Exercise devices – Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof – Treadmill for foot travel
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-24
2001-06-05
Richman, Glenn E. (Department: 3733)
Exercise devices
Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof
Treadmill for foot travel
C482S051000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06241638
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to exercise treadmills for in-place walking, jogging, or running. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved exercise treadmill that can fold-up, thereby conserving space when the treadmill apparatus is not being used.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Exercise treadmills are very popular for indoor aerobic exercise sessions. An exercise treadmill can be used regardless of the weather conditions outdoors. In addition, some people like to be distracted during the exercise session, thus, exercise treadmills are often desired to be positioned in a living area near a television set, perhaps setting a goal of working through a half-hour program.
Unfortunately, conventional treadmills require a relatively large area of living space. A conventional exercise treadmill is about five to six feet long and two to three feet wide, thus occupying ten or more square feet of living space. There has been a long-felt need for an improved exercise treadmill that is capable of being folded-up, whereby it is less obtrusive and requires much less living space. There has been also been a need for a treadmill that can be stored in a closet or other small space, brought out from time to time for an exercise session, and then returned to the closet out of the living area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, a fold-up exercise apparatus for in-place walking, jogging, or running exercise is provided. The fold-up exercise apparatus generally includes a base assembly having a leg structure for supporting the apparatus on a floor surface and a treadmill assembly. The treadmill assembly has a pivotal mounting to the base assembly, whereby the treadmill assembly can be pivotally moved on the base assembly between an unfolded position for an exercise session and a folded-up position such that the treadmill assembly is supported by the pivotal mounting to the base assembly to be substantially vertically supported for temporary storage.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, the apparatus further includes a means for raising and lowering the pivotal mounting of the treadmill assembly on the base assembly, whereby the incline of the treadmill assembly can be adjusted.
These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments according to the invention.
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Crutsinger & Booth
Richman Glenn E.
Spirit Manufacturing, Inc.
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