Patent Description:
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.

<CIT> discloses a treadmill where the belt is laterally guided by flanges on support rollers.

According to the invention the problem is solved by the treadmill of claim <NUM> and the method of claim <NUM>. The treadmill is provided which 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 comprising a plurality of slats; and, a bumper coupled to the frame proximate the running belt such that the bumper is disposed between the running belt and the frame. The bumper comprises a partially rounded surface and a substantially flat surface. In use, the partially rounded surface of the bumper is configured to selectively engage one or more of the plurality of slats to restrict movement of the running belt towards at least a portion of the frame, and wherein the bumper is dynamically adjustable relative to 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 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.

Further according to the invention a treadmill is provided which 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 comprising a plurality of slats; 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. Each of the first left side bumper and the first right side bumper comprises a partially rounded surface and a substantially flat surface configured to contact the frame. In use, the partially rounded surface of each of the first left side bumper and the first right side bumper is configured to selectively engage one or more of the plurality of slats of the running belt, and wherein the bumper is dynamically adjustable relative to 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.

Further according to the invention, a method of restricting transverse movement of a running belt of a treadmill is provided. 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 and comprising a plurality of slats; 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, wherein each of the first bumper and the second bumper comprise a partially rounded surface and a substantially flat surface configured to contact the frame; and selectively engaging one or more of the plurality of slats, by the partially rounded surface of one of the first bumper or the second bumper, to restrict the lateral movement of the running belt relative to the frame, wherein the bumper is dynamically adjustable 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.

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, <FIG> depict a non-planar treadmill while <FIG> 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 <FIG>, a motorized non-planar treadmill <NUM> is shown according to an example embodiment. As shown, the treadmill <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, a handrail <NUM> mounted or coupled to the base <NUM>, a display device <NUM> coupled to the handrail <NUM>, a running belt <NUM> that extends substantially longitudinally along a longitudinal axis <NUM>, a pair of side panels <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., covers, shrouds, etc.) that are provided on the right and left side of the base <NUM>, a pair of rearward positioned feet <NUM> (i.e., proximate the rear end <NUM>), a pair of forward positioned feet <NUM> (i.e., proximate the front end <NUM>), and a pair of wheels <NUM> (e.g., casters, rollers, etc.) positioned proximate the front end <NUM>). The longitudinal axis <NUM> extends generally between a front end <NUM> and a rear end <NUM> of the treadmill <NUM>; more specifically, the longitudinal axis <NUM> extends generally between the centerlines of a front shaft and a rear shaft, which will be discussed in more detail below. The side panels <NUM> and <NUM> may shield the user from the components or moving parts of the treadmill <NUM>. The base <NUM> is supported by multiple support feet <NUM> and <NUM>, while the pair of wheels <NUM> enable a user to grip a handle (not shown) of the base <NUM> to relatively easily move the treadmill <NUM>. In use, the wheels <NUM> of the treadmill <NUM> are supported above a support surface; the wheels <NUM> may contact the ground to thereby permit the user to easily roll the entire treadmill <NUM> 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 <NUM>.

A display device <NUM> may be adapted to calculate and display performance data relating to operation of the treadmill <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. The display device <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> may include a plurality of input devices (e.g., buttons, switches, etc.) that enable a user to provide instructions to the treadmill <NUM> and to control the operation thereof.

As shown in more detail in <FIG>, the base <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> which preferably is an assembly of elements such as longitudinally-extending, opposing side members, shown as a right-hand side member <NUM> and a left hand side member <NUM> and one or more lateral or cross-members <NUM> extending between and coupled to the side members <NUM> and <NUM>. The frame <NUM> is adapted to support a front shaft assembly <NUM> preferably positioned near a front end <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, a rear shaft assembly <NUM> preferably positioned near the rear end <NUM> of frame <NUM>, a plurality of bearings <NUM> coupled to and extending generally longitudinally along the right-side member <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, a plurality of bearings <NUM> coupled to and extending generally longitudinally along the left-side member <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The pluralities of bearings <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially opposite each other about the longitudinal axis <NUM>, and a tension assembly <NUM> coupled to the frame <NUM>. Each of these components is described herein below.

The front shaft assembly <NUM> includes a pair of front running belt pulleys <NUM> coupled to, and preferably directly mounted to, a shaft <NUM>, while the rear shaft assembly <NUM> includes a pair of rear running belt pulleys <NUM> coupled to, and preferably directly mounted to, a shaft <NUM>. In operation, multiple bearing assemblies <NUM> may rotationally couple the front shaft assembly <NUM> and rear shaft assembly <NUM> to the frame <NUM>. The bearing assemblies <NUM> may be structured as any type of bearing assembly configured to support and enable rotation of the shaft assemblies relative to the frame <NUM> (e.g., thrust bearings, etc.). The front and rear running belt pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to facilitate movement/rotation of the running belt <NUM>. As the front and rear running belt pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> are preferably fixed relative to shafts <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, rotation of the front and rear running belt pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> causes the shafts <NUM>, <NUM> to rotate in the same direction. The front and rear running belt pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> 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 <NUM>, <NUM>. The pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> 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 <NUM>, <NUM> are formed of a composite-based material, such as a glass-filled nylon, for example, Grivory® GV-<NUM> Black <NUM> Nylon Copolymer available from EMS-GRIVORY of Sumter, SC <NUM>, which may save cost and reduce the weight of the pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> relative to metal pulleys. To prevent a static charge due to operation of the treadmill <NUM> from building on a pulley <NUM>, <NUM> formed of electrically insulative materials (e.g., plastic, composite, etc.), an antistatic additive, for example Antistat <NUM> from Nexus Resin Group of Mystic, CT <NUM>, maybe may be blended with the GV-<NUM> material. Alternatively, the pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> 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 <NUM>, <NUM> are attached or coupled to the frame <NUM> and structured to support or at least partially support the running belt <NUM> and to facilitate movement thereof. In this regard, the pluralities of bearings <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged to facilitate a desired shape or contour of the running surface <NUM> of the running belt <NUM>. Accordingly, the running belt <NUM> assumes a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of the profile of the pluralities of the bearings <NUM>, <NUM>. The bearings <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to rotate to thereby decrease the friction experienced by the running belt <NUM> as the belt moves or rotates relative to the frame <NUM>. The tension assembly <NUM> may be structured to selectively adjust a position of the rear shaft assembly <NUM> to add, reduce, and generally control a tension applied to the running belt <NUM>. An exemplary structure of the bearings <NUM>, <NUM> and tension assembly <NUM>, components that may be included therewith, and arrangements therefor (e.g., relative positions on the treadmill) is described in <CIT>. In this regard, the tension assembly may cooperate with a slot (e.g., slot <NUM> of <CIT>) that is curve-shaped, linear-shaped, or non-linear shaped.

As shown, the running belt <NUM> is disposed about the front and rear running belt pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>, and at least partially supported by at least some of the pluralities of bearings <NUM>, <NUM>. The running belt <NUM> includes a plurality of slats <NUM> and defines a non-planar running surface <NUM> (e.g., curved running surface); hence, the "non-planar" treadmill <NUM>. An example structure of the slats <NUM> and shape of the running surface <NUM> is described in <CIT>.

As also shown, the treadmill <NUM> includes a motor system. The motor system is structured to selectively provide power or rotational force to the running belt <NUM> to operate the treadmill <NUM>. As shown, the motor system includes a motor attached or coupled to the frame <NUM> (particularly, the left-hand side member <NUM>) by a bracket <NUM> (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 <NUM>. In particular, the driven pulley is coupled to the front shaft <NUM>, such that rotation of the driven pulley causes rotation of the front shaft <NUM> (and, in turn, the front running belt pulleys <NUM>). 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 <NUM>. 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 <NUM>. 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 <FIG> 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 <NUM> 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 <FIG>, a planar motorized treadmill <NUM> is shown according to an example embodiment. The planar motorized treadmill <NUM> may be substantially similar as the non-planar motorized treadmill <NUM> except that the running surface of the running belt of the treadmill <NUM> is substantially planar in nature (e.g., flat, not-curved, etc.). While the incline of the running surface may change with either the treadmill <NUM> or treadmill <NUM>, the characteristic planar feature of the treadmill <NUM> remains constant. Thus, to ease explanation of the treadmill <NUM>, similar reference numbers are used with <FIG> as were used in <FIG> with the treadmill <NUM> except with the prefix "<NUM>" (with the notable exception of reference number <NUM> being used from the treadmill of <FIG> compared to the reference number <NUM> for the treadmill of <FIG>). 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 <FIG>, the planar motorized treadmill <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, a handrail <NUM> mounted or coupled to the base <NUM>, a display device <NUM> coupled to the handrail <NUM>, a running belt <NUM> that extends substantially longitudinally along a longitudinal axis <NUM>, a pair of side panels <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., covers, shrouds, etc.) that are provided on the right and left side of the base <NUM>, and a frame <NUM> including a right-hand side member <NUM> and a left-hand side member <NUM> disposed substantially longitudinally opposite the right-hand side member <NUM>. One or more cross-members, such as cross-members <NUM>, may be used to join, couple, or otherwise connect the right-hand and left-hand side members <NUM>, <NUM> together. The longitudinal axis <NUM> extends generally between a front end <NUM> and a rear end <NUM> of the treadmill <NUM>. The side panels <NUM> and <NUM> may shield the user from the components or moving parts of the treadmill <NUM>. Like the treadmill <NUM>, 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 <NUM>. It should also be noted that similar support feet and wheels as described herein with respect to the treadmill <NUM> may also be included with the treadmill <NUM>.

Like the treadmill <NUM>, the treadmill <NUM> includes a pair of front running belt pulleys <NUM> coupled to, and preferably directly mounted to, a shaft <NUM>, and a rear shaft assembly <NUM> includes a pair of rear running belt pulleys <NUM> coupled to, and preferably directly mounted to, a shaft <NUM>. The front and rear running belt pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to facilitate rotational movement of the running belt <NUM>, and may be rotationally coupled to the frame <NUM> by multiple bearing assemblies (not shown). As the front and rear running belt pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> are preferably fixed relative to shafts <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, rotation of the front and rear running belt pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> causes the shafts <NUM>, <NUM> to rotate in the same direction.

As also shown, the treadmill <NUM> may include a plurality of bearings <NUM> coupled to and extending longitudinally along the right-side member <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, and a plurality of bearings <NUM> coupled to and extending longitudinally along the left-hand side member <NUM> of the frame <NUM> such that the pluralities of bearings <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially opposite each other about the longitudinal axis <NUM>. Relative to the pluralities of bearings <NUM>, <NUM>, the pluralities of bearings <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged in a substantially planar configuration to at least partly support the running belt <NUM> in the substantially planar orientation/configuration.

As shown, the running belt <NUM> is disposed about the front and rear running belt pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>, and at least partially supported by the bearings <NUM>, <NUM>. The running belt <NUM> includes a plurality of slats <NUM> and defines a planar or substantially planar running surface <NUM> (e.g., non-curved running surface); hence, the "planar" treadmill <NUM>. An example structure of the slats <NUM> is described in <CIT>. However, in other embodiments, the running belt <NUM> and running belt <NUM> 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 <NUM> includes an endless belt <NUM>, 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 <NUM> may be supported by the plurality of bearings <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. Further details regarding example configurations of the endless belts <NUM> are provided in <CIT>.

Similar to the treadmill <NUM>, the treadmill <NUM> is motorized and includes a motor system <NUM>. The motor system <NUM> is structured to selectively provide power, to not provide power, or to provide braking to resist rotational movement of the running belt <NUM> as the treadmill <NUM>. As shown, the motor system <NUM> includes a motor attached or coupled to the frame <NUM> (particularly, the left-hand side member <NUM>) 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 <NUM> is in cooperation with the rear shaft assembly <NUM>. In particular, the driven pulley is coupled to the rear shaft <NUM>, such that rotation of the driven pulley causes rotation of the rear shaft <NUM> (and, in turn, the rear running belt pulleys <NUM>). However, in other embodiments, the motor system <NUM> 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 <FIG> and <FIG>. In this regard, one or more bumpers may be coupled to medial surfaces (e.g., proximate a longitudinal middle portion of the frame <NUM> relative to the longitudinal axis <NUM>) of the frame <NUM> and in particular, to the right-side member <NUM> and the left-side member <NUM>. The bumpers may be coupled to only one of the two side members <NUM>, <NUM>, or coupled to both. When coupled to the left and right-side members <NUM> and <NUM>, the bumpers extend laterally inward towards the opposite side member. For example, a bumper coupled to the medial surface of the right-side member <NUM> extends inwards towards the left-side member <NUM>. Similarly, a bumper coupled to the medial surface of the left-side member <NUM> extends inwards towards the right-side member <NUM>. A similar arrangement is used with the treadmill <NUM>. The purpose of the bumpers is to assist in guiding or maintaining accurate and consistent tracking or rotation of the running belt <NUM> in relation to the frame. Accordingly, the running belt <NUM> and <NUM> can be retained in a desired position (e.g., the running belt <NUM> positioned with the lateral edges substantially equidistant between the right-side member <NUM> and the left-side member <NUM>) during operation of the treadmill. By retaining the running belt <NUM> in the desired position during operation, the bumpers may prevent longitudinally transverse movement (e.g., in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM>) of the running belt <NUM> and further prevent uneven wear or damage to the running belt <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, bumpers for a treadmill are shown according to various embodiments. The bumpers <NUM> are shown to be coupled to a right hand side member <NUM> and a left hand side member <NUM> of a treadmill frame (which can be the same as or similar to the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> as shown and described with reference to the treadmill <NUM>, or the right-side member <NUM> and the left-side member <NUM> of the treadmill <NUM>). The bumpers <NUM> are coupled to an inside portion of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM>, such that the bumpers <NUM> are arranged between the right-side member <NUM> and the running belt <NUM> on one side of the running belt <NUM>, and between the left-side member <NUM> and the running belt <NUM> on the opposite side of the running belt <NUM>. Accordingly, the bumpers <NUM> retain or substantially retain the running belt <NUM> 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 <NUM> equidistant the right-side member <NUM> and the left-side member <NUM>).

The bumpers <NUM> may be coupled to the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> through one or more of a variety of means. For example, the bumpers <NUM> may be mechanically coupled to the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> by one or more mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts and nuts, screws, nails, rivets, etc.). In another embodiment, the bumpers <NUM> may be coupled to the frame using adhesive (e.g., epoxy, glue, etc.). In still another embodiment, the bumpers <NUM> 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 <NUM> to the treadmill frame (particular, the left and right-side members). In the example shown, the bumpers <NUM> are coupled to the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> such that a space or gap exists between a lateral edge of the running belt <NUM> and the bumper <NUM>. In other embodiments, the bumpers <NUM> may be configured to contact, and preferably, only lightly contact the running belt <NUM> during operation.

As shown in <FIG> the bumpers <NUM> are disposed variously along the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. Each of the bumpers <NUM> is shown to be coupled to an upper portion of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> such that a top surface of each of the bumpers <NUM> is substantially flush (i.e., coplanar) or adjacent to a top surface of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM>. Accordingly, the bumpers <NUM> are arranged so that the bumpers <NUM> do not protrude vertically above the upper portion of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> each includes three bumpers <NUM>. Preferably, each of the bumpers <NUM> of <FIG> is coupled opposite the frame <NUM> from a corresponding bumper <NUM> provided on the opposite frame member (but this opposing arrangement is not required). For example, a bumper coupled to the right-side member <NUM> is arranged opposite a bumper coupled to the left-side member <NUM> such that the bumpers on the left side mirror the arrangement of the bumpers on the right side. As shown, the bumpers <NUM> may be coupled to substantially flat portions of the right-side member <NUM> and the left-side member <NUM> (e.g., the middle portion as shown in <FIG>, for example). However, the bumpers <NUM> may also be coupled to angled portions of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> (e.g., the portions of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> nearest the front and rear of the frame <NUM> relative to the wheels). Additionally, the bumpers <NUM> are disposed substantially along a front portion or half of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> (e.g., the portion or half of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> closest to the wheels <NUM> of the treadmill <NUM>, with reference to <FIG>). Conversely, the bumpers <NUM> as shown in the exemplary embodiment of <FIG> are disposed substantially along a rear portion or half of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> (e.g., the portion or half of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> opposite that closest to the wheels <NUM> of the treadmill <NUM>, with reference to <FIG>).

Referring now to <FIG>, the bumpers <NUM> are shown about the frame <NUM> in an arrangement different from that of <FIG>. <FIG> include the bumpers <NUM> coupled to the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> similar to that shown in <FIG> but in an alternate arrangement. <FIG> are shown to include a pair of bumpers <NUM> coupled to each of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> with a first bumper <NUM> coupled to a flat portion of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> and a second bumper <NUM> coupled to an angled portion of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM>. Similar to the exemplary embodiments of <FIG>, the bumpers <NUM> are arranged and coupled to the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> substantially opposite one another. Contrary to <FIG>, <FIG> show the bumpers <NUM> coupled to middle and rear portions of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> relative to a rear portion of the frame <NUM> (relative the wheels of the frame <NUM>). However, in some embodiments the bumpers <NUM> may be coupled to other portions of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> relative the frame <NUM> (e.g., middle and front portions of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM>). The bumpers <NUM> as shown in the exemplary embodiment of <FIG> may also be of a different size than the bumpers of <FIG>. For example, in <FIG> each of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> is shown to include three bumpers <NUM> all having a common, first size, <FIG> show each of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> including two bumpers both having a second size. Further to the previous example, the bumpers of the first size as shown in <FIG> may be smaller than the bumpers of the second size as shown in <FIG>. 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 <NUM> are structured to retain the running belt <NUM> in the desired position and alignment during operation of the treadmill. For example, if the gait of a user on the running belt <NUM> is unbalanced, the running belt <NUM> may be subject to a skewing or transverse movement (i.e., towards the left and right-side members <NUM> and <NUM>). The bumpers <NUM> are configured such that a portion of the running belt <NUM> (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 <NUM> thus limiting the transverse movement of the running belt relative to the frame or side members <NUM>, <NUM>. Accordingly, the bumpers <NUM> may be configured to prevent uneven wear of the running belt <NUM> (at least a portion thereof) over time. For example, in the absence of the bumpers <NUM> the running belt <NUM> 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 <NUM> may contacts the right-side member <NUM> and/or left-side member <NUM> during operation). As such, the bumpers <NUM> are configured to prevent said longitudinally transverse movement or misalignment of the running belt <NUM>, thus facilitating even wear of the running belt <NUM> over an extended period of time.

Referring now to <FIG>, the bumpers <NUM> are shown in more detail. The bumpers <NUM> 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 <NUM>, <NUM>. 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 <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG> the bumpers <NUM> include a plurality of apertures <NUM>. The plurality of apertures <NUM> may be configured to receive one or more components to facilitate the coupling to the frame <NUM> and in particular, the right-side member <NUM> and the left-side member <NUM> by nuts and bolts, screws, rivets, pins, bolts, etc..

The shape and size of the bumper <NUM> may be highly configurable. As shown in <FIG>, the bumpers <NUM> comprises a partially rounded surface positioned <NUM> opposite a substantially flat surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the substantially flat surface <NUM> is configured to contact a similarly substantially flat surface of the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> so as to facilitate coupling of the bumpers <NUM> to the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM>. The partially rounded surface <NUM> may be configured to contact the running belt <NUM> to prevent misalignment or longitudinally transverse movement thereof. As mentioned above, the bumpers <NUM> may also comprise one or more different materials. Such different materials may correspond to a function of different portions of the bumpers <NUM>. For example, the partially rounded surface <NUM> as described previously may be comprised of a material structured to provide minimal wear to the running belt <NUM> should the running belt <NUM> contact the bumper <NUM>. Conversely, other portions such as the substantially flat surface <NUM> of the bumpers <NUM> may be comprised of different materials, for example a material configured to facilitate coupling to the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> (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 <NUM> coupled to the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> of the frame <NUM> may be of the same shape and size, while in other select embodiments bumpers <NUM> of various shapes and sizes may be coupled to the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> of the frame <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the bumpers <NUM> are shown to be coupled to the left-side member <NUM> of the frame <NUM> of a treadmill such as the treadmill <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment. The running belt <NUM> is shown to have a plurality of slats, such as the slats <NUM> of the running belt <NUM> as shown and described. In some embodiments similar to that shown in <FIG>, the running belt <NUM> may be configured otherwise (e.g., without slats). The bumpers <NUM> are configured between the running belt <NUM> and either the right-side member <NUM> or left-side member <NUM>. The medial surface of the bumpers <NUM> (e.g., the surface closest the running belt <NUM>) and the lateral surface of the running belt <NUM> (e.g., the edge of the running belt closes the bumpers <NUM>) is configured to selectively engage with each other upon longitudinally transverse movement of the running belt <NUM>. The contact with the bumpers <NUM> returns the running belt <NUM> to the desired position or prevents further longitudinally transverse movement of the running belt <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, longitudinally transverse movement of the running belt <NUM> is shown. For example, in <FIG> the running belt <NUM> is shown to have deviated from the desired position (e.g., centrally positioned with the edges equidistant from the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM>) and moved in a longitudinally transverse direction such that an edge of the running belt <NUM> contacts the left-side member <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the left-side member <NUM> is absent the bumpers <NUM>, thus resulting in excess and undesirable longitudinally transverse movement of the running belt <NUM> such that contact with the left-side member <NUM> occurs. Such movement may result in uneven wear of the running belt <NUM> (and/or other components of a treadmill such as the treadmill <NUM>), and may also prevent danger to a user in the form of the running belt <NUM> sustaining damage and/or catching on the left-side member <NUM> or a portion thereof. As shown in <FIG>, the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> are shown to include the bumpers <NUM>. Similar to <FIG>, the running belt <NUM> is shown to have moved in a longitudinally transverse direction such that the edges of the running belt <NUM> are no longer equidistant the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> (and thus the running belt <NUM> has deviated from the desired position or alignment). However, contrary to <FIG>, the running belt <NUM> is shown to contact the bumpers <NUM>, thus minimizing the longitudinally transverse movement of the running belt <NUM> relative to the frame. By minimizing the longitudinally transverse movement of the running belt <NUM>, even wear of the running belt <NUM> is promoted.

The bumpers <NUM> as shown and described previously may be configured to couple with the right-side member <NUM> and left-side member <NUM> of a non-planar (e.g., curved) treadmill (such as the treadmill <NUM>), or with a planar treadmill (e.g., flat/traditional; such as the treadmill <NUM>). Accordingly, the arrangement of the bumpers <NUM> may be adjusted according to the whether the bumpers <NUM> are implemented in conjunction with a planar treadmill or a non-planar treadmill. Regardless of the treadmill with which the bumpers <NUM> are implemented, the bumpers <NUM> are structured so as to prevent longitudinally transverse movement of the running belt <NUM> of the treadmill through contact with an edge of the running belt <NUM>. Accordingly, the running belt <NUM> 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. The bumpers <NUM> are configured to be dynamically adjustable. In another configuration not according to the invention, the bumpers may be rigidly coupled to the frame. For example, the bumpers <NUM> 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 <NUM>, the bumpers <NUM> 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 <NUM> may also be configured to be rigid such that upon receiving contact from the running belt <NUM> as a result of a transverse force, the bumpers <NUM> 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 <NUM> in a longitudinally transverse direction are also possible. As shown, the bumper <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> is configured to contact a lateral edge of the running belt <NUM> upon longitudinally transverse movement thereof. Accordingly, as the running belt <NUM> rotates about the treadmill, the roller of the bumper <NUM> 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.

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.

Claim 1:
A treadmill (<NUM>; <NUM>), comprising;
a frame (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) having a front end and a rear end, substantially opposite the front end;
a front shaft assembly (<NUM>; <NUM>) coupled to the frame proximate the front end of the frame;
a rear shaft assembly (<NUM>; <NUM>) coupled to the frame proximate the rear end of the frame;
a running belt (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) disposed about the front and rear shaft assemblies and comprising a plurality of slats (<NUM>; <NUM>); characterised by
a bumper (<NUM>) coupled to the frame proximate the running belt such that the bumper is disposed between the running belt (<NUM>; <NUM>) and the frame (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), wherein the bumper comprises a partially rounded surface (<NUM>) and a substantially flat surface (<NUM>), and wherein in use, the partially rounded surface (<NUM>) of the bumper (<NUM>) is configured to selectively engage one or more of the plurality of slats (<NUM>; <NUM>) to restrict movement of the running belt (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) towards at least a portion of the frame (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), and wherein the bumper (<NUM>) is dynamically adjustable relative to the frame (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>).