Patent Publication Number: US-9421416-B2

Title: Folding elliptical stabilization system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/834,709 filed on Jun. 13, 2013 and is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/834,706 filed on Jun. 13, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/834,711 filed on Jun. 13, 2013. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to exercise equipment. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to elliptical type exercise devices that include a folding mechanism and stabilization features. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There are many types of exercise machines available for individuals to utilize in maintaining physical fitness. Many people have obtained exercise machines for their home so that they can exercise at their convenience without having to travel to a gym or other remote location. Home exercise equipment may include, for example, free weights, weight stacks, resistance weights, treadmills, stationary bicycles and elliptical machines. 
     While each type of equipment provides certain benefits, elliptical machines are popular with many individuals because they are considered to be a non-impact exercise which is easy on the joints of an individual. Generally speaking, conventional elliptical machines include alternating reciprocating foot supports configured to traverse or travel about a closed path to simulate a striding, running, walking, and/or a climbing motion for the individual using the machine. Each reciprocating foot support conventionally has one end supported for rotational motion about a pivot point, with the other end supported in a manner configured to cause the reciprocating foot support to travel or traverse a closed path, such as a reciprocating elliptical or oblong path or other similar geometric outline. During operation of the elliptical machine, each reciprocating foot support is caused to travel or traverse the closed path, thereby simulating a striding motion of the user for exercise purposes. The reciprocating foot supports are conventionally configured to be out of phase with one another by 180° in order to simulate a proper and natural alternating stride motion. 
     An individual may utilize an elliptical exercise machine by placing his or her feet onto the reciprocating foot supports and actuating the exercise machine to cause the reciprocating foot supports to repeatedly travel their respective closed paths. This action effectively results in a series of strides achieved by the individual to obtain exercise, with a low-impact advantage. An elliptical exercise machine may further include mechanisms or systems for increasing the resistance of the motion. In addition, the reciprocating motion of the feet to achieve a series of strides may be complemented by a reciprocating movement of the arms, whether assisted by the exercise machine via a suitably configured mechanism or system, or unassisted. 
     Elliptical machines may be configured as a “front mechanism” or a “rear mechanism” type machine. Such a designation indicates where the rotating mechanism (typically a flywheel) attached to the foot supports is located—i.e., at the front of the machine or at the rear of the machine. The location of the rotating mechanism typically has an impact on the path of the foot supports. For example, a front mechanism is often considered to produce a longer, flatter stride, while a rear mechanism is considered to produce rounder path that includes more elevation change within the path. To a certain degree, the issue of choosing an elliptical machine with either a rear mechanism or a front mechanism is a matter of choice by the user. 
     One of the inherent characteristics of an elliptical machine is the inherently large size of such equipment. In other words, elliptical exercise machines typically occupy a substantial amount of space within a room and require even more space for proper operation. While space is not a major issue in most commercial settings, such as athletic fitness or sports centers, spas, resorts, etc., the same is not true when the exercise machine is intended for residential use. It is noted that, when in a residential setting, elliptical machines are typically not in use for the majority of the day and, thus, simply consume space for the majority of their existence. 
     There have been a variety of attempts to provide an elliptical exercise machine that is also “space saving” in some aspect or another. However, such attempts have often resulted in some type of compromise in the overall design of the machine or have not provided the performance or the convenience expected by an end user. 
     Examples of elliptical machines that have been configured to fold, in an attempt to save space during non-use of the elliptical machine include those described by U.S. Pat. No. 7.775.940 to Dalebout et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,289 to Pyles et al. and PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO2008138124 to Spark Innovations, Inc. The Pyles patent describes an elliptical machine having a front mechanism, wherein foot supports and related components are pivotable upwards toward the control panel/display to be placed in a storage position or state. The Dalebout patent appears to describe an elliptical machine having a rear mechanism, wherein various components are decoupled or disconnected in order to “fold” the elliptical machine into a storage position (and reconnected in order to be placed back into a useable state). The Spark Innovations publication appears to describe an elliptical machine with a rear mechanism wherein the reciprocating arms require adjustment to their positions in order to be transitioned between a useable state and the stored state. 
     In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide an elliptical exercise machine that maintains all of the beneficial operational functions of prior related elliptical exercise machines while in operation, but that also is capable of substantially reducing the space being occupied by the elliptical exercise machine in a given room when it is not in use. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect of the disclosure, an elliptical exercise machine is provided. The elliptical exercise machine includes a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly includes a first frame member extending in a substantially horizontal direction while the elliptical exercise machine is in an operable state, a rear rotational mechanism associated with the first frame member, a first foot support member pivotally coupled to a portion of the rotational mechanism and a second foot support member pivotally coupled to another portion of the rotational mechanism. The second assembly includes a second frame member, a first reciprocating arm pivotally coupled with the second frame member and a second reciprocating arm pivotally coupled with the second frame member. A plurality of support structures are configured to support the elliptical machine in an upright storage position wherein the first frame member extends in a substantially vertical direction. 
     In another aspect, which may be combined with one or more other aspects, the plurality of support structures includes at least one support structure located adjacent the rear rotational mechanism. 
     In another aspect, which may be combined with one or more other aspects, the first assembly includes a rear cross member coupled with the first frame member, wherein the at least one support structure includes one or more support structures coupled with the rear cross member. 
     In another aspect, which may be combined with one or more other aspects, the first assembly includes a front cross member coupled with the first frame member and a handle coupled with the front cross member. 
     In another aspect, which may be combined with one or more other aspects, at least one wheel is coupled with the second cross member. 
     In another aspect, which may be combined with one or more other aspects, at least one support pad is coupled with the second cross member. 
     In another aspect, which may be combined with one or more other aspects, when the elliptical machine is in the operational position, the at least one support pad is engaged with the ground but the at least one support structure is not engaged with the ground; and when the elliptical machine is in the upright storage position, the at least one support structure is engaged with the ground but the at least one support pad is not engaged with the ground. Further, when the elliptical machine is in a position between the operational position and the upright storage position, the at least one wheel is engaged with the ground but neither of the at least one support structure and the at least one support pad is engaged with the ground. 
     In another aspect, which may be combined with one or more other aspects, the rear cross-member includes a first telescoping section and a second telescoping section, and wherein the one or more support structures coupled with the rear cross member include a first support structure associated with the first telescoping section and a second support structure associated with the second telescoping section. 
     In another aspect, which may be combined with one or more other aspects, the at least one support structure includes a ground engagement surface configured with a slip-resistant feature. Such a slip-resistant feature may include a plurality a groove and ridges. 
     In another aspect, which may be combined with one or more other aspects, the second assembly is displaceable between a first position and a second position relative to the first assembly. 
     In another aspect, which may be combined with one or more other aspects, the first frame member, the rotational mechanism, the first foot support member and the second foot support member maintain their operational relationships with each other while in both the first position and the second position, and the second frame member, the first reciprocating arm and the second reciprocating arm maintain their operational relationships with each other while in both the first position and the second position. 
     In another aspect, which may be combined with one or more other aspects, the elliptical machine further includes a pivot structure coupled between the first frame member and the second frame member. 
     In another aspect, which may be combined with one or more other aspects, the first foot support member is pivotally coupled the first reciprocating arm and the second foot support is pivotally coupled with the second reciprocating arm. 
     In another aspect, which may be combined with one or more other aspects, a locking mechanism is configured to selectively maintain the second assembly in the first position relative to the first assembly. 
     In another aspect, which may be combined with one or more other aspects, the locking mechanism includes a fastener coupled with a hand-rotatable handle, the fastener being associated with the second assembly, wherein the fastener is configured to selectively engage a component associated with the first assembly. 
     In another aspect of the disclosure, an elliptical machine is provided that includes at least one frame member, a rear rotational mechanism associated with the at least one frame member, a first foot support member pivotally coupled to a portion of the rotational mechanism. a second foot support member pivotally coupled to another portion of the rotational mechanism, a plurality of support pads, each support pad having an engagement surface lying substantially in a first plane and a plurality of support structures, each support structure having an engagement surface lying substantially in a second plane, the first plane being at a defined angle relative to the second plane. 
     In another aspect, which may be combined with one or more other aspects, the defined angle is between approximately 75° and approximately 105°. In another aspect, the defined angle is approximately 90°. 
     In another aspect, which may be combined with one or more other aspects, a cross member is associated with the at least one frame member, wherein at least one support pad and at least one support structure are associated with the cross member. 
     In another aspect, which may be combined with one or more other aspects, at least one wheel is associated with the cross member. 
     In another aspect of the disclosure, a method of storing an elliptical exercise machine is provided. The method includes rotating the entire elliptical exercise machine from a first, operational position, to a second, storage position and stabilizing the elliptical machine on a plurality of support structures while in the second, storage position. 
     In another aspect, which may be combined with one or more other aspects, rotating the entire elliptical device includes rotating the entire elliptical device through an angle of between approximately 75° and approximately 105°. In one particular aspect, rotating the entire elliptical devices includes rotating the entire elliptical device through an angle of approximately 90°. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present methods and systems and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present systems and methods and do not limit the scope thereof. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an elliptical exercise machine; 
         FIG. 2  is a first side view of the elliptical machine shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is side view of an elliptical machine according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the elliptical machine shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  while in a stowed or stored position; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged detail view of certain portions the elliptical machine as shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the elliptical machine; 
         FIG. 7  is a rear view of the elliptical machine shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the elliptical machine shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  while in another stowed or stored position; 
         FIGS. 9A-9C  are enlarged detail views of various components of an elliptical machine while in different states; 
         FIG. 10  is a rear view of an elliptical machine in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a rear view of an elliptical machine including a base-widening features; 
         FIG. 12  is a rear view of the elliptical machine of  FIG. 11  with the base-widening features deployed. 
     
    
    
     Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an elliptical exercise machine  100  is shown and described. The elliptical exercise machine  100  includes a first assembly  102  operatively coupled with a second assembly  104 . The first assembly  102  includes a longitudinal frame member  106  coupled with a first foot or cross member  108  and a second foot or cross member  110 . A rear drive/resistance mechanism  112  (referred to herein as the rear mechanism  112  for convenience) is coupled with the frame member  106  and may include, for example, a flywheel and a resistance mechanism as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. The resistance mechanism may include a magnetic braking mechanism, sometimes referred to as an eddy current brake, to provide a desired level of resistance to the user during operation of the exercise machine  100 . While described in connection with an exercise bicycle, one example of a flywheel, as well as an associated magnetic braking mechanism, is described by U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0088638 to Lull (application Ser. No. 13/267,719), the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     The lower assembly  102  further includes a first reciprocating foot support  114  and a second reciprocating foot support  116 . The first foot support  114  has a first end  118  and a second end  120 , the second end  120  being pivotally coupled with the rear mechanism  112  such that the second end  120  of the foot support  114  travels in a substantially circular path during operation of the elliptical machine  100 . A foot pad  122  is disposed on the first foot support at a location between the first end  118  and the second end  120 . The foot pad  122  is sized and configured to receive and support a foot of a user and may either be integrally formed with the foot support  114  or formed as a separate component and coupled with the foot support  114  (e.g., by fasteners, adhesive, or other mechanical or material techniques). The second reciprocating foot support  116  likewise includes a first end  124  and a second end  126 , with the second end  126  being pivotally coupled with the rear mechanism  112  such that the second end  126  of the foot support  116  travels in a substantially circular path during operation of the elliptical machine  100 . A second foot pad  128  is disposed on the second foot support  116  at a location between the first end  124  and the second end  126 . 
     The first and second reciprocating foot supports  114  and  116  are laterally spaced apart from one another such that each of the corresponding foot pads  122  and  128  receive the right and left feet, respectively, of a user for facilitating a striding motion with the user during use of the machine  100 . The foot pads  122  and  128  may be configured with surface features (e.g., ribs, grooves, knobs, etc) to provide traction to the foot of a user. In other embodiments, while the foot pads may not necessarily include surface features, they may include a non-slip material to provide traction to the foot of a user. The foot pads  122  and  128  may be adjustable relative to their associated foot supports  114  and  116  such that they may be positioned at different locations along the lengths of the foot supports  114  and  116  to accommodate the preferences of different users. 
     The first assembly  102  may include a number of additional components or features. For example, a handle  130  may be coupled with front cross member  108  to assist in lifting or moving the elliptical machine  100 . Additional handles may be coupled to other portions of the elliptical machine  100  to further enable a user to more easily lift or move the elliptical machine  100 . One or more wheels  132  may be coupled to the rear cross member  110  to enable a user to more easily move the elliptical machine  100  from one location to another by, for example, lifting on the front handle  130  and rolling the elliptical machine  100  across the floor. Additionally, feet or support pads  134  may be coupled to various portions of the first assembly  102  and may be configured to engage the floor or a supporting surface. The support pads  134  may be adjustable so that the elliptical machine  100  may be leveled on a given surface prior to operation by a user. It is noted that in one embodiment, the under surface of the cross members  108  and  110  may serve as support pads. In another embodiment, caps positioned over the ends of the cross members  108  and  110  may serve as support pads. 
     The second assembly  104  includes an upright frame member  140  with a control panel  142  coupled therewith. The control panel  142  may include a variety of input devices  144  (e.g., switches, buttons, touch pads) and output devices  146  (e.g., graphic displays, lights, audio speakers) to facilitate control of the elliptical machine  100 . The input devices  144  may be used to turn the elliptical machine  100  on or off, to control the amount of resistance being applied to the flywheel of the rear mechanism  112 , to enable preset exercise programs, or to otherwise control the operation of the elliptical machine. The various output devices  146  may be used to provide a user with an indication of the operating status of the elliptical machine  100  and to provide other information (e.g., time exercised, calories burned, etc.) to the user. 
     A variety of additional components may also be coupled with the frame member  140 . For example, a tray  148 , which may include a cup holder or other structure, may be coupled with the frame member  140 . Also, a pair of stationary hand grips  150  may be coupled with the upright frame member  140 . While not specifically shown, other components, such as a fan, may also be coupled with the frame member  140  as will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     The second assembly  104  also includes a first reciprocating arm  152  and second reciprocating arm  154 . The first reciprocating arm  152  includes a first end  156  and a second end  158 . Similarly, the second reciprocating arm  154  includes a first end  160  and a second end  162 . Upper portions of the reciprocating arms  152  and  154  near the first ends  156  and  160  are configured as grips or handles for a user to grasp with their hands while exercising. The second ends  158  and  162  of the reciprocating arms  152  and  154  are pivotally coupled with the first ends  118  and  124  of the foot support members. Each of the reciprocating arms  152  and  154  are pivotally coupled to the frame member  140  through associated pivoting structures  164 . The pivoting structures  164  may include, for example, a bearing member that enables the reciprocating arms to pivot back and forth along an axis of rotation  166  in a reciprocating fashion. 
     During operation of the elliptical machine  100 , a user places their feet on the foot pads  122  and  128  and applies a force in order to motivate the foot supports  114  and  116  to move through their defined looping pathways. The pathway of the foot supports  114  and  116  (and thus the foot pads  122  and  128 ) is defined in part by the connection of the foot supports  114  and  116  with the rear mechanism  112  and in part by the connection of the foot supports  114  and  116  with the reciprocating arms  152  and  154 . 
     In addition to the two assemblies  102  and  104  being connected by way of the pivoting connection of the foot supports  114  and  116  with associated reciprocating arms  152  and  154 , the longitudinal frame member  106  is pivotally coupled with the upright frame member  140  by a pivoting structure  170 . Again, the pivoting structure  170  may include a bearing component (e.g., a sleeve bearing, a roller bearing, or other appropriate structure) to accommodate pivoting movement of the upright frame member  140  relative to the longitudinal frame member  106 . Associated with the pivoting structure  170 , a locking or coupling mechanism  172  may be used to affirmatively maintain the frame members  106  and  140  (and, thus, the assemblies  102  and  104 ) in their operating positions as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and as will be described in further detail below. 
     Referring briefly to  FIG. 3 , another embodiment of an elliptical exercise machine  180  is shown. The elliptical machine is similar to that shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2  above, including a first assembly  102 , a second assembly  104  and the various components described above. The elliptical machine  180  shown in  FIG. 3  further includes an incline adjustment mechanism  182  that enables selective height adjustment of the front cross member  108  relative to the rear cross member  110 , thereby altering the angular orientation of the foot supports  114  and  116  and their associated pathways. The incline adjustment mechanism  182  may include, for example, a pair of arms  184  or links (one shown in  FIG. 3 ) pivotally coupled between the front cross member  108  and the longitudinal frame member  106 , as well as an actuator  186 , such as a jackscrew, a pneumatic cylinder, a stepper motor or other appropriate actuating mechanism. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the elliptical machine  100  is shown in a folded or storage position, wherein the second assembly  104  has been rotated about the pivot structure  170  relative to the first assembly  102  such that the upper portion of the second assembly  104  (e.g., the control panel  142 , the hand grips  150 ) are positioned adjacent the rear portion of the first assembly  102  (e.g., the rear mechanism  112 ). It is noted that the embodiment described with respect to  FIG. 3  is also configured to fold or transition into a collapsed or storage condition in a manner similar to that shown in  FIG. 4 . In one embodiment, such folding or collapsing of the elliptical machine  180  shown in  FIG. 3  may be enabled regardless of the current inclined position of the elliptical machine  180 . In another embodiment, the pivoting structure  170  of the elliptical machine  180  may be configured to remain in a locked state until the elliptical machined  180  is in a predefined inclination position (e.g., completely lowered to toward the floor or supporting surface). 
     Referring briefly to  FIG. 5 , an enlarged view of the various components of the elliptical machine  100  are shown in a folded or collapsed state.  FIG. 5  shows the second assembly  104  rotated about the pivot structure  170  relative to the first assembly  102 . It is noted that, when in the position or state shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the pivotal axes of the connections between foot supports  114  and  116  and associated reciprocating arms  152  and  154  are aligned with the pivotal axis of the pivot structure  170  which couples the longitudinal frame member  106  and the upright frame member  140 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a partial cross-sectional view is shown of portions of the first and second assemblies  102  and  104  including a locking or coupling mechanism  172  which is engaged to maintain the first and second assemblies  102  and  104  in their operating positions. In one embodiment, the coupling mechanism  172  may include a fastener  190  having a handle or knob  192  coupled therewith enabling a user to rotate the fastener by hand (i.e., without the need for additional tools). The fastener  190  may be configured to be rotationally coupled with the upright frame member  140  of the second assembly  104 . The fastener may be configured to threadably engage a structure or component of the first assembly  102 . For example, a post  194  or other structural component may be coupled with the longitudinal frame member  106  and include, for example, a plate  196  through which a threaded aperture is formed. The fastener  190  may then selectively engage and disengage the threaded aperture in order to either maintain the first and second assemblies  102  and  104  in an operating condition (as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 6 ) or to enable relative rotation of the first and second assemblies  102  and  104  so that they may be placed in a stored or collapsed condition (as depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). While the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  includes a fastener  190  used to affirmatively couple the first assembly  102  and the second assembly  104  in an operating position, other mechanisms and structures may also be used. For example, a locking mechanism with a cam surface may be used to provide an affirmative coupling. Other examples may include locking pins that may be inserted in aligned apertures of different components of the first and second assemblies  102  and  104 . 
     It is noted that the upright arm  140  of the second assembly  104  is configured such that it does not interfere with the post  194  or plate  196  (or other similar structure) when rotating between an operational position and a collapsed position. For example, if the upright arm  140  is formed from structural tubing (e.g., with a square or rectangular cross-section), a portion of the tubing may be removed, as shown in  FIG. 6 , to provide an opening  198  that enables non-interfering rotation of the upright frame member  140  relative to the post  194  and plate  196 . 
     While not specifically shown, a mechanism or structure may be also be provided to lock the first and second assemblies  102  and  104  in a collapsed position so that, for example, if an individual desires to move the elliptical machine  100  (or  180 ) while it is in the collapsed position, the first and second assemblies  102  and  104  will maintain their positions relative to each other. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-3 , the elliptical machine  100  (or  180  as shown in  FIG. 3 ) may further include features or mechanisms configured to enable the elliptical machine to be stored in an “upright” position after being folded in a stable and secure manner. In one embodiment, a stabilizing mechanism or system may be provided which includes, for example, a plurality of support surfaces  200 A- 200 C. The support surfaces  200 A- 200 C may be located at the rear portion of the elliptical machine  100 . For example, one support surface  200 A may be associated with, or located adjacent to, the rear mechanism  112 , and may be formed in a cover or faring associated with the rear mechanism  112 . Other support surfaces (e.g.,  200 B and  200 C) may be associated with the rear cross member  110 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 8 , the multiple support surfaces  200 A- 200 C work together to support the elliptical machine  100  in a stable upright position. It is noted that the support surfaces  200 A- 200 C define a common plane to support the elliptical machine  100  in an upright position with the frame member  106  of the second assembly  102  extending substantially vertically. When in this position, the entire elliptical machine  100  is rotated through a defined angle relative to that shown, for example, in  FIG. 2 . In one embodiment, this defined angle may be between approximately 75° and approximately 105°. In one particular embodiment, the defined angle may be approximately 90°. Stated another way, the support pads  134  may include engagement surfaces (to engage the ground or floor) that are all positioned substantially in a first plane while the support structures  200 A- 200 C may each include engagement surfaces (to engage the ground or floor) that are all positioned substantially in a second plane, the first plane and the second plane being at a defined angle relative to each other (e.g., approximately 90°, or between approximately 75° and approximately 105°). 
     While three distinct support surfaces are shown in the presently depicted embodiment, a configuration may be employed where a different number of support surfaces are used, with each lying substantially within a common plane such that the elliptical machine may be support in an upright manner. Additionally, the support structures may be located at different positions than shown in the drawings, and/or associated with different components than shown in the drawings if desired. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1-4, 7 and 8 , the support surfaces  200 A- 200 C may be configured to provide a desired level of friction so as to engage the ground in a non-slip manner when the elliptical machine is in an upright position. For example, the support surfaces  200 A- 200 C may include a plurality of protrusions to engage the ground. In the example shown, the protrusions are defined as substantially parallel ridges  202  with grooves  204  extending therebetween. However, other configurations are also contemplated. For example, a gnarled surface, a generally undulating surface, a surface coated with a material having a relatively high coefficient of friction, or other configuration may be used. 
     In one embodiment, the support surfaces  200 A- 200 C may be formed from a relatively rigid material including, for example, a plastic, a metal or a metal alloy material. In another embodiment, the body of the support surface may be formed of a relatively rigid material, while the surface that engages the ground is formed from somewhat less rigid material (e.g., a coating formed of a rubber or polymer material) so that the support surfaces  200 A- 200 C may engage a hard floor (e.g., wood or tile) without marring the floor. In yet another embodiment, the support surfaces  200 A- 200 C may be formed of a relatively rigid material, and a removable cap may be formed of a different material (e.g., a softer or less rigid material) may be fitted over the ends of the support surfaces  200 A- 200 C that will engage the floor when in an upright position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9A-9C  (in conjunction with the other drawings generally), an enlarged view of a rear portion of the elliptical machine  100  is shown while in different positions.  FIG. 9A  depicts a portion of the rear mechanism  112  with the rear cross member  110  (and associated support member  200 B, wheel  132  and support pad  134 ) when the elliptical machine  100  is in a position for use (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), or when the elliptical machine  100  is in a folded state (e.g.,  FIG. 4 ) but has not been placed in an upright position. As seen in  FIG. 9A , the support pad  134  is resting on the ground supporting the elliptical machine  100  while the wheel  132  is slightly off the ground and the support surface  200 B is also not touching the ground. 
       FIG. 9B  depicts the same components as  FIG. 9A , but with the front end of the elliptical machine lifted upwards such that support pad  134  associated with the front cross member  108  ( FIGS. 1-3 ) is lifted off the ground. With the elliptical machine  100  being rotated or pivoted to a defined angle relative to the ground, the support pad  134  no longer contacts the ground, the wheel  132  now engages the ground so that, if desired, the elliptical machine may be easily rolled to a different location, and the support structure  200 B is still out of engagement with the ground. 
       FIG. 9C  depicts the same components as  FIGS. 9A and 9B , except the elliptical machine is now in an upright position (such as shown in  FIG. 8 ) with the support structure  200 B in contact with the ground. While in this position, the wheel  132  and the support pad  134  are both out of engagement with the ground. 
     It is noted that, in other embodiments, it is possible, for example, for the wheel  132  to remain in contact with the ground simultaneously with the support pad  134  while the elliptical machine  100  is in a position for user or operation by a user. Additionally, or alternatively, it is possible for the wheel  132  to remain engaged with the ground simultaneously with the support structure  200 B while the elliptical machine  100  is in an upright position such as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     Referring briefly to  FIG. 10 , a rear view of an elliptical machine is shown wherein one or more of the support surfaces  200 A- 200 C are configured to be adjustable. For example, the support structures  200 B and  200 C associated with the rear cross member  110  may be selectively adjusted between a number of lateral positions. Such may be accomplished, for example, by configuring the rear cross member  110  to include telescoping sections  110 A and  110 B. The telescoping sections  110 A and  110 B may be selectively locked at one of a variety positions using, for example, a biased detent or spring-pin mechanism  206  configured to serially engage a plurality of openings or apertures  208  formed in a portion of the rear cross-member  110 . While not specifically shown, the upper support structure  200 A may be configured to be selectively displaced in addition to, or in alternative to, the support structures  200 B and  200 C associated with the rear cross-member  110 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , additional support features may be added or otherwise incorporated into the rear mechanism  112  of the elliptical machine. As illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a base expansion member  300  can be coupled to the rear mechanism  112  of the elliptical machine to provide additional support structures for when the elliptical is in an upright stored position. As illustrated, the base expansion member  300  can include a plurality of rotatable legs  301 A and  310 B rotatably attached via a pivot pin  312 A and  312 B, to the rear mechanism  112  such that they are disposed and rotate in the same plane as the previously mentioned support structures  200 A-C. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , each of the plurality of rotatable legs  301 A and  310 B include a support surface  314 A- 314 B disposed on the end thereof. As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the base expansion member may be deployed by pivoting the plurality of rotatable legs  301 A and  310 B via a respective pivot pin  312 A and  312 B such that the plurality of rotatable legs  301 A and  310 B rotate according to the rotational motion R. Once deployed, the plurality of rotatable legs  301 A and  310 B are extended substantially parallel with the rear cross member  110 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     Once deployed, the plurality of rotatable legs  301 A and  310 B and their associated support surfaces  314 A- 314 B create additional points of contact between the elliptical and the bottom surface, when the elliptical is in an upright stored position. The added contact points enhance the stability of the elliptical in an upright stored position. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     Elliptical exercise machines, while popular for residential use, inherently take up a substantial amount of space in a user&#39;s home or apartment. For example, in one embodiment, an elliptical machine may be approximately 24 to 30 inches in width, approximately 76 to 84 inches in length and approximately 62 to 70 inches in height. Some users may not desire to permanently dedicate so much space in their residence to an exercise machine. The elliptical machines described herein provide the ability to place the machine in a collapsed position or state when not in use so that the elliptical machine may be stored or more easily maneuvered and transported. 
     One of the advantages of the described embodiments above is that the elliptical machine is configured in two assemblies, which may be referred to as an upper assembly and a lower assembly, wherein the upper assembly pivots and folds down on to (or adjacent to) the lower assembly without the need to disassemble or otherwise any of the operational components such as the foot supports or the reciprocating arms. In various prior art devices, in order to collapse or fold into a storage condition. For example, some prior art devices required a “break-away” joint in the foot supports or the reciprocating arms, such that a user would have to disassemble such joints in order to facilitate the folding or collapsing, and then reassemble such joints when the elliptical machine was unfolded or expanded and prior to using the exercise machine again. Moreover, the present design eliminates the possibility of someone trying to use an elliptical machine prior to reassembly of such components, which could possibly result in damage to the machine or injury to the user. 
     Similarly, folding or collapsing of the assemblies in the elliptical machines described herein does not require the adjustment of any operative components such as the foot supports or reciprocating arms. For example, as previously noted, PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO2008138124 describes a machine wherein the reciprocating arms require adjustment between the operative condition and the stored condition. The present invention does not require any adjustment of the reciprocating arms or the foot supports to in transitioning from the operable condition to the stored condition. Rather, the components of the first assembly all maintain their operational relationship to one another and all the components of the second assembly maintain their operational relationship to one another before and after the folding or unfolding of the elliptical machine. Such a configuration enables very simple folding and deployment of the elliptical machine by a user since they don&#39;t have to adjust any critical components (e.g., foot supports or reciprocating arms) and ensures that the elliptical machine is in a ready immediately after unfolding. 
     The ability to fold or collapse the elliptical machine further provides advantages in moving or transporting the machine when not in use. Besides taking up less space when in a folded state, the elliptical machine is much easier to handle or transport when in the folder state since it is more compact and its center of gravity is more amenable to lifting and maneuvering making it less likely to tip or fall. Furthermore, the ability to fold and unfold the elliptical machine makes it easier to ship or transport in a small package while not requiring assembly after shipping or purchase by the end user. 
     When rotated into an upright position such that the elliptical machine is supported by the support structures (such as shown in  FIG. 8 ), the elliptical machine takes up considerable less floor space. Stated another way, the elliptical machine may be stored in such a manner as to reduce its footprint. In embodiments where the support structures are selectively positionable, or adjustable, a wider base (defined by the support structures) may be provided for increased stability of the elliptical machine while still reducing the size of its footprint (i.e., comparing the footprint of the elliptical machine while in an upright, stored position with that of an operating state or position). 
     The configuration of support structures with anti-slip features additional help to stabilize the elliptical machine while it is in an upright, stored position. In embodiments where removable covers may be placed on the support structures, such provides a user the ability to choose the type of engagement surface depending, for example, on the type of floor on which the elliptical machine will be stored. In one embodiment, a more rigid support structure may be used when the floor or support surface is, for example, carpet or an exercise mat of some sort. On the other hand, a relatively softer cover may be used if the support surface is a fairly hard and slick surface such as wood or tile. 
     An elliptical machine having a rear cross member with the various components described herein (such as a foot, wheel and support structure) also provides for a stable structure in both operational and storage positions, while also providing flexibility in being able to maneuver the elliptical machine from one location to another.