Rear mounted pivoting treadmill cushioning

Abstract

A treadmill is described herein that utilizes a simple mechanism that absorbs impacts delivered to the treadmill by a user during use. The treadmill includes a frame for supporting an endless belt. A forward structure supports a first end of the frame. A pivoting structure supports and the second end of the frame and provides impact absorption. The pivoting structure includes a pivot arm that is pivotally affixed to an underside of the frame. A roller is mounted on a roller axle proximate the free end of the pivot arm. A spring is provided that has a first end in communication with the frame and has a second end in communication with the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm away from the frame. Preferably, the spring surrounds a limiter that limits the maximum amount of travel that the pivot arm can extend away from the frame.

1 . A treadmill comprising:
 a frame for supporting an endless belt, said frame having a first end and a second end;   a forward structure for supporting said first end of said frame;   a pivoting structure proximate said second end of said frame, said pivoting structure having a pivot arm having a secured end and a free end, said secured end pivotally affixed to said frame;   a resilient member located between said frame and said pivot arm for biasing said pivot arm away from said frame.   
     
     
         2 . The treadmill according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 said frame having a pivot anchor and a limiter anchor, each proximate said second end and extending from an underside of said frame.   
     
     
         3 . The treadmill according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 a forward structure for supporting said first end of said frame, said forward structure comprising a base structure, a vertical member attached to said base structure, and a console attached to said vertical member.   
     
     
         4 . The treadmill according to  claim 1  wherein:
 said pivot arm has a left flange and a right flange, said left flange and said right flange connected via a spanning member, said spanning member defining an orifice.   
     
     
         5 . The treadmill according to  claim 1  wherein said resilient member is a spring. 
     
     
         6 . The treadmill according to  claim 1  wherein said resilient member is an elastomeric member. 
     
     
         7 . The treadmill according to  claim 4  further comprising:
 a limiter threadably received within said limiter anchor and passing through said orifice of said spanning member, said limiter having a head engaging said spanning member for limiting travel of said pivot arm away from said frame.   
     
     
         8 . The treadmill according to  claim 7  wherein:
 said resilient member is a spring; and   said spring surrounds said limiter for biasing said pivot arm away from said frame.   
     
     
         9 . The treadmill according to  claim 7  wherein:
 said resilient member is an elastomeric sleeve; and   said elastomeric sleeve surrounds said limiter for biasing said pivot arm away from said frame.   
     
     
         10 . The treadmill according to  claim 7  wherein:
 said limiter may be rotated to adjust an amount of travel of said pivot arm.   
     
     
         11 . The treadmill according to  claim 1  further comprising
 a roller mounted on a roller axle proximate said free end of said pivot arm.   
     
     
         12 . A treadmill comprising:
 a frame for supporting an endless belt, said frame having a first end and a second end;   a forward support proximate said first end of said frame; and   a compressible support extending from said second end of said frame for providing cushioning support of said second end of said frame.