Apparatus, system, and method for a flexible treadmill 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.
1. A treadmill comprising:
a frame;
a continuous belt supported by the frame;
a plurality of suspension connectors pivotally connected to the frame to allow rotation of the plurality of suspension connectors in a vertical plane, the plurality of suspension connectors comprising a first suspension connector and a second suspension connector;
a flexible deck disposed within the continuous belt and connected to the plurality of suspension connectors; and
an intermediate support disposed between the frame and the flexible deck and between the first suspension connector and the second suspension connector;
wherein:
the flexible deck is configured to flex in response to a load applied by a user striding on the continuous belt;
each of the plurality of suspension connectors includes a suspension pivot configured to allow pivoting of the flexible deck around the suspension pivot;
the flexible deck and the continuous belt form a support surface for the user; and
the frame extends from a first end of the support surface to a second end of the support surface.
2. The treadmill of claim 1 , wherein the intermediate support has an adjustable stiffness.
3. The treadmill of claim 2 , wherein the intermediate support comprises a removable stiffener.
4. The treadmill of claim 2 , wherein a position of the intermediate support relative to the flexible deck is adjustable.
5. The treadmill of claim 2 , wherein the intermediate support is selected from a group consisting of: a fluid damper, an air spring, and a magnetorheological damper.
6. The treadmill of claim 2 , wherein the intermediate support is adjustable in response to determining a weight of the user.
7. The treadmill of claim 2 , wherein the intermediate support is adjustable in response to a user input.
8. The treadmill of claim 1 , wherein the first suspension connector is disposed at a first end of the flexible deck and the second suspension connector is disposed at an opposing second end of the flexible deck.
9. The treadmill of claim 1 , wherein the intermediate support comprises a polyurethane bumper.
10. The treadmill of claim 1 , wherein the intermediate support is disposed on one of two opposing sides of the frame.
11. The treadmill of claim 1 , wherein the intermediate support comprises at least two intermediate supports, disposed on two opposing sides of the frame.
12. A method of manufacturing a treadmill, the method comprising:
providing a frame;
providing a continuous belt supported by the frame;
pivotally connecting a plurality of suspension connectors to the frame to allow rotation of the plurality of suspension connectors in a vertical plane, the plurality of suspension connectors comprising a first suspension connector and a second suspension connector;
positioning a flexible deck within the continuous belt to form a support surface and attaching the flexible deck to the plurality of suspension connectors; and
disposing an intermediate support between the flexible deck and the frame and between the first suspension connector and the second suspension connector, wherein the frame extends from a first end of the support surface to a second end of the support surface.