U.S. patent application number 11/801228 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-13 for folding elliptical exercise machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Spark Innovations, Inc.. Invention is credited to Steve A. Copeland, Robert G. Dickie.
Application Number | 20080280735 11/801228 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39970057 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080280735 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dickie; Robert G. ; et
al. |
November 13, 2008 |
Folding elliptical exercise machine
Abstract
An elliptical exercise machine having a frame that is adjustable
between an operational position and a folded position. The frame
includes a base that remains in constant contact with a floor
surface when the frame is in both the operational and folded
positions. A first mast section extends upwardly and outwardly away
from the base. A second mast section is pivotally connected to an
upper end of the first mast section. The second mast section is
pivoted into vertical alignment with the first mast section when
the frame is adjusted into the operational position and is pivoted
downwardly toward the base when the frame is adjusted into the
folded position. First and second swing arm assemblies are
pivotally mounted between the second mast section and a flywheel
that is mounted on the base. Handlebars are pivotally mounted on
the first and second swing arms. The handlebars are adjustable in
orientation so as to reduce the overall dimensions of the
elliptical exercise machine when it is to be folded. A decorative
cover, which preferably resembles a wooden coffee table, is
positioned over the exercise machine when in the folded position.
The exercise machine therefore can be stored in plain sight. The
cover is removed when the exercise machine is to be adjusted into
the operational position.
Inventors: |
Dickie; Robert G.;
(Newmarket, CA) ; Copeland; Steve A.; (Barrie,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SAND & SEBOLT
AEGIS TOWER, SUITE 1100, 4940 MUNSON STREET, NW
CANTON
OH
44718-3615
US
|
Assignee: |
Spark Innovations, Inc.
King City
CA
|
Family ID: |
39970057 |
Appl. No.: |
11/801228 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/62 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2210/06 20130101;
A63B 2022/067 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 22/0664
20130101; A63B 22/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/62 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/12 20060101
A63B022/12 |
Claims
1. An elliptical exercise machine comprising: a frame adjustable
between an operational position and a folded position, said frame
comprising: a base; a first mast section extending upwardly from
the base; a second mast section pivotally connected to the first
mast section; said second mast section being pivotable relative to
the first mast section when the frame is adjusted into the
operational position, and being pivotable toward the base when the
frame is adjusted into the folded position; a rotatable flywheel;
and a first and a second swing arm assembly; wherein a first end of
each of the first and second swing arm assemblies is pivotally
mounted to the second mast section and a second end of each of the
first and second assemblies is operatively connected to the
flywheel.
2. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 1, wherein
the base further comprises: a first support adapted to contact the
floor surface; wherein said first mast section is fixedly mounted
on the base proximate the first support; a second support adapted
to contact the floor surface; wherein the flywheel is mounted on
the base spaced from the first support; and a frame member rigidly
extending between the first and second supports.
3. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 1, further
comprising a pair of handlebars, each handlebar being mounted on
one of the first and second swing arms; and wherein said handlebars
are adjustable relative to the first and second swing arms between
a first orientation when the frame is in the operational position;
and a second orientation when the frame is in the folded
position.
4. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 3, wherein
each handlebar comprises: a sleeve fixedly connected to one of the
first and second swing arm assemblies; and a bar adjustably engaged
with the sleeve; and wherein the orientation of the handlebars is
changed between the first and second orientations thereof by moving
the bar of each handlebar relative to the sleeve.
5. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 4, wherein
the bar of each handlebar is rotatable within a bore in the sleeve
to move the handlebars between the first and second orientations;
and wherein the machine further comprises a locking mechanism for
locking the bar in one of the first and second orientations
relative to the sleeve.
6. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 5, wherein
each bar includes at least a first portion and a second portion
that are disposed at an angle relative to each other.
7. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 1, wherein
the base remains in constant contact with a floor surface when the
frame is in both the operational and folded positions.
8. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 3, wherein
each handlebar includes a terminal end; and wherein the terminal
ends are a first distance apart when the handlebars are in the
first orientation, and are a second distance apart when the
handlebars are in the second orientation; and wherein the first
distance is greater than the second distance.
9. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 8, wherein
the base further comprises: a first support adapted to contact a
floor surface; a second support having a length and being adapted
to contact the floor surface at a position remote from the first
support; a frame member rigidly extending between the first and
second supports; and when the handlebars are in the second
orientation, the terminal ends thereof are disposed proximate the
second support and the second distance is substantially equal to
the length of the second support.
10. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 9, wherein
the terminal ends of the handlebars are disposed on either side of
the flywheel when the frame is in the folded position.
11. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 9, wherein
the first distance between the terminal ends of the handlebars is
greater than the length of the second support.
12. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 10, wherein
the terminal ends of the handlebars do not extend beyond the second
support when the frame is in the folded position.
13. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 1, further
comprising a latch for securing the first and second mast sections
together when the frame is in an operational position.
14. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 2, further
comprising a stop plate fixedly secured to the first support of the
base and extending upwardly away therefrom; and, when the frame is
in a folded position, the stop plate engages a portion of each of
the first and second swing arms to substantially prevent the same
from extending beyond the first support.
15. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 14, wherein
each of the first and second swing arm assemblies comprises: a
first leg that is pivotally secured to the second mast section; a
second leg that is operative connected to the flywheel; and an
elbow pivotally securing the first and second legs together.
16. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 15, wherein
the first leg is foldable over the second leg when the frame is
adjusted from the operational position to the folded position.
17. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 16, wherein
the stop plate engages the elbows of the first and second swing arm
assemblies when the frame is in the folded position; thereby
preventing movement of the first and second swing arm assemblies
relative to the base; and the stop plate does not engage the elbows
of the first and second swing arm assemblies when the frame is in
the operational position, thereby permitting movement of the first
and second swing arms relative to the base.
18. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 1, further
comprising an outer shell, said outer shell having a top wall and a
plurality of side walls extending outwardly away from said top wall
to define and surround an interior cavity; and wherein said frame
is receivable within the interior cavity when the frame is in the
folded position; whereby the folded frame is hidden from view.
19. The elliptical exercise machine as defined in claim 18, wherein
the outer shell has a decorative appearance of a piece of
furniture.
20. In combination; a cover comprising a top wall and a peripheral
wall extending downwardly therefrom to define a substantially
rectangular cavity thereinbetween; wherein said top and peripheral
walls have a decorative outer appearance; an elliptical exercise
machine that is collapsible from an operational position where the
device is used for exercise purposes to a foldable position where
the device is reduced in overall outer dimensions and is received
within the cavity in the cover; whereby said cover and folded
elliptical exercise machine become a decorative cover and the
elliptical exercise machine is stored away from view.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] This invention generally relates to exercise equipment. More
particularly, the invention relates to elliptical machines.
Specifically, the invention relates to an elliptical machine that
is foldable for storage and which includes a storage box that
resembles a coffee table.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] There is a growing trend in the fitness industry for
equipment that is suitable for use in the home, especially pieces
of equipment such as treadmills and elliptical machines. Elliptical
machines are a popular choice as home exercise equipment as they
give both the upper body and lower body an effective, low impact
workout.
[0005] One of the key issues that people face when elliptical
machines and similar pieces of equipment are brought into their
homes is that of space. A good quality elliptical machine will be
around 80 inches in length, have a width of between 32 and 36
inches, a height of around 63 inches and weigh anywhere from 190
lbs upwards. Obviously, there also needs for clearance space
surrounding the actual machine so that a person may get safely on
to and off from the machine. Basements tend to be one of the more
typical places in the home to place exercise equipment because of
the space constraints. However, exercising alone in a basement away
from the center of activity in the home tends to be tedious.
Additionally, because the elliptical machine is out of sight, it is
easy for one to forget to exercise on a regular basis.
[0006] Bringing this type of space-utilizing device into a living
room or family room causes two problems. Firstly, these pieces of
equipment are not aesthetically pleasing and would be considered to
be an eyesore in such a communal type of room. Secondly, the
quantity of space in the room that is occupied by such devices is
unacceptable.
[0007] Many manufacturers have attempted to address these issues by
providing home-use elliptical machines that are foldable so that
they will take up less space. One such home-use version of a
foldable elliptical machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,149,551 and 6,190,289, both issued to Pyles et al. Pyles et al
teaches that an elliptical machine may be reduced in dimensions by
pivoting the pedal arms and/or the rails on which the arms ride
upwardly toward a vertically extending mast. The device is
therefore moved from an operational position into a vertically
folded position. This mechanism for folding the elliptical machine
does reduce the amount of floor space that the machine will occupy
when not in use, but considering that the height of a mast for an
elliptical machine is typically around five to six feet high, the
folded machine would remain an eyesore in any room. Pyles et al
discloses that the machine may also be provided with a plurality of
wheels that will enable the homeowner to wheel the vertically
folded device across a surface and into a suitable storage
location, such as a closet.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,917 issued to Chen discloses an
elliptical device in which the mast or handle comprises an upper
and a lower portion that are pivotally connected together. The
machine includes a pin mechanism that, when released, allows the
upper portion of the handle to be folded downwardly over the swing
arms. This folding mechanism somewhat addresses the mast height
issue, but does not reduce the amount of floor space that the
machine occupies. Even when the machine has been moved into a
folded position the swing arms project beyond the length of the
supporting base and are hazardous to people walking past the
machine. Once again, the machine is provided with wheels to allow
it to be moved into a storage area because keeping the device in a
high traffic area would be unacceptable from both an aesthetic and
space point of view.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,554 issued to Eschenbach discloses a
collapsible exercise device in which the handle is pivoted
downwardly to abut the pedal arms. When this occurs, the frame is
actually elongated to ensure that the folded device has the lowest
possible height so that it may be stored under a bed, for example.
Consequently, the device occupies even more floor space when it is
folded than when it is operational.
[0010] Furthermore, elliptical machines sold under the trademark
PRO FORM SPACE SAVER.RTM., a registered trademark of Icon Health
& Fitness of West Logan, Utah, have a base frame that comprises
two pivotally connected sections. The mast extends upwardly from
the first section and a flywheel is mounted on the second section.
When the device is to be folded for storage purposes, the pivot
arms are detached from the flywheel and the second section of the
base is pivoted over the first section of the base toward the mast.
This reduces the length of the base, but does not address the
height issue of the mast.
[0011] Similarly, elliptical machines sold by Sharper Image
Corporation of San Francisco, Calif., also include a pivoting base
section that is folded upwardly onto the mast of the device. The
device is therefore of a low profile, but of an elongated length
and cannot be simply left in the middle of a room.
[0012] Though some of the elliptical machines disclosed in the
prior art may be folded up, they are still aesthetically
displeasing and do not enhance the appearance of a room, such as a
living room or family room, that is frequently used. While yet
other machines may be folded up and wheeled away for storage
purposes, it is problematic for the home exerciser to have to move
the machine back and forth between the storage location and the use
location. Additionally, it is also more likely that if a person has
wheeled their elliptical machine into some sort of storage
location, they will be less inclined to retrieve the elliptical
machine in order to exercise because of the effort involved in
setting the elliptical machine back in an appropriate location.
[0013] There is therefore a need in the art for an elliptical
machine that is substantial and sturdy in construction that is
foldable to reduce the amount of space it occupies when not in use,
but which does not need to be placed in a remote storage location
in order to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the room.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The device of the present invention comprises an exercise
machine having a frame that is adjustable between an operational
position and a folded position. The frame includes a base that
remains in constant contact with a floor surface when the frame is
in both the operational and folded positions. A first mast section
extends upwardly and outwardly away from the base. A second mast
section is pivotally connected to an upper end of the first mast
section. The second mast section is pivoted into vertical alignment
with the first mast section when the frame is adjusted into the
operational position and is pivoted downwardly toward the base when
the frame is adjusted into the folded position. First and second
swing arm assemblies are pivotally mounted between the second mast
section and a flywheel that is mounted on the base. Handlebars are
pivotally mounted on the first and second swing arms. The
handlebars are adjustable in orientation so as to reduce the
overall dimensions of the exercise machine when it is to be folded.
A decorative cover, which preferably resembles a wooden coffee
table, is positioned over the exercise machine when in the folded
position. The exercise machine therefore can be stored in plain
sight. The cover is removed when the exercise machine is to be
adjusted into the operational position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of
the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the
principles, are set forth in the following description and are
shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed
out and set forth in the appended claims.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the folding elliptical
machine in accordance with the present invention shown in a fully
folded position;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the elliptical machine
of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the elliptical machine in
the fully folded position, and having a portion of the outer shell
removed for the sake of clarity;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of the elliptical machine shown in
FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the elliptical machine in
the fully folded position and with the entire cover removed
therefrom;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a front view of the elliptical machine in the
fully folded position with the cover entirely removed;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a top view of the elliptical machine in the fully
folded position with the cover entirely removed;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a left side view of the elliptical machine in the
fully folded position with the cover entirely removed;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a right side view of the elliptical machine in the
fully folded position with the cover entirely removed;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the elliptical
machine in the operational position;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a front view of the elliptical machine in the
operational position;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a top view of the elliptical machine in the
operational position;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a left side view of the elliptical machine in the
operational position; and
[0029] FIG. 14 is a right side view of the elliptical machine in
the operational position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 14, there is shown an exercise
machine in accordance with the present invention. The exercise
machine is shown in a folded or storage position in FIGS. 1-9 and
is generally indicated at 10. The exercise machine is shown in an
operational position in FIGS. 10-14.
[0031] Exercise machine 10 includes an outer shell 12 that is
configured to have the appearance of a piece of furniture and, most
specifically, the appearance of a coffee table. Shell 12 has a top
14, four side walls 16 extending outwardly therefrom and defining
an interior cavity 18 (FIG. 3) thereinbetween. An elliptical
machine 20, in accordance with the present invention, is stored
within cavity 18 of shell 12 when machine 20 is in a folded
position. At least one of the side walls of shell 12, such as side
wall 16a, may include trim pieces that are configured to create the
illusion of a drawer 22. Handles 23 are applied to side wall 16a to
complete the illusion. Any other decorative features may be
provided on shell 12 to create an aesthetically appealing piece of
furniture. Shell 12 may be formed from any suitable material
including wood, plywood with a wood veneer and melamine-laminated
particle board. Preferably, shell 12 is around 20'' high.times.36''
long.times.20'' wide and ways around 15 lbs so that it is easily
lifted off and placed over elliptical machine 20. Shell 12 is
designed to not only hide elliptical machine 20 in plain view, but
is also designed to serve as a useful and decorative piece of
furniture.
[0032] Elliptical machine 20 is adjustable between the folded
position (FIGS. 3-9) and an operational position (FIGS. 10-14).
FIGS. 3 and 4 show elliptical machine 20 with outer shell 12 in
place and FIGS. 5-9 show elliptical machine 20 with outer shell 12
completely removed therefrom.
[0033] Elliptical machine 20 comprises a frame member 24, a mast
26, a pair of handlebars 28, a pair of swing arms 30, a pair of
footrests 32 and a flywheel 34.
[0034] Frame member 24 comprises a base 36 that is elongated and
terminates in a front floor support 38 at a first end and a rear
floor support 40 at a second end. FIGS. 3-5 show that base 36 is an
elongated bar of steel or some other suitably strong material. Base
36 is not planar, but is instead formed with one or more angled
portions to reinforce and strengthen the same. Front and rear floor
supports 38, 40 are disposed at right angles to base 36 so that
when frame member 24 is viewed from above, it is generally
I-shaped. A plate 42 is welded or otherwise secured to front floor
support 38. Plate 42 is secured along substantially the entire
length of front floor support 38 and extends upwardly away
therefrom for a distance. Plate 42 is provided on front floor
support 38 to prevent the lower ends of swing arms 30 from moving
forwardly of mast 26 when elliptical machine 20 is in the folded
position as will be hereinafter described. This maintains flywheel
34 in the folded or storage position. Base 36 of frame member 24
has a length "L" (FIG. 4) and front and rear floor supports 38, 40
have a width "W" (FIGS. 7 and 12).
[0035] Mast 26 extends upwardly away from base 36 of frame member
24 just rearwardly of front floor support 38. Mast 26 comprises a
lower mast portion 44 and an upper mast portion 46 that are
pivotally secured to each other at pivot 48. Lower mast portion 44
is welded or otherwise fixedly secured to base 36 and preferably
includes a braced region 50 to provide strength and stability to
mast 26. An end 52 of lower mast portion 44 extends upwardly for a
short distance beyond pivot 48. This is most easily seen when
elliptical machine 20 is in the folded position and mast 26 is
therefore in the folded position (FIG. 4). Upper mast portion 46
includes a recessed region 54 (FIG. 7) into which end 52 is
received when elliptical machine 20 is adjusted into the
operational position. A spring-loaded slam latch 56 is provided on
upper mast portion 46. When upper mast portion 46 is rotated from a
folded position (FIG. 4) to an operational position (FIG. 10),
latch 56 automatically is engaged and securely locks lower and
upper mast portions 44, 46 together. Knob 58 (FIG. 4) has to be
vertically lifted in order to disengage latch 56 so that upper mast
portion 46 may be disengaged from lower mast portion 44 and
adjusted from the operational position to the folded position.
[0036] Each handlebar 28 comprises a sleeve 60 and a bar 62. Sleeve
60 is fixedly secured to an upper end of one of the swing arms 30
by being welded thereto, for example. Bar 62 is adjustably
engageable in a bore (not shown) in sleeve 60. Bar 62 is able to
telescope further into or further out of sleeve 60 and may be
completely disconnected from sleeve 60 by sliding the same
completely out of the bore therein. Bar 62 is also able to rotate
within the bore of sleeve 60 and to thereby assume a different
orientation relative thereto. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each bar
62 is comprised of at least a first portion 62a, a second portion
62b and a third portion 62c. First, second and third portions
62a-62c are offset at angles relative to each other. When
elliptical machine 20 is adjusted from the operational position to
the folded position, bar 62 is rotated between a first orientation
where the terminal ends 66 of handlebars 28 extend upwardly away
from frame member 24, and a second orientation (shown in FIGS. 4
and 6) where the terminal ends 66 extend downwardly toward the
frame member 24. When handlebars 28 are in this second orientation,
terminal ends 66 are disposed proximate rear floor support 40 and
the distance between terminal ends 66 is substantially equal to the
length "W" of rear floor support 40 (FIGS. 6 and 7). A
spring-loaded latch 64 secures bar 62 within sleeve 60. Latch 64 is
pulled outwardly to allow bar 62 to move relative to sleeve 60.
Latch 64 is released to lock bar 62 in position within the bore of
sleeve 60.
[0037] When elliptical machine 20 is adjusted from the folded
position to an operational position (FIGS. 10-14), latch 64 is
pulled outwardly to allow bars 62 to rotate within the bores of
sleeves 60. Bars 62 are rotated from the second orientation (FIG.
6) to the first orientation where handlebars 28 angle upwardly away
from frame member 24 and rear floor support 40. The rotational
motion in handlebars 28 is continued until latch 64 engages and
thereby locks bars 62 in this first orientation relative to sleeve
60. Mast 26 is then rotated into an operational position (as
described hereinafter). When elliptical machine 20 is in the
operational position (FIG. 10), handlebars 28 extend upwardly away
from the vertically oriented mast 26 (FIG. 11). In this position,
the distance between ends 66 of bars 62 is greater than the length
"W" of front and rear floor supports 38, 40 (FIG. 12).
[0038] Swing arms 30 comprise an upper arm 68 and a lower arm 70
that are pivotally connected to each other by an elbow 72.
Footrests 32 are secured to or integrally formed with lower arm 70.
Each upper arm 68 is mounted by way of a pivot pin 74 to an upper
end of the upper mast 46. Pivot pins 74 extend outwardly at right
angles to the upper end of upper mast 46 and, consequently, swing
arms 30 are disposed substantially parallel to mast 26 (FIG. 6).
Referring to FIGS. 7, 13 and 14, lower arm 70a is connected by a
pivot pin 76 to a first surface 34a of flywheel 34. (Flywheel 34 is
mounted for rotation on a post 35 that extends outwardly away from
an upper surface of base 36 of frame member 24.) Lower arm 70b is
connected by a pivot pin 78 to a second surface 34b of flywheel 34.
Pivot pins 76, 78 extend outwardly at right angles from the
opposing outer surfaces 34a, 34b and are positioned 180.degree.
away from each other around the circumference of flywheel 34. A
foot rest 32 is secured to the upper surfaces of each of the lower
arms 70a, 70b.
[0039] In the folded position, frame member 24 with its base 36,
front floor support 38, plate 42 and rear floor support 40 remains
in a stationary position on a floor surface. None of these
components is foldable. Frame member 24 is of a rugged construction
and preferably is manufactured from members that are welded or
otherwise fixedly secured to each other. In order to fold or
collapse elliptical machine 20 onto frame 24, latch 64 is
disengaged and handlebars 28 are rotated inwardly to a position
where ends 66 are as close as possible to each other. Latch 56 is
disengaged by pulling upwardly on knob 58. As soon as upper mast 46
becomes movable relative to lower mast 44, upper mast 46 is rotated
about pivot 48 and is folded over base 36 of frame member 24.
[0040] When elliptical machine 20 is in this folded position it
should be noted that ends 66 of handlebars 28 do not extend
rearwardly of rear floor support 24 (FIG. 7). Secondly, it should
be noted when upper mast 46 pivots downwardly, elbows 72 drop but
still have enough clearance from front floor support 38 and are
almost in abutting contact therewith. Elbows 72 also are positioned
inwardly and rearwardly of plate 42. Neither swing arm 30 extends
beyond plate 42. The overall length of elliptical machine 20 is
further reduced by correctly positioning flywheel 34. This is
accomplished by ensuring that one of pivot pins 76, 78 is
positioned at or near the top of flywheel 34 and the other of the
pivot pins 76, 78 is positioned at or near the bottom of flywheel
34. This is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The position of flywheel
34 is in part maintained by plate 42 on front floor support 38
because plate 42 substantially prevents both swing arms 30 from
moving past it. At this point, ends 66 of handlebars 28 are
proximate rear floor support 40 and are spaced a distance apart
from each other that is substantially the same as the length "W" of
rear floor support 40. Outer shell 12 is then slid over the folded
elliptical machine 20. Outer shell 12 is made from 3/16'' plywood
with wood trim and is stained to have the appearance of real wood.
The outer dimensions of the shell 12 are around 20 inches wide, 20
inches tall and 36 inches long. Shell 12 weighs around 15 lbs. The
folded treadmill 20 in combination with shell 12 therefore becomes
a useful and decorative piece of furniture and the elliptical
machine 20 is stored in full view.
[0041] When a person wishes to exercise, they lift outer shell 12
from over the folded elliptical machine 20. Elliptical machine 20
is then adjusted from the folded position (FIGS. 3-9) into the
operational position by grasping upper mast 46 and rotating the
same through 900 upper and lower masts 46, 44 are aligned and slam
latch 56 locks. Slam latch 56 secures the upper and lower masts 46,
44 together and provides a single stable mast 26 for elliptical
machine 20. At this point, bars 62 of handlebars 28 are grasped and
rotated outwardly away from each other to a position where
spring-loaded latches 64 engage. Latches 64 lock bars 62 in
position in sleeves 60. The exerciser can now place their feet in
footrests 32, hold onto a portion of the bars 62 and being to work
out. When their workout is complete, they step off footrests 32 and
elliptical machine 20 is then adjustable into the folded position
by reversing the above two steps. Shell 12 is then repositioned
over the folded machine.
[0042] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0043] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact
details shown or described.
* * * * *