A dynamic belt-tensioning apparatus for a treadmill includes a base having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end. A foot-striking platform is movably supported by the base so as to allow for vertical movement of the platform during operation of the treadmill. A drive belt has a fixed circumference and is positioned above a top portion of the platform. A drive roller is pivotally mounted adjacent to the first end of the base and engages the drive belt. A bell crank is pivotally coupled to the platform such that pivoting of the bell crank translates into movement of a tensioning roller that is pivotally mounted to the base and that is capable of a range of movement to provide substantially constant tension to the drive belt in response to vertical movement of the platform.

A treadmill has a base with a vertically displaceable platform. A mechanism is provided that resists the downward movement of the platform in response to a load applied to the platform. The mechanism also rebounds the platform upwardly with a force applied to the platform in response to a decrease of a load on the platform. A support structure enables stable vertical positioning of the platform with respect to the base.

A fitness machine operable by a user. The fitness machine includes a base that extends in a length direction, a width direction, and a height direction that are perpendicular to each other. A mobile portion is configured to support the user during operation of the fitness machine. A resilient body is configured to provide a resistance against the mobile portion moving towards the base in the height direction. A frame is moveable in the length direction relative to the base to adjust the resistance provided by the resilient body. A fastener assembly moveably couples the frame to the base, where the fastener assembly is configured to expand in the width direction to prevent the frame from moving in the width direction relative to the base during operation of the fitness machine.

A cordless treadmill including a frame, a belt system. and a drop-in cartridge is disclosed. The cartridge includes a plurality of staggered rollers configured to provide tactile feedback to the user. The frame is adapted to receive the belt system and the cartridge as they are lowered into the frame, and the frame is adapted to place the belt of the belt system into tension as the belt system is lowered into the frame. An integrated flywheel generator system provides smooth operation of the treadmill and generates electricity to power additional systems.

An exercise treadmill includes a frame, an endless belt, and a motor assembly for guiding the belt between front and rear ends of the frame while a user walks or runs on the belt. An impact absorbing assembly is supported beneath a region of the treadmill belt impacted by the user's feet when the user walks or runs on the belt. The assembly has physical properties that serve to define degrees of damping or springiness of the belt in the region impacted by the user. A control system including a user interface is coupled to the absorbing assembly, and the system is configured and operative to vary the physical properties of the assembly in response to an output from the user interface. The region of treadmill belt impacted by the user's feet then simulates a desired one of a number of different surfaces entered by the user on the interface.

A treadmill has a base with a vertically displaceable platform. A mechanism is provided that resists the downward movement of the platform in response to a load applied to the platform. The mechanism also rebounds the platform upwardly with a force applied to the platform in response to a decrease of a load on the platform. A support structure enables stable vertical positioning of the platform with respect to the base.

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 cordless treadmill including a frame, a belt system, and a drop-in cartridge is disclosed. The cartridge includes a plurality of staggered rollers configured to provide tactile feedback to the user. The frame is adapted to receive the belt system and the cartridge as they are lowered into the frame, and the frame is adapted to place the belt of the belt system into tension as the belt system is lowered into the frame. An integrated flywheel generator system provides smooth operation of the treadmill and generates electricity to power additional systems.

A treadmill has a base with a vertically displaceable platform. A mechanism is provided that resists the downward movement of the platform in response to a load applied to the platform. The mechanism also rebounds the platform upwardly with a force applied to the platform in response to a decrease of a load on the platform. A support structure enables stable vertical positioning of the platform with respect to the base.

A fitness machine operable by a user. The fitness machine has a base and a mobile portion that moves relative to the base during operation. A resilient body resists movement of the mobile portion towards the base in a height direction. The resilient body has a length defined in a length direction that is perpendicular to the height direction. The length of the resilient body increases when the mobile portion moves towards the base. An end stop is operable to prevent the length of the resilient body from increasing beyond a set maximum. The end stop is moveable to adjust the set maximum for the length of the resilient body, where a resistance provided by the resilient body to resist movement of the mobile portion towards the base is unaffected by moving the end stop when the length of the resilient member is less than the set maximum.