Upright foldable treadmill
View Patent ↗A foldable treadmill is designed to automatically collapse into an upright position for compact storage and efficient space utilization. Featuring small wheels and a low-profile upright form, it can be seamlessly rolled and stored beneath or adjacent to a desk, minimizing spatial intrusion and preserving legroom for seated users. The treadmill transitions automatically from its upright storage position to a deployed configuration on the floor, positioned for convenient use in front of a workstation. Engineered to facilitate low-speed walking while working, it supports an active and ergonomic work environment. Compatible with both height-adjustable and standard fixed-height desks, this innovative treadmill enables users to integrate movement into their daily routines, mitigating the adverse effects of prolonged sedentary behavior and promoting workplace health and productivity.
1. A treadmill for use with a desk and being configured to fold into an upright position from a deployed state, the treadmill comprising:
an inner segment positioned proximate to the desk when the treadmill is in the deployed state;
an outer segment positioned distally to the desk and aligned with the inner segment when the treadmill is in the deployed state;
a middle segment hingedly connected at a first end to the inner segment and at a second, opposite end to the outer segment;
two telescoping linear actuators, each of the two telescoping linear actuators being attached at only two points, including to the inner segment at a first end of the corresponding telescoping linear actuator and to the outer segment at a second end of the corresponding telescoping linear actuator and being configured to facilitate folding of the treadmill into the upright position; and
wheels positioned at opposing ends of the treadmill to enable mobility of the treadmill.
2. The treadmill of claim 1 , wherein the middle segment comprises two sub-segments.
3. The treadmill of claim 1 , wherein the two telescoping linear actuators are not directly coupled to the middle segment.
4. The treadmill of claim 1 , wherein each of the two telescoping linear actuators includes a telescoping arm receivable within a cylinder.
5. The treadmill of claim 1 , wherein the first end of each telescoping linear actuator is disposed a first fixed distance from the middle segment, and the second end of each telescoping linear actuator is disposed a second fixed distance from the middle segment, the second fixed distance being larger than the first fixed distance.