Abstract:
An apparatus includes a frame having first and second spaced apart areas. A movable member is mounted adjacent the first area, and a sensor senses an operating characteristic of the movable member. A data receiving device is located in the vicinity of the second area of the frame. A first data signal transmission component is interconnected with the sensor, and receives data signals from the sensor and inputs the data signals to the frame. A second data signal transmission component is interconnected with the data receiving device, and receives data signals from the frame and transmits the data signals to the data receiving device. The data signals are transmitted though the frame from the first data signal transmission component to the second data signal transmission component. The apparatus may be a bicycle, and the movable member may be a bicycle wheel or pedal assembly. The apparatus may also be an item of exercise equipment, and the movable member may be a flywheel or a user input area of the exercise equipment.

Description:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY  
       [0001]     This invention relates to transmission of signals from one location to another, such as the transmission of sensing signals to a data receiving or display device in an application such as a bicycle or exercise equipment.  
         [0002]     Transmission of data signals from one location to another, such as in a bicycle or in exercise equipment, is typically accomplished using either a wired or a wireless transmission arrangement. In a wired arrangement, a data signal from a device, such as a sensor for sensing one or more operating characteristics, is communicated to another device, such as an on-board computer or other data storage or processing device, using a wire that is connected between the two devices. This arrangement ensures reliable transmission of the data signals, but the use of a wire presents numerous drawbacks. For example, a wired arrangement involves installation of the wire, which must be restrained against movement at intermittent locations along its length, e.g. by use of cable ties, tape, etc. Such restraints can become dislodged during use, and must continually be maintained to insure that the wire does not interfere with operation of the bicycle or exercise equipment. In addition, the use of several sensors multiplies this problem, in that a wire must be installed for each sensor. The installation of wires also detracts from the aesthetics of the bicycle or exercise equipment.  
         [0003]     Wireless data signal transmission involves use of a transmitter at one location, e.g. adjacent the sensor, which transmits a signal to a receiver at another location, e.g. adjacent the data processing or storage device. While this type of signal transmission is also satisfactory, it involves drawbacks in requiring separate components for receiving and transmitting the signal, which add to the cost and complexity of the system.  
         [0004]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for transmitting signals from one location to another location on a frame or other support structure, without the use of wires and without the use of wireless transmission components. It is another object of the present invention to provide such a system for transmitting sensor signals relating to movement of a member that is movably mounted to, or adjacent, the frame or other support structure. Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a system which does not detract from the structural strength or integrity of the frame or other support structure, and does not interfere with movement of the member relative to the frame. Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a system which can be retroactively installed or utilized in combination with a frame or other support structure. A still further object of the invention is to provide such a system which is relatively simple in its components and installation, and which can be used to transmit a number of different types of signals from one location to another on the frame or other support structure.  
         [0005]     In the present invention, the signals are transmitted from one location to another using the frame of the apparatus, which may be in the form of a bicycle or an item of exercise equipment.  
         [0006]     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes a frame having first and second spaced apart areas, a movable member mounted adjacent the first area of the frame, a sensor located in the vicinity of the first area of the frame for sensing an operating characteristic of the movable member, and a data receiving device located in the vicinity of the second area of the frame. A first data signal transmission component is interconnected with the sensor and associated with the first area of the frame, and is configured to receive data signals from the sensor and to input the data signals to the frame. A second data signal transmission component is interconnected with the data receiving device and associated with the second area of the frame, and is configured to receive data signals from the frame and to transmit the data signals to the data receiving device. The data signals are transmitted though the frame from the first data signal transmission component to the second data signal transmission component.  
         [0007]     In one embodiment, the apparatus is in the form of a bicycle and the frame is the bicycle frame. The movable member is movably mounted to the bicycle frame, and the sensor and the data signal receiving device are carried by the bicycle. The data signal receiving device may include a visual output, and is positioned on the frame so that the visual output is visible to a user supported by the seat of the bicycle. The movable member may be a wheel of the bicycle, or may be the pedal assembly of the bicycle.  
         [0008]     In another embodiment, the apparatus is in the form of an item of exercise equipment that includes a frame. The frame includes a user support area, and the data signal receiving device may includes a visual output that is positioned on the frame so that the visual output is visible to a user supported on the user support area of the frame.  
         [0009]     The invention also contemplates a method of transmitting operating characteristic data signals in an apparatus having a moving member mounted adjacent a first area of a frame, a sensor for sensing one or more operating characteristics of the moving member, and a data signal receiving device mounted adjacent a second area of the frame. This aspect of the invention contemplates the act of transmitting operating characteristic data signals from the sensor through the frame to the data receiving device.  
         [0010]     Another aspect of the invention involves a system for transmitting operating characteristic data signals in an apparatus having a moving member mounted adjacent a first area of a frame, a sensor for sensing one or more operating characteristics of the moving member, and a data signal receiving device mounted adjacent a second area of the frame. This aspect of the invention includes operating characteristic data signal input means between the sensor and the frame for inputting operating characteristic data signals to the frame, and operating characteristic data signal receiving means between the data receiving device and the frame for receiving operating characteristic data signals transmitted through the frame and supplying the operating characteristic data signals to the data signal receiving device. The operating characteristic data signal input means is in the form of a coupling arrangement between the sensor and the frame that inputs operating characteristic data signals to the frame. Similarly, the operating characteristic data signal receiving means is in the form of a coupling arrangement between the frame and the data signal receiving device that received operating characteristic data signals from the frame and supplies the data signals to the data signal receiving device.  
         [0011]     Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the drawings.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention. In the drawings:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is an elevation view of an apparatus, in the form of a bicycle, incorporating the data signal transmission arrangement of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged partial elevation view of a portion of the bicycle of  FIG. 1 , with reference to line  2 - 2 , showing a data signal input arrangement incorporated in the data signal transmission arrangement of the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a partial section view taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a partial elevation view similar to  FIG. 3 , illustrating an alternative embodiment of the data signal input arrangement;  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is a partial elevation view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged partial elevation view of a portion of the bicycle of  FIG. 1 , with reference to line  6 - 6 , showing a data signal receiving arrangement incorporated in the data signal transmission arrangement of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a partial section view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is a partial elevation view similar to  FIG. 7 , illustrating an alternative embodiment of the data signal receiving arrangement;  
         [0021]      FIG. 9  is an elevation view of an apparatus, in the form of an item of exercise equipment, incorporating the data signal transmission arrangement of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 10  is a partial section view taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 11  is a partial elevation view with reference to line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 , showing a data signal input arrangement incorporated in the data signal transmission arrangement of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 12  is a view similar to  FIG. 11 , illustrating an alternative embodiment of the data signal input arrangement;  
         [0025]      FIG. 13  is a section view taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged partial elevation view of a portion of the item of exercise equipment of  FIG. 9 , with reference to line  14 - 14 , showing a data signal receiving arrangement incorporated in the data signal transmission arrangement of the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 15  is partial section view taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 16  is a partial elevation view similar to  FIG. 15 , illustrating an alternative embodiment of the data signal receiving arrangement;  
         [0029]      FIG. 17  is a partial section view taken along line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 18  is a partial elevation view illustrating an alternative embodiment of a sensor and electrode used in the data signal transmission arrangement of the present invention; and  
         [0031]      FIG. 19  is a partial section view taken along line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 18 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0032]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , an example of a data signal transmission system in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in the form of a bicycle B having a frame F. Bicycle B includes a handlebar  24  and a seat  30 , which support a user. A front wheel  28  and a rear wheel  31  are mounted to bicycle B in a manner as is known. Frame F of bicycle B may be constructed of a variety of materials, such as aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, or various combinations of such materials or any other satisfactory material that provides the required structural capability of mounting wheels  28 ,  31  and supporting a user.  
         [0033]     In the illustrated application, a data processing or storage device, in the form of a CPU  34  which may include a data display, is mounted to handlebar  24  of bicycle B. It should be understood, however, that the data storage or processing device may take any satisfactory form and is not necessarily a CPU. It is also understood that the data storage or processing device may be mounted in any other location on bicycle B.  
         [0034]     A sensor is mounted to bicycle B at a location remote from the data storage or processing device  34 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor, shown at  32 , is mounted to one of the lower chain stays CS of bicycle frame F. Representatively, the sensor  32  may be mounted so as to sense cadence (the rate or revolution of the bicycle pedal assembly, which includes pedal cranks  33 ), and/or the speed of revolution of rear wheel  31 . In a representative embodiment, sensor  32  is a magnetically responsive member that outputs an electrical pulse in response to the presence of a magnet in the vicinity of the sensor  32 . To sense cadence, a magnet M 1  is mounted to one of pedal cranks  33  that passes in the vicinity of sensor  32  upon operation of the pedal assembly of bicycle B. Similarly, a magnet M 2  is mounted to rear wheel  31 , and is positioned so as to pass in the vicinity of sensor  32  upon rotation of rear wheel  31 .  
         [0035]     A wire  35  extends from sensor  32  and terminates in an electrode  36 , which is engaged with the chain stay CS of bicycle frame F. In the illustrated embodiment, electrode  36  is secured to the chain stay CS of frame F using a fastener such as a screw  37 . In a manner as is known, electrode  36  includes an opening, and the shank of screw  37  extends through the opening of electrode  36  for engagement with a receiver  38  that is embedded within, or otherwise secured to, the chain stay CS. The head of screw  37  engages electrode  36  with receiver  38 , which is formed of an electrically conductive material. Receiver  38  is in intimate contact with the material of the chain stay CS, so that screw  37  and receiver  38  provide a conductive path between electrode  36  and chain stay CS.  
         [0036]     In an alternative embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , wire  35  is electrically connected to the chain stay CS of frame F by means of a conductive patch-type electrode  39 . In a manner as is known, electrode  39  is bonded or otherwise conductively secured to the chain stay CS of frame F, to provide a conductive path between wire  35  and the frame chain stay CS. Yet another alternative involves an inductive coupling, in which a loop of wire is interconnected with wire  35  and encircles the chain stay CS of frame F to inductively input signals from wire  35  to the chain stay CS.  
         [0037]     In a similar manner, and with reference to  FIGS. 6-8 , a wire  40  extends from CPU  34  and is connected to the head tube of bicycle frame F. Wire  40  terminates in an electrode  42 , which is secured to the head tube HT of frame F using a fastener such as a screw  43 . In a manner as is known, electrode  42  includes an opening, and the shank of screw  43  extends through the opening of electrode  42  for engagement with a receiver  44  that is embedded within, or otherwise secured to, the head tube HT. The head of screw  43  engages electrode  42  with receiver  44 , which is formed of an electrically conductive material. Receiver  44  is in intimate contact with the material of head tube HT, so that screw  43  and receiver  44  provide a conductive path between electrode  42  and head tube HT.  
         [0038]     In an alternative embodiment as shown in  FIG. 8 , wire  40  is electrically connected to the head tube HT of frame F by means of a conductive patch-type electrode  45 . In a manner as is known, electrode  45  is bonded or otherwise conductively secured to the head tube HT of frame F, to provide a conductive path between wire  40  and the frame head tube HT. Yet another alternative involves an inductive coupling, in which a loop of wire is interconnected with wire  40  and encircles the head tube HT of frame F to inductively receive signals from head tube HT to input such signals to wire  40 .  
         [0039]     In operation, sensor  32  inputs a data signal to bicycle frame F at the electrically conductive connection between electrode  36  and frame chain stay CS. The data signal is transmitted through frame F to electrode  42 , which is connected to frame head tube HT as noted above. The data signal is transmitted from electrode  42  through wire  40  to CPU  34 . In a manner as is known, such input signals from sensor  32  are stored or otherwise processed by CPU  34 , and relevant information from sensor  32  can then be displayed on the display of CPU  34  to the user in real-time manner, and/or stored for subsequent processing or display. The data signals from sensor  32  are transmitted from chain stay CS to head tube HT of frame F through the material of frame F. With this arrangement, frame F is the conductive medium through which the data signals are transferred from one location to another on frame F. The data signals are thus transmitted through a solid medium, i.e. the material of frame F, to provide the accuracy and reliability of a wired connection, without the need to install wires onto frame F other than the locations at which the input and output wires are secured to frame F.  
         [0040]     Sensor  32  is shown as a combination-type sensor that senses the speed of rotation of wheel  31  as well as the cadence of operation of the bicycle pedal assembly. It should be understood that sensor  32  may sense cadence alone or wheel speed alone, and that two separate sensors could be used instead of one to measure the same operating parameters. In an arrangement such as this, each of the separate sensors has a signal input to the frame F in the same manner as described above. It is also contemplated that a sensor could be placed adjacent the bicycle front wheel  28  for detecting wheel speed. The sensor may also be in the form of a torque sensing device for use in calculating power expenditure by the user. The torque sensing device may be of the type that is incorporated in the hub of rear wheel  31 , such as is available from Saris Cycling Group, Inc. of Madison, Wis. under its designation POWERTAP. Output signals from other types of torque or power sensing devices may be mounted to bicycle B for providing signals that can be inputted to frame F in the same manner as described above. Such devices may, for example, be associated with the bottom bracket of frame F or with the chain of bicycle B. In such applications, a lead wire or other conductor from the torque or power sensing device is electrically interconnected with frame F, as described above or in any other satisfactory manner, for inputting the data signal to frame F and to enable the data signal to be outputted from frame F for supply to a CPU or other processing, storage or display device.  
         [0041]     The frame F allows a variety of communication types, from a simple transmitter/receiver pair to a complex multi-channel bidirectional communication system.  
         [0042]     In an alternate embodiment as illustrated in  FIGS. 9-17 , signals can be transmitted from one location to another on an item of exercise equipment, such as an exercise cycle  50 . Representatively, exercise cycle  50  may be such as is available from the Saris Cycling Group, Inc. of Madison, Wis. under its CycleOps brand (e.g. 300PT, 200E or 100). Exercise cycle  50  includes a frame F 1  to which a handlebar assembly  51  is mounted. A seat  52  is supported by frame F 1  rearwardly of handlebar assembly  51 , and a flywheel  53  is rotatably mounted to frame F 1 . A pedal assembly including a pair of pedal crank arms  54  is rotatably supported by frame F 1 , and is used to impart rotation to flywheel  53 , in a manner as is known, through a chain or other satisfactory drive mechanism. A data processing or storage device, in the form of a CPU  55  which may include a data display, is mounted to handlebar  51  of exercise cycle  50 . It should be understood, however, that the data storage or processing device may take any satisfactory form and is not necessarily a CPU. It is also understood that the data storage or processing device may be mounted in any other location on exercise cycle  50 .  
         [0043]     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a sensor  60  is mounted to frame F 1  of exercise cycle  50 , such as to one of a pair of rearwardly extending support fork members  61  forming a part of frame F 1 . Representatively, sensor  60  may be of the type that senses the speed of rotation of flywheel  53 . For example, as noted above with respect to sensor  32 , sensor  60  may be in the form of a magnetically responsive sensor that outputs an electrical pulse in response to the presence of a magnet in the vicinity of the sensor  60 . To sense the speed of rotation of flywheel  53 , a magnet M 3  is mounted to the surface of flywheel  53  that passes adjacent sensor  60  upon rotation of flywheel  53 . In addition, a cadence sensor, similar to that described previously with respect to sensor  32 , may be mounted to any satisfactory area of frame F adjacent to which one of the pedal cranks  54  passes during operation of the pedal assembly, to sense cadence.  
         [0044]     A wire  62  extends from sensor  60  and terminates in an electrode  63 , which is engaged with the frame fork member  61 . As noted above, electrode  63  may be engaged with fork member  61  using a fastener such as a screw  64 . In the same manner as described above with respect to wire  35 , electrode  36  and screw  37 , screw  64  and an associated receiver engaged with fork member  61  function to provide a conductive path between electrode  63  and frame member  61 . In an alternative embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , wire  62  is electrically connected to frame member  61  of frame F 1  by means of a conductive patch-type electrode  65 , which is bonded or otherwise conductively secured to frame member  61  of frame F 1  to establish a conductive path between wire  62  and fork member  61 . Again, an inductive coupling may also be provided between frame member  61  and wire  62 , by means of a loop of wire that is interconnected with wire  62  and encircles frame member  61  of frame F to inductively input signals from wire  62  to frame member  61 .  
         [0045]     In a similar manner, and with reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , a wire  70  extends from CPU  55  and is connected to the head tube of cycle frame F 1 . Wire  70  terminates in an electrode  71 , which is secured to the head tube HT 1  of frame F 1  using a fastener such as a screw  72 . In a manner as is known, electrode  71  includes an opening, and the shank of screw  72  extends through the opening of electrode  71  for engagement with a receiver  73  that is embedded within, or otherwise secured to, the head tube HT 1 . The head of screw  72  engages electrode  71  with receiver  73 , which is formed of an electrically conductive material. Receiver  73  is in intimate contact with the material of head tube HT 1 , so that screw  72  and receiver  73  provide a conductive path between electrode  71  and head tube HT 1 .  
         [0046]     In an alternative embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , wire  70  is electrically connected to the head tube HT 1  of frame F 1  by means of a conductive patch-type electrode  75 . In a manner as is known, electrode  75  is bonded or otherwise conductively secured to the head tube HT 1  of frame F 1 , to provide a conductive path between wire  70  and the frame head tube HT 1 . Yet another alternative involves an inductive coupling, in which a loop of wire is interconnected with wire  70  and encircles the head tube HT 1  of frame F 1  to inductively receive signals from head tube HT 1  to input such signals to wire  70 .  
         [0047]     In operation, sensor  60  inputs a data signal to frame F 1  at the electrically conductive connection between electrode  64  and fork member  61 . The data signal is transmitted through frame F 1  to electrode  71 , which is connected to frame head tube HT 1  as noted above. The data signal is transmitted from electrode  71  through wire  70  to CPU  55 . In a manner as is known, such input signals from sensor  60  are stored or otherwise processed by CPU  55 , and relevant information from sensor  60  can then be displayed on the display of CPU  55  to the user in a real-time manner, and/or stored for subsequent processing or display. The data signals from sensor  60  are transmitted from fork member  61  to head tube HT 1  of frame F 1  through the material of frame F 1 . With this arrangement, frame F 1  is the conductive medium through which the data signals are transferred from one location to another on frame F 1 . The data signals are thus transmitted through a solid medium, i.e. the material of frame F 1 , to provide the accuracy and reliability of a wired connection, without the need to install wires onto frame F other than the locations at which the input and output wires are secured to frame F 1 .  
         [0048]     Sensor  60  is shown as a sensor that senses the speed of rotation of flywheel  53 . It is understood that another similar sensor and signal input may be provided for the cadence of operation of the bicycle pedal assembly, or that speed and cadence information could be sensed and input using a combination sensor as described above. Also, as noted above, the sensor may also be in the form of a torque sensing device for use in calculating power expenditure by the user. The torque sensing device may be of the type that is incorporated in the hub of flywheel  53 , such as is available from Saris Cycling Group, Inc. of Madison, Wis. under its designation POWERTAP (incorporated in the CycleOps 300 PT model). Output signals from other types of torque or power sensing devices may be mounted to cycle  50  for providing signals that can be inputted to frame F 1  in the same manner as described above. Such devices may, for example, be associated with the bottom bracket of frame F 1  or with the chain of cycle  50 . In such applications, a lead wire or other conductor from the torque or power sensing device is electrically interconnected with frame F 1 , as described above or in any other satisfactory manner, for inputting the data signal to frame F 1  and to enable the data signal to be outputted from frame F 1  for supply to a CPU or other processing, storage or display device.  FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a combination sensing/input member  80  for use in the data signal transmission arrangement of the present invention. In this embodiment, the sensing components of sensing/input member  80  are contained within a housing  81 . A conductive base  82  underlies housing  82 . Base  82  is formed of an electrically conductive material, which preferably has flexible or resilient properties. Representatively, base  82  may be formed of a conductive rubber material, although it is understood that any other satisfactory conductive and flexible material may be employed. Housing  81  and base  82  may be formed in a co-molding operation, such that base  82  and housing  81  form a water-tight enclosure within which the sensing components of sensing/input member  80  are contained. In this embodiment, the sensing components of sensing/input member  80  are electrically connected to base  82 , which in turn is in intimate contact with a frame component, shown at FC, that forms a part of the frame of the apparatus in connection with which sensing/input member  80  is used. For example, and without limitation, frame component FC may be a part of area of bicycle frame F or exercise cycle frame F 1 , or the frame of any other apparatus in connection with which the data signal transmission arrangement of the present invention is used. In this embodiment, the signals from the sensing components of sensing/input member  80  are transmitted to frame component FC through base  82 , which eliminates the need for an exposed wire as in the previously described embodiments. The flexible nature of base  82  conforms to the contour of the frame of the apparatus, and enable sensing/input member  80  to be mounted to any area of the frame. Sensing/input member  80  may be secured to the frame in any satisfactory manner, such as by one or more cable ties  83 , or by means of straps, fasteners, etc.  
         [0049]     While the invention has been shown and described in connection with certain embodiments, it is understood that various alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. For example, and without limitation, the signal communication system of the present invention may be used in other types of exercised devices such as a treadmill, elliptical exerciser, swim exerciser, rowing machine, ski machine, etc. The invention may also be used in combination with a motor-driven device such as a motorcycle, personal transporter, scooter, etc. Any type of data signal may be transmitted through the frame using the data signal transmission system of the present invention. In all cases, a signal indicative of a sensed characteristic or condition of a movable member is inputted into the frame of the device, and transmitted through the frame to another location on the device for collection, processing, display and/or storage of the data represented by the signal.  
         [0050]     While the invention has been shown and described in the context of rotating members that are mounted to the frame, it is also understood that the data signal transmission system of the invention may also be incorporated in a system in which the movable member is supported adjacent to or in the vicinity of the frame, and is not necessarily mounted to the frame.  
         [0051]     Various alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.