Tread-Based Machine with Configurable Support Surface

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/662,626, filed Jun. 21, 2024, titled “Tread-Based Machine with Configurable Support Surface,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure generally relates to exercise equipment, and more particularly, to a tread-based machine with a configurable support surface.

This background description is provided for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated herein, material described in this section is neither expressly nor impliedly admitted to be prior art to the present disclosure or the appended claims.

One method of exercise is sled training. Sled training is a form of functional resistance training that provides a full body stimulus. To illustrate, during sled training, a participant pulls or pushes a sled across a ground surface. The full body stimulus is based at least in part on resistance created during sled training. The resistance is a byproduct of the friction created by the sled and the ground surface. In some scenarios, the participant can increase the friction by placing one or more weights on the sled prior to pushing or pulling the sled across the ground surface.

In some scenarios, sled training may be performed indoors. If the sled training is performed indoors, the participant may push or pull the sled across rubber matting or indoor turf. In other scenarios, sled training may be performed outdoors. If the sled training is performed outdoors, the participant may push or pull the sled across pavement, grass, or outdoor turf.

While sled training can be used as a mechanism of strength training, anaerobic training (e.g., interval training), and/or aerobic training (e.g., continuous training), there are many drawbacks that reduce the feasibility of sled training. For example, sled training may require a significant amount of indoor space and/or outdoor space. Additionally, inclement weather and/or cold climates may preclude the use of sleds.

In some scenarios, during sled training, it may be difficult for a participant to create a desired resistance. For example, friction may greatly vary based on the composition of the ground surface. While friction can be adjusted by manually adding weights (e.g., plates) to the sled or removing weights from the sled, changing the resistance via adding or removing weights may be inconvenient and time consuming. Furthermore, it may be difficult for the participant to track vital metrics during sled training unless the participant has dedicated tools (e.g., accessories) to track the metrics.

The present application is directed to increasing the feasibility of sled-based training. In particular, the present application is directed to a tread-based machine that is configurable to transition between (1) a first operation mode for sled training and (2) a second operation mode for traditional treadmill cardiovascular activity, such as cardiovascular activity on a curved, non-motorized, treadmill.

The tread-based machine may include a frame. In examples, the frame includes a front roller, a back roller, and a support surface positioned between the front roller and the back roller. In examples, a belt is wrapped around the front roller and the back roller such that movement of the belt causes rotation of the front roller and the back roller. In examples, the belt may include anti-slip treads that provide traction for a user of the tread-based machine. In examples, a sled post may be coupled to a front side of the frame. The design and/or configuration of the sled post may vary based on different implementations.

In particular, in examples, the sled post may be proximate to the front roller. As described in greater detail below, while facilitating movement of the belt using one's legs, the user may hold on to the sled post to simulate a pushing motion associated with traditional sled training. Alternatively, in examples, the user may couple one end of a cable to an attachment hook of the sled post and the other end of the cable to a wearable accessory or a handheld accessory, such as a belt or handles. In this scenario, in examples, the user may simulate a pulling motion associated with traditional sled training by moving on the belt in a direction opposite the sled post.

In examples, a lever may also be coupled to the frame. In examples, the lever may be used to transition the tread-based machine between the first operation mode and the second operation mode. In examples, when the lever is in a first position, the tread-based machine may be in the first operation mode. In the first operation mode, in examples, the support surface of the tread-based machine may be flat. In examples, the first operation mode may enable the user to simulate traditional sled training. To illustrate, during the first operation mode, in examples, the user may hold on to the sled post and move (e.g., walk or run) on the belt. If the user wants to engage in “push” sled training, the user may (1) face the front of the tread-based machine, hold on to the sled post, and move (e.g., walk or run) in a forward direction. If the user wants to engage in “pull” sled training, the user may (1) attach a belt to their waist, couple a cable to the belt and to the attachment hook, face the back of the tread-based machine, and move in a forward direction or (2) face the front of the tread-based machine, hold on to the sled post (or the accessory), and move in a backward direction. In some implementations, a rear attachment hook may be located proximate to a rear of the tread-based machine. In these example implementations, if the user wants to engage in “pull” sled training, the user may attach a belt to their waist, couple a cable to the belt and to the rear attachment hook, face the front of the tread-based machine, and move in a forward direction.

During the first operation mode, to create the desired amount of friction for the sled training, in some examples, the user may adjust a resistance controller on the tread-based machine. In examples, the resistance controller may be configured to adjust the amount of resistance associated with the movement of the belt. Thus, in examples, if the user wants to feel as if they are pushing (or pulling) more weight during sled training, the user may increase the resistance using the resistance controller. However, if the user wants to feel as if they are pushing (or pulling) less weight during sled training, the user may decrease the resistance using the resistance controller. Other examples are possible.

In examples, when the lever is in a second position, the tread-based machine may transition into the second operation mode. In examples, in the second operation mode, the support surface of the tread-based machine may be curved. In examples, the second operation mode may enable the user to engage in traditional treadmill cardiovascular activity (e.g., running and/or walking). For example, during the second operation mode, the user may release their hands from the sled post, grab posts attached to the guard rails, and move (e.g., walk or run) forward on the belt. In examples, the resistance associated with movement of the belt may be greatly reduced compared to the resistance during the first operation mode. As a result, during the second operation mode, the tread-based machine may operate as a self-propelled treadmill.

In examples, the tread-based machine described herein may also resolve the drawbacks associated with traditional sled training. For example, the tread-based machine reduces the need for a significant amount of indoor space and/or outdoor space for sled training. In particular, the tread-based machine may be similar in size to a traditional treadmill, and similar to a treadmill, while the user may be moving along on the belt of the tread-based machine, the tread-based machine remains stationary. Furthermore, the tread-based machine may be stored indoors so that sled training is not subject to inclement weather and/or cold climates.

In examples, the resistance controller simplifies the process of creating a desired resistance. Thus, the user may not have to add (or remove) weights to change the resistance. Rather, the user can change the resistance by adjusting a setting on the resistance controller, which improves convenience and saves time. In examples, the resistance controller also eliminates friction discrepancies that typically occur when using a sled on different surfaces. Furthermore, in examples, the tread-based machine includes one or more monitors to track metrics, such as one or more of the following: (i) number of calories burned; (ii) a simulated distance travelled; (iii) a simulated weight applied to belt; (iv) power output; and/or (v) acceleration. Thus, in examples, the tread-based machine reduces the need for the user to have dedicated tools to track different exercise metrics.

In one aspect, the present application discloses a tread-based machine. In examples, the tread-based machine includes a frame. In examples, the frame includes a front roller, a back roller, and a support surface positioned between the front roller and the back roller. In examples, the support surface is flat during a first operation mode for the tread-based machine, and the support surface is curved during a second operation mode for the tread-based machine. In examples, the tread-based machine also includes a belt wrapped around at least a portion of the front roller and at least a portion of the back roller such that movement of the belt causes rotation of the front roller and the back roller.

In another aspect, the present application discloses a tread-based machine. In examples, the tread-based machine includes a frame. In examples, the frame includes a front roller, a back roller, and a support surface positioned between the front roller and the back roller. In examples, in a first position, the support surface is flat and there is a first height difference between the front roller and the back roller. In examples, in a second position, the support surface is curved and there is a second height difference, greater than the first height difference, between the front roller and the back roller. In examples, the tread-based machine also includes a belt wrapped around at least a portion of the front roller and at least a portion of the back roller such that movement of the belt causes rotation of the front roller and the back roller.

In another aspect, the present application discloses example methods of building, configuring, and operating a tread-based machine. In examples, the method includes building a frame of the tread-based machine. In examples, the frame includes a front roller, a back roller, and a support surface positioned between the front roller and the back roller. In examples, the support surface is flat during a first operation mode for the tread-based machine, and the support surface is curved during a second operation mode for the tread-based machine. In examples, the method also includes placing a belt around at least a portion of the front roller and at least a portion of the back roller such that movement of the belt causes rotation of the front roller and the back roller.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the figures and the following detailed description.

The figures and the following description illustrate specific example embodiments. It will be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles described herein and are included within the scope of the claims that follow this description. Furthermore, any examples described herein are intended to aid in understanding the principles of the disclosure and are to be construed as being without limitation. As a result, this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments or examples described below, but by the claims and their equivalents.

Particular implementations are described herein with reference to the drawings. In the description, common features may be designated by common reference numbers throughout the drawings. In some drawings, multiple instances of a particular type of feature are used. Although these features are physically and/or logically distinct, the same reference number is used for each, and the different instances are distinguished by addition of a letter to the reference number. When the features as a group or a type are referred to herein (e.g., when no particular one of the features is being referenced), the reference number is used without a distinguishing letter. However, when one particular feature of multiple features of the same type is referred to herein, the reference number may be used with or without the distinguishing letter.

As used herein, various terminology is used for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising” are used interchangeably with “include,” “includes,” or “including.” Additionally, the term “wherein” is used interchangeably with the term “where.” As used herein, “example” indicates an example, an implementation, and/or an aspect, and should not be construed as limiting or as indicating a preference or a preferred implementation. As used herein, an ordinal term (e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.) used to modify an element, such as a structure, a component, an operation, etc., does not by itself indicate any priority or order of the element with respect to another element, but rather merely distinguishes the element from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term). As used herein, the term “set” refers to a grouping of one or more elements, and the term “plurality” refers to multiple elements.

Referring to, a diagram of a tread-based machinein a sled training configuration is illustrated, according to an example embodiment. In examples, the tread-based machinemay be configurable to transition between (1) a first operation mode for sled training and (2) a second operation mode for traditional treadmill cardiovascular activity, such as cardiovascular activity on a curved, self-propelled, treadmill. In, the tread-based machineis in the first operation mode.

The tread-based machineincludes a frame. The frameincludes a front rollerand a back roller. In, the front rollerand the back rollerare depicted using dotted lines to emphasize that the front rollerand/or back rollerare internal to (e.g., integrated within) the frame. In examples, a support surfaceis positioned between the front rollerand the back roller. In examples, the support surfacemay define the configurable shape of the frame. For example, in, the support surfaceis flat, as the tread-based machineis in the first operation mode to support sled training. However, as depicted inwhere the tread-based machineis in the second operation mode to support traditional treadmill cardiovascular activity (e.g., running and/or walking), the support surfaceis curved.

In examples, a beltis wrapped around at least a portion of the front rollerand at least a portion of the back roller. In examples, movement of the beltcauses rotation of the front rollerand rotation of the back roller. For example, if a user of the tread-based machinewalks or runs on the belt, traction between the user's feet and the beltcauses the belt to move in the opposite direction of the user's movement. Additionally, the movement of the beltcauses the front rollerand/or back rollerto rotate such that the beltcontinuously revolves around the front rollerand/or back roller. In examples, the beltmay include anti-slip treads to provide traction between the user's feet and the belt. In some examples, the belt can comprise a plurality of slats having an elongate dimension in a lateral direction (e.g., transverse to a direction of motion of the belt). Slats of a belt can be connected via webbing that can be attached (e.g., screwed) to the slats, and webbings can be secured to the slates at opposite lateral sides of the slats to form a continuous belt. In some examples, a belt of a tread-based machine can be formed from a sheet of flexible material (e.g., a rubber or a polymer).

In examples, the tread-based machinemay include a left guard railA coupled to a left side of the frameand a right guard railB coupled to a right side of the frame. During operation of the tread-based machine, in examples, the guard railsA andB may be used to provide stability to the user. For example, the user may place their hands on the guard railsA andB as a balancing mechanism. As described in greater detail below, the guard railsA andB can include different controls (such as the resistance controller) that can be used to adjust the parameters of a workout on the tread-based machine.

In examples, the tread-based machinemay also include a leverthat is coupled to the frame. In examples, the levermay be configured to transition the tread-based machinebetween the first operation mode and the second operation mode. For example, when the leveris shifted into a first position, the tread-based machinemay transition to the first operation mode for sled training, as indicated by the support surfacewhen it is flat, as illustrated in. However, when the leveris shifted into a second position, in examples, the tread-based machinemay transition to the second operation mode for traditional treadmill cardiovascular activity (e.g., running and/or walking), as indicated by the support surfaceand the beltthat are curved, as illustrated in.

In examples, the tread-based machinemay include a back poleA coupled to a bottom side of the frameand proximate to the back roller. In examples, the tread-based machinemay also include a front poleB coupled to the bottom side of the frameand proximate to the front roller. In examples, when the leveris in the first position such that the tread-based machineis in the first operation mode, the back poleA and the front poleB may have substantially the same height. As a result, in examples, there may be a substantially small height difference between the front rollerand the back roller. However, in examples, when the leveris switched to the second position such that the tread-based machineis in the second operation mode, the front poleB may be extended upwards such that the front rolleris elevated, as depicted in Figuredand. Thus, in examples, the front poleB may have a first height during the first operation mode and a second height (e.g., that is greater than the first height) during the second operation mode. In some implementations, the height of the back poleA may also be adjusted to facilitate dual modes of operation.

In examples, the tread-based machinealso includes a sled postcoupled to a front side of the frame. For example, the sled postmay be proximate to the front roller. During the first operation mode (e.g., when the support surfaceis flat), the user of the tread-based machinemay hold on to the sled postto simulate sled training workouts. For example, during the first operation mode, the user may hold on to the sled postand move (e.g., walk or run) on the belt. If the user wants to engage in “push” sled training, the user may (1) face the front of the tread-based machine, hold on to the sled post, and move (e.g., walk or run) in a forward direction.

Alternatively, if the user wants to engage in “pull” sled training, the user may (1) attach a belt to their waist, couple a cable to the belt and to the attachment hook, face the back of the tread-based machine, and move in a forward direction. As depicted in, a sled pull attachment hookmay be coupled to the sled post. In some embodiments, if the user wants to engage in pull sled training, the user may couple a first end of a cable to the sled pull attachment hookand a second end of the cable to an accessory (e.g., a belt) wrapped around the user. In these embodiments, the user may face the back of the tread-based machineand walk in a forward direction for pull sled training. The “pull” force can be created by the tension in the cable.

In some implementations, a rear attachment hook may be located proximate to a rear of the tread-based machine. In these implementations, if the user wants to engage in “pull” sled training, the user may attach a belt to their waist, couple a cable to the belt and to the rear attachment hook, face the front of the tread-based machine, and move in a forward direction. Other examples are possible.

During the first operation mode, whether the user is engaging in push sled training or pull sled training, the resistance controllercan be configured to adjust an amount of resistance associated with the movement of the belt. For example, to increase the resistance (simulating an increase of weight being pushed or pulled during sled training), the user can adjust a setting on the resistance controller. Increasing the resistance makes it more difficult to move the belt. In examples, the resistance controllercan allow a user to control a magnetic powder brake (e.g., via an electrical signal), the magnetic powder brake applying a corresponding resistance to movement of any one of the rollers,and the belt. Similarly, to decrease the resistance (simulating a decrease of weight being pushed or pulled during sled training), in example, the user can adjust a setting on the resistance controller. Decreasing the resistance makes it easier to move the belt.

In examples, the tread-based machinealso includes at least one performance monitorcoupled to the frame. In examples, the performance monitormay be configured to display one or more metrics associated with a workout. As non-limiting examples, the one or more metrics may indicate a number of calories burned during the workout, including a simulated distance travelled during the workout, a simulated weight applied to the sled post, and/or a resistance or weight applied to the belt, etc. In examples, the simulated weight applied to the sled postmay be indicative of a resistance level selected using the resistance controller. Furthermore, although performance monitoris illustrated inas a single monitor, it should be readily apparent that the performance monitormay be implemented as a plurality of monitors (e.g., two monitors), each of which may display similar or different content than one another. Other examples are possible.

In examples, the tread-based machinemay also include one or more monitor buttonsintegrated into a performance monitor and configured to control which metrics are displayed on the performance monitor. In some implementations, a monitor may also be displayed proximate to the monitor buttonsso that the user can view the metrics when operating the tread-based machinein the second operation mode.

Referring to, a diagram of the tread-based machinein a treadmill configuration is illustrated, according to an example embodiment. In examples, the tread-based machinemay be configurable to transition between (1) a first operation mode for sled training and (2) a second operation mode for traditional treadmill cardiovascular activity. In, the tread-based machineis illustrated in the second operation mode.

In, where the tread-based machineis in the second operation mode to support traditional treadmill cardiovascular activity, the support surfaceand the beltare curved. To transition the tread-based machinefrom having a support surfacethat is flat (as depicted in) to having a support surfacethat is curved (as depicted in), in examples, the leveris shifted into the second position. In, where the support surfaceis in a first position (e.g., during the first operation mode), there is a first height difference between the front rollerand the back roller. However, as depicted in, where the support surfaceis in a second position (e.g., during the second operation mode), there is a second height difference, greater than the first height difference, between the front rollerand the back roller. In some examples when the support surfaceis in a second position (e.g., during the second operation mode), there is a second height difference, greater than the first height difference, between the front and back rollers,and the frame.

To facilitate a support surfacethat is curved, as depicted in, at least a portion of the framemay be flexible to enable bending of the support surface. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the frameis rigid.

During the second operation mode, in examples, the user may release their hands from postsattached to the guard railsA,B, and move (e.g., walk or run) on the belt. In examples, the resistance associated with movement of the beltmay be greatly reduced compared to the resistance during the first operation mode. As a result, during the second operation mode, in examples, the tread-based machinemay operate as a self-propelled treadmill. In examples, the beltcan circulate in either a first direction (e.g., points along the support surface can be moving generally toward the front roller) or a second direction opposite the first direction (e.g., points along the support surface can be moving generally toward the back roller) based on a user preference. For example, a user can drive a rotation of the beltin either of the first or second direction by initiating a resistance training routine and manually driving the beltin the desired direction (e.g. with the user's feet). In some cases, a direction of circulation of the beltcan be configurable by a user via a control (e.g., a button a lever, a knob, a switch, etc.). In examples, once the belt is circulating in a given direction, measured workout parameters (e.g., calories burned, distance travelled, force exerted, speed, etc.) can be sensed or calculated based on the rotational direction of the belt. In some cases, once the beltis rotating in a selected direction, a rotation in the opposite direction can be prevented (e.g., rollers,can be locked against rotation in the opposite direction) until the belthas been stationary for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, over 30 seconds, or over 60 seconds).

In some embodiments, the tread-based machinemay include a motor that is configured to cause the front rollerand the back rollerto rotate. In these embodiments, in examples, the tread-based machinemay operate as a motorized treadmill during the second operation mode. Furthermore, although not specifically illustrated in, the tread-based machinecan be operated in a third operation mode, including wherein the support surface is inclined during the third operation mode (e.g., in combination with either and/or both of the first and second operation modes). Other examples are possible.

Referring to, a diagram of the tread-based machinewith an adjustable sled post is illustrated, according to an example embodiment. In, the tread-based machineis in the sled training configuration.

As depicted in, the sled postmay include a plurality of distance adjustment openingsto accommodate users of varying sizes. To illustrate, the sled postmay include distance adjustment openingsA, distance adjustment openingsB, and other distance adjustment openings that are not specifically depicted in. In examples, the tread-based machinealso includes a foot pedalcoupled to the front side of the frame. In examples, depression of the foot pedalmay enable the sled postto move closer to the front side of the frameor farther from the front side of the frame. For example, to move the sled postrelatively close to the frame, the user may apply a downward force to the foot pedaland push the sled postcloser to the frameuntil a locking mechanism is inserted into the distance adjustment openingsB. In examples, to move the sled postfurther from the frame, the user may apply a downward force to the foot pedaland pull the sled postfrom the frame unit the locking mechanism is inserted into the distance adjustment openingsA. In some examples, a position of a sled post (e.g., sled post) can be variable in a vertical direction (e.g., up or down). Furthermore, in examples, the sled post may be adjustable in relation to one or more surfaces and/or portions of the tread-based machine (e.g., the front, back, and/or one or more sides of the tread-based machine). Other examples are possible.

Referring to, a diagram of the tread-based machinewith the adjustable sled post is illustrated, according to an example embodiment. In, the tread-based machineis in the treadmill configuration. In the treadmill configuration depicted in, the user of the tread-based machinemay bypass use of the adjustable sled postand may engage in traditional treadmill cardiovascular activity.

Referring to, a top view of the tread-based machineis illustrated, according to an example embodiment. In examples, the tread-based machinemay be configurable to transition between (1) a first operation mode for sled training and (2) a second operation mode for traditional treadmill cardiovascular activity.

In examples, the tread-based machinedescribed with respect tomay resolve the drawbacks associated with traditional sled training. For example, the tread-based machinereduces the need for a significant amount of indoor space and/or output space for sled training. In particular, the tread-based machinemay be similar in size to a traditional treadmill, and similar to a treadmill, while the user may be moving along on the belt, the tread-based machineremains stationary. Furthermore, the tread-based machinemay be stored indoors so that sled training is not subject to inclement weather and/or cold climates.

The resistance controllersimplifies the process of creating a desired resistance. Thus, the user may not have to add (or remove) weights to change the resistance. Rather, in examples, the user can change the resistance by adjusting a setting on the resistance controller(e.g., and thereby adjusting a resistance level of a magnetic powder brake), which improves convenience and saves time. In examples, the resistance controlleralso eliminates friction discrepancies that typically occur when using a sled on different surfaces. Furthermore, because the tread-based machineincludes the performance monitorand/or a performance monitor proximate to the monitor buttonsto track metrics, such as calories burned, distance travelled, etc., in examples, the tread-based machinereduces the need for the user to have dedicated tools to track different exercise metrics.

illustrates a flow chart of a method, according to an example embodiment.

The methodincludes building a frame of a tread-based machine, at block. The frame includes a front roller, a back roller, and a support surface positioned between the front roller and the back roller. The support surface is flat during a first operation mode for the tread-based machine, and the support surface is curved during a second operation mode for the tread-based machine. In some examples, building a frame can include assembling the tread-based machinedescribed above, and shown in. In some cases, building a frame can include assembling the tread assemblydescribed below and shown in. For example, building a frame can include installing the belt frame assembly shown inbetween track adjustment mechanisms,, and positioning a belt between the track adjustment mechanisms,so as to circulate over front wheels, rear wheels, and rollers,. In some examples, building a frame can include installing cams within track adjustment mechanisms (e.g., installing camsin track adjustment mechanisms,, as shown in), and positioning track support members (e.g., lateral rods shown in) to be movable vertically in response to a movement of the cams. In some cases, building a frame of a tread-based machine can include any assembly step required to assembly a tread assembly (e.g., the tread assemblyshown in) or a tread-based machine.

The methodalso includes coupling a sled post to a front side of the frame, at block. In some examples, a method does not include coupling a sled post to a frame.

The methodalso includes integrating a resistance controller onto the tread-based machine, at block. The resistance controller is usable to adjust an amount of resistance associated with the movement of the belt. In some examples, a resistance controller can adjust a rotational resistance at front or rear rollers of a tread-based machine. For example, a resistance controller can control a brake that is operably coupled to a front or back roller (e.g., front or back rollers,shown in, front or rear wheels,shown in, and, etc.). In some examples, the resistance controller can be a manual controller. In some examples, a resistance controller (e.g., controllershown in) can be an electrical controller, and can control a brake (e.g., brakeshown in, a magnetic powder brake, other types of brakes, etc.) via electrical signals to control a resistance of a roller.

The methodof building the tread-based machinedescribed with respect tomay resolve the drawbacks associated with traditional sled training. For example, the tread-based machinereduces the need for a significant amount of indoor space and/or output space for sled training. In particular, the tread-based machinemay be similar in size to a traditional treadmill, and similar to a treadmill, while the user may be moving along on the belt, the tread-based machineremains stationary. Furthermore, the tread-based machinemay be stored indoors so that sled training is not subject to inclement weather and/or cold climates.