US20120071301A1 - Adjustable inclining and declining exercise bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

An exercise apparatus comprises an exercise cycle having a pedal assembly configured to rotate and at least one flywheel. The pedal assembly is in an operative relationship with the flywheel such that rotating the pedal assembly causes the flywheel to rotate. The exercise cycle comprises a frame connected to the pedal assembly, the frame supporting a seat for a user. The exercise apparatus further comprises a base configured to support the exercise cycle and to dynamically tilt the exercise cycle to simulate cycling on an inclined surface. The base comprises a platform configured to support the frame of the exercise cycle. The base further comprises at least one actuator configured to support at least part of the platform, the at least one actuator connected to the platform and configured to dynamically tilt the platform during operation of the exercise cycle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment and more specifically to an adjustable inclining and declining exercise bicycle.
BACKGROUND
• Traditional stationary bicycles allow users to exercise by moving their legs in a pedaling motion. Traditional stationary bicycles, however, do not allow a user to simulate the operation of a bicycle under a variety of road conditions. For example, traditional stationary bicycles are generally positioned horizontally and therefore do not simulate the operation of a bicycle up or down an inclined surface. Further, traditional stationary bicycles generally do not allow a user to simulate the side-to-side swaying motion that may occur during the pedaling of an actual bicycle. Because traditional stationary bicycles generally do not incline, decline, or sway from side-to-side, traditional stationary bicycles do not effectively exercise and condition all muscles typically used in actual cycling. As a result of the foregoing limitations, traditional stationary bicycles are typically ineffective in training a user for competitive and/or recreational cycling under various road conditions.
SUMMARY
• In accordance with the present disclosure, the disadvantages and problems associated with traditional stationary bicycles have been substantially reduced or eliminated.
• In some embodiments, an exercise apparatus comprises an exercise cycle having a pedal assembly configured to rotate and at least one flywheel. The pedal assembly may be in an operative relationship with the flywheel such that rotating the pedal assembly causes the flywheel to rotate about a first axis. The exercise cycle may comprise a frame connected to the pedal assembly, the frame supporting a seat for a user. The exercise apparatus may further comprise a base configured to support the exercise cycle, the base further configured to dynamically tilt the exercise cycle to simulate cycling on an inclined surface. The base may comprise a platform configured to support the frame of the exercise cycle. The base may further comprise at least one actuator configured to support at least part of the platform, the at least one actuator connected to the platform and configured to dynamically tilt the platform during operation of the exercise cycle. The at least one actuator may be configured to dynamically tilt the platform about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis.
• In other embodiments, a method comprises connecting at least one actuator to a platform, the actuator configured to tilt the platform about a first axis. The method further comprises connecting an exercise cycle to the platform, the platform configured to support the exercise cycle. The exercise cycle may comprise a pedal assembly configured to rotate and at least one flywheel. The pedal assembly may be in an operative relationship with the flywheel such that rotating the pedal assembly causes the flywheel to rotate about a second axis, the second axis being parallel to the first axis. The exercise cycle may further comprise a frame connected to the pedal assembly, the frame supporting a seat for a user.
• The present disclosure provides various technical advantages. Various embodiments may have none, some, or all of these advantages. One advantage is that the exercise apparatus may allow a user to exercise by simulating the operation of a bicycle under a variety of road conditions. In particular, the exercise apparatus may allow a user to train for recreational and/or competitive cycling by simulating the operation of a bicycle on a level surface, up an incline, and/or down an incline. Another advantage is that the exercise apparatus may allow a user to exercise indoors in a stationary environment while simulating the operation of a bicycle on various slopes at various resistance levels. Another advantage of the exercise apparatus is that, while allowing the simulated operation of a bicycle on various slopes, the exercise apparatus may allow the user to simulate the side-to-side swaying caused by the shifting of a user's weight while pedaling under actual conditions. By simulating the operation of a bicycle under a variety of road conditions, the exercise apparatus may more effectively and/or efficiently allow a user to train for recreational and/or competitive cycling.
• Other advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the description and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
• FIG. 1 illustrates a cycling exercise system, according to certain embodiments;
• FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate side views of the cycling exercise system with a platform in a tilted position, according to certain embodiments;
• FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of a cycling exercise system, according to certain embodiments;
• FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate front views of a cycling exercise system, according to certain embodiments; and
• FIG. 5 illustrates a controller for a cycling exercise system, according to certain embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• FIG. 1 illustrates acycling exercise system10, according to certain embodiments.System10 may allow a user to exercise by simulating the operation of a bicycle under a variety of road conditions.System10 may allow a user to train for recreational and/or competitive cycling by simulating the operation of a bicycle on a level surface, up an incline, and/or down an incline.System10 may allow a user to exercise indoors in a stationary environment while simulating the operation of a bicycle on various slopes at various resistance levels. In some embodiments, while allowing the simulated operation of a bicycle on various slopes,system10 may allow the user to simulate the side-to-side swaying caused by the shifting of a user's weight while pedaling under actual conditions. By simulating the operation of a bicycle under a variety of road conditions,system10 may more effectively and/or efficiently allow a user to train for recreational and/or competitive cycling. In some embodiments,system10 may comprise anexercise cycle12 and abase14 having atiltable platform16.
• Exercise cycle12 may comprise any suitable device that facilitates exercise through a pedaling motion. In some embodiments,exercise cycle12 may be an upright stationary bicycle such as, for example, a spinning-style exercise bicycle. In other embodiments,exercise cycle12 may be a recumbent stationary bicycle. In yet other embodiments,exercise cycle12 may be a conventional bicycle that is rendered stationary by propping up at least one wheel of the bicycle with a bicycle trainer stand. In such embodiments, the bicycle trainer stand may be positioned onbase14 ofsystem10. Thus,exercise cycle12 may comprise any suitable device that facilitates exercise through a pedaling motion. In some embodiments,exercise cycle12 may comprise apedal assembly18, aflywheel20, aframe22, aseat24, ahandlebar assembly26, and acontroller28.
• Pedalassembly18 may be configured to rotate in response to a force applied by the user. Pedalassembly18 may be in an operative relationship withflywheel20 such that the rotation ofpedal assembly18 causesflywheel20 to rotate. Pedalassembly18 may comprise any suitable assembly (e.g., a crankset) that allows the user to rotateflywheel20 through a pedaling motion. In some embodiments,pedal assembly18 may comprise a pair ofpedals30. Eachpedal30 may be rotatably connected to acrank arm32 that is connected to a drive wheel such as, for example, a sprocket, pulley, cam, gear, and/or other suitable device. In response to a force applied by the user,pedal30 may causecrank arm32 to rotate, which may cause the drive wheel to rotate. In some embodiments, the drive wheel may be coupled by at least a belt, chain, and/or drive shaft to an axle offlywheel20. Thus, the rotation of the drive wheel may causeflywheel20 to rotate.
• Pedalassembly18 may comprise any suitable type ofpedals30 such as, for example, platform pedals (e.g., flat pedals), clip-in pedals, and/or cage pedals (e.g., toeclip pedals). In some embodiments,pedal assembly18 may comprisecombination pedals30. One side of acombination pedal30 may have a clip-inattachment34 that clips to the sole of a cycling shoe. The opposite side of thecombination pedal30 may have a cage36 (e.g., toeclip) into which the toe of a user's shoe may be inserted. Thus,combination pedals30 may accommodate both cycling shoes and non-cycling shoes. For example, one user wearing cycling shoes may use the clip-in side of thecombination pedal30 while another user wearing another type of shoe may use the cage side of thecombination pedal30.Pedal assembly18 may comprise any suitable type ofpedals30.
• Exercise cycle12 may comprise one ormore flywheels20. As noted above,pedal assembly18 may be in an operational relationship withflywheel20.Flywheel20 may comprise a circular or substantially circular object configured to revolve about an axis.Flywheel20 may comprise a disk, drum, ring, circular frame, and/or any suitable type of wheel. In some embodiments,flywheel20 may have a sufficient moment of inertia to cause the rotational speed offlywheel20 to be uniform or substantially uniform. In some embodiments, the weight offlywheel20 may be concentrated around the rim offlywheel20. Accordingly,flywheel20 may be configured to resist changes in its rotational speed. This resistance to change in rotational speed may require a user to exert more energy in order to accelerate the rate of pedaling. By requiring the user to exert more energy,system10 may provide an effective and/or efficient exercise activity for the user.
• Exercise cycle12 may comprise any suitable number offlywheels20. Although the term “bicycle” (e.g., “stationary exercise bicycle”) is used sometimes herein to describeexercise cycle12, it should be understood thatexercise cycle12 may comprise one, two, three, or any suitable number offlywheels20.
• In some embodiments,exercise cycle12 may comprise atension assembly38 in proximity toflywheel20.Tension assembly38 may be operable to adjust the force required to rotateflywheel20.Exercise cycle12 may comprise any suitable type oftension assembly38. For example,tension assembly38 may comprise a magnetic resistance unit that uses one or more magnets to exert a magnetic force onflywheel20 and/or on the axle offlywheel20. As another example,tension assembly38 may comprise an eddy current brake configured to exert a resistance force that opposes the rotation offlywheel20. As yet another example,tension assembly38 may comprise one or more rollers and/or belts that provide a friction force in resistance to the rotation offlywheel20. Thus,tension assembly38 may comprise any suitable device that provides an adjustable resistance level associated with the rotation offlywheel20.
• Pedal assembly18 andflywheel20 may be coupled toframe22.Frame22 may comprise any suitable rigid structure configured to support various components ofexercise cycle12 such as, for example,pedal assembly18,flywheel20,seat24, and/orhandlebar assembly26. In some embodiments,frame22 comprises multiple rigid members connected together. At least one member offrame22 may be afork member40 that supportsflywheel20. In some embodiments,frame22 comprises adown tube42 betweenpedal assembly18 andhandlebar assembly26. Downtube42 offrame22 may be equipped with a bottle holder and a bottle for a beverage.
• Exercise cycle12 may comprise any suitable type offrame22 such as, for example, a diamond frame, step-through frame, and/or Y-foil frame.Frame22 may comprise any suitable material such as, for example, steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, and/or thermoplastic material.
• In some embodiments,frame22 ofexercise cycle12 comprises anupper frame44 and alower frame46.Upper frame44 may connect tohandlebar assembly26 and may comprise aseat tube48 into which aseat post50 may be inserted.Lower frame46 may supportupper frame44 and may be connected tobase14.Lower frame46 may be connected toupper frame44 by one or moreflexible connectors52.
• Flexible connector52 may be any suitable type of connector that allowsupper frame44 to tilt side-to-side relative to lowerframe46. In some embodiments,flexible connector52 may comprise a helical spring, rubber joint, and/or other suitable connector.Flexible connector52 may permitupper frame44 to sway from side-to-side as the weight of the user shifts while pedaling. Thus,flexible connector52 may allowsystem10 to simulate the side-to-side swaying of a bicycle during operation. In some embodiments,flexible connector52 may have a stiffness that is sufficient to limit the side-to-side swaying ofupper frame44 to less than a configurable angle92 (e.g., less than thirty degrees from vertical).
• As noted above,frame22 may compriseseat tube48 into which seat post50 ofseat24 may be inserted.Seat tube48 may comprise aclamp54 that allowsseat post50 to be quickly unfastened, removed, and replaced.Seat tube48 may have a standardized dimension such thatseat tube48 may interface with anystandard seat post50. By providingframe22 withseat tube48 having a standardized dimension,system10 may allow a user to easily customizeexercise cycle12 with different types ofseats24.
• Seat24 may be any suitable type ofcycling seat24. For example,seat24 may be a mesh seat, a hardshell seat, and/or a padded seat. In some embodiments,seat24 may be configured as a male-specific seat24 or a female-specific seat24.Seat24 and/orseat tube48 may be configured such that a user may adjust the height and/or lateral position ofseat24. For example, a particular user (e.g., a shorter user) may slideseat24 forward such thatseat24 is closer tohandlebar assembly26 while another user (e.g., a taller user) may slideseat24 towards the rear offrame22 such thatseat24 is further fromhandlebar assembly26. By allowing a user to adjust the height and/or lateral position ofseat24,system10 may accommodate users of different sizes and body types.
• In some embodiments,frame22 may be connected tohandlebar assembly26.Handlebar assembly26 may comprise any suitable type of handlebars. For example,handlebar assembly26 may comprise drop handlebars, track handlebars, flat handlebars (e.g., mountain bike style handlebars), aerobars (e.g., triathlon bars), bullhorn handlebars, recumbent handlebars, and/or any suitable type of handlebars. In some embodiments, the interface betweenframe22 andhandlebar assembly26 may be standardized such that users may easily customizeexercise cycle12 with different types of handlebars.
• Handlebar assembly26 and/orframe22 may be configured such that a user may adjust the height and/or lateral position ofhandlebar assembly26. For example, a particular user (e.g., a shorter user) may adjusthandlebar assembly26 to be closer toseat24 while another user (e.g., a taller user) may adjusthandlebar assembly26 to be further fromseat24. By allowing a user to adjust the height and/or lateral position ofhandlebar assembly26,system10 may accommodate users of different sizes and body types.
• In some embodiments,exercise cycle12 may comprise one ormore controllers28.Controller28 represents any suitable device configured to control the operation ofsystem10. A particular user may usecontroller28 to select asimulated course82, to adjust the incline ofexercise cycle12, and/or to change the resistance ofexercise cycle12. In some embodiments,controller28 may comprise one or moregraphical user interfaces56 that display the user's heart rate, the amount of time elapsed during a given exercise session, the revolutions per minute offlywheel20, the simulated speed of travel, the terrain of asimulated course82, the level of incline, the simulated distance traveled, and/or any suitable information.
• Controller28 may comprise a computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), and/or any other suitable device (wireless, wireline, or otherwise), component, or element capable of receiving, processing, storing, and/or communicating information.Controller28 may comprise any suitable user interface such as a display, touchscreen, and/or keypad. In some embodiments,controller28 may be communicatively coupled totension assembly38 to control the resistance applied toflywheel20.Controller28 may be communicatively coupled to one or more components ofbase14 to control the incline ofexercise cycle12.System10 may comprise any suitable number ofcontrollers28.
• Exercise cycle12 may be connected to base14 ofsystem10.Base14 may supportexercise cycle12 and may be operable to tiltexercise cycle12 to simulate the operation of a bicycle on a level surface, up an incline, and/or down an incline. By providing atiltable base14,system10 may allow a user to exercise indoors in a stationary environment while simulating the operation of a bicycle on various slopes at various resistance levels.Base14 may comprise one ormore support members58, aplatform16, and one ormore actuators60.
• Support member58 ofbase14 may be configured to supportactuators60 and/orplatform16. In some embodiments,support member58 may comprise one or more rigid beams, posts, and/or sheets of material.Support member58 may be configured to rest on a floor (e.g., the floor of a gym or house).Support member58 may comprise any suitable material such as, for example, steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, and/or a thermoplastic material.
• Platform16 may comprise a flat or substantially flat sheet of material on which exercisecycle12 is positioned. In some embodiments,exercise cycle12 may be positioned on the upper side ofplatform16 while one ormore actuators60 may be pivotally connected to the lower side ofplatform16.Platform16 may represent the upper side ofbase14 whilesupport member58 may represent the lower side ofbase14.Platform16 may be elevated from and/or separated fromsupport member58 by a configurable distance. Thus,base14 may have anysuitable height66. In some embodiments,height66 ofbase14 in its normal (e.g., horizontal) position may be from three inches to eighteen inches. In other embodiments,height66 ofbase14 in its normal (e.g., horizontal) position may be from four inches to twelve inches.
• One ormore actuators60 may be positioned betweensupport member58 andplatform16. In some embodiments, a first end ofactuator60 may be connected to supportmember58 and a second end ofactuator60 may be connected toplatform16.Actuator60 may be configured to extend such that at least a portion ofplatform16 may be raised.Platform16 may be normally horizontal. However, whenactuator60 is extended and/or retracted,actuator60 may raise and/or lower a portion ofplatform16 such thatplatform16 tilts from a horizontal position to an inclined or declined position.Platform16 may be configured to tilt about any suitable axis. In some embodiments,platform16 may tilt about an axis that is parallel to the axis around whichflywheel20 rotates.
• Actuator60 may represent any suitable device configured to extend and/or retract. In some embodiments,actuator60 represents a hydraulic cylinder. In other embodiments,actuator60 represents a worm drive comprising a worm screw and a worm gear. In some embodiments,actuator60 may extend vertically. In other embodiments,actuator60 may be positioned at an angle.
• Base14 may comprise any suitable number and combination ofactuators60. In some embodiments,base14 may be substantially rectangular and may comprise twoactuators60—oneactuator60 positioned in each of the corners at thefront end76 of base14 (i.e., the end ofbase14 towards which a user faces during operation of system10). At theback end78 of base14 (i.e., the end ofbase14 away from which a user faces during operation of system10),platform16 may be pivotally connected to supportmember58. In such embodiments,actuators60 may extend to tiltplatform16 upwards, thereby simulating the operation of a bicycle up an incline. Similarly, actuators60 may retract to tiltplatform16 downwards, thereby simulating the operation of a bicycle down an incline.
• In other embodiments,base14 may be substantially rectangular and may comprise fouractuators60—oneactuator60 positioned in each of the corners ofbase14. In such embodiments, the twoactuators60 at thefront end76 ofbase14 may extend to tiltplatform16 upwards and/or the twoactuators60 at theback end78 ofbase14 may extend to tilt theplatform16 downwards.Base14 may comprise any suitable number and/or combination ofactuators60.
• Actuators60 inbase14 may be communicatively coupled tocontroller28. Thus, the user ofsystem10 may adjust the tilt ofplatform16 by changing the level of incline displayed bycontroller28. In some embodiments, whenplatform16 is tilted upwards to simulate cycling up an incline,controller28 may automatically adjusttension assembly38 to increase the resistance onflywheel20. Whenplatform16 is tilted downwards to simulate cycling down an incline,controller28 may automatically adjusttension assembly38 to decrease the resistance onflywheel20.System10 may dynamically change the tilt ofplatform16 while the user is operatingexercise cycle12. Thus, the tilt ofplatform16 may change at multiple times during an exercise session to simulate the operation of a bicycle over ahilly course82. In some embodiments, one or more components ofsystem10 may be electrically powered. For example, electricity may poweractuators60,controller28,tension assembly38, and/or any suitable component ofsystem10.
• In operation, a user may sit onseat24 while using his or her legs to rotatepedals30 ofexercise cycle12. During the course of an exercise session, the incline ofplatform16 may change to simulate the operation of a bicycle. In some embodiments, the incline ofplatform16 may change at various times during an exercise session according to apre-configured course82 defined by software that is stored incontroller28 and that is selected by user at the beginning of the exercise session. In other embodiments, the user may, at various times during an exercise session, use an input device ofcontroller28 to change the incline ofplatform16.
• To simulate cycling on a level surface,controller28 may causeactuators60 to maintainplatform16 in a horizontal position. To simulate cycling up an inclined surface,controller28 may causeactuators60 to tiltplatform16 upwards such that the front end ofplatform16 is elevated relative to the back end ofplatform16. In conjunction withtitling platform16 upwards,controller28 may causetension assembly38 to increase the tension onflywheel20, thereby increasing the resistance to the rotation ofpedals30. Thus,system10 may simulate cycling up an inclined surface.
• Conversely, to simulate cycling down an inclined surface,controller28 may causeactuators60 to tiltplatform16 downwards such that the back end ofplatform16 is elevated relative to the front end ofplatform16. In conjunction with tiltingplatform16 downwards,controller28 may causetension assembly38 to decrease the tension onflywheel20, thereby decreasing the resistance to the rotation ofpedals30. Thus,system10 may simulate cycling down an inclined surface. As noted above,flexible connectors52 may permitupper frame44 to sway from side-to-side to further simulate the operation of a bicycle under actual conditions.
• FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate side views ofsystem10 withplatform16 in tilted positions, according to certain embodiments. As described above,system10 may compriseexercise cycle12 connected to base14 having atiltable platform16.Platform16 ofbase14 may be connected to one ormore actuators60.Base14 may comprise any suitable type ofactuator60. In some embodiments,actuator60 may be alinear actuator60 that applies force toplatform16 in a linear matter. For example,actuator60 may be a mechanicallinear actuator60 such as for example, a worm drive, a jackscrew, and/or a segmented spindle. In other embodiments,actuator60 may be ahydraulic actuator60 that linearly displaces a piston by pressurizing and/or depressurizing a fluid in thehydraulic actuator60. Ahydraulic actuator60 may comprise one or more hydraulic pumps and one or more hydraulic cylinders. In yet other embodiments,actuator60 may be an electro-mechanical actuator60 such as, for example, an electric motor that causes a lead screw to rotate, which in turn causes the linear movement of a lead nut along the axis of the lead screw.Base14 may comprise any suitable number and combination of mechanical, hydraulic, electro-mechanical, and/or other suitable types ofactuators60.
• Base14 may comprise any suitable number ofactuators60. In some embodiments, one end of aparticular actuator60 may be supported bysupport member58 ofbase14 while the opposite end ofactuator60 may be connected toplatform16.Actuator60 may be connected toplatform16 by anysuitable connector84. For example, a particular end ofactuator60 may be pivotally connected toplatform16 by a pivot hinge that allowsplatform16 to rotate relative to the particular end ofactuator60. As another example, a particular end ofactuator60 may be pivotally connected toplatform16 by a pin-in-slot joint that allowsplatform16 to slide and/or rotate relative to the particular end ofactuator60.Actuator60 may be connected to the bottom, to the top, and/or to a side ofplatform16.
• In some embodiments, at least oneactuator60 may be positioned at thefront end76 ofbase14 and at least oneother actuator60 may be positioned at the back end80 ofbase14. Eachactuator60 may extend and/or retract to causeplatform16 to tilt. For example, to causeplatform16 to tilt upwards, theparticular actuator60 at thefront end76 ofbase14 may extend, as illustrated inFIG. 2A. To then causeplatform16 to tilt downwards, theparticular actuator60 at thefront end76 ofbase14 may retract while theactuator60 at theback end78 ofbase14 extends, as illustrated inFIG. 2B.Platform16 may tilt about an axis that is perpendicular to frame22 ofexercise cycle12 and parallel to an axis about which flywheel20 rotates. Thus, by tiltingplatform16,system10 may allow a user to simulate riding a bicycle on a level surface, riding a bicycle up a slope (as illustrated inFIG. 2A), and/or riding a bicycle down a slope (as illustrated inFIG. 2B).
• Actuators60 may be configured to tiltplatform16 according to anysuitable angle86. In some embodiments,actuators60 may be configured to tiltplatform16 at anyangle86 from zero to thirty degrees from horizontal. In other embodiments,actuators60 may be configured to tiltplatform16 at anyangle86 from zero to forty-five degrees from horizontal.
• In some embodiments,frame22 ofexercise cycle12 may be securely connected toplatform16. For example,frame22 may be bolted, welded, bracketed, or otherwise anchored toplatform16. A secure connection betweenframe22 andplatform16 may preventexercise cycle12 from sliding relative toplatform16 whenplatform16 is in a tilted position.
• As described above,system10 may comprisecontroller28 that controls theangle86 of incline ofplatform16.Controller28 may be communicatively coupled toactuators60 by any suitable connection such as, for example, a wired and/or wireless connection. In response to signals fromcontroller28,actuators60 may change theangle86 of incline ofplatform16.
• In some embodiments,controller28 may be communicatively coupled totension assembly38. As explained above,tension assembly38 is generally operable to adjust the force required to rotateflywheel20.Exercise cycle12 may comprise any suitable type oftension assembly38. For example,tension assembly38 may comprise a magnetic resistance unit, an eddy current brake, a roller system, and/or a belt system. In some embodiments, in conjunction with causingactuators60 to tiltplatform16,controller28 may causetension assembly38 to adjust the force required to rotateflywheel20. For example, asactuators60cause platform16 to tilt upwards,tension assembly38 may increase the resistance offlywheel20 in order to simulate the more strenuous pedaling required to propel a bicycle uphill. Asactuators60cause platform16 to tilt downwards,tension assembly38 may decrease the resistance offlywheel20 in order to simulate the less strenuous pedaling required to propel a bicycle downhill.
• In some embodiments,exercise cycle12 may comprise one ormore gear shifters88.Gear shifter88 may allow the user to simulate the operation of a bicycle at different gear levels.Gear shifter88 may comprise one or more levers positioned onhandlebar assembly26 and/or on thedown tube42 offrame22.Gear shifter88 may be communicatively coupled tocontroller28 and/ortension assembly38.Gear shifter88 may allow the user to select a simulated gear (e.g., first gear, second gear, tenth gear, twelfth gear, etc.) for pedalingexercise cycle12.Controller28 may estimate a simulated distance traveled based at least in part on the selected gear. In some embodiments, the selection of a lower gear (e.g., first gear) may result in decreased resistance as well as decreased distance traveled for each revolution ofpedals30. Similarly, the selection of a higher gear (e.g., tenth gear) may result in increased resistance as well as increased distance traveled for each revolution ofpedals30. By providing one ormore gear shifters88,system10 may provide an enhanced simulation of the operation of an actual bicycle under various conditions.
• FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment ofsystem10, according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, a particular end ofplatform16 may be maintained at a fixedheight66 while the opposite end ofplatform16 may be supported by one or moremovable actuators60. For example, the back end ofplatform16 may be pivotally connected to avertical support member58 while the front end ofplatform16 may be pivotally connected to at least oneactuator60. In such embodiments, to simulate the operation of a bicycle up a slope,actuator60 at thefront end76 ofbase14 may extend, causingplatform16 to tilt upwards while pivoting about the connection betweenplatform16 and thevertical support member58 at theback end78 ofbase14. Similarly, to simulate the operation of a bicycle down a slope,actuator60 at thefront end76 ofbase14 may retract to less than its normal length, thereby causingplatform16 to tilt downwards while pivoting about the connection betweenplatform16 and thevertical support member58 at theback end78 ofbase14.
• In other embodiments, the front end ofplatform16 may be pivotally connected to a vertical support member while the back end ofplatform16 may be pivotally connected to at least oneactuator60. In such embodiments, to simulate the operation of a bicycle down a slope,actuator60 at theback end78 ofbase14 may extend, causingplatform16 to tilt downwards while pivoting about the connection betweenplatform16 and a vertical support member at thefront end76 ofbase14. Similarly, to simulate the operation of a bicycle up a slope,actuator60 at theback end78 ofbase14 may retract to less than its normal length, thereby causingplatform16 to tilt upwards while pivoting about the connection betweenplatform16 and thevertical support member58 at thefront end76 ofbase14. Thus, in some embodiments,base14 may be configured withactuators60 positioned at only one end ofbase14.
• Base14 may be configured to have anysuitable height66 in the normal (e.g., horizontal) position. For example, where only one end ofplatform16 is configured to raise or lower,base14 may be configured to haveheight66 from twelve inches to thirty inches when in the horizontal position. As another example, where only one end ofplatform16 is configured to raise or lower,base14 may be configured to haveheight66 from eighteen to twenty-four inches when in the horizontal position.
• AlthoughFIG. 3 illustratesactuators60 positioned near thefront end76 ofbase14, it should be understood that, in other embodiments,actuators60 may be positioned to cause theback end78 ofplatform16 to raise and/or lower.
• FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate front views ofsystem10, according to certain embodiments. As explained above,system10 may compriseexercise cycle12 andbase14.Exercise cycle12 may comprisepedal assembly18,flywheel20, andframe22. In some embodiments,frame22 comprisesfork member40 between which flywheel20 may be supported.Frame22 may compriseupper frame44 andlower frame46.Upper frame44 may be connected tolower frame46 by one or moreflexible connectors52.
• Flexible connector52 may be any suitable type of connector that allowsupper frame44 to tilt from side-to-side relative to lowerframe46. In some embodiments,flexible connector52 may comprise a helical spring, rubber joint, and/or other suitable connector.Flexible connector52 may permitupper frame44 to sway from side-to-side as the weight of the user shifts while pedaling. For example,FIG. 4A illustratesexercise cycle12 that is upright whileFIG. 4B illustratesexercise cycle12 that is tilted laterally due to the user shifting his or her weight while pedaling.
• Flexible connector52 may have a stiffness that is sufficient to limit the side-to-side swaying ofupper frame44 to less than aconfigurable angle92.Flexible connector52 may be configured to permitupper frame44 to tilt laterally (e.g., sway from side-to-side) up to anysuitable angle92. In some embodiments,flexible connector52 may permitupper frame44 to tilt laterally up to anangle92 of thirty degrees from vertical. In other embodiments,flexible connector52 may permitupper frame44 to tilt laterally up to anangle92 of fifteen degrees from vertical.
• In some embodiments, to allowexercise cycle12 to sway, at least a portion offork member40 offrame22 may be angled away fromflywheel20. For example,fork member40 offrame22 may comprise an upper portion94 (e.g., above the axle of flywheel20) that is substantially vertical and a lower portion96 (e.g., below the axle of flywheel20) that angles laterally away fromflywheel20. In thelower portion96 offork member40, each prong offork member40 may be slanted according to any suitable angle such as, for example, thirty degrees or fifteen degrees from vertical. Thus, frame22 ofexercise cycle12 may be configured to safely permit the side-to-side swaying of a user during operation ofexercise cycle12. As explained above, in addition or as an alternative to permitting the side-to-side swaying offrame22,system10 may dynamically tiltplatform16 about anaxis72 that is parallel to the axis74 about which flywheel20 rotates.
• FIG. 5 illustratescontroller28 forsystem10, according to certain embodiments.Controller28 may represent any suitable device configured to control the operation ofsystem10. A particular user may usecontroller28 to select asimulated course82, to adjust the incline ofexercise cycle12, and/or to change the resistance ofexercise cycle12.
• In some embodiments,controller28 comprises a computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), and/or any other suitable device (wireless, wireline, or otherwise), component, or element capable of receiving, processing, storing, and/or communicating information.Controller28 may comprise one or more memory modules operable to store software for the operation ofsystem10.Controller28 may further comprise one or more processors communicatively coupled to a memory module and operable to execute the software stored therein. In some embodiments, the software incontroller28 may comprise instructions associated with varioussimulated courses82 forexercise cycle12. For example,controller28 may comprise software for beginner level courses82 (e.g., moderate incline and resistance levels) and advanced level courses82 (e.g., extreme incline and resistance levels). In some embodiments,controller28 may comprise software forparticular courses82 that simulate mountainous terrain and software forother courses82 that simulate gradually sloping terrain.Controller28 may comprise software for any suitable number and/or combination ofcourses82 for the simulated operation of a bicycle.
• In some embodiments,controller28 may comprise an interface that allowscontroller28 to communicate with a network via a wired and/or wireless connection. For example,controller28 may comprise an interface for communicating with other devices over the Internet. In some embodiments,controller28 may be configured to download information (e.g., software for courses82) from a network. In addition, or alternatively,controller28 may be configured to upload information (e.g., exercise statistics) to other devices over a network.
• In some embodiments,controller28 may comprise one or more input devices98 (e.g., dials, buttons, keypads, etc.) that allow a user to select various criteria for a given exercise session. For example, a user may useinput device98 ofcontroller28 to select a particular course82 (e.g., mountainous terrain, flat terrain, etc.). In response to the selection from the user,controller28 may vary the resistance level and/or incline ofexercise cycle12 during the exercise session to simulate the selectedcourse82.
• In addition, or alternatively, a user may useinput device98 ofcontroller28 to select the duration of the exercise session (e.g., thirty minutes, forty-five minutes, etc.). In response to the selection of a duration,controller28 may calibrate the length of each section of the selectedcourse82 such that the selectedcourse82 may be completed within the selected duration of the exercise session. In addition, or alternatively, a user may useinput device98 ofcontroller28 to select a gear level and/or incline level forexercise cycle12.
• Controller28 may comprise one or moregraphical user interfaces56 that display information associated with the exercise session. For example,graphical user interface56 may display the user's heart rate, the amount of time elapsed since the beginning of or until the end of a given exercise session, the revolutions per minute offlywheel20, the simulated speed of travel, the terrain of the selectedcourse82, the level of incline ofplatform16, the selected gear level, and/or any suitable information.System10 may comprise any suitable number and/or combination ofcontrollers28. In some embodiments,controller28 may be mounted onframe22 in proximity tohandlebar assembly26.
• The present disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations and modifications to the example embodiments described herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Similarly, where appropriate, the appended claims encompass all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments described herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend.

Claims (22)

What is claimed is:

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

an exercise cycle comprising:

a pedal assembly configured to rotate;

at least one flywheel, the pedal assembly in an operative relationship with the flywheel such that rotating the pedal assembly causes the flywheel to rotate about a first axis; and

a frame connected to the pedal assembly, the frame supporting a seat for a user;

a base configured to support the exercise cycle, the base further configured to dynamically tilt the exercise cycle to simulate cycling on an inclined surface, the base comprising:

a platform configured to support the frame of the exercise cycle; and

at least one actuator configured to support at least part of the platform, the at least one actuator connected to the platform and configured to dynamically tilt the platform during operation of the exercise cycle, the at least one actuator configured to dynamically tilt the platform about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, the base further comprising a horizontal support member configured to rest on a floor, the support member connected to a first end of the at least one actuator, the second end of the at least one actuator pivotally connected to the platform of the base.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 2, the actuator being positioned between the support member and the platform, the actuator configured to extend during operation of the exercise cycle, the extension of the actuator causing the platform to tilt about the second axis.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, the frame comprising:

an upper frame configured to support the user, the upper frame comprising a vertical seat tube;

a lower frame configured to support the upper frame, the lower frame connected to the platform; and

at least one flexible connector between the upper frame and the lower frame, the at least one flexible connector configured to allow the upper frame to tilt from side-to-side about a third axis that is perpendicular to the second axis.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, the at least one flexible connector comprising a spring with a stiffness sufficient to limit the side-to-side tilting of the upper frame to less than thirty degrees from vertical.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein:

the platform comprises a first end in proximity to the flywheel of the exercise cycle;

the platform comprises a second end opposite the first end;

the base comprises a first actuator positioned in proximity to the first end of the platform; and

the base comprises a second actuator positioned in proximity to the second end of the platform.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the first actuator is configured to extend, the extension of the first actuator causing the platform to tilt so as to simulate cycling up an inclined surface.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the second actuator is configured to extend, the extension of the second actuator causing the platform to tilt so as to simulate cycling down an inclined surface.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one actuator comprises at least one of:

a hydraulic cylinder; and

a worm drive.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the frame comprises:

a standardized seat tube configured to interface with seat posts connected to different types of seats; and

a standardized handlebar interface configured to interface with different types of handlebars.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the pedal assembly comprises a pair of pedals, each pedal comprising a first side having a clip interface and a second side having a cage interface.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 1, the exercise cycle further comprising a tension assembly configured to adjust a resistance to rotation of the flywheel.

13. The apparatus ofclaim 12, the exercise cycle further comprising an electronic controller configured to control the at least one actuator and the tension assembly, the electronic controller comprising a graphical user interface that allows a user to select an angle of the platform.

14. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein, in response to a change in the angle of the platform, the tension assembly automatically adjusts the resistance to rotation of the flywheel.

15. The apparatus ofclaim 1, the exercise cycle further comprising:

at least one gear shifter configured to allow selection of a simulated gear for pedaling the exercise cycle; and

an electronic controller communicatively coupled to the at least one gear shifter, the electronic controller configured to estimate a simulated distance traveled based at least in part on the selected gear.

16. A method, comprising:

connecting at least one actuator to a platform, the at least one actuator configured to tilt the platform about a first axis; and

connecting an exercise cycle to the platform, the platform configured to support the exercise cycle, the exercise cycle comprising:

a pedal assembly configured to rotate;

at least one flywheel, the pedal assembly in an operative relationship with the flywheel such that rotating the pedal assembly causes the flywheel to rotate about a second axis, the second axis being parallel to the first axis; and

a frame connected to the pedal assembly, the frame supporting a seat for a user.

17. The method ofclaim 16, the at least one actuator configured to extend during operation of the exercise cycle, the extension of the at least one actuator causing the platform to tilt about the first axis.

18. The method ofclaim 17, the extension of the at least one actuator causing the platform to tilt so as to simulate cycling up an inclined surface.

19. The method ofclaim 17, the extension of the at least one actuator causing the platform to tilt so as to simulate cycling down an inclined surface.

20. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the frame comprises:

an upper frame connected to a handlebar assembly;

a lower frame configured to support the upper frame, the lower frame connected to the platform; and

at least one flexible connector between the upper frame and the lower frame, the at least one flexible connector configured to allow the upper frame to tilt from side-to-side about a third axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.

21. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the at least one actuator comprises at least one of:

a hydraulic cylinder; and

a worm drive.

22. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

an exercise cycle comprising:

a pedal assembly configured to rotate;

at least one flywheel, the pedal assembly in an operative relationship with the flywheel such that rotating the pedal assembly causes the flywheel to rotate; and

a frame connected to the pedal assembly, the frame supporting a seat for a user;

a base configured to support the exercise cycle, the base further configured to dynamically tilt the exercise cycle to simulate cycling on an inclined surface, the base comprising:

a platform configured to support the frame of the exercise cycle; and

at least one actuator configured to support at least part of the platform, the at least one actuator connected to the platform and configured to dynamically tilt the platform during operation of the exercise cycle.

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