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.

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.