US20070049467A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20070049467A1
Application number: US11/450,082
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Lin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-08-24
Filing date: 2006-06-09
Publication date: 2007-03-01

Abstract

An exercise apparatus is provided. The exercise apparatus includes a base disposed on a surface, a bicycle frame having a first side and a second side and pivotally mounted on the base, a first supporter disposed on the first side, and a simulating device disposed on the bicycle frame to simulate a real bicycle riding. While the bicycle frame is swinging to the first side, the first supporter contacts the base to prevent the bicycle frame from swinging beyond a specific extent.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus, and more particular to an exercise apparatus that virtually simulates a real bicycle riding.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The conventional exercise bicycles are generally operated by pedaling a rotatable wheel with a variable and adjustable resistance, so as to cause a corresponding amount of the energy consumption for the exerciser. It is so drab for the exerciser to do the body-building with such an exercise apparatus, and the exerciser may hence lose his interests thereon and give it up. However, conventional exercise bicycles only provide for an indoor exercise. The exerciser just pedals mechanically without feeling any road condition variation and acquiring any experience in handling such road conditions, which may make the exerciser lose his interests. In other words, exercising on a conventional exercise bike decreases the desire of the exerciser, and thus hinders the exerciser from developing his physical strength. In addition, a device for exercising the limbs and torso of the exerciser is disadvantageous in that the rotatable wheel thereof is positioned below the seat, which makes the exerciser fail to keep the balance while exercising.

For overcoming the mentioned disadvantage of the prior art, a novel exercise apparatus is provided in the present invention. The provided exercise apparatus is capable of providing the exerciser with an improved balance while exercising the therewith, so as to simulate a real bicycle riding and make the exerciser more interested in exercising.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus with which the exerciser would keep his balance while being on the bicycle frame thereof.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus which can prevent itself from swinging beyond a specific extent.

For achieving the objects above, the present invention provides an exercise apparatus, including a base disposed on a ground, a bicycle frame pivotally mounted on the base and having a swinging axis, a controlling unit pivotally mounted on the bicycle frame and mounting an adapting unit thereon, the adapting unit contacting and movable on the ground, and a supporter disposed between the bicycle frame and the base. In which, while the bicycle frame is swinging to a first side, the supporter prevents the bicycle frame from swinging beyond a specific extent.

Preferably, the exercise apparatus further includes a gyro-wheel pivotally mounted on the bicycle frame.

Preferably, the swinging axis is above a center of the gyro-wheel.

Preferably, the swinging axis is under a center of the gyro-wheel.

Preferably, the the controlling unit has a rotating axis pointing to the ground.

Preferably, the controlling unit further includes a handle opposite to the adapting unit for controlling therefor.

Preferably, the controlling unit further includes a rail movably running the adapting unit thereon.

Preferably, the adapting unit has only one roller that is linearly disposed with the bicycle frame at an instance.

Preferably, the exercise apparatus further has a connecting unit pivotally connecting the base with the bicycle frame.

Preferably, the connecting unit further includes a connecting rod formed on the bicycle frame and a connecting seat formed on the base, wherein the supporting rod and the supporting seat pivotally connect to each other.

Preferably, the connecting unit provides the swinging axis.

Preferably, the supporter further includes a first supporting arm fixed to the bicycle frame at the first side and a second supporting arm fixed to the bicycle frame at a second side opposite to the first side, wherein while the bicycle frame swings to one of the first side and the second side, a respective one of the first supporting arm and the second arm touches the base to stop the bicycle frame from swinging beyond the specific extent.

Preferably, the supporter further includes a first elastic unit connecting the bicycle frame with the frame at the first side, so that while the bicycle frame swings to the first side, the first elastic unit pushes the bicycle frame back to a desired position.

According to above aspects, the present invention provides another exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus includes a base, a bicycle frame pivotally mounted on the base and forming a swinging axis, a first zone and a second zone divided by the swing axis, a controlling unit pivotally mounted on the bicycle frame and mounting an adapting unit thereon, and a supporter disposed between the bicycle frame and the base, wherein while the bicycle frame is swinging to the first zone, the controlling unit moves the adapting unit toward the first zone to create a reaction force pushing the bicycle frame toward the second zone and the supporter stops the bicycle frame to prevent the bicycle frame from swinging beyond a specific extent.

The exercise apparatus as set forth above, wherein the first zone begins from a right side of the bicycle frame and the second zone begins from a left side of the bicycle frame.

The exercise apparatus as set forth above, wherein the supporter further includes a first bar fixed on the right side of the bicycle frame, a first limiter mounted on the base and below the first bar, a second bar fixed on the right side of the bicycle frame, and a second limiter mounted on the base and below the second bar, wherein while the bicycle frame swings to one of the first zone and the second zone, a respective one of the first bar and the second bar is stopped by one of the first limiter and the second limiter to prevent the bicycle frame from turnover.

According to above aspects, the present invention further provides yet another exercise apparatus, including a base disposed on a surface, a bicycle frame having a first side and a second side, and pivotally mounted on the base, a first supporter disposed on the first side, and a simulating device disposed on the bicycle frame to simulate a real bicycle riding, wherein while the bicycle frame is swinging to the first side, the first supporter contacts the base to prevent the bicycle frame from swinging beyond a specific extent.

In accordance with the present invention, the simulating device further includes a gyro-wheel pivotally mounted on the bicycle frame.

In accordance with the present invention, the simulating device includes only one adapting unit that is linearly disposed with the bicycle frame at an instance.

In accordance with the present invention, the simulating device further includes a linking rod pivotally mounted on the bicycle frame, and an adapting unit fixed to the linking rod and contacting the surface, wherein the adapting unit is linearly disposed with the bicycle frame at an instance.

The above contents and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed descriptions and accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a connecting unit of the exercise apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS.3(a) and3(b) are front views schematically showing the operation of the connecting unit shown inFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a resistance generator arranged on a gyro-wheel of the exercise apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an adapting device of a controlling unit of the exercise apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS.6(a) and6(b) are cross-sectional views schematically showing the operation of the adapting device shown inFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top view showing the operation of a handle with the adapting device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an exercise apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side view of an exercise apparatus according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the exercise apparatus according to the embodiment ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a front view schematically showing the bicycle frame swinging to the first zone;

FIG. 12 is a front view schematically showing the bicycle frame swinging to the second zone;

FIG. 13 is a local view schematically showing the structure around the connecting unit and adapting unit;

FIGS. 14-16 are local front views schematically showing different embodiments of the supporter of the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is a side view of the exercise apparatus according to a forth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention will now be described more specifically with reference to the following embodiments. It is to be noted that the following descriptions of preferred embodiments of this invention are presented herein for purposes of illustration and description only; it is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed.

Please refer toFIG. 1, which shows a perspective view of an exercise apparatus according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The exercise apparatus includes abicycle frame10 whose shape is not limited to the disclosed one. Thebicycle frame10 includes a supportingmember11 mounted on abase13 that is placed on a base surface G. Generally speaking, the surface G is a ground or a floor. On thebicycle frame10, aseat15 is mounted thereon for seating an exerciser, and a controllingunit30 is pivotally mounted on a first terminal of thebicycle frame10, so that the exerciser can balance himself therethrough. Furthermore, because thebicycle frame10 and thebase13 are pivotally mounted to each other, the present invention naturally has a swinging axis SA formed and passing through the respective positions of the pivotal-mounting of thebicycle frame10 and thebase13. Therefore, in the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the swinging axis SA passes through the connectingunit50, which pivotally connects thebicycle frame10 with thebase13.

Furthermore, inFIG. 1, the controllingunit30 is pivotally mounted on thebicycle frame10 through aneck12 thereof. The controllingunit30 includes a linkingrod31 extended from one end of theneck12 and ahandle20 extended from the other end thereof. The linkingrod31 further has a adaptingunit301 at a end thereof away from theneck12. And the adaptingunit301 further has aroller35 contacting the surface G. Hence, the user can control the position of the adaptingunit30 respecting the surface G through turning thehandle20. Because of the pivotal-mounting between the controllingunit30 and theneck12 of thebicycle frame10, the controllingunit30 forms a rotating axis RA pointing to the surface G. While thebicycle frame10 swings to a certain direction thereof, the user operates the controllingunit30 to move theadapting unit301 to the certain direction. Therefore, the adaptingunit30 passes the reaction receiving from the surface G to push thebicycle frame10 back. Thus, it is very clear that by using the controllingunit30, the present invention can easily simulate a real bicycle riding feeling for the user.

Please refer toFIG. 1, thebicycle frame10 also pivotally mounts a gyro-wheel43 driven by a drivingunit40 thereon. Depending on the physics theory, when the gyro-wheel43 is rotating, it creates inertia which can resist interference from outside and maintains the posture of thebicycle frame10.

The drivingunit40 includes adriving wheel41 connecting to a drivenwheel42 by atransmittal44. The drivenwheel42 is fixed on the gyro-wheel43, and thus the gyro-wheel43 is rotated synchronously with the drivenwheel42. A pair ofpedals45 are connected to thedriving wheel41. In this embodiment, thedriving wheel41 and the drivenwheel42 would be one of a gear and a pulley. Thetransmittal44 would be one of a chain and a belt, depending on thedriving wheel41 and the drivenwheel42.

The weight of the gyro-wheel43 also affects its inertia, so the larger the weight is, the larger the inertia will be. Therefore, the exercise apparatus of the present invention may include more than onegyratory wheel43 and the respective diameters and weights thereof are different. The user can exchange the gyro-wheel43 with a proper weight according actual needs. Besides, aretainer60 is provided on the supportingmember11 for holding the linkingrod31, so as to prevent the linkingrod31 from bouncing up and down while swinging.

The supportingmember11 and the base13 are connected to each other through a connectingunit50, which is described in detail with reference toFIG. 2. Please refer toFIG. 2, which shows an exploded view of a connectingunit50 of the exercise apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The connectingunit50 includes a connectingrod51 and a set of connectingseats52. The connectingrod51 has apositioning hole511 therethrough. One end of the connectingrod51 is connected to the supportingmember11, and the other end thereof is inserted between theseats52 fixed on thebase13 and is pivotally fixed therebetween through a pivot S, so that the connectingrod51 is capable of swinging about the pivot S. A firstpivotal hole512 is disposed on the connectingrod51 and a secondpivotal hole523 is disposed on theseats52, and thus the pivot S penetrates both of the first and second pivotal holes and the bicycle frame10 (shown inFIG. 1) can swing according to the pivot S. Moreover, there are acentral hole521 andplural holes522 arranged at each side of thecentral hole521 on the pair of theseats52.

Please refer to FIGS.3(a) and3(b), which are front views schematically showing the operation of the connecting unit shown inFIG. 2. As shown inFIG. 3(a), if two stoplevers54 are respectively inserted into theholes522awhich are configured adjacent to thecentral hole521, the connectingrod51 is able to be adjusted to a position vertical to the base surface G and fixed at this position by inserting a positioningmember53 through thepositioning hole511 and thecentral holes521.

As shown inFIG. 3(b), while the twostop levers54 are respectively inserted into theholes522bon thepivotal seats52, the swing of the connectingrod51 is thus limited. In other words, the connectingrod51 would only swing in the range defined by the twostop levers54 respectively inserted in theholes522b. Therefore, the connectingunit50 functions as a swinging angle controlling element and adjusts the swinging angle of thebicycle frame10 as desired. It is worthy to note that the number of the connectingunit50 is variable, which depends on an actual design therefor.

Through the connectingunit50, it is easy to adjust thebicycle frame10 to fix at a position which is vertical to the base surface G, and alternatively, to swing within a limited angle. Besides, one should notice that the connectingunit50 shown in FIGS.2,3(a) and3(b) is only illustrated for the preferred embodiments of the present invention. The connectingunit50 may also include a connectingrod51 and a connectingseat52, wherein the connectingrod51 is able to be pivoted to thepivotal seat52 with other components.

Please refer toFIG. 4, which shows a front view of a resistance generator arranged on a gyro-wheel of the exercise apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Theresistance generator80 is arranged on the gyro-wheel43 so as to supply different resistance for riding. For example, the resistance is generated by theresistance generator80 which is screwed to prop up afriction member81. While theresistance generator80 is screwed toward thefriction member81, the gyro-wheel43 is pressed thereby, so that the resistance is increased.

Please refer toFIG. 5, which shows an exploded view of an adapting device of a controlling unit of the exercise apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The adaptingdevice301 has a first big mountingbracket32 and a pair of opposite elongated holes33. A second big mountingbracket34 is inserted into the first big mountingbracket32 and aroller35 is disposed therein. A positioningmember36 is inserted into the pair of oppositeelongated holes33 of the first big mountingbracket32, and thus the second big mountingbracket34 and theroller35 are assembled together. Anelastic member37 is disposed between the first big mountingbracket32 and the second big mountingbracket34 so as to absorb the vibration while the exercise apparatus is operated.

In this embodiment, theroller35 is a rotatable member which contacts the base surface G, and the contact point thereof with respect to the base surface G is regarded as a contacting point. Therefore, the reaction from the surface G affects theroller35 first, and is then transmitted through the first and

second brackets

32 and34. At last, the reaction is transmitted to the linkingrod31 to support the bicycle frame (shown inFIG. 1). In other embodiments, however, the base surface G further includes the ground or other surfaces.

Please refer to FIGS.6(a) and6(b), which are cross-sectional views schematically showing the operation of the adapting device shown inFIG. 5. If the base surface G is uneven, theelastic member37 would absorb the vibration resulting from theroller35 which moves up and down in response to the unevenness of the base surface G, so as to provide the controllingunit30 with a stable condition for controlling as shown inFIG. 6(b).

Please refer toFIG. 7, which is a top view showing the operation of a controlling unit with the adapting device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thebicycle frame10 is to be fixed at a position which is vertical to the base surface G. The exercise apparatus would generate an inertia while the exerciser pedaling thepedals45. In order to keep thebicycle frame10 at a balance, the exerciser could hold thehandle20 to make the controllingunit30 turn left and right, so that the adaptingdevice301 would correspondly swing on the base surface G. InFIG. 7, the exercise apparatus has a swinging axis SA dividing the exercise apparatus into a first zone Z01 and a second zone Z02. When thebicycle frame10 swings to the first zone Z01 in a first direction D01, the user turns thehandle20 toward the first zone Z01 to prevent thebicycle frame10 from turnover just like an ordinary bicycle user does. Hence, when thehandle20 is turned toward the first zone Z01, the adaptingunit301 is moved to the first position P01 in the first zone Z01. And then the surface G produces a reaction to sustain theadapting unit301 and further sustain thebicycle frame10 to avoid turnover. In the same reason, when thebicycle frame10 swings to the second zone Z02 in a second direction D02, the user turns thehandle20 toward the second zone Z02 to prevent thebicycle frame10 from turnover just like an ordinary bicycle user does. Thus, when thehandle20 is turned toward the second zone Z02, the adaptingunit301 is moved to the second position P02 in the second zone Z02. And then the surface G produces a reaction to sustain theadapting unit301 and further sustain thebicycle frame10 to avoid turnover. Of course, the reaction from the surface G can push thebicycle frame10 back to the middle through the adaptingunit301, linkingrod31 and the controlling unit30 (shown inFIG. 1).

Please refer toFIG. 7. Furthermore, while the adaptingunit301 locates just in the middle between the first zone Z01 and the second zone Z02, thebicycle frame10 is possible to swing to each zone, just like an ordinary bicycle. However, by using the exercise apparatus of the present invention, the user can simulate the real bicycle riding feeling without the need of expansive area as an ordinary bicycle rider. Through the present invention, the user uses only a limited space for disposition and can exercise with simulating bicycle riding.

Please refer toFIG. 8, which shows a side view of an exercise apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The controllingunit30 includes astraight frame38 whose first end is connected to thehandle20, and the second end thereof is folded into anarcuate rod39 which is further connected to one end of the extendingrod31′ with a joint313. Thearcuate rod39 and the extendingrod31′ respectively have a locking

protrusion

391 and311, and anelastic member37A is held therebetween. When the controllingunit30 is swung, the angle between thearcuate rod39 and thecross rod31 is adjusted by the joint313 in response to the absorbing of theelastic member37A. Theroller35 is pivotally disposed in the first big mountingbracket32 at the other end of thecross rod31. It is worthy to note that the positioningmember36 is inserted into the holes33 (shown inFIG. 5) on each side of the first big mountingbracket32. Theelastic member37A is used to make theroller35 flexibly move above the base surface G and assure theroller35 always contacting the surface G by the pushing from theelastic member37A.

While thebicycle frame10 swings, the swingingunit30 would swing left and right and theroller35 contacting the base surface G is moved corresponding, so as to supply a supporting force for thebicycle frame10. However, the swinging of thebicycle frame10 would be slightly affected by an uneven base surface G or an excessive slant of thebicycle frame10 which leads to an adverse manner, and therefore, one inventive design in this embodiment exists in that the controllingunit30 is provided with theelastic member37A. As a result, the controllingunit30 is capable of providing a supporting effect for balancing and stabilizing thebicycle frame10 as well as the exerciser.

Please refer toFIG. 9, which shows a side view of an exercise apparatus according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the controllingunit30 includes afirst portion30arotating therethrough and asecond portion30bkept in front of the gyro-wheel43. Combining the absorbing effect of theelastic element37A and thefirmer controlling unit30, it should be much easier to balanceably keep thebicycle frame10 on the base surface G by using thehandle20.

As the above-mentioned, the weight of the gyratory wheel would result in an inertia when the driving unit is rotated and the controlling unit is suitably rotated/turned, so as to dynamically balance the bicycle frame and provide the exerciser with a balance when the exerciser is exercising with the exercise apparatus. Furthermore, the provided exercise apparatus also makes the exercise simulation more real and interesting. The bicycle frame swings left and right in a predetermined range whose swinging angle is easily adjustable and thus the riding and the quality of riding simulation are well improved. In addition, the connecting unit and the bicycle frame are able to be adjusted to stand vertically or swing laterally, and thus the swinging angle of the bicycle frame is easily controlled by the exerciser as needed.

Please refer toFIG. 10, which is a front view of the exercise apparatus according to the embodiment ofFIG. 1.FIG. 10 shows that thebicycle frame10 is disposed on the surface G which can be a ground or a floor in a room. Thebicycle frame10 has a right side RS and a left side LS, and thus the first zone Z01 begins from the right side to the surface G and the second zone Z02 begins from the left side LS to the surface G. When thebicycle frame10 keeps in balance, thebicycle frame10 stays in the middle position and swings to neither the first zone Z01 nor the second zone Z02. Furthermore, the exercise apparatus has arail14 disposed between the surface G and theroller35, and contacted by both of them. Therail14 provides the roller35 a smooth rolling surface to avoid any unevenness influencing the rotation of theroller35. Because thebicycle frame10 stays in balance, it is unnecessary for the user to turn the controllingunit30 to keep the exercise apparatus in balance. Therefore, thehandle20 points forward to make theadapting unit301 located just right in front of the connectingunit50 and linearly disposed with the swinging axis SA of thebicycle frame10 at this instance (shown inFIG. 7). The portions behind theneck12 and the controllingunit30 inFIG. 10 are shown in dotted lines.

Please refer toFIG. 11.FIG. 11 is a front view schematically showing the bicycle frame swinging to the first zone. Although the gyro-wheel43 can keep balance in theory, thebicycle frame10 is still affected by external forces. Therefore, for example, when thebicycle frame10 swings to the first zone Z01, the user can turn thehandle20 to the right side RS so as to move theadapting unit301 to the first zone Z01 through the linkingrod31, and theroller35 is moved to the first zone Z01 accordingly. Because of the swinging of thebicycle frame10, a weight is added to therail14 by theroller35. Accordingly, therail14 produces a reacting force (reaction) RF to theroller35 for sustaining. The reacting force RF is further transmitted to the controllingunit30 through the linkingrod31, and then arrives theneck12 of thebicycle frame10. Thus, it is clear that the reacting force RF holds thebicycle frame10 to prevent it from swinging continuously and provides an ordinary bicycle riding feeling to the user of the exercise apparatus.

Please refer toFIG. 12.FIG. 12 is a front view schematically showing the bicycle frame swinging to the second zone. Although the gyro-wheel43 can keep balance in theory, thebicycle frame10 is still affected by external forces. Therefore, for example, when thebicycle frame10 swings to the second zone Z02, the user can turn thehandle20 to the left side LS so as to move theadapting unit301 to the second zone Z02 through the linkingrod31, and theroller35 is moved to the second zone Z02 accordingly. Because of the swinging of thebicycle frame10, a weight is added to therail14 by theroller35. Hence, therail14 produces a reacting force (reaction) RF to theroller35 for sustaining. The reacting force RF is further transmitted to the controllingunit30 through the linkingrod31, and then arrives theneck12 of thebicycle frame10. Thus, it is clear that the reacting force RF holds thebicycle frame10 to prevent it from swinging continuously and provides an ordinary bicycle riding feeling to the user of the exercise apparatus.

In both ofFIGS. 11 and 12, no matter the bicycle frame swings to either the first zone Z01 or the second zone Z02, the elastic member37 (shown in FIGS.5,6(a) and6 (b)) is compressed because the straight-line distance between theneck12 and theroller35 is shortened. Accordingly, theelastic element37 has a potential energy to restore an original length coaxially with the swinging axis SA (shown inFIG. 7). Therefore, theelastic element37 pushes the first big mountingbracket32 and thus the controllingunit30 through the linkingrod31. And then theneck12 is pushed by the controllingunit30, thereby making thebicycle frame10 back to the middle position as shown inFIG. 10. Therefore, according to the above descriptions, the controllingunit30 not only prevents thebicycle frame10 from swinging continuously, but also retrieves it to the middle position as shown inFIG. 10. Hence, through the present invention, the user feels just like riding an ordinary bicycle.

Please refer toFIG. 13.FIG. 13 is a local view schematically showing the structure around the connecting unit and adapting unit. For stopping thebicycle frame10 from swinging beyond a specific extent, asupporter61 is disposed between thebicycle frame10 and thebase13. Furthermore, thesupporter61 has afirst bar62′afixed to thebicycle frame10 at the first side thereof. While thebicycle frame10 swings to the first side, thefirst bar62′atouches the base13 to stop thebicycle frame10 from swinging beyond the specific extent. Furthermore, just under thebar62′a, afirst pad64′ is disposed on thebase13 for absorbing the shock resulting from thebar62′a. Thebicycle frame10 is still pivotally mounted to the base13 through the connectingunit50, and the gyro-wheel43 is rotatably mounted on thebicycle frame10 and driven by thetransmittal44. The controllingunit30 includes a linkingrod31 having an adaptingunit301 at the end thereof. In addition, arail14 is disposed on thebase13, and aroller35 is placed on therail14 for smoothly rolling thereon.

Please refer toFIGS. 14, 15 and16.FIGS. 14-16 are local front views schematically showing different embodiments of the supporter of the present invention. InFIG. 14, the connectingunit50 has a connectingrod51 extended from thebicycle frame10 and a connectingseat52 formed on thebase13. A pivot S connects the connectingrod51 with the connectingseat52, thereby creating a swinging axis SA (shown inFIG. 7). Furthermore, a first supportingarm61aand a second supportingarm62aare respectively fixed at the right side RS and the left side LS of thebicycle frame10. Therefore, when thebicycle frame10 swings to either the right side RS or the left side LS, the first supportingarm61aor the second supportingarm62awill touch thebase13 to stop thebicycle frame10 from swinging beyond the specific extent. Therefore, the distance between the arms (61a,62a) and thebase13 decides the swinging angle of thebicycle frame10. Thus, for a better operation, each of the first supportingarm61aand the second supportingarm62ais equipped with anadjuster60 having apad64 and ascrew63, where thepad64 is movable up and down by the rotation of thescrew63. When thepad64 is moved up, the gap between it and thebase13 gets larger, so the bicycle frame10 (shown inFIGS. 1, 10 and11) is able to swing at a bigger angle. On the contrary, when thepad64 is moved down, the gap between it and thebase13 gets smaller, so the bicycle frame10 (shown inFIGS. 1, 10 and11) is able to swing at a smaller angle. Furthermore, while both of thepads64 contact thebase13, the bicycle frame10 (shown inFIGS. 1, 10 and11) is unable to swing. Besides, for a better shock-absorbing effect, thepads64 are made of an elastic material or a spring.

InFIG. 15, the connectingunit50 has a connectingrod51 extended from thebicycle frame10 and a connectingseat52 formed on thebase13. A pivot S connects the connectingrod51 with the connectingseat52, thereby creating a swinging axis SA (shown inFIG. 7). Furthermore, afirst supporter61′ is disposed at the right side RS of the connectingrod51, and asecond supporter62′ is disposed at the left side LF thereof. Thefirst supporter61′ further includes afirst bar61′afixed on the right side RS of thebicycle frame10 and afirst limiter61′bmounted on thebase13 and below thefirst bar61′a. Thesecond supporter62′ further includes asecond bar62′afixed on the left side LS of thebicycle frame10 and asecond limiter62′bmounted on thebase13 and below thesecond bar62′a. While thebicycle frame10 swings to either the right side RS or the left side LS, a respective one of thefirst bar61′aand thesecond bar62′ais stopped by one of thefirst limiter61′band thesecond limiter62′bto prevent thebicycle frame10 from turnover. Each of the first andsecond limiters61′band62′bhas apad64 which is disposed on ascrew63 mounted on thebase13. Thepad64 is movable up and down by the rotation of thescrew63. When thepad64 is moved up, the gap between it and thebase13 becomes smaller, so the bicycle frame10 (shown inFIGS. 1, 10 and11) is able to swing at a smaller angle. On the contrary, when thepad64 is moved down, the gap between it and thebase13 becomes larger, so the bicycle frame10 (shown inFIGS. 1, 10 and11) is able to swing at a larger angle. Furthermore, while both of thepads64 contact thebase13, the bicycle frame10 (shown inFIGS. 1, 10 and11) is unable to swing. Moreover, for a better shock-absorbing effect, thepads64 are made of an elastic material or a spring.

Please refer toFIG. 16. As shown inFIG. 16, a firstelastic unit65aconnects thebicycle frame10 with the base13 at the right side RS, so that while thebicycle frame10 swings to the right side RS, the firstelastic unit65apushes thebicycle frame10 back to a desired position which is normally the middle position as shown inFIG. 10. Furthermore, a secondelastic unit65bconnects thebicycle frame10 with the base13 at the left side LS, so that while thebicycle frame10 swings to the left side LS, the secondelastic unit65bpushes thebicycle frame10 back to a desired position which is normally the middle position as shown inFIG. 10. Therefore, when thebicycle frame10 swings to one side, one of the

elastic units

65aand65bpushes it back and the other thereof pulls it back. Through the first and second

elastic units

65aand65b), thebicycle frame10 is prevented from swinging beyond a specific extent.

Please refer toFIG. 17, which is a side view of the exercise apparatus according to a forth preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 17, a drivenwheel41 is pivotally mounted on thebicycle frame10 and apedal45 is fixed to the drivenwheel41. A gyro-wheel43 is pivotally mounted on thebicycle frame10 and driven by the drivenwheel41 through thetransmittal44. A controllingunit30 is pivotally jointed on thebicycle frame10 through aneck12 thereof. The controllingunit30 forms a rotating axis RA pointing to the surface G and has a linkingrod31 on which aroller35 is mounted. Ahandle20 is further fixed on the controllingunit30 opposite to theroller35 thereof. Hence, the user is able to rotate thehandle20 to move theroller35 in curve above the surface G. Arail14 is disposed between theroller35 and the surface G for providing a smooth rotation for theroller35 thereon. Thebicycle frame10 is pivotally mounted on the base13 through astand16. Thestand16 forms a second swinging axis SA′ above theshaft43′ of the gyro-wheel43. In comparison, the swinging axis SA ofFIG. 1 is below the gyro-wheel43. Although the swinging axis SA ofFIG. 1 is near the surface G and provides a swinging feeling like an ordinary bicycle, the swinging axis SA for the exerciser is a little bit unstable. But inFIG. 17, thestand16 raises the swinging axis to the second swinging axis SA′. Thebicycle frame10 is more stable compared to that inFIG. 1, because the mass center integrates thebicycle frame10 with the gyro-wheel43, and the user is closer to the second swinging axis SA′. Besides, aseat15 is fixed on thebicycle frame10 for the exerciser to sit thereon and pedal thepedal45.

In conclusion, through either of the embodiments described above, the user feels just like riding an ordinary bicycle. Especially, the controlling unit of the present invention provides a balance controlling feeling which is almost the same as an ordinary bicycle. Therefore, the present invention provides an improved exercise apparatus, making the user feel like riding a real bicycle in a limited space. Furthermore, the supporters of the present invention prevent the bicycle frame from swinging beyond a specific extent, and the rail of the present invention provides a smooth rotation for the roller moved thereon.

While the invention has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a base disposed on a ground;

a bicycle frame pivotally mounted on the base and having a swinging axis;

a controlling unit pivotally mounted on the bicycle frame and mounting an adapting unit thereon, the adapting unit contacting and movable on the ground; and

a supporter disposed between the bicycle frame and the base,

wherein while the bicycle frame is swinging to a first side, the supporter prevents the bicycle frame from swinging beyond a specific extent.

2. The exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, further comprising a gyro-wheel pivotally mounted on the bicycle frame.

3. The exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 2, wherein the swinging axis is above a center of the gyro-wheel.

4. The exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 2, wherein the swinging axis is under a center of the gyro-wheel.

5. The exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the controlling unit has a rotating axis pointing to the ground.

6. The exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the controlling unit further comprises a handle opposite to the adapting unit for controlling therefor.

7. The exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the controlling unit further comprises a rail movably running the adapting unit thereon.

8. The exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the adapting unit has only one roller that is linearly disposed with the bicycle frame at an instance.

9. The exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, further comprising a connecting unit pivotally connecting the base with the bicycle frame.

10. The exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 9, wherein the connecting unit further comprises:

a connecting rod formed on the bicycle frame; and

a connecting seat formed on the base, wherein the supporting rod and the supporting seat pivotally connect to each other.

11. The exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 9, wherein the connecting unit provides the swinging axis.

12. The exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the supporter further comprises:

a first supporting arm fixed to the bicycle frame at the first side; and

a second supporting arm fixed to the bicycle frame at a second side opposite to the first side, wherein while the bicycle frame swings to one of the first side and the second side, a respective one of the first supporting arm and the second arm touches the base to stop the bicycle frame from swinging beyond the specific extent.

13. The exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the supporter further comprises a first elastic unit connecting the bicycle frame with the base at the first side, so that while the bicycle frame swings to the first side, the first elastic unit pushes the bicycle frame back to a desired position.

14. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a base;

a bicycle frame pivotally mounted on the base and forming a swinging axis;

a first zone and a second zone divided by the swing axis;

a controlling unit pivotally mounted on the bicycle frame and mounting an adapting unit thereon; and

a supporter disposed between the bicycle frame and the base,

wherein while the bicycle frame is swinging to the first zone, the controlling unit moves the adapting unit toward the first zone to create a reaction force pushing the bicycle frame toward the second zone and the supporter stops the bicycle frame to prevent the bicycle frame from swinging beyond a specific extent.

15. The exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 14, wherein the first zone begins from a right side of the bicycle frame and the second zone begins from a left side of the bicycle frame.

16. The exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 14, wherein the supporter further comprises:

a first bar fixed on the right side of the bicycle frame;

a first limiter mounted on the base and below the first bar;

a second bar fixed on the right side of the bicycle frame; and

a second limiter mounted on the base and below the second bar,

wherein while the bicycle frame swings to one of the first zone and the second zone, a respective one of the first bar and the second bar is stopped by one of the first limiter and the second limiter to prevent the bicycle frame from turnover.

17. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a base disposed on a surface;

a bicycle frame having a first side and a second side, and pivotally mounted on the base;

a first supporter disposed on the first side; and

a simulating device disposed on the bicycle frame to simulate a real bicycle riding,

wherein while the bicycle frame is swinging to the first side, the first supporter contacts the base to prevent the bicycle frame from swinging beyond a specific extent.

18. The exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 17, wherein the simulating device further comprises a gyro-wheel pivotally mounted on the bicycle frame.

19. The exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 17, wherein the simulating device comprises only one adapting unit that is linearly disposed with the bicycle frame at an instance.

20. The exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 17, wherein the simulating device further comprises:

a linking rod pivotally mounted on the bicycle frame; and

an adapting unit fixed to the linking rod and contacting the surface,

wherein the adapting unit is linearly disposed with the bicycle frame at an instance.