Patent ID: 7563203

Claim:
A treadmill comprising: a frame having an outside edge; an endless belt, said belt having an upwardly exposed exercise section; a deck disposed between said exercise section of said belt and said frame; and a first impact absorbing mechanism coupled to a first side of said deck and said frame, wherein said deck is positioned over said first side of said frame and wherein said first side of said deck extends beyond said outside edge of said first side of said frame away from said exercise section, a second impact absorbing mechanism coupled to a second side of said deck and said frame, wherein each of said first and second impact absorbing mechanisms is configured to cushion impact upon said treadmill, each of said impact absorbing mechanisms comprising: a cushioning member having a first end and an opposing second end; a first cup linked to said deck; and a second cup linked to said frame; wherein said first cup and said second cup receive said cushioning member.