US20040116257A1 - Portable mini exercise bike - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable mini exercise bike which occupies a minimum space, comprises a pedal section which, by means of supporting elements, is fixed by means of a fixing element to a resting surface. The fixing element comprises a suction cup or a base plate. On the pedal of the pedal section, a removable pedal cover fits, on which are placed slippers having slots to allow straps to pass. The pedal covers have a lateral element with a nut screw, which permits the securing of a rod. On the axle of the pedal it is possible to insert a specially formed handle instead of a pedal, using straps to fix the handle in position. A flywheel can be assembled with the mini exercise bike.

Description

• The invention hereby presented regards a portable mini exercise-bike, which can be installed in front of any seat.[0001]
• Until now, the present technology used exercise-bikes called “cyclettes” for use in both therapeutic and aesthetic exercise.[0002]
• These exercise-bikes presented several inconveniences.[0003]
• The biggest being, that these bikes are cumbersome, the more so when one one's living space is limited. The result was that often the users, after some time, removed the bike as it became too space consuming.[0004]
• Another inconvenience that to often becomes clear is that these bikes, when used by the elderly in a therapeutic capacity, is the obvious difficulty in mounting the bike for someone who has limited movements and also the obvious insecurity such a person would experience to remain in equilibrium on the saddle of a bicycle.[0005]
• An added inconvenience of the known exercise-bikes is that to remain seated on such a small seat as that of a saddle of a bicycle, can generate serious problems.[0006]
• All those above cited inconvenients may be overcome with the portable mini exercise-bike according to the present invention.[0007]
• The aim of this invention is the realization of a mini exercise-bike which occupies the minimum space, even when left assembled, and the minimum storage space it requires whilst allowing a comfortable usage for anyone.[0008]
• To the ends the present invention occupies the minimum space possible, as all the framework which would support a saddle of bicycle has been eliminated, and it can be placed before any type of seat.[0009]
• This objective is accomplished by using a pedal section assembled onto the special elements of support that connect it with a device, to be fixed firmly onto a resting surface allowing to the user to utilize it confortably seated on ones favourite chair.[0010]
• Listed here are some of the numerous advantages.[0011]
• The dimension of the mini exercise-bike are so reduced that it can be contained in a bag, and when mounted can even be stored under a piece of furniture.[0012]
• The mini exercise-bike according to the invention can be put to use with advantage for physical re-education purpose or to allow persons who have anytype of physical impediment to benefit from exercise or to recuperate movement, in particular for the elderly or invalids, who can thus move their limbs whilst sitting comfortable in a stable way.[0013]
• Another advantage is that a person disabled in a limb, either arm or leg, by blocking said limb to the mini exercise-bike, may exercise it by using the other limbs, either by manually moving the pedals using one or two rods and by arm power to reactivate the circulation and retone the leg muscles.[0014]
• The mini exercise-bike according to the invention may be fixed to any surface, for example to the floor to be used as an exercise-bike, or resting onto a table to exercise the upper limbs, in this case the handles replace the pedals on the framework.[0015]
• The whole structure may be fixed to any resting surface using suction cups or a base plate.[0016]
• All that above advantage plus others become evident from the description of the following figures that are enclosed to illustrate and not limit, in which:[0017]
• FIG. 1 is a frontal view of the first prototype of the portable mini exercise-bike according to the present invention.[0018]
• FIG. 2 is a lateral view of the portable mini exercise-bike of FIG. 1.[0019]
• FIG. 3 shows a lateral view of the suction cup element used for the realization of FIG. 1.[0020]
• FIG. 4 is a plan view of suction cup element of FIG. 3.[0021]
• FIG. 5 is a exploded frontal view of support for the connection between the suction cup and the pedal section illustrated in FIG. 1.[0022]
• FIG. 6 is an exploded lateral view of support of FIG. 5.[0023]
• FIG. 7 is a view from above of the slipper to be fixed to the pedals, according to the invention.[0024]
• FIG. 8 is a lateral view of slipper of FIG. 7.[0025]
• FIG. 9 shows in a plan view the removable pedal cover, according to the invention.[0026]
• FIG. 10 is a lateral view of removable pedal cover of FIG. 9.[0027]
• FIG. 11 illustration of a rod to be inserted sideways on the removable pedal cover of FIG. 9.[0028]
• FIG. 12 illustrates in front view a variation of the the portable mini exercise-bike according to the present invention present invention.[0029]
• FIG. 13 is a lateral view of the variation of the portable mini exercise-bike of FIG. 12.[0030]
• FIG. 14 illustrates a lateral view of a second model of the portable mini exercise-bike according to the present invention.[0031]
• FIG. 15 is a frontal view, in partial sectional view, according to the line XV-XV of FIG. 14.[0032]
• FIG. 16 illustrate, in a plan view, a blocking plate for the example of FIG. 14.[0033]
• FIG. 17 is a lateral view of the blocking plate of FIG. 16.[0034]
• FIG. 18 is a frontal view of the blocking plate of FIG. 16.[0035]
• FIG. 19 illustrates in a lateral view a third model of the portable mini exercise-bike according to the present invention.[0036]
• FIG. 20 is a lateral view of a part of realization of FIG. 19 in its folded position.[0037]
• FIG. 21 is a plan view of FIG. 20.[0038]
• FIG. 22 illustrates in lateral view a fourth example of the portable mini exercise-bike according to the present invention.[0039]
• FIG. 23 is a plan view of the example of FIG. 22.[0040]
• FIG. 24 is a particular of FIG. 22 with the clasp open.[0041]
• FIG. 25 shows in a plan view the prop used in the realization of FIG. 22.[0042]
• FIG. 26 is a lateral view of the prop illustrated in FIG. 22.[0043]
• FIG. 27 is a frontal view of removable pedal cover of FIG. 9.[0044]
• FIG. 28 shows a suction cup element with two suction cups and a transversal handle.[0045]
• FIG. 29 shows a suction cup element with two suction cups and a longitudinal handle.[0046]
• FIG. 30 illustrates a suction cup element with three suction cups.[0047]
• FIG. 31 is an exploded view of another supporting strut coupling onto the fixing element and pedal section.[0048]
• FIG. 32 is a lateral view showing the coupling of supporting strut of FIG. 31 and the suction cup element of FIG. 28.[0049]
• FIG. 33 is a frontal view denoting the coupling of supporting strut of FIG. 31 and the suction cup element of FIG. 29.[0050]
• FIG. 34 is a frontal view of the coupling of supporting strut of FIG. 31 both FIG. 31 and the suction cup element of FIG. 30.[0051]
• FIG. 35 is an exploded view of pedal section.[0052]
• FIGS. 36, 37 and[0053]38 show respectively a lateral view, a frontal view and a view from the top of the example of realization of FIG. 32, in that the structure is closed in a protective shell.
• FIGS. 39 and 40 show a lateral view and a perspective view of a sixth example of realization of the portable mini-bike, according to the present invention, with a connecting rod.[0054]
• FIG. 41 shows a lateral view of FIGS. 39 and 40 with the insertion of a support and the structure covered by a shell.[0055]
• FIG. 42 shows in perspective the example of realization shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, with the structure covered by a shell.[0056]
• FIGS. 43 and 44 show a lateral view and a perspective of the example shown in FIG. 42 without the rod of connection.[0057]
• FIG. 45 shows a lateral view of the example shown in FIG. 41 with the element of support without the shell.[0058]
• FIG. 46 shows a perspective view of a variant of the realization of the invention.[0059]
• FIG. 47 it's a lateral view of a footwear to apply on the pedals.[0060]
• FIG. 48 shows an exploded view of the pedal section, according to another solution of the connection of the ring gear and the pedal section at the nucleus of central movement.[0061]
• FIG. 49 it's a sectional view, by the board XLIX-XLIX indicated in FIG. 48.[0062]
• FIG. 50 shows an example of realization with the insertion of a small engine.[0063]
• FIG. 51 shows the example of FIG. 50 covered by a shell.[0064]
• In the different figures the identical pieces are indicated with the same numbers.[0065]
• In the FIGS. 1 and 2 are illustrated two views of a first example of the complete portable mini exercise-bike, according to the invention.[0066]
• The fixing element used to fix the bike either to the floor or any suitable surface, adapted for use as intended for portable mini exercise-bike, is formed of a[0067]suction cup10.
• The suction cup element, commercially known as “OCTOPUS SUPERFILTRO” may also be used advantageously.[0068]
• As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the[0069]suction cup10 has arubber base11, made to grip onto the resting surface, and acylinder12 within which apiston13 moves which causes the vacuum needed to fix the model.
• The conformation of the individual pieces of the support section which unite the[0070]pedal section100 to thesuction cup10 is clearly visible in exploded views of FIGS. 5 and 6.
• Between the[0071]rubber base11 and cylinder12 asmall bar14 is inserted which contains a hollowsmall column15.
• On the[0072]small bar14, to embrace thecylinder12 at its lower part, is arranged astirrup17, which is U-shaped with twolateral wings18 and19, both containing a threadedhole20 and21.
• It is preferable to insert a hollow[0073]small column16 between thewing19 and thesmall bar14, similar to thesmall column15. The hollowsmall column16 has anupper edge22, which may be bevelled to facilitate insertion.
• Astride of[0074]cylinder12 is placed anintermediary element23 made up at its lower end of astirrup24 upside-down U-shaped, with twowings25 and26, each of which have a hole in correspondence of the threadedholes20 and21, to tighten thescrews27 and28 which fixes theintermediary element23 to thecylinder12 and then to the supporting surface when thesuction cup10 is blocked on said surface.
• The upside-down[0075]U-shaped stirrup24 is enbloc with astrut29, which on the upper part has anU-shaped stirrup30, which is perpendicular in respect to thestirrup24. TheU-shaped stirrup30 has 2lateral wings31 and32 both with threadedholes33 and34 for screwing devises.
• The[0076]stirrups24 and30 and thestrut29 constitute theintermediary element23.
• On the[0077]U-shaped stirrup30 rests the carryingaxle35 of apedal section100, which blocks into place thanks to an upside-downU-shaped stirrup36, with twowings37 and38, each having a hole corresponding with threadedholes33 and34 to screw thescrews39 and40 which fix the carryingaxle35 ofpedal section100 on theintermediary element23 and thus to the surface.
• The pedal-[0078]arms41 and42 of thepedal section100 are preferably shorter than those known, to limit the bulk of the pedal arms. Thescrews39 and40 can be complemented bynuts43 and44.
• The[0079]screws27 and28 are preferably of a length permitting at thebar14 to hold firmly in position thestirrups17 and24 and block theintermediary element23 to the suction cups.
• Alternatively a nut may be attached at the base of the[0080]screws27 and28.
• A[0081]removable pedal cover46 fits perfectly on thepedal45, it is illustrated in plan view in FIG. 9, in lateral view in FIG. 10, in frontal view in FIG. 27. On the pedal covers46 theslipper47 are placed, illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. Both pedal covers46 andslippers47 are provided withholes48 for the passage of thebolts49 to fix thepedals45 to pedal covers46 andslippers47.
• The[0082]slippers47 haveslots50 to allow straps to pass (not illustrated) thus fixing the users feet to slippers and then to pedals, for example when one wants to exercise a disabled limb using the able limb with the other pedal. Theslippers47 have raisededge51 which holds the foot in place.
• The pedal covers[0083]46 have a lateral element with anut screw52 which permits the screwing of arod53, which allows a user who has a disability in a limb, to combine, arm movements to leg movements. For example: pushing down therod53 obtains the rising movement of the leg on the opposite side of the body.
• The[0084]rod53, illustrated in FIG. 11, has a threadedlower part54 and ahandle55 at the other extremity. Therod53 is made up of twoelements56 and57 which slide into each other and block able at the desired length using a blockingring58.
• In the case of the user's inability to keep his limb on a perpendicular base in respect of the base surface, it may be useful to use a band (not illustrated) applied to the thigh, with a handle into which a hand may be inserted to guide and aid the pedalling movement of said limb.[0085]
• According to an improvement of this invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, with a view to overcome the dead point of the rotation of the[0086]pedal section100, an extra piece has been mounted on the mini exercise-bike to act as a flywheel.
• To this end on the[0087]shaft59 of the pedal section100 aring gear60 which by means of achain61 commands apinion62 pivoted to astrut29. On thepinion62 is fixed aflywheel63. According to the noted technique, the ratio of the speed between the various turning parts may be varied by the diameter of the same, and, according to the needs a flywheel of different weight may be used.
• In the FIGS. 14 and 15 a second model shown of the mini exercise-bike with a different system of connecting the[0088]pedal section100 to thesuction cup10.
• The carrying[0089]axle35 of thepedal section100 is fixed by means of astirrup73 to aninclined support74 which slides on avertical stand75 thanks to aterminal part94 that encloses thevertical stand75. Thisterminal part94 tightens on thevertical stand75 by means of blocking screws76.
• To increment the hold between the[0090]vertical stand75 and theterminal part94, athickness95 may be inserted.
• By the means of pedal's height is readily adjustable to suit the user.[0091]
• The blockage of the[0092]vertical stand75 to thesuction cup10 is obtained using twoplates77 that are illustrated in FIGS. 16, 17, and18. Eachplate77 has twoslots78 which allow it to position astride of the twostruts79 of thesuction cup10.
• These two[0093]plates77 may be kept in position using elastic straps (not illustrated).
• The lower part of the[0094]vertical stand75 has twoscrews80, on which it rests, that, descending on the two sides of thecylinder12 of thesuction cup10, screw onto astirrup81 and pressing onto theplates77 block thevertical stand75 to thesuction cup10 and thereby fixing it firmly to the resting surface.
• The same mini exercise-bike may be used to active, or reactive, the muscles of the upper limbs by inserting onto the pedal axle a specially formed[0095]handle82 instead of the pedals, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, and using straps (not illustrated to fix the hand in position. In this case the resting surface used may be a table.
• In FIGS. 19, 20 and[0096]21 a third model of this invention is illustrated. This model is more simple and economical and the suction cup is substituted by abase plate64, preferably of iron, with a thickness of 5 mm.
• In this case, and contrary to the previous examples, the[0097]base plate64 is fixed in the front onto a fixed surface for example a wall) thereby blocking any forward movement when thepedal section100 are in function.
• For this reason, the[0098]base plate64 has anupturned edge65 at the front andfeet66 by which it can rest on the resting surface.
• The[0099]pedal section100 are united to thebase plate64 by asupport67, which at its top extremity ends like theintermediary part23, so that it blocks the carryingaxle35 to thepedal section100.
• At the base the[0100]support67 is fixed to aplate68 of ahinge69 whosesecond plate70 is blocked tobase plate64. Twoscrews71 are inserted in holes on theplate68, when thesupport67 is in its upright position for use, as illustrated in FIG. 19, and in this position theplate68 is held by two nuts72.
• To put away the mini exercise-bike one has to just unscrew the two[0101]nuts72 put down thesupport67, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. To simplify the illustration the pedal section have been left out in any case these do not need dismounting.
• In this position the mini exercise-bike reaches a maximum height of 10 cm, which means it can be stored under furniture, such as a bed.[0102]
• It is, consequently, less cumbersome and more economical with respect to the other models here illustrated, because the cost and bulk of the[0103]suction cup10 is eliminated.
• In the place of the[0104]simple hinge69, a spring attachment (not illustrated) can be foreseen.
• For means of transport the[0105]support67 is lowered and blocked to thebase plate64 with a belt and the whole bike may be packed into an overnight bag with pockets for the various accessories.
• In FIGS. 22, 23 and[0106]24 a fourth model of the mini exercise-bike is illustrated. Again, in this model, abase plate83 is used, instead of thesuction cup10 to fix thepedal section100 to the resting surface.
• The[0107]base plate83 is provided with a bridge-shapedpart84 made up of two lateral vertical struts and of a horizontal bar on which is gripped aclasp85, internally knurled, tightened by abolt86. In FIG. 24 the clasp is illustrated in an open position thereby allowing the horizontal bar of thebridge84 to be inserted.
• The[0108]clasp85 is the lower part of aninclined strut87 on which asupport88 runs. Thissupport88, thanks to asite89 and anopposite stirrup90, is able to block the carryingaxle35 ofpedal section100 in the same way as previous models.
• The[0109]support88 is fixed to theinclined strut87 by means of clamping screws97. To increment the hold, between theinclined strut87 and the support88 athickness96 may be inserted.
• To improve stability of the model a[0110]prop91 has been inserted, illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26 both frontally and laterally.
• This[0111]prop91 has in its upper end ahole92 whose diameter is slightly superior to the external diameter of theinclined strut87, thus allowing theinclined strut87 to be inclined until it is forced in position into thehole92. To avoid any sliding of theprop91 on thebase plate83indentations93 have been made as stoppers.
• Due to the inclination of the[0112]inclined strut87 and the different positions that thegirder91 can assume, in correspondence with thevarious indentations93, the upper part of thesupport88 and thus thepedal section100 can be regulated in height according to the needs of the consumer.
• In FIGS. 28, 29 and[0113]30 are illustrated other known types of thesuction cup elements130,131,132 on which the present invention may be mounted.
• In FIG. 28 the[0114]suction cup element130 has twosuction cups101 and102 that are joined together by twolateral bands124 and125 united by atransversal handle103. Thelevers126 are positioned to obtain the desired vacuum in thesuction cups101 and102. The FIG. 29 illustrate a suction element131with twosuction cups127 and128 joined directly by alongitudinal handle129.
• FIGS.[0115]30 illustrate asuction cup element132 with3suction cups104,105 and106. Thehandle107 unites two of the three suction cups that the element contains.
• The FIG. 31 shows an exploded view of another example of the supporting[0116]strut133 used to unite the pedal section to the supporting base, which rest on the surface, whether this base is constituted of a base plate or of suction cup. In other words, the supportingstrut133 embraces an axis joined with elements enabling it to be fixed to a surface.
• It is made up of[0117]tubular strut113 threaded at eachend114 and115. On the inferior threadedend114 is screwed apiece112 integral with astirrup111. An opposed stirrup110 fixed byscrews119 and120 embraces, when assembling, thehandles109 or129 or132, according to the type of suction cups used.
• In the same way a[0118]part117, integral with astirrup116, screws on the threadedtop end115. Anopposed stirrup118 fixed withscrews122 and123 embraces, when assembled, to the carryingaxle35 of thepedal section100.
• The supporting[0119]strut133 can also be installed, for example, oncylinder12 of the suction cup illustrated in FIG. 3 or on theinclined strut87 illustrated in FIG. 22.
• Screws[0120]119 and120 are of required length but may be longer, as in FIG. 31, when they must function to meet the base element, when necessary, Thanks to the tubular shape of the supportingstrut133 and his threaded ends114 and115, the twostruts111 and116 can be mounted parallelly or perpendicularly to each other, according to base element used. To fix them solidly in place either rivets134 and135 or soldering may be employed.
• FIG. 32 illustrate the assembling of the supporting[0121]strut133 onsuction cup element130.
• FIG. 33 denote the coupling of the supporting[0122]strut133 onsuction cup element131. For a better stability of the structure, unlike FIG. 33, in this case, the pedal system may be mounted with his own carrying axle perpendicular to thelongitudinal handle129, advantageously.
• Similarly, FIG. 34 is a frontal view of the coupling of the supporting[0123]strut133 andsuction cup element132.
• FIG. 35 shows an exploded view of the[0124]pedal section100. With136 is shown the nucleus of centralmovement carrying axle35 of thepedal section100, with41 the pedal-arm and with45 the pedals.
• FIGS. 36, 37 and[0125]38 shows respectively a lateral view, a frontal view and a view from the top of the example of realization represented in FIG. 32. In these figures the structure is closed in aprotective shell137, to avoid any physical damage of the user during use or handling, due to the exposition of the gears or of the elements of the structure itself. Thisshell137 is made up preferably of two opposite shapedelements137′,137″, that are pressurised in union on the supporting strut133 (see FIG. 32) with clamps (not illustrated) that are inserted by spring on the strut113 (see FIG. 33).
• FIGS. 39 and 40 shows, in the lateral vision and perspective view, a sixth example of realization of the portable mini-bike according to the present invention.[0126]
• To fix it to the floor, or to any other surface adaptable for the use that the mini-bike is destined, it's used an element with an[0127]only suction cup144. Thesuction cup144 has arubber base152 which adheres to the resting surfaces, acontrol knob150 screw shaped, that must be rotated until a void is formed for a correct grip, and amanometer151 that controls if the depression created is enough to consent suction cup to grip and fix entire the structure.
• At the[0128]upper part153 of thesuction cup144 it's fixed the support structure of the pedal section100 (see FIG. 1) with anelement161 made by twobrackets155 united at their ends by ahollow cylinder154, on thishollow cylinder154 is gripped theintermediary element23 on which is fastened the carryingaxle35 of thepedal section100. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrates the single pieces that make up theintermediary element23.
• The[0129]suction cup144 can be of the type commercially known as VACUUMCUP200.
• In the realization shown as FIGS. 39 and 40, on the structure a[0130]rod145 is mounted to allow the user to link the arm movements with that of the lower limbs. Therod145 has in fact its lower extremity screwed onto a threadedtubular support162, that is fixed enbloc onto thestirrup36. On the upper part of therod145 there are fixed, in a similar manner, twohandles82, that by the ring gears163 and the connecting chain (not illustrated), transmit the movements of the upper limbs to the lower limbs and vice-versa.
• In FIG. 42 a perspective view is illustrated of the examples of FIGS. 39 and 40 in which the upright structure and suction cup are covered by a[0131]protective shell138, which adapts to the structure and is designed to protect the user from eventual mishaps during handling or use. The saidshell138 leaves free only thepedal section100 and handles82 with relatives pedal-arms41, and also the control elements of the suction cup. Theshell138 is made up of alower part156, with a substantially rounded form, withedges157 turned downwards that substantially cover thesuction cup144 and has, on its upper surface, ahole158 that permits thecontrol knob150 and themanometer151 to remain outside of theshell138. Thelower part156 of theshell138 extends upwards and obliquely into aback part159, following the shape of thebrackets155 and of thehollow cylinder154 to cover them. Theshell138 proceeds upwards with a basically parallelepiped form covering theintermediary element23, the nucleus ofcentral movement136, carrying the axle of the pedal section100 (FIG. 35), the entire length of therod145, the two ring gears163 with the connecting chain170 (illustrated in FIG. 45) and the nucleus ofcentral movement136′ of thehandles82.
• The[0132]shell138 is formed preferably by two opposite shaped elements that are pressured in union and blocked by means of clips (not illustrated) that are inserted by springs onto the strut29 (see FIG. 5) and on therod145. FIGS. 43 and 44 illustrate a lateral view and a perspective view of the example of FIG. 42, but withoutrod145. The structure is similar of that of FIGS. 39 and 40 and theshell171 is basically similar to that of FIG. 42, but it is limited in the lower part relative to only thepedal section100.
• During use of the mini-bike of the type illustrated in FIGS. 39, 40 and[0133]42, some oscillation of therod145 may be noted. According to a perfection of the invention, to eliminate this annoying movement, asupport149 has been inserted, indicated in FIGS. 41 and 45, that illustrate the structure with and without the shell. The saidsupport149 is made up of twoelements139 and143, that are connected to each other by means of arapid fastener147. The first element is made up of anarm139, fixed at one extremity to therod145, by means of clampingelement140, which is clamp-like which at the other extremity it has afirst hook141 of therapid fastener147. The second element is made up of asupport143, which one extremity has asecond hook142 of therapid fastener147, which blocks it with thefirst hook141, and at the other extremity is fixed to the ground by means of asuction cup146.
• In FIG. 45 is shown the connecting[0134]chain170, between the two ring gears163.
• FIG. 46 illustrates a further example of the invention. The structure of the mini exercise-bike is made up of a[0135]single body164 which is rendered integral whit thesuction cup element131, incorporating the longitudinal handle129 (see FIG. 29) of union of the two suction cups. The nucleus ofcentral movement136 carrying the axle of the pedal section100 (FIG. 35) is inserted on thesingle body164 by means of screws in anopening165 especially threaded.
• FIG. 47 is a lateral view of[0136]footwear166 which may be applied topedal45, with mind to hold the users foot firmly in the pedal, with respect to theslipper47, illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.
• The[0137]removable pedal cover46 is inserted onto the pedal45 in the same manner as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Theremovable pedal cover46 is similar to the one illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10 and27, but it is integral on the top, for example by welding, to arigid plate167, having aback edge168 turned upwards, to allow thefootwear166 to the held into place, to prevent it the slipping backwards.
• To permit the use of[0138]footwear166 of the users size, thefootwear166 is screwed onto therigid plate167 by means ofbolts169.
• The[0139]removable pedal cover46 is blocked to the pedal45 by hidden screws not visible in the drawing. FIG. 48 shows an exploded view of thepedal section100, in which thering gear60 is fixed solidly to theaxle35 of thepedal section100, as shown in the FIG. 49, that is a cross-sectional view executed according a plan XLIX-XLIX. Thepedal arm41 is coupled to the nucleus ofcentral movement136, fixing it to the end of the carryingaxle35 of thepedal section100.
• In the realizations of the present invention having a chain transmission, a[0140]small engine148 may be inserted with some advantage, as shown in FIG. 50, connected to the mains or battery-powered, eventually having a remote-control173 to regulate the speed of pedalling.
• Even in this case, as shown in FIG. 51, the entire structure may be covered by a[0141]shell172, which leaves free only thepedal section100, thecontrol elements150 of the suction cup and the electrical parts.
• This present invention includes all these various variations in details and modifications that may seem obvious to a technician in this branch, but don't go beyond this invention, but are included in the following claims.[0142]

Claims (28)

1. Exercise-bike comprising a pedal section (100) which is fixed to a resting surface by means of supporting elements, characterized in that it occupies a minimum space and in that said supporting elements comprise at least one suction cup (10), adapted to fasten to the resting surface, and a supporting strut (23,133), associated with said at least one suction cup and supporting said pedal section (100).

2. Exercise-bike, according toclaim 1, characterized In that said supporting elements comprise a small bar (14) provided with a hollow small column (15) that is inserted between a rubber base (11) belonging to said suction cup (10) and its cylinder (12), that on the small bar (14), to embrace at its lower end the cylinder (12), is placed a U-shaped stirrup (17) with two lateral wings (18,19), each containing a threaded hole (20,21), that astride of the cylinder (12) is placed an intermediary element (23) constituted at the lower end of a upside-down U-shaped stirrup (24), with two wings (25,26) each equipped with a hole in correspondence of the threaded holes (20,21), thus permitting the tighten of screws (27,28), that the upside-down U-shaped stirrup (24) is enbloc with a strut (29), which on the upper part has an U-shaped stirrup (30) perpendicular in respect to stirrup (24), the stirrup (30) having two lateral wings (31,32), both with threaded holes (33,34), that on the U-shaped stirrup (30) rest a carrying axle (35) with pedal section (100), blocking into position thanks to an upside-down U-shaped stirrup (36), with two wings (37,38) each having a hole corresponding with threaded holes (33,34) permitting to screw the screws (39,40).

3. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 2, characterized in that on the pedals (45) of the pedal section (100) removable pedal covers (46) are fitted perfectly, on which slippers (47) are placed, said pedal covers (46) having an element laterally with a nut screw (52) to screw it to the rod (53) which has a threaded lower part (54) and the other extremity has a handle (55).

4. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 2, characterized in that the pedal covers (46) and the slippers (47) are provided with holes (48) to allows bolts (49) to fix them to the pedals (45), said slippers (47) having slots (50) for the passage of straps and have a raised heel rest (51).

5. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 4 characterized in that the upright rod (53) is realized in two pieces (56,57) sliding into each other and blocking at the desired length with a blocking ring (58).

6. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 2, characterized in that between the wing (19) of the U-shaped stirrup (17) and the small bar (14) a small column (16) is inserted, similar to small column (15), with the upper edge (22), possibly bevelled.

7. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 2, characterized in that the screws (39,40) are complemented by nuts (43,44).

8. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 2, characterized in that the screws (27,28) are long enough to press against the small bar (14).

9. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 2, characterized in that a nut is attached at the base of screws (27,28).

10. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 1, characterized in that the suction cup used is commercially known as the “OCTOPUS SUPERFILTRO”.

11. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 1, characterized in that the carrying axle (35) of the pedal section (100) is fixed by a stirrup (73) to an inclined support (74) which slides on a vertical stand (75), thanks to a terminal part (94) that encloses the vertical stand (75), and that the vertical stand (75) is blocked onto the suction cup (10) using two resting screws (80) which, descending the two sides of the cylinder (12) of the suction cup (10), screw onto a stirrup (81), pushing against two plates (77) which have two slots (78) for the positioning astride of the two struts (79) of the suction cup (10), said terminal part (94) being fixed onto the vertical stand (75) by means of blocking screws (76), a thickness (95) being inserted between the vertical stand (75) and the terminal part (94).

12. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 11, characterized in that two plates (77) are fixed using elastic straps.

13. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 1, characterized in that said supporting elements comprise a base plate (64), said pedal section (100) being joined to the base plate (64) using a support (67) that at the lower end is fixed to a plate (68) of a hinge (69) whose second plate (70) is blocked on the base plate (64), the screws (71) being inserted in the corresponding holes on the plate (68) when the support (67) is in an upright position for use and that in this position the plate (68) is held by nuts (72).

14. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 13, characterized in that the support (67) is joined to the base plate (64) by means of a spring attachment.

15. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 1, characterized in that said supporting elements comprise a base plate (83) provided with a bridge-shaped part (84) made of two lateral vertical struts and of a horizontal bar on which is gripped a clasp (85), internally knurled, tightened by a bot (86), the clasp (85) being the lower part of an inclined strut (87), on which runs a support (88) that at its upper part, thanks to a site (89) and to an opposite stirrup (90) can block the carrying axle (35) of the pedal section (100).

16. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 1, characterized in that said supporting elements comprise a base plate (64,83), a prop (91), having at its upper end a hole (92) whose diameter is slightly superior to the external diameter of the inclined strut (87), being forced on the inclined strut (87), and that is fixed in the lower part by indentations (93) on the base plate (83).

17. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 16, characterized in that the support (88) in fixed to the inclined strut (87) by means of clamping screws (97) and that between the inclined strut (87) and the support (88) a thickness (96) is inserted.

18. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 1, characterized in that a band is applied to the thigh, said band having a handle into which the hand may be inserted.

19. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 1, characterized in that the supporting strut (133) is made of a tubular strut (113) with threading (114,115) at both ends, that on the inferior threaded end (114) a piece (112) is screwed, integral with a stirrup (111), and that an opposed stirrup (110), fixed by screws (119,120), embraces a handle united by means of fixing to the resting surface, and that on the threaded top end (115) a part (117) integral with a stirrup (116) screws, and that an opposed stirrup (118), fixed with screws (122,123), embrace the carrying axle (35) of the pedal section (100).

20. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 19, characterized in that the support structure is closed in a protective shell (137), made up of two opposite shaped elements (137′,137″) that are pressurized in union on the supporting strut (133) with clamps that are inserted by spring on the strut (113).

21. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims1, characterized in that an element is used with an only suction cup (144), with a control knob (150) and a manometer (151), that on its the upper part (153) is fixed the support structure of the pedal section (100) made up of an element (161) made by two brackets (155) united at their ends by a hollow cylinder (154), on which is gripped an intermediary element (23) on which is fastened the carrying axle (35) of the pedal section (100) by means a stirrup (36).

22. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 21, characterized in that the suction cup (144) is of the type commercially known as VACUUMCUP200.

23. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 21, characterized in that on the support structure is mounted a rod (145) that has its lower extremity screwed onto a threaded tubular support (162), that is fixed enbloc onto the stirrup (36), being fixed, in a similar manner, on the upper part of the rod (145) two handles (82), that are connected to the support structure by ring gears (163) and a connecting chain (170).

24. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 21, characterized by the fact that the support structure and the suction cup are covered by a shell (138) that is constituted by a lower part (156), with a substantially rounded form, with the edges (157) turned downwards that substantially cover the suction cup (144), that has on its upper surface a hole (158), that leaves at the outside of the shell (138) the control knob (150) and the manometer (151), extending its lower part (156) upwards and obliquely into a back part (159), following the shape of the elements of the brackets (155) and of the hollow cylinder (154) to cover them, then proceeding upwards with a basically parallelepiped form covering the intermediary element (23), the nucleus of central movement (136) carrying the axle of the pedal section (100), the entire length of the rod (145), the two ring gears (163) with the connecting chain (170) and the nucleus of central movement (136′) of the handles (82).

25. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 24, characterized by the fact that the shell (138) is formed by two opposite shaped elements pressed in union and blocked by means of clips inserted by spring onto the strut (29) and on the rod (145).

26. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 23, characterized by the fact that the support structure and the suction cup are covered by a shell (171) that is formed by a lower part (156), with a substantially rounded form, with the edges (157) turned downwards that substantially cover the suction cup (144) that has on its upper surface a hole (158) that leaves at the outside of the shell (138) the control knob (150) and the manometer (151) extending its lower part (156) upwards and obliquely into a back part (159), following the shape of the elements of the brackets (155) and of the hollow cylinder (154) to cover them, then proceeding upwards with a basically parallelepiped form covering the intermediary element (23) and the carrying axle (35) of the pedal section (100).

27. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 23, characterized in that on the rod (145) is inserted a support (149) made up of two elements (139,143), that are connected to each other by means of a rapid fastener (147), the first element being made up of an arm (139), fixed at one extremity to the rod (145) by means of a clamping element (140), which is clamping like, which at the other extremity have a first hook (141) of the a rapid fastener (147), the second element is made up of a support (143), which at one extremity has a second hook (142) of the rapid fastener (147) which blocks it with the first hook (141) and the other extremity is fixed to the ground by means of a suction cup (146).

28. Exercise-bike as claimed inclaim 1, characterized in that the structure of the mini exercise-bike is made of a single body (164) which is integral with the suction cup element (131) incorporating the handle (129) of union of the two suction cups, and that the single body (164) has a threaded opening (165) to which the nucleus of central movement (136) carrying the axle of the pedal section (100) will be screwed.

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