be laterally tilted while the handrails remain at a constant position relative to the deck. Further, the handrails may tilt longitudinally as the deck is longitudinally inclined. In such an embodiment, the handrails may remain at a constant position relative to deck  902  when the deck is longitudinally inclined. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are end views of treadmill  900  comprising handrails  1010  and console  1020  mounted to lateral tilting system  300 . In one embodiment, console  1020  houses control system  314 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 10B , treadmill  900  is laterally tilted by tilting system  300 . Further, while a specific configuration of lateral tilting system  300  may be shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  any configuration as described may be implemented. For example, treadmill  900  may be mounted to a support table and then coupled to a lateral titling system  300  as described below. 
         [0044]    In one embodiment, lateral tilting system  300  may be coupled to a support table (e.g.,  720 ) that is configured to support conventional exercise equipment. For example, the support table may support a treadmill or a stationary bicycle. However, the support table may be configured to support other types of exercise equipment. In accordance with the present invention, the support table may tilt laterally, from side to side, laterally tilting the exercise equipment. Any suitable structure may be used to support the treadmill in a fashion permitting lateral tilting, e.g., to raise or elevate a left lateral edge relative to a right lateral edge, and/or to raise or elevate a right lateral edge relative to the left lateral edge. For example, one or more lateral tilt assemblies (e.g.,  302 ,  304  and/or  630 ) may be used to laterally tilt the table. 
         [0045]    Consistent with the present invention,  FIGS. 7 and 8  show an exemplary lateral tilting system  300  for a conventional treadmill, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, lateral tilting system  300  may be an accessory, lateral tilting accessory  700 , coupled to support table  720  or a piece of exercise equipment. Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the exemplary lateral tilting system  300  may include a rigid base  710  on which ground/floor engaging feet  712  are provided. 
         [0046]    As is illustrated in  FIG. 7 , support table  720  may not be square, but rather may be extended in the longitudinal direction (e.g., x-direction in  FIG. 3 ). The support table is supported on and mechanically coupled lateral tilting system  300 . Support table  720  is preferably sized to support the base/frame structure of a treadmill or another type of exercise equipment, so that the equipment is wholly supported upon the support table in a manner similar to the manner in which it would be supported on the floor or ground. Support table  720  is thus sufficiently rigid to support the weight of the exercise equipment and the user in secure fashion during operation. 
         [0047]    In one embodiment, the support table comprises clamp members that are arranged to provide support at the front, rear, and both sides of a treadmill. The clamp members are configured to extended above a surface of the support table to abut and brace portions of the treadmill&#39;s structure, to support the treadmill during tilting. In a preferred embodiment, each clamp member is configured to define a slot for receiving a bolt of other fastener for fixing the clamp member to the support table. Preferably, each of the slots is elongated to allow for lateral or longitudinal adjustment of the clamp member relative to the fastener, to allow the clamp members to be adjusted and fixed in various different positions to abut and brace treadmills having base structures of differing sizes and lengths. 
         [0048]    In accordance with the present invention, the support table  720  is mechanically coupled to the base  710  in a fashion that permits the support table to tilt laterally, from side to side, e.g. to roll about the x-axis shown in  FIG. 7 . Any suitable structure may be used to permit the support table  720  in a fashion permitting lateral tilting, e.g., to raise or elevate a left lateral edge  720   a  relative to a right lateral edge  720   b , and/or to raise or elevate a right lateral edge  720   b  relative to the left lateral edge  720   a . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the support table  720  is mechanically coupled to the base  710  by at least two lateral tilt assemblies, each comprising a pivot mount, the pivot mounts positioned in spaced longitudinal relationship along the direction of elongation of the support table  720 . Each pivot mount  730  includes an upper brace  732  pivotably supported on a lower brace  734 , e.g., by joining the upper and lower braces  732 ,  734  with a pivot pin  736 . 
         [0049]    The support table  720  further includes clamp members  728 . In a preferred embodiment, the clamp members are arranged to provide support at the front, rear, and both sides of a treadmill, as shown in  FIG. 7 . The clamp members  728  are configured to extended above a surface of the support table to abut and brace portions of the treadmill&#39;s structure, to support the treadmill during tilting. In a preferred embodiment, each clamp member is configured to define a slot  729  for receiving a bolt of other fastener  727  for fixing the clamp member  728  to the support table  720 . Preferably, each of the slots  729  is elongated to allow for lateral or longitudinal adjustment of the clamp member relative to the fastener  727 , to allow the clamp members to be adjusted and fixed in various different positions to abut and brace treadmills having base structures of differing sizes and lengths, as best shown in  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 8  shows clamps  728  adjusted and fastened to the support table  720  in positions to abut and brace the treadmill base structure. 
         [0050]    Optionally, side skirts  760  may be joined along the sides of the support table or treadmill frame, and extending downwardly therefrom to cover a gap between the base and support table, and to reduce the likelihood of hands, feet, or other objects being pinched therebetween during tilting. 
         [0051]    Each of the braces preferably includes transversely extending bores permitting each brace to be screwed, bolted, or otherwise joined to one of the base  710  and the support table  720 , as best shown in  FIG. 8 . Further, one or both of the braces preferably includes shoulder disposed and configured to physically abut one another at a maximum lateral tilting angle. In this manner, each brace further acts to provide a mechanical stop to limit sideward tilting. In one embodiment, the braces are configured to provide an equal maximum amount of tilt in each of the lateral directions (e.g., both clockwise and counterclockwise about an axis extending through the braces). In one embodiment, the maximum tilt is preferably limited to no more than 10 degrees from horizontal in each direction, and more preferably is limited to no more than 5 degrees from horizontal in each direction 
         [0052]    A drive mechanism (e.g.,  308 ) is provided for driving the tilt of the tilting accessory. In one embodiment the drive mechanism includes an electric motor or linear actuator operable to extend or retract a drive member, and the drive mechanism is mechanically coupled, e.g. via bosses, yokes or other structures  816 ,  826  to each of the base  710  and the support table  720 . In this manner, operation of the drive mechanism  308  to extend an actuator causes tile in a first (e.g., clockwise) direction, and operation of the drive mechanism  340  to retract an actuator causes tilt in a second, opposite (e.g., counterclockwise) direction, as well be appreciated from the exemplary drive mechanism shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0053]    During operation, a conventional treadmill may be placed on the support table  720  and be supported stably, e.g., by adjusting the clamp members  728  to abut and brace a base structure of the treadmill. The conventional treadmill may then be operated in a conventional fashion, which may include adjustment of the belt speed and/or adjustment of the incline of the treadmill&#39;s deck. During operation of the treadmill, lateral tilting system  300  may be operated to cause sideways/lateral tilting of the support table and resulting sideways/lateral tilting of the treadmill&#39;s deck. As noted above, the control system may permit various modes of user input and/or cause various modes of tilting, but in any event varies the tilting, and preferably automatically varies the tilting over time, in cyclical fashion. 
         [0054]    Varying the lateral tilt of a treadmill during use varies the impact and loading of an upright treadmill user&#39;s anatomy, and by varying the tilting over time, results in spreading of the impact and loading over a broader range of the anatomy and joint surfaces that is broader than the limited portion of the anatomy and joint surfaces that are impacted and loaded in a static (non-tilting) arrangement, which in turn reduces repetitive motion/wear on the joints/anatomy, reduces injury, and presently less strain on previously-injured anatomical structures. 
         [0055]    Having thus described a few particular embodiments of the invention, various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements as are made obvious by this disclosure are intended to be part of this description though not expressly stated herein, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only, and not limiting. The invention is limited only as defined in the following claims and equivalents thereto.