1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to treadmills and, more particularly, the treadmills that have a tread base which is reorientable from a first exercise position to a second storage position within the cabinet, which cabinet includes latching structure for latching the tread base in the cabinet.
2. State of the Art
Exercise treadmills typically include a frame having a left side and a right side spaced apart from the left side and in general alignment therewith. A rigid deck is also typically secured between the left side and the right side. A front roller and rear roller are typically connected to and extend between the left side and the right side forward and rearward of the deck. An endless belt is trained around the front roller and the rear roller. The user exercises on the treadmill by walking, jogging or running on the endless belt on top of a deck underlying the endless belt.
Typical treadmills also include surface engaging structure to support the treadmill on a support surface. The surface engaging structure typically includes feet positioned proximate the rear of the treadmill and feet positioned proximate the front of treadmill. The front feet or the rear feet may be operable to vary the inclination of the treadmill with respect to the support surface. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,913,396 (Dalebout et al.) discloses a system for varying or adjusting the incline of a treadmill through the use of a pneumatic cylinder. U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,725 (Watterson et al.) discloses an alternate arrangement for varying the inclination of a treadmill.
Treadmills also include handles or other upright structure such as that shown in U.S. Des. Pat. No. 304,849 (Watterson), U.S. Des. Pat. No. 306,468 (Watterson), U.S. Des. Pat. No. 306,891 (Watterson), U.S. Des. Pat. No. 316,124 (Dalebout et al.), U.S. Des. Pat. No. 318,699 (Jacobson et al.), U.S. Des. Pat. No. 323,198 (Dalebout et al.), and U.S. Des. Pat. No. 323,199 (Dalebout et al.). Reorientation or repositioning of the upright structure to facilitate storage has also been disclosed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,380 (Jacobson et al.) shows a treadmill in which a center post may be reoriented from an upright operating position to a lowered position in alignment with the treadmill and with the belt or deck. U.S. Des. Pat. No. 211,801 (Quinton) shows a treadmill with structure that may be moved from an upright position to a lowered position in general alignment with the treadmill belt or deck. U.S. Patent Des. 207,541 shows a treadmill that may be reoriented from a horizontal operating condition to an upright storage position.
Storing exercise equipment inside a cabinet or other enclosure is also known. U.S. Pat. No. 4,300,761 (Howard) shows an exercise bench which may be repositioned interior a cabinet for purposes of storage. U.S. Pat. No. 3,741,538 (Lewis et al.) shows an arrangement in which the exercising structure is folded upright for storage against a wall surface. U.S. Pat. No. 3,642,279 (Cutter) shows a treadmill in which an upright structure may be reoriented to be generally in alignment with the endless belt for purposes of reorienting the treadmill to an upright or storage configuration.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,679,787 (Guilbault) shows a bed combined with a treadmill or rolling structure in which the bed is positioned over the top of the treadmill or rolling structure for purposes of storage. U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,987 (Allemand) shows a treadmill which may be reconfigured into a compact foldable structure which may, in turn, be transported. U.S. Pat. No. 4,066,257 (Moller) shows a treadmill positioned within a cabinet that is secured to a wall and reoriented between an upright stored position and an extended or horizontal position for use.