Jogging machine having a platform folding structure

[0001] This invention relates to a jogging machine, and more particularly to a folding structure to secure a platform of the jogging machine at a secure upright position.

[0002] Living in this modem world people are driven to make a living. People spend more time indoors and there is less time for outdoor life. In order to keep physically in shape, various indoor exercise devices have been invented, one of which is a jogging machine.

[0003] However, a conventional jogging machine currently on the market uses a latch to secure a platform at its upright position when not in use to save space. By unlatching the platform will be lowered to a level position for a user to exercise. The latch operation requires the user with one hand holding the platform and the other hand disengaging the latch, which may clamp the user's fingers and cause an accident.

[0004] It is the primary advantage of the present invention to provide a jogging machine having a platform folding structure, which is more secure and safe in operation.

[0005] It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a jogging machine having a platform folding structure, which is easy to operate.

[0013] A jogging machine having a platform folding structure of the present invention comprises a base 1, a platform 2, a lifter 3, and a pedal 4.

[0014] The base 1 comprises a cross bar 11 at the bottom. The cross bar 11 has a connecting end 12 thereof

[0015] The platform 2 is pivotally connected to the base 1 and comprises a cross bar 21 at the bottom thereof The cross bar 21 has a connecting end 22 thereof

[0016] The lifter 3 is pivotally connected between the base 1 and the platform 2. The lifter 3 comprises a cylinder 31. The cylinder 31 has one connecting end 32 pivotally connected to the connecting end 22 of the platform 2 with a fastener 321. The other end of the cylinder 31 has an engaging end 311. The cylinder 31 further comprises a strut 33 which has one end pivotally connected to the connecting end 12 of the base 1 with a fastener 34. The lifter 3 has a fixture 35 along the outer edge and a hole 36 on the wall adapted to receive a block 37 and a spring 371 therein. The block 37 has one end engaged with the engaging end 311 of the lifter 3 and the other end secured with a cable 38. The cable 38 is covered with a sleeve 381 and secured at the fixture 35.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 4, the pedal 4 is pivotally connected to the base 1. The pedal 4 has a step 41 at one end while the other end is connected with the cable 38. The pedal 4 further comprises a fixture 42 at the bottom thereof The fixture 42 is adapted to secure the other end of the sleeve 381 of the cable 38.

[0018] When a user desires to operate the jogging machine, he/she holds both sides of the platform 2, and then steps on the step 41 of the pedal 4, as shown in FIG. 5. The cable 38 is pulled upwardly to link the block 37 away from the hole 36 and to disengage from the engaging end 311 of the cylinder 31, as shown in FIG. 6. The spring 371 is pressed simultaneously. The platform 2 is pushed to lay down. The block 37 remains in touch with the outer wall of the cylinder 31. The strut 33 of the cylinder 31 of the lifter 3 buffers movement of the platform 2 thereby allowing the platform 2 to move downwards slowly.

[0019] To fold the platform 2 of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the platform 2 is pushed upwardly while the strut 33 of the cylinder 31 of the lifter 3 also provides an assisting force to push the platform 2 upwardly. When the platform 2 reaches to its upright position, the block 37 is urged by the spring 371 to retreat into the hole 36, as shown in FIG. 3. The platform 2 is secured with the base 1 at place.