FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a treadmill, and more particularly, to a foldable
treadmill.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A conventional foldable treadmill is shown in Fig. 19 and generally includes a base
80 with two posts 81 which have a front handle 82 and a rear handle 83 connected thereto.
The user can pivot the front handle 82 toward rear end of the base 80 to pivot the
rear handle 83 which activates the securing device 84 located between the posts 81
and the base 80 to fold the posts 81 toward the base 80.
[0003] The front and rear handles 82, 83 are pivoted downward when the posts 81 are positioned
upright, however, the rear handle 83 does not well secured so that if the user or
any one accidentally touches the front handle 82, the securing device 84 is activated
and the posts 81 may drop without any warning and may hurt the user. Besides, the
rear handle 83 has to be held during folding the treadmill and this is inconvenient
for the users. Furthermore, the folding device is operated by gears which may be stocked
if foreign obj ects enter the gap between the gears.
[0004] Fig. 20 shows another conventional foldable treadmill which includes a base 90 with
two posts 91 which have a switch 92 so as to control the links 93 in the posts 91
to fold the posts 91 which are secured by being engaging positioning members 94. A
similar drawback is that the switch 92 can be accidentally touched to pivot the posts
91.
[0005] It is noted that the two posts of the two conventional foldable treadmills are not
locked or secured to the base, therefore, when the handle and the switch are accidentally
activated, there will be no safety or emergency device to stop the pivoting posts.
The un-secured posts are not in a stable status when the user uses the treadmill.
[0006] The present invention intends to provide a foldable treadmill which includes two
securing units to ensure that the folding action is double checked before being activated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to a foldable treadmill and comprises a base with an
endless belt mounted thereon and two posts are pivotably connected to the base. The
handle is pivotably connected to the two posts and includes a pivotal end. A positioning
unit is located between the two posts and includes a transverse link and at least
one passive link which has a first end pivotably connected to the transverse link.
A lever is connected to the transverse link so as to pivot the transverse link at
a mediate portion. At least one insertion is connected to a second end of the at least
one passive link. The pivotal end of the handle has a restriction port with which
the insertion is disengageably inserted to restrict the handle from pivoted about
the insertion.
[0008] A first securing unit is located between the base and the two posts and includes
a first stop portion which is located on one side of the base. A tubular member including
a positioning hole extends from the first stop portion. One of the posts has a second
stop portion which is frictionally matched with the first stop portion. A quick release
device includes a lever which includes a cam-shaped end and a threaded rod which is
pivotably connected to the cam-shaped end. The threaded rod extends through a frame,
the second stop portion and is threadedly connected with the inner threads defined
in the tubular member so as to engage the second stop portion with the first stop
portion.
[0009] A second securing unit is connected to a side tube on one of the two posts and includes
a first link which has a first end connected with a connection member and a second
end of the first link is pivotably connected to a first end of a second link. A second
end of the second link is pivotably connected a stop link which extends through the
side tube and is engageably inserted into the positioning hole of the tubular member.
The connection member extends through the corresponding post connected between the
first link and the at least one passive link.
[0010] A guiding unit is connected to the two pivotal ends. A connection rod is pivotably
connected to the guiding unit and a pivotal link unit. The pivotal link unit is composed
of two elongate plates which are pivotably connected to each other. One of the two
elongate plates of the pivotal link unit is pivotably connected to the connection
rod and the post corresponding thereto, the other elongate plate is pivotably connected
to the base. The two elongate plates of the link unit are extended to be straight
to support the posts relative to the base when using the treadmill. When folding the
treadmill, the handle is pivoted upward and the guiding unit is pivoted to lower the
connection rod which pivots the link units about respective pivot points at the base
and the posts are able to be pivoted toward the base.
[0011] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a foldable treadmill wherein
the handle is pivoted downward to be positioned when using the treadmill and upward
to be positioned when folding the treadmill.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable treadmill wherein
the posts are securely positioned by a securing unit which prevents the post being
pivoted by accidentally touched.
[0013] The present invention will become more obvious from the following description when
taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which show, for purposes of illustration
only, a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014]
Fig. 1 is a perspective view to show a preferred embodiment of the foldable treadmill
of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view to show a preferred embodiment of the foldable treadmill
of the present invention from another angle;
Fig. 3 is an exploded view to show a preferred embodiment of the handle and the positioning
unit of the foldable treadmill of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a partial cross sectional view to show a preferred embodiment of the connection
of the handle and the positioning unit of the foldable treadmill of the present invention;
Fig. 5 is a partial cross sectional view to show a preferred embodiment that the lever
is operated to pivot the transverse link of the positioning unit of the foldable treadmill
of the present invention;
Fig. 6 is an exploded view to show a preferred embodiment of the first securing unit
of the foldable treadmill of the present invention;
Fig. 7 is a partial end cross sectional view to show a preferred embodiment of the
first securing unit of the foldable treadmill of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a partial end cross sectional view to show a preferred embodiment that the
operation lever of the first securing unit is pivoted to disengage from the second
stop portion from the first stop portion;
Fig. 9 is a side view to show a preferred embodiment that the stop link of the second
securing unit is engaged with the positioning hole of the tubular member of the first
securing unit;
Fig. 10 is a side view to show a preferred embodiment that the stop link of the second
securing unit is disengaged from the positioning hole of the tubular member of the
first securing unit;
Fig. 11 shows a preferred embodiment that the support stand is pivoted to support
the upright base;
Fig. 12 shows a preferred embodiment that the posts are pivoted toward the base;
Fig. 13 shows a second embodiment of the support stand of the foldable treadmill of
the present invention;
Fig. 14 shows a third embodiment of the support stand of the foldable treadmill of
the present invention;
Fig. 15 shows another embodiment of the foldable treadmill of the present invention;
Fig. 16 shows a preferred embodiment that the link unit and connection plate are connected
to the posts and the base;
Fig. 17 shows an exploded view to show a preferred embodiment that the connection
plate is connected to the handle and the connection rod is connected to the connection
plate;
Fig. 18 shows a preferred embodiment that the two elongate plates are pivoted to be
straight when the posts are pivoted upward and folded when the posts are pivoted toward
the base;
Fig. 19 shows a conventional foldable treadmill, and
Fig. 20 shows another conventional foldable treadmill.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0015] Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, the foldable treadmill of the present invention comprises
a base with an endless belt 11 mounted thereon and two posts 2 are pivotably connected
to the base 1. Two transverse tubes 21 are respectively connected to two top ends
of the two posts 2 and a handle 22 is pivotably connected to the two posts 2. The
handle 22 includes two pivotal ends 221 which are connected the two transverse tubes
21 of the two posts 2 respectively.
[0016] A positioning unit 3, as shown in Figs. 3 to 5, is located between the two transverse
tubes 21 of the two posts 2 and includes transverse link 31 and two passive links
32 which have two respective first ends pivotably and respectively connected to two
ends of the transverse link 31. The transverse link 31 is connected with a lever 33
which is pivoted to pivot the transverse link 31 about a pivoting position at a mediate
portion of the transverse link 31. Two insertions 321 are connected to two second
ends of the two passive links 32 respectively. Each of the two pivotal ends 221 of
the handle 22 has a restriction port 221a with which the insertion 321 corresponding
thereto is disengageably inserted to restrict the handle 22 from pivoted about the
two insertions 321.
[0017] As shown in Figs, 6 to 8, two first securing units 4 are located between the base
1 and the two posts 2 and each first securing unit 4 includes a first stop portion
42 which is located on one side of the base 1. A tubular member 41 extends from the
first stop portion 42 and includes a positioning hole 412 defined radially therein.
Each of the posts 2 has a second stop portion 43 which is connected to a side tube
26 on the post 2 and frictionally matched with the first stop portion 42. In this
embodiment, the first and second stop portions 42, 43 each have teeth defined in a
side thereof so that when the first and second stop portions 42, 43 are matched with
each other, the teeth on the two stop portions are engaged with each other. A quick
release device 45 includes a lever 451 which includes a cam-shaped end and a threaded
rod is pivotably connected to the cam-shaped end. The threaded rod extends through
a frame 452, the second stop portion 43 and is threadedly connected with the inner
threads 411 defined in the tubular member 41 so as to control the match between the
first and second stop portions 42, 43.
[0018] As shown in Figs. 9 to 10, a second securing unit 5 connected to the side tube 26
on one of the two posts 2 and includes a first link 51 which has a first end connected
with a connection member 54 and a second end of the first link 51 is pivotably connected
to a first end of a second link 52. A second end of the second link 52 is pivotably
connected a stop link 53. The stop link 53 is located within an outer tube 531 and
a spring 533 is mounted to a shank 532 of the stop link 53. An end plate 531a is located
at an end of the outer tube 531 such that the spring 533 is biased between the enlarged
head of the stop link 53 and the end plate 531a. The stop link 53 extends through
the side tube 26 and is disengageably inserted into the positioning hole 412 of the
tubular member 41. The connection member 54 extends through the corresponding post
2 and is connected between the first link 51 and the one of the passive links 32.
The connection member 54 is a steel cable and is pulled by the passive link 32 when
the lever 33 is pivoted. After the connection member 54 is released, the spring 533
pushes the stop link 53 into the positioning hole 412 again.
[0019] The base 1 includes rollers 13 connected to an underside thereof and each roller
13 is connected with a stand frame 14 which includes a flat end so that when the base
1 is oriented upright as shown in Figs. 2 and 11, the flat end of the stand frame
14 is on the floor to support the base 1. At least one support stand 12 is connected
to an end of the base 1 and is a pivotable stand which pivots about a pivotable protrusion
121 at a center of the at least one support stand 12. The support stand 12 is connected
to the base 1 perpendicularly when the base 1 is folded and orientated upright. The
at least one support stand 12 prevents the base 1 from falling down.
[0020] When folding the treadmill, the two quick release devices 45 are loosened by lifting
the operation levers 451 to disengage the second stop portion 43 from the first stop
portion 42. The lever 33 is then pivoted to shift the transverse link 31 so that the
two passive links 32 are pivoted and the two insertions 321 are pulled out from the
restriction ports 221 a of the two pivotal ends 221 of the handle 22. The handle 22
is then pivoted upward. The movement of the passive links 32 drives the connection
member 54 to pivot the first link 51 which drives the second link 52 and the stop
link 53 is disengaged from the positioning hole 412 of the tubular member 41. The
posts 2 are then pivoted toward the base 1 as shown in Fig. 12. It is noted that the
step for folding the posts 2 can also be operated in reverse sequences.
[0021] The handle 22 on the posts 2 can be positioned by the positioning units 3 when it
is pivoted upward or downward. The insertions 321 are inserted into the restriction
ports 221a so as to restrict the handle 22 from being pivoted upward or downward by
accidentally touched and this provides a safety feature when the user is using the
treadmill. Furthermore, when folding the foldable treadmill, the first and second
securing units 4, 5 have to be ensured released before the posts 2 are able to be
pivoted toward the base 1. In other words, both of the first and second securing units
4, 5 are released before the posts 2 can be folded. This avoids the posts 2 from unexpectedly
pivoting during use.
[0022] Fig. 13 shows a second embodiment of the at least one support stand 12A which includes
an outer tube 122A which has an axial slot 121 A. An inner portion 123A is retractably
inserted into the outer tube 122A and a positioning switch 124A is located between
the outer tube 122A and the inner portion 123A. The inner portion 123A extends out
from the outer tube 122A and contacts the floor when the base 1 is folded and orientated
upright.
[0023] Fig. 14 shows a third embodiment of the at least one support stand of the foldable
treadmill of the present invention, wherein the at least one support stand 12B includes
a support piece which is pivoted outward and adapted to contact the floor.
[0024] Figs. 15 to 17 show another embodiment of the foldable treadmill of the present invention,
wherein two guiding units 23 are connected to the two pivotal ends 221. Two connection
rods 24 are pivotably and respectively connected between the two guiding units 23
and two pivotal link units 25. Each pivotal link unit 25 composed of two elongate
plates which are pivotably connected to each other. One of the two elongate plates
of each pivotal link unit 25 is pivotably connected to the connection rod 24 and the
post 2 corresponding thereto. The other elongate plate is pivotably connected to the
base 1. The two elongate plates of each of the link units 25 are extended to be substantially
straight to support the posts 2 relative to the base 1 when using the treadmill. Two
first securing units 4 are located between the two posts 2 and the base 1 so as to
position the posts 2. As shown in Fig. 18, when folding the treadmill, the handle
22 is pivoted upward, the guiding units 23 are pivoted to lower the connection rods
24 which pivot the link units 25 about respective pivot points at the base 1 and the
posts 2 are able to be pivoted toward the base 1.
[0025] While we have shown and described the embodiment in accordance with the present invention,
it should be clear to those skilled in the art that further embodiments may be made
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
1. A foldable treadmill
characterized in comprising:
a base(1) with an endless belt(11) mounted thereon;
two posts(2) pivotably connected to the base(1);
a handle(22) pivotably connected to the two posts(2) and including at least one pivotal
end(221) which is connected the two posts(2), and
a positioning unit(3) located between the two posts(2) and including a transverse
link(31) and at least one passive link(32) which has a first end pivotably connected
to the transverse link(31), a lever(33) connected to the transverse link(31) so as
to pivot the transverse link(31), at least one insertion(321) connected to a second
end of the at least one passive link(32), the pivotal end of the handle(22) having
a restriction port(221a) with which the insertion(321) is disengageably inserted to
restrict the handle(22) from pivoted about the insertion(321).
2. The foldable treadmill as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that the base(1) includes rollers(13) connected to an underside thereof and each roller(13)
is connected with a stand frame(14) which includes a flat end.
3. The foldable treadmill as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that at least one support stand(12) is connected to an end of the base(1).
4. The foldable treadmill as claimed in claim 3 characterized in that the at least one support stand(12) is a pivotable stand which intersects the base(1)
when the base(1) is folded and orientated upright.
5. The foldable treadmill as claimed in claim 3 characterized in that the at least one support stand(12) includes an outer tube(122A) which has an axial
slot(121A), an inner portion(123A) is retractably inserted into the outer tube(122A)
and a positioning switch(124A) is located between the outer tube and the inner portion(123A),
the inner portion(123A) extends out from the outer tube(122A) and adapted to contact
a floor when the base(1) is folded and orientated upright.
6. A foldable treadmill
characterized in comprising:
a base(1) with an endless belt(11) mounted thereon;
two posts(2) pivotably connected to the base(1);
a handle(22) pivotably connected to the two posts(2) and including at least one pivotal
end(221) which is connected the two posts(2), and
a positioning unit(3) located between the two posts(2) and including a transverse
link(31) and at least one passive link(32) which has a first end pivotably connected
to the transverse link(31), a lever(33) connected to the transverse link(31) so as
to pivot the transverse link(31), at least one insertion(321) connected to a second
end of the at least one passive link(31), the pivotal end of the handle(22) having
a restriction port(221a) with which the insertion(321) is disengageably inserted to
restrict the handle(22) from pivoted about the insertion(321), and
a first securing unit(4) located between the base(1) and the two posts(2) and the
first securing unit(4) including a first stop portion(42) which is located on one
side of the base(1), a tubular member(41) extending from the first stop portion(42)
and including a positioning hole(412), one of the two posts(2) having a second stop
portion(43) which is frictionally matched with the first stop portion(42), a quick
release device(45) including a lever(451) which includes a cam-shaped end and a threaded
rod is pivotably connected to the cam-shaped end, the threaded rod extending through
a frame(452), the second stop portion and threadedly connected with the inner threads(411)
defined in the tubular member(41).
7. The foldable treadmill as claimed in claim 6 characterized in that a second securing unit(5) is connected to a side tube(26) on at least one of the
two posts(2) and includes a first link(51) which has a first end connected with a
connection member(54) and a second end of the first link(51) is pivotably connected
to a first end of a second link(52), a second end of the second link is pivotably
connected a stop link(53), the stop link extends through the side tube(26) and is
engageably inserted into the positioning hole(412) of the tubular member(41), the
connection member(54) extends through the post(2) and is connected between the first
link(51) and the at least one passive link(32).
8. The foldable treadmill as claimed in claim 6 characterized in that the base(1) includes rollers(13) connected to an underside thereof and each roller(13)
is connected with a stand frame(14) which includes a flat end.
9. The foldable treadmill as claimed in claim 6 characterized in that at least one support stand(12) is connected to an end of the base(1).
10. The foldable treadmill as claimed in claim 9 characterized in that the at least one support stand(12) is a pivotable stand which intersects the base(1)
when the base(1) is folded and orientated upright.
11. The foldable treadmill as claimed in claim 9 characterized in that the at least one support stand(12) includes an outer tube(122A) which has an axial
slot(121A), an inner portion(123A) is retractably inserted into the outer tube(122A)
and a positioning switch(124A) is located between the outer tube and the inner portion(123A),
the inner portion(123A) extends out from the outer tube(122A) and adapted to contact
a floor when the base(1) is folded and orientated upright.
12. A foldable treadmill
characterized in comprising:
a base(1) with an endless belt(11) mounted thereon;
two posts(2) pivotably connected to the base(1);
a handle(22) pivotably connected to the two posts(2) and including at least one pivotal
end(221) which is connected the two posts(2), and
a positioning unit(3) located between the two posts(2) and including a transverse
link(31) and at least one passive link(32) which has a first end pivotably connected
to the transverse link(31), a lever(3 3) connected to the transverse link(31) so as
to pivot the transverse link(31), at least one insertion(321) connected to a second
end of the at least one passive link(31), the pivotal end of the handle(22) having
a restriction port(221a) with which the insertion(321) is disengageably inserted to
restrict the handle(22) from pivoted about the insertion(321);
a guiding unit(23) connected to the one of two pivotal ends(221), a connection rod(24)
pivotably connected to the guiding unit(23) and a pivotal link unit(25), the pivotal
link unit(25) composed of two elongate plates which are pivotably connected to each
other, one of the two elongate plates of the pivotal link unit(25) pivotably connected
to the connection rod(24) and the post(2), the other elongate plate pivotably connected
to the base(1), the two elongate plates of the pivotal link unit(25) being extended
to be substantially straight to support the posts(2) relative to the base(1) when
using the treadmill, when folding the treadmill, the handle(22) is pivoted upward,
the guiding unit(23) pivoting to lower the connection rod(24) which pivots the link
unit(25) about a pivot point at the base(1) and the posts(2) being pivoted toward
the base(1).
13. The foldable treadmill as claimed in claim12 characterized in that the base(1) includes rollers(13) connected to an underside thereof and each roller(13)
is connected with a stand frame(14) which includes a flat end.
14. The foldable treadmill as claimed in claim 12 characterized in that at least one support stand(12) is connected to an end of the base(1).
15. The foldable treadmill as claimed in claim 14 characterized in that at least one the support stand(12) includes an outer tube(122A) which has an axial
slot(121A), an inner poition(123A) is retractably inserted into the outer tube(122A)
and a positioning switch(124A) is located between the outer tube and the inner portion(123A),
the inner portion(123A) extends out from the outer tube(122A) and adapted to contact
a floor when the base(1) is folded and orientated upright.
Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.
1. A foldable treadmill comprising:
a base (1) with an endless belt (11) mounted thereon;
two posts (2) pivotably connected to the base (1);
a handle (22) pivotably connected to the two posts (2) and including at least one
pivotal end (221) which is connected the two posts (2); and
a positioning unit (3) located between the two posts (2) and including a transverse
link (31), at least one passive link (32), and a lever (33),
characterised in that
the at least one passive link (32) has a first end pivotably connected to the transverse
link (31),
the lever (33) is connected to the transverse link (31) so as to pivot the transverse
link (31),
at least one insertion (321) is connected to a second end of the at least one passive
link (32), and
the pivotal end of the handle (22) has a restriction port (221a) with which the insertion
(321) is disengageably inserted to restrict the handle (22) from pivoting about the
insertion (321).
2. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the base (1) includes rollers (13) connected to
an underside thereof and each roller (13) is connected with a stand frame (14) which
includes a flat end.
3. The treadmill of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one support stand (12) is connected
to an end of the base (1).
4. The treadmill of claim 3, wherein the at least one support stand (12) is a pivotable
stand which intersects the base (1) when the base (1) is folded and orientated upright.
5. The treadmill of claim 3, wherein
the at least one support stand (12) includes an outer tube (122A) which has an axial
slot (121A),
an inner portion (123A) is retractably inserted into the outer tube (122A),
a positioning switch (124A) is located between the outer tube and the inner portion
(123A), and
the inner portion (123A) extends out from the outer tube (122A) and is adapted to
contact a floor when the base (1) is folded and orientated upright.
6. The treadmill of any preceding claim, further comprising a first securing unit (4)
located between the base (1) and the two posts (2), the first securing unit (4) including
a first stop portion (42) which is located on one side of the base (1),
a tubular member (41) extending from the first stop portion (42) and including a positioning
hole (412), one of the two posts (2) having a second stop portion (43) which is frictionally
matched with the first stop portion (42), and
a quick release device (45) including a lever (451) which includes a cam-shaped end,
a threaded rod being pivotably connected to the cam-shaped end, the threaded rod extending
through a frame (452) and the second stop portion (43) and being threadedly connected
with the inner threads (411) defined in the tubular member (41).
7. The treadmill of claim 6, wherein
a second securing unit (5) is connected to a side tube (26) on at least one of the
two posts (2) and includes a first link (51) which has a first end connected with
a connection member (54),
a second end of the first link (51) is pivotably connected to a first end of a second
link (52),
a second end of the second link is pivotably connected to a stop link (53), the stop
link extends through the side tube (26) and is engageably inserted into the positioning
hole (412) of the tubular member (41), and
the connection member (54) extends through the post (2) and is connected between the
first link (51) and the at least one passive link (32).
8. The treadmill of any preceding claim, further comprising:
a guiding unit (23) connected to the one of two pivotal ends (221),
a connection rod (24) pivotably connected to the guiding unit (23), and
a pivotal link unit (25),
wherein
the pivotal link unit (25) is composed of two elongate plates which are pivotably
connected to each other,
one of the two elongate plates of the pivotal link unit (25) is pivotably connected
to the connection rod (24) and the post (2),
the other elongate plate is pivotably connected to the base (1),
the two elongate plates of the pivotal link unit (25) are extended to be substantially
straight to support the posts (2) relative to the base (1) when using the treadmill,
and
when folding the treadmill, the handle (22) is pivoted upward, the guiding unit (23)
pivots to lower the connection rod (24) which pivots the link unit (25) about a pivot
point at the base (1), and the posts (2) are pivoted toward the base (1).