LEG-POWERED TREADMILL

[0001] This application claims benefit and priority in part under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from provisional Application No. 61/280,265 filed Nov. 2, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. This application is a continuation-in-part of a regular examinable utility application Ser. No. 13/711,074, filed Dec. 11, 2012, which application is a continuation of regular examinable utility patent application filed on Nov. 1, 2010, Ser. No. 12/925,892, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,343,016, dated Jan. 1, 2013, which application is a continuation-in-part of a regular examinable utility patent application filed on Oct. 29, 2010, Ser. No. 12/925,770, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,619, dated Nov. 13, 2012, the entire disclosures both of which are incorporated by reference herein. Applicant claims priority in part under 35 U.S.C. §120 from regular examinable utility patent applications filed under Ser. Nos. 13/711,074, 12/925,892 and 12/925,770.

[0002] The present invention relates to a motor-less leg-powered treadmill produced that allows people to walk, jog, run, and sprint without making any adjustments to the treadmill other than shifting the user's center of gravity forward and backwards.

[0003] Exercise treadmills allow people to walk, jog, run, and sprint on a stationary machine with an endless belt moving over a front and rear sets of pulleys.

[0004] Arrays of rollers have been used to support objects so they can be moved linearly with low friction. The minimum distance between the roller axes necessarily must be greater than the diameter of the roller. This leaves an undesirable distance from the top of one roller to the next in supporting an object. To overcome this, the array of rollers for such support applications has been replaced by a nested array of casters or wheels where the wheels on adjacent axes are offset laterally so that support distances from the top of one wheel to the next is smaller than that of adjacent rollers of similar diameter. The patent of Janitsch (4195724) shows a similar technique in staggered rollers in a conveying elevator for granular material. The patent of Kornylak (3964588) for a manual box conveyor illustrates the use of wheel arrays partially nested in several embodiments.

[0005] In the design of treadmills using rollers to support a lightweight belt along the length of a concave top surface, the problem of the upper belt surface lifting up away from the support rollers and presenting a flattened appearance has been addressed by the US patent application 2012/0157267 of Lo by the use of an array of guiding elements on either side of the belt in contact with the upper face of the upper concave surface. These elements are small wheels which physically extend above the belt surface to hold it down against the underlying rollers.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a motor-less leg-powered curved treadmill produced that allows people to walk, jog, run, and sprint without making any adjustments to the treadmill other than shifting the user's center of gravity forward and backwards.

[0007] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a closed loop curved treadmill belt in a concave shape supported by end rollers in a low friction manner in a substantial stationery frame.

[0008] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a curved treadmill that assumes a concave upper contour and a taut lower portion.

[0009] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a curved treadmill that assumes a concave upper contour with a drooping lower belt portion.

[0010] It is also an object of this invention to provide curved as well as flat treadmills using a nested array of support wheels.

[0011] It is also an object of this invention to provide leg powered vehicles using the structure and elements of a treadmill.

[0012] Other objects which become apparent from the following description of the present invention.

[0013] The present invention is a motor-less leg-powered curved treadmill produced wherein the curved, low friction surface allows people to walk, jog, run, and sprint without making any adjustments to the treadmill other than shifting the user's center of gravity forward and backwards. This novel speed control due to the curve allows people of any weight and size to adjust their own speed in fractions of a second. The user controls the speed by positioning their body along the curved running surface. Stepping forward initiates movement, as the user propels themselves up the curve the speed increases. To slow down, the user simply drifts back towards the rear curve. For running athletes, no handrails are needed. Handrails are optional for non-athletes with balance or stability limitations. The motor-less leg-powered treadmill permits low foot impact on the running surface through its new design, forcing the user to run correctly on the ball of the feet and therefore reducing pressure ands strain of the leg joints. This unique design of the curve in a low friction surface allows any user, regardless of weight and size, to find and maintain the speed they desire. The user steps on the concave curved treadmill belt section and begins walking, steps up further and begins running, steps up even farther and starts to sprint. When stepping backward the motor-less leg-powered treadmill will stop.

[0014] Utilizing a closed loop treadmill belt supported by end rollers in a low friction manner in a substantial stationery frame, the curved treadmill of this invention makes it possible for the user to experience a free running session, with the potential to have the real feeling of running, and the ability to stop and sprint and walk instantly, thereby simulating running outside on a running track. This novel speed control in running was not possible in the prior art because of the lack of curved low friction running surfaces.

[0015] The closed loop treadmill belt must be of such a length as compared to the distance between the end rollers to permit it to assume the required concave upper contour. To keep it in that configuration in all operational modes, a method of slackening the curved upper portion while simultaneously keeping the lower portion taut (i.e.—preventing it from drooping down) is used. This method must not add significant friction to the treadmill belt since this would detract from the running experience of the user.

[0016] Several methods of controlling the treadmill belt configuration in a low friction manner are described. One method is to use a support belt under the treadmill belt lower portion. This support belt is kept in a taut configuration with a horizontal section by using springs pulling pulleys in opposite directions.

[0017] Another method uses a timing belt linking the treadmill belt end rollers such that after the desired configuration is achieved, the treadmill belt and end rollers must move synchronously thereby denying the treadmill belt the opportunity to have its lower section droop down.

[0018] Yet another method is to support the lower section of the treadmill belt from drooping down by directly supporting this section with one or more linear arrays of low friction bearings at the peripheral edges of the belt below the lower section.

[0019] In another embodiment of this invention, the treadmill belt is constructed of two loops of v-belt with a custom crossection attached with fasteners near each end of each transverse slat. Thus the adjacent slats cover the entire user surface on the outside of the v-belt loops. The slats themselves can be fabricated from wood, wood products, plastic, or even rubber. The v-belt custom crossection provides flat extensions on either side of the v-section for support of the treadmill belt away from the large v-belt pulleys at the front and back of the treadmill. By supporting on a resilient continuous belt surface instead of the slats themselves, smoothness of operation is insured.

[0020] The v-belt construction provides excellent lateral centering of the treadmill belt in the chassis. Ball bearing support rollers in a linear array at each side bearing on the outer flat v-belt extensions support the bottom portion of the belt to keep it from drooping. A concave array of ball bearings at each side of the chassis supports the treadmill belt by bearing on the inner v-belt extensions to support the top user-contact section. The weight of the treadmill belt itself helps it conform to this support contour.

[0021] In yet another embodiment of this invention, a continuous belt of slats running on two distal pulleys has a top concave surface and a drooping lower section depending on judicious selection of belt parameters compatible with ergonomically determined frame dimensions to maintain a stable belt configuration while affording a low friction belt path and acceptable belt inertia. This embodiment reduces cost and complexity as compared to other embodiments which rely on the use of elements to specifically keep the bottom section from drooping to create the desired concave upper surface. As the design parameters must be carefully matched for a workable design, an analytic method is presented as an adjunct to empirical experimentation.

[0022] In other embodiments of this invention, both curved top as well as flat top treadmills which use a top surface of an array of nested wheels to support the user are presented. The runner or walker can contact the surface of wheels directly, or in other embodiments a lightweight fabric belt loop is supported by the wheel array and becomes an interface between the user's feet and the wheel array. The wheels are of rigid material with a resilient bonded tire, such as a steel wheel with a polyurethane or rubber tire. A method using embedded magnetic elements in the side peripheral support wheels of the array (or between these wheels) interacting with ferromagnetic wire cable embedded in the edges of the belt is used to conform the belt to a curved upper surface without recourse to any elements extending over the upper surface of the belt where such elements can be a visual distraction and, at worse, a tripping hazard when mounting or dismounting. While the curved top treadmills of these embodiments are equipped with static front lift adjusters to accommodate a variety of user weights and speed requirements, the flat top treadmills incorporate a dynamically adjustable front lift mechanism which continuously adjusts the height based on the speed target as entered by the runner (or walker) to maintain the desired speed during use.

[0023] In yet other embodiments of this invention, leg powered vehicles using the structure and elements of the treadmills of the nested wheel array variety. The vehicles vary from a single user roadster to a two or four driver “sedan” with optional passenger seats, to a twelve runner powered bus with separate driver. All vehicles described have optional battery powered hill-assist motor drives.

[0067] The description of the invention which follows, together with the accompanying drawing should not be construed as limiting the invention to the example shown and described, because those skilled in the art to which this invention appertains will be able to devise other forms thereof.

[0068] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a leg-powered treadmill 10 constructed and having an operating mode according to the present invention.

[0069] As noted in FIG. 1, no hand rails are shown. The curved treadmill 10 can be used without hand rails. Hand rails can be optionally provided for non-athletes with balance or running stabilities limitations.

[0070] Illustrated are two leg supports 10 and 12 which lift the treadmill 14 in a clearance position above a support surface 16, said treadmill 10 having space apart sides 18 and 20 which have journalled for rotation end rollers 22 and 24 which support a closed loop treadmill belt 26. Low friction methods to be described are used to hold taut the length of the lower belt portion 26A in a dimension of approximately forty-three inches denoted by dimension line 30. The upper belt portion 26B weighs approximately forty pounds is also denoted by the dimension line 30.

[0071] It is to be noted that an essential feature of treadmill 10 is a concave shape subtending an acute angle 34 in the treadmill 10 front end 14A which in practice results in the exerciser 36 running uphill and concomitantly exerting body weight 38 that contributes to driving lengthwise 40 in the direction 42 in which the exerciser runs and achieves the benefits of the exercise. As the runner 36 encounters the different positions on the treadmill belt 26 of the treadmill 14, the angle of the surface of running changes For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the center of gravity of body weight, indicated by downward directional arrow 38, below the hips of the user 36, is in the lower dropping portion of the concave upper portion 26B of the treadmill belt 26, the runner 36 walks or slowly jogs in a generally horizontal orientation, as indicated by directional arrow 42 in a first slow jogging speed. But, as shown in FIG. 1A, as the runner 36 speeds up and advances the runner's hips and center of gravity of body weight further forward up the angled slope at the front end 14A of the treadmill belt 26, the angle of movement 42 changes from a generally horizontal angle 42 in FIG. 1 to an acute angle 42 up off the horizontal as in FIG. 1A, which concurrently causes the runner 36 to run vigorously faster, at the acute angle 42 up the slope of the front 14A of the concave curve of upper belt portion 26B of treadmill belt 26, the runner 36 runs faster uphill. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1B, it does not matter where the runner 36 puts the forward foot to change the speed. In FIG. 1B the center of gravity in the hip region of the runner 36's body weight, indicated by downward directional arrow 38, is still in the lower part of the concave droop of the upper portion 26A of treadmill belt 26. So even though the runner 36 in FIG. 1B is jogging faster than walking or slowly jogging as in FIG. 1, so long as the runner 36 has the forward foot partially up the angled slope of the forward portion 14A of the upper belt portion 26B, the runner will still run slower in FIG. 1B, not because the forward foot is up the slope of upper belt portion 26B of the treadmill belt 26, but because the center of gravity of body weight, as indicated by downward directional arrow 38, is still within the lower confines of the droop of the concave upper belt portion 26B. Therefore, what changes the speed of the runner 36 and the treadmill belt 26, is when the runner 36 moves the center of gravity of the hips of the body weight indicated by downward directional arrow 38 higher up the slope of concave upper portion 26B of treadmill belt 26, which causes the runner to run faster and the belt 26 to concurrently move faster around pulleys 22 and 24 with the pace of the forward advancing runner 36.

[0072] It is known from common experience that in prior art treadmills, the upper length portion of their closed loops are flat due, it is believed, because of the inability to maintain the concave shape 34 in the length portion 26B. This shortcoming is overcome by the weight 30 which in practice has been found to hold the concave shape 34 during the uphill running of the exerciser 36.

[0073] A closed loop treadmill belt 26 is formed with a running surface of transverse wooden, plastic or rubber slats 49 (see FIG. 1) attached to each other in a resilient fashion. Since an essential feature of treadmill 10 is the concave shape of the low friction running surface of belt 26 in upper portion 26B, methods are used to insure that this shape is maintained during actual use. These methods must prevent the lower portion 26A of treadmill belt 26 from drooping down (i.e.—must be held taut), otherwise top portion 26B would be pulled taut into a flat shape between rollers 22 and 24. Three methods are illustrated by the side view schematic drawings of FIGS. 2-4.

[0074] The method of FIG. 2 shows a flat support belt loop 50 engaged with two side pulleys 54 and a third pulley 56 which is attached to treadmill 10 frame. Two springs 52 pulling in opposite directions hold belt 50 taut with a flat top configuration in contact with bottom treadmill belt portion 26A. Since pulleys 54 and 52 are low friction, and there is no relative movement between belt 50 and belt 26, belt 50 imposes very little drag on belt 26 while supporting lower belt portion 26A vertically preventing it from drooping down.

[0075] The method shown in FIG. 3 shows the use of a timing belt 67 in achieving a similar result. Here end rollers 60 and 64 are attached to timing belt pulleys 62 and 66 respectively. Timing belt idlers 68 are simply used to configure timing belt geometrically to fit within the constraints of the side contours of treadmill 10. If belt 26 is prevented from slipping relative to end rollers 60 and 64 by high friction coefficient (or by the use an integral timing belt on the inside of belt 26 and rollers with timing belt engagement grooves), once configured as shown, timing belt 67 will not permit drooping down of section 26A since all motion is now synchronous.

[0076] In another method shown in FIG. 4, one or more linear arrays of bearings 70 extending along opposite peripheral edges of said treadmill frame physically support lower section 26A of treadmill belt 26 thereby preventing drooping. Bearings 70 may be ball bearings or straight ball bearing casters attached and located at respective side peripheral edges to the bottom surface of the frame of treadmill 10.

[0077] In the v-belt treadmill embodiment 80 of FIG. 5, side covers 82 enclose the underlying chassis. Running surface 81 comprises a concave surface of transverse slats. Optional handle bar assembly 83 helps users who are balance-challenged to use treadmill 80; it is both optional and removable.

[0078] FIG. 6 shows the chassis of the treadmill of FIG. 5. Robust cross beams 90 attach both outer frames 86 as well as inner frames 92 on each side to each other creating the roughly rectangular chassis. Bolts 108 attach the outer frames 86 to cross beams 90. A few slats 100 are shown; they each have one or more downwardly extending reinforcing fins 101 attached on the inner side. Regardless of the material selected for the slats, they must exhibit the desired resiliency and strength along with sufficient weight to lie on and conform to the concave row of upper support ball bearings 104 at each side. The peripheral bearings are spaced apart from each other on respective left and right sides of the curved treadmill 80, wherein the fins 101 of the transverse slats 100 extend cantilevered downward from each transverse slat 100 so that the transverse slats 100 are resilient to dip slightly under the weight of the user runner without any lower support directly below the transverse slats 100.

[0079] The construction of the treadmill belt and its path around the chassis contour will be illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The v-belt (not shown in this FIG. 6) rides in v-belt pulleys 94 at front and back. Since the treadmill belt formed from two v-belt loops with transverse slats 100 attached is itself a large heavy loop, adjusters 96 on the rear (and/or front) pulleys 94 are used during initial installation and to fine tune the distance between the front and back pulleys 94 for precise smooth operation that is not so tight as to bind, nor too loose as to be noisy. Bolts 106 (on both sides) attach a linear array of ball bearings 112 to support the bottom of treadmill belt 81 to prevent drooping. Level adjusters 88 are used to adjust the tilt of treadmill 80.

[0080] FIG. 7 shows the two v-belts 114 in an inner end view near front end pulleys 94. The two v-belt crossections 115 are plainly illustrated showing the short outer extension and the longer inner extension on each side of the “v”. Top slat 100 with fin 101 facing downward is shown at the top. In this view, at each crossection 115, two bolt heads are clearly shown; they fasten the longer inner flat belt extension to the end of slat 100. At each side the belt “v” is clearly positioned within the top groove of pulley 94 with ball bearing 104 supporting the edge of treadmill belt 81 through the resilient smooth continuous inner extension of belt 114. Similarly, at the bottom slat 100 fin 101 is now positioned facing up into the vacant midsection. Larger ball bearings 112 supporting the bottom belt 81 section are seen impinging on short outer v-belt 114 extensions at each side.

[0081] FIG. 8 is a side view of the chassis with outer vertical side 110 of outer frame 86 rendered invisible to reveal the relative position of the other components in the v-belt support pathway. Only two slats 100 are shown attached to v-belt 114 (on the right pulley 94) for clarity. Note the taut, non-sagging position of the bottom section of belt 114 as supported by array of ball bearings 112. On top, the drooping concave belt 114 is supported by the concave array of ball bearings 104. The three centrally located v-belt idler pulleys 118 keep belt 114 from moving laterally far from large end v-belt pulleys 94. The weight of treadmill belt 81 keeps it in contact with the concave contour of ball bearings 104 at any speed from stopped to full running.

[0082] In the next embodiment, a workable configuration similar to treadmill 80 of FIGS. 5-8 will be described. The major difference from treadmill 80 is that there is no effort to force the bottom of the belt into a flat shape (there are no ball bearings 112). In fact no mechanism such as underbelt 50 of FIG. 2, timing belt 67 of FIG. 3, nor support bearings 70 of FIG. 4 is used. Although these elements provide the flexibility of accommodating a wide variety of frame dimensions, belt weights, and degrees of concavity, they also add frictional drag and cost.

[0083] In FIG. 9 is shown a side view 150 of a belt comprised of top concave section 156 and drooping bottom section 157 looped around pulleys 152 and 153. Assuming the belt is a rather heavy slat belt as in the previous treadmill embodiments and pulleys are set in low friction bearings, some insight with design ramifications may be gleaned from an analytic model.

[0084] The curve described by a uniform chain hanging from two supports is called a catenary. Although not exactly the same as a chain, the slat belt can be fairly accurately represented and modeled as a catenary. (An alternative, closely related curve model would be to use a parabola). FIG. 9 represents a stable static configuration. If the pulleys are not turning, the turning moments on them provided by the tension in the top section 156 is exactly balanced by the tension caused by the weight of the bottom section 157. We can therefore analyze top section 156 as if it were a “chain” suspended by its “supports” at points 162 and 163. Using the four formulas F1-F4, we can merge known parameters as set by ergonomic (and economic) requirements and solve for the unknowns to complete a design. Obviously, empirical “tweaking” will be necessary to “fine tune” the final design.

[0085] A suggested method of model use would be to first select key frame dimensions from which the span, L, is derived. The amount of desired sag, h, is then determined. A slat belt is selected thereby determining the linear density, w, in units such as pounds/foot. S is then determined by fitting a catenary curve that passes through 162 and 163 and also has droop h. Then H is calculated from formula F3. From that, T is calculated using formula F4; this is the tension at point 163. It should be close to half of the weight of bottom belt section 157. From that information, the total circumference of the belt is determined as S+2T/w plus about ⅔ of the circumference of pulley 153.

[0086] FIG. 10 shows the actual dimensions of a treadmill 170 that runs with a bottom droop or sag. The whole purpose of a non-motorized treadmill is to emphasize the outdoors motion of running, by adding less friction possible and not using an electric motor to propel the treadmill belt. Applicant's treadmill 170 is the closest concept ever to these goals. The key element is finding the right relationship in between the size and weight of the treadmill's belt 174, the radius of the curve of the belt 174 and the distance in between the pulleys 172 to create the right amount of drooping on the bottom to keep the belt curved by also taut on the top without any extra help, such as with a timing belt as in FIG. 3 herein, a support belt underneath as in FIG. 2 herein or with a linear array of bearings underneath, as in FIG. 4 herein. Therefore treadmill 170, as in FIGS. 10 and 13-18 herein, is a unique leg powered treadmill with operates without any auxiliary lifting required in the treadmill belts 26 of FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 herein.

[0087] As also shown in FIG. 10 herein, the key design parameters are the 54″ pulley 172 spacing, concave top surface as a circular arc with a 140″ radius, 42.8 pound belt 174 with 134.6″ circumference. The resultant sag from the center of pulley 172 is 6.5″. The top contour is circular as determined by the circular array of side support bearings 176. A best-fit circular arc can be determined from a plot of the top side catenary; it is very close and in practice is much easier to lay out. Although other usable solutions may be found with heavier belts, at some point the inertia of the belt would be difficult for a user during start-up acceleration; also there might be cost issues in terms of material and shipping for a heavier belt. Preferably the radius of the circular arc shown in FIG. 10 for belt 174 is at least 140 inches or more. Also, when the radius of the circular arc is 140 inches or higher, the bottom of belt 174 can be flat or with a drooping slack.

[0088] FIG. 10A shows the chassis of the treadmill of FIG. 10 Robust cross beams 177a attach frames 177 on each side to each other creating the roughly rectangular chassis. Bolts 177b attach the side frames 177 to cross beams 177a. The peripheral side support bearings 176 are spaced apart from each other on respective left and right sides of the curved treadmill 170. FIG. 10A also shows one way bearing 178 within house bearing 179, to keep the treadmill belt moving in one direction, while the runner runs on the treadmill. For example, FIG. 1A shows runner 36 running in the direction 42. Therefore, the treadmill belt 26 moves in an opposite direction under the runner's feet. The pulley shaft of the rear pulleys 172 goes through the one way bearing 178, which is attached to side frame 177. One way bearing 178 can be provided as a single one way bearing attached to one side frame 177, or a pair of one way bearings can be provided each on the respective opposite side frames 177.

[0089] FIG. 10B shows an embodiment for a curved array of staggered nested roller wheels 184 and FIG. 10C shows a curved array of support shafts 182 for the array of staggered nested roller wheels 184 of FIG. 10B. FIG. 10BB shows staggered roller wheels 184 showing minimal dimensions between horizontal and vertical gaps between adjacent roller wheels 184, thereby rattle vibration of said rotating roller wheels 184. against a foot of a runner is minimized.

[0090] FIG. 10CC shows treadmill chassis 170a including side frames 177aa connected by one or more cross beams 177bb. Each side frame 177aa includes an array of holes 177 cc in which shoulders 184aa of roller wheel members 184 rotate. Optional longitudinal brace 177dd may be provided, however, in a preferred embodiment no longitudinal brace is required. It is further noted that no timing belt is required to operate the treadmill. All that is required is an exterior belt, such as belt 202a of FIG. 15A.

[0091] FIGS. 10D, 10 E, 10F, 10G and 10F show an alternate embodiment for a leg powered treadmill 170a with a belt 174 having a drooping bottom section 174a, as in FIG. 10, but with an array of parallel slats 100 as in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Treadmill 170a also includes side support frame members 174b, covered by side edge covers 174c for easy of mounting and dismounting from belt 174. While parallel slats preferably have each a plurality of descending fins, optionally the slats can be provided with a single descending fin.

[0092] FIGS. 11 and 12 show some prior art considerations comparing parallel rollers 181 with nested wheels 184. In FIG. 11 rollers 181 cannot be closer than D1 since some clearance must be allowed; whereas nested wheels 184 can be closer, D2, since clearance is between outside diameter of wheel 184 DW and shaft diameter DS. FIG. 12 shows an array of wheels 184 and shafts 182. In the prior art use for gravity or manual conveyors, each wheel 184 in the array is free-wheeling in its own bearing. Low inertia as afforded by individual bearings on wheels is an advantage here. In a preferred embodiment, the rollers are about ½ inch in thickness and are spaced apart from each other by a distance of about ½ inch. These dimensions may vary. The roller wheels 184 are staggered to minimize the horizontal and vertical gaps between adjacent overlapping roller wheels 184 created by one descending surface of a roller wheel 184 from its apex and one ascending surface of an adjacent roller wheel 184 to its respective apex, thereby rattle vibration of said rotating roller wheels. 184 against a foot of a runner is minimized.

[0093] FIGS. 13, 13A and detail FIG. 14 show a chassis 190 of a treadmill with a curved upper surface nested wheel array 202. Wheels 184 which form array 202 are bonded to parallel shafts which extend out on one side of frame to end in timing belt pulleys 192. Long timing belt 196 rotates around main timing belt pulleys 198 and engages all shafts such that if only one wheel 184 of array 202 is turned, all wheels of the entire array 202 turn. This multiplies the inertia resistance many fold which is the desired situation here. Minor details are different in the two views showing possible alternatives. In FIG. 13 idlers 200 are used, but are eliminated in FIG. 14. Support rollers 194 are used under timing belt 196 in FIGS. 13, 13A and 13B, but in an option, a continuous support rail 204 is used in FIG. 14.

[0094] FIG. 15 shows completed treadmill 210 with exposed wheel array 202 and manually adjustable lift mechanism 212 at the front. Optionally the lift mechanism can be electrically powered, as disclosed in FIGS. 20 and 21.

[0095] Furthermore, when the runner touches the running surface of rollers 194 with the runner's foot, because of the timing belt 196, it catches. As soon as the runner gets running, the timing belt 196 gets engaged between footstep contacts, so the roller wheels 184 or 202 are freely spinning, but when the runner's foot touches the roller wheels 184 or 202, the roller wheels 184 or 202 spin with more force.

[0096] FIG. 16 shows a treadmill 220 with a curved surface of nested roller wheels 222 as a foot contacting direct running surface, with a manually adjustable lift mechanism 212 at the front. Optionally the lift mechanism can be electrically powered, as disclosed in FIGS. 20 and 21. FIG. 16 also shows a treadmill 220a with a curved surface of nested roller wheels 222, but with an optional exterior belt loop 222a functioning as a running surface.

[0097] FIG. 17 is a perspective detail of the treadmill of FIG. 16 showing the array of nested wheels with magnetic edge wheels and no timing belt use.

[0098] FIG. 17 shows curved treadmill 220 with lightweight fabric or rubberized belt 222 looped over wheel array 202. FIG. 17 is a front detail internally showing that shafts 224 of array 202 do not sport timing belt pulleys. The shafts are interconnected by belt 222 instead thereby providing the same inertia coupling as in treadmill 210. Note that edge wheels 226 of array 202 are magnetic. When belt 222 is used over a curved array 202, some method of keeping it close to the surface of 202 is required. This is explained by the exploded view of FIG. 18 where it is shown that one or more parallel ferromagnetic cables 228 are embedded (or sewn into) the side edges of belt 222. They interact with magnetic peripheral wheels 226 to keep belt 222 from lifting away from array 202. Note that in lieu of magnetic wheels 226, as shown in FIG. 17A, small stationary bar magnets 226a can be attached to the frame between peripheral wheels 226 over the adjacent shafts. They would be attached slightly below the contact point of the adjacent wheels with belt 222. It is further noted that if no timing belt is provided, an exterior running surface belt is required. But if a timing belt 196 is provided, the treadmill can be provided either with an exterior loop belt 222 to run or, or the runner can run directly on the roller wheels 194 or 202, or if slats are provided, upon a slat belt, such as belt 174 of FIG. 10.

[0099] FIG. 19 shows flat treadmill 230 that uses a flat array of nested wheels 236 with a light weight belt 239 coupling all wheels 184 in array 236. Note that belt 238 and array 236 need no magnetic elements to keep belt 238 snug against array 236 because a flat array poses no lift-off problem. However, since the technique of a runner choosing his “sweet spot” on a curved surface does not work on a flat surface, the elevation must be constantly changed as the effort changes if a constant speed is sought. Motorized dynamic front elevation strut 234 is provided. The computerized control is shown in FIG. 20 wherein numeric keyboard and display 240 is used to enter the desired speed. Speed sensor 244 monitors belt speed. Computer 242 runs a control algorithm as shown in FIG. 21 and signals motor driver 246 to drive motorized strut 248 in the appropriate direction to raise or lower the front of the treadmill. Either a reversible servo gearmotor or a stepper motor can be used to drive the strut through a non-backdriving gear set or linear drive such as a worm gear pinion or a lead screw. The flow chart of FIG. 21 is just one method that can be used to smooth out the control actions by calculating moving averages (MA) and only adjusting elevation if setting is out of the deadband around the desired speed setting (+−“delta”).

[0100] FIGS. 22-26 illustrate three vehicle designs which derive their motive power from persons moving their legs on treadmill platforms built into the vehicles. The optional use of electric motor “hill assist” as powered from storage batteries is also included. Both curved and flat nested wheel arrays are used as drive platforms. Also, wheels 184 in the various platform arrays can be used with or without belt loop covers. If used without a belt loop cover, the timing belt coupling all array shafts is also used to convey power to the vehicle wheels. If a belt covering the platform array is used, the power to drive the vehicle wheels is delivered by the flat belt and no timing belt is used.

[0101] FIG. 22 shows a one-person roadster 250 with front wheels 254, rear wheels 252, handle bars with brake levers 256 and “hill-assist” compartment 258. FIG. 23 is an internal rear detail showing “hill assist” motor 260 and timing belt coupling shafts of curved nested wheel array 202.

[0102] FIG. 24 shows a “sedan” 270 with places for four leg powering riders and two optional passengers. Two platforms 272 power the vehicle. Sedan 270 has steering handlebar 276 with brake caliper, passenger seats 280, and “hill-assist” motor/battery compartment 274. FIG. 25 shows the rear compartment cover removed revealing Battery pack 284 and motor 282.

[0103] FIG. 26 shows a mini-bus 290 with places 292 for 12 individual leg powering riders, a separate driver's seat 294 with steering wheel 296 and windshield 298, “hill-assist” compartment 300 and a canopy 302.

[0104] While FIG. 25 shows battery pack 284 and motor 282 so that leg powered treadmill vehicles 270 and 290 can function to power the vehicles when desired, such as when encountering hills, or if the users need a rest, it is noted that such a hybrid dual power situation can be optionally provided with any of the treadmills in FIGS. 1-24 and 27 also. This is especially true for senior citizens who may want to switch from powering the treadmill by leg power, to a power assist mode during use, whether the treadmill is stationary as in FIGS. 1-23 and 27, or is a wheeled vehicle as in FIGS. 24-26.

[0105] As a further option related to motor 282, electric motor 282 can be placed over the front or back shaft of the front or rear pulley pairs, and is not connected to the belt directly, which can help older people to move the belt. But if the user touches the belt (any kind of belt, with the treads or roller wheels or otherwise) with the user's hand, the belt will stop, similar to the principle of a fan in a house, where if the user touches the palette of the fan, the fan stops. In this case with a treadmill, the motor 282 is added to help not to directly drive the belt; actually motor 282 is not directly connected to the belt. Motor 282 is just mounted over one of the pulley shafts, with zero friction and motor 282 can be used to help propel the tread belt or regular belt or can be use to create energy to power a generator, such as a dynamo, by converting the mechanical power and converting it to low voltage direct current (DC). Power or high voltage (AC), to power at least one load, such as small appliances, for example, lights. Alternatively, if the motor 282 is not used at all, the mechanical power produced by the moving treadmill belt can power a generator to create electricity, such as low voltage direct current (DC) Power or high (AC) voltage.

[0106] A further method of keeping the lower portion of the belt taut while permitting the upper portion to be slack is to slow down the rear roller wheel by exerting resistance via magnets or otherwise to the rear roller wheel.

[0107] FIGS. 27, 27A and 27B are diagrammatic side views of an alternate embodiment for implementing the present invention.

[0108] In another method shown in FIGS. 27, 27A and 27B, the lower portion of 426A of continuous treadmill belt 426 is kept taut while upper portion 426B is slack by providing resistance to rear roller 464 by opposing magnet pairs 470, 471; 480, 481 or 490, 491, where opposing magnet pairs exert magnetic resistance against rear roller 464, so that rear roller 464 rotates slower than front roller 260.

[0109] In FIG. 27, opposite magnet pairs 470, 471 are analogous to wheel brake calipers, providing resistance to rear roller 464, so that it moves slower than front roller 460, which quickly pull lower portion 426A of treadmill belt 426, rendering it taut. Likewise, because rear roller 464 moves slower, top treadmill portion 426B is slowed down, and is rendered slack and concave until it wraps around slower rear roller 464.

[0110] In FIG. 27A, magnets 480, 481 rotate in parallel planes adjacent to rear roller 424.

[0111] In FIG. 27B, the opposite magnets 490, 491 roll adjacent to each other to impart magnetic resistance to slower rear roller 424.

[0112] In an alternate embodiment shown in FIGS. 28, 28A and 28B, a system 500 is provided to keep the bottom of the belt 501 flat, so that the drooping portion does not take up significant height above the floor upon which the treadmill 500 is placed.

[0113] Therefore an this embodiment for a tread belt system provides the running surface for a non motorized treadmill, where the running surface is made up of a plurality of molded treads 502 (i.e. slats), connected on each end of the tread (i.e. slat) with a flexible continuous belt, that is supported along the top (running) surface of the treadmill by a plurality of fixed bearings 503 that contact the continuous belt 501 and thus support the weight of the runner.

[0114] At each end of the treadmill, a set of pulleys support the continuous belt 501 and provide a continuous path. With this system, the lower half 501a of the belt 501 hangs underneath the frame in a uniform catenary manner. This invention serves to support the lower half 501a of the belt tread (i.e. slat) system, such that the lower half 501a forms a flat uniform surface and does not droop or hang below the frame of the treadmill. While as few as one pair can be used, preferably some of the treads 502b (an equal number such that some uniform number are evenly distributed) are equipped with a bearing roller appendage 504 on each end of the tread (i.e. slat) that will serve to support the tread belt system as it hangs below the frame of the device. A supporting rail with a bearing support flange 505 is provided on each side of the frame 506 of the device to provide a running surface for the tread bearing rollers, such that the tread belt system is supported and prevented from hanging in a catenary fashion between the treadmills end pulleys. The flanged surface 505 at each end of the supporting rail is provided with a runout surface such that the recirculating treads 502 and 502b (i.e. slats) make a smooth transition from support provided by the end pulleys to the flat surface 505 provided by the supporting rail.

[0115] In the foregoing description, certain terms and visual depictions are used to illustrate the preferred embodiment. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be construed by the terms used or illustrations depicted, beyond what is shown in the prior art, since the terms and illustrations are exemplary only, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0116] It is further known that other modifications may be made to the present invention, without departing the scope of the invention, as noted in the appended Claims.