US 12,226,667 B2
Omnidirectional treadmill system
Mark Joseph Hanfland, Brentwood, TN (US)
Filed by Mark Joseph Hanfland, Brentwood, TN (US)
Filed on Jan. 17, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/097,831.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/300,083, filed on Jan. 17, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0226404 A1, Jul. 20, 2023
Int. Cl. A63B 22/02 (2006.01); A63B 24/00 (2006.01)
CPC A63B 22/02 (2013.01) [A63B 24/0087 (2013.01); A63B 2022/0271 (2013.01); A63B 2024/0096 (2013.01); A63B 2220/806 (2013.01)] 9 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An omnidirectional treadmill system, comprising: a tread membrane stretched around a torus-shaped inflated inner core, wherein the inflated inner core applies tension to the tread membrane, forming a taut, flat surface optimized for user locomotion; a plurality of ball casters symmetrically attached to an outer surface of the inflated inner core forming a continuous low-friction barrier by pushing outward against the interior of the tread membrane to add tension, thereby enabling smooth and seamless omnidirectional movement of the tread membrane relative to the inner core; wherein the tread membrane and the torus-shaped inflated inner core rest on a rigid, rotational sphere, slightly raised relative to a surrounding structure, wherein the sphere applies additional tension to the tread membrane by interacting with its underside, thereby enhancing stability, reducing slippage, and improving weight distribution; and
wherein the sphere is driven by a holonomic drive system comprising a plurality of independently controllable motors enabling precise and independent movement of the tread membrane in multiple directions.