A treadmill including a frame, a suspension connector, a flexible deck, and a belt. The suspension connector is connected to the frame. The flexible deck is connected to the suspension connector. The flexible deck includes a metal panel extending substantially an entire width and length of the flexible deck. The belt is disposed on the flexible deck.

A treadmill including a frame, a suspension connector connected to the frame, and a flexible deck connected to the suspension connector. The flexible deck is configured to flex in response to a load applied by a user striding on the treadmill. The suspension connector includes a suspension pivot that allows rotation of the flexible deck around the suspension pivot.

A computerized treadmill is provided. The treadmill deck may be fully suspended by a plurality of air suspension elements, such as bellows. The bellows may be pressurized by a computer-controlled compressor feeding a central air reservoir to which each bellows is connected via air hose. The bellows may be dampened to control expansion. A double hinge connecting the deck with frame may control lateral movement and reduce lateral load on the bellows. Incline and decline mechanisms facilitate a variety of deck angles. Control of the treadmill may be by computer, whether integrated or modular, whether traditional, laptop, tablet or smart phone. Control of the treadmill and conveyance of information associated with treadmill operation may be integrated with computer or smart phone applications, whether dedicated or third party.

A variable stiffness treadmill system having a variable stiffness mechanism, a split-belt treadmill, a counterweight system, and a body weight support for supporting an individual and varying the stiffness below the individual on the treadmill for research and rehabilitation.

Provided is a treadmill. The treadmill includes a shock absorbing portion configured to absorb a shock applied to a deck. The shock absorbing portion includes a second anti-vibration rubber portion having a third surface fixed to a frame and a fourth surface fixed to the deck. The third and fourth surfaces are perpendicular to a plate surface direction of the deck. The second anti-vibration rubber portion includes a first anti-vibration sub-rubber having the third surface, a second anti-vibration sub-rubber having the fourth surface, and a plate located between the first anti-vibration sub-rubber and the second anti-vibration sub-rubber. The plate located between the first anti-vibration sub-rubber and the second anti-vibration sub-rubber has a greater hardness than the first and second anti-vibration sub-rubbers.

Provided is a treadmill. The treadmill includes a shock absorbing portion configured to absorb a shock applied to a deck. The shock absorbing portion includes a second anti-vibration rubber portion having a third surface fixed to a frame and a fourth surface fixed to the deck. The third and fourth surfaces are perpendicular to a plate surface direction of the deck. The second anti-vibration rubber portion includes a first anti-vibration sub-rubber having the third surface, a second anti-vibration sub-rubber having the fourth surface, and a plate located between the first anti-vibration sub-rubber and the second anti-vibration sub-rubber. The plate located between the first anti-vibration sub-rubber and the second anti-vibration sub-rubber has a greater hardness than the first and second anti-vibration sub-rubbers.

Provided is a treadmill. The treadmill includes a shock absorbing portion configured to absorb a shock applied to a deck. The shock absorbing portion includes a second anti-vibration rubber portion having a third surface fixed to a frame and a fourth surface fixed to the deck. The third and fourth surfaces are perpendicular to a plate surface direction of the deck. The second anti-vibration rubber portion includes a first anti-vibration sub-rubber having the third surface, a second anti-vibration sub-rubber having the fourth surface, and a plate located between the first anti-vibration sub-rubber and the second anti-vibration sub-rubber. The plate located between the first anti-vibration sub-rubber and the second anti-vibration sub-rubber has a greater hardness than the first and second anti-vibration sub-rubbers.

A treadmill may include a platform, at least one pulley attached to the platform, a sliding surface of the platform, a tread belt riding portion of the sliding surface, a tread belt surrounding the pulley and the sliding surface, the tread belt having at least one side edge, and a belt guide incorporated into the platform. The belt guide includes a textured portion of the sliding surface aligned with the side edge of the tread belt and spaced apart therefrom when the tread belt is positioned entirely within the tread belt riding portion. When the textured portion comes into contact the tread belt from the tread belt being misaligned out of the tread belt riding portion, the tread belt and the textured portion collectively produce a misalignment sound audible to a user when the tread belt moves against the sliding surface.

A gait training device includes a treadmill including a belt and rolling parts, and a frame on which the treadmill is mounted, the rolling parts including: a plurality of balls distributed around a central core, and a cage enclosing the plurality of balls in order to keep the balls on the central core while allowing them to be movable relative to the central core, the belt being able to slide over the balls and rotate the balls on the central core.

A cushioning system for an exercise device such as a treadmill, and particularly a slat treadmill, that utilizes a springboard effect in mounting the tread deck to provide cushioning to the running surface.