Abstract:
A bicycle with arm resistance exercise features incorporated into a handlebar portion comprises a frame, a pair of wheels, and a pair of pedals. The bicycle utilizes crankshaft-style rotatable handle bars which enable a user to exercise their arms while riding and steering the bicycle. The rotating handlebars include a tensioning mechanism to increase the difficulty of the rotation and further increase the complexity of the exercise.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/699,490, filed Sep. 11, 2012, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a bicycle having a resistance-type exercise device residing with a handlebar assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Everyone is thinking much smarter these days. We are always looking for better ways to improve our quality of life and our health with dieting and exercise. This is especially so due to our busy lifestyles. We have limited time, and it seems that the time is becoming more and more limited. In order to combat a sedentary lifestyle, it is imperative that we not only eat right and exercise but do it efficiently. Maximizing the results and minimizing time is paramount with this goal. One (1) of the most popular forms of exercise is bicycling. However, a disadvantage of this form of exercise is the relatively non-use of the arms. Typical bicycles do a good job of developing muscles and working out the legs; however, bicycles have no capacity to work out upper bodies as well. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which a bicycle can provide a lower body workout as well as an upper body workout. The development of the present invention fulfills this need. 
     The present invention provides a means to engage the cyclist in a full body workout. The device comprises a bicycle having a rotational handle-bar portion. The cyclist has the same pedaling capabilities as a traditional bicycle, but the handle bars also have the same cycling functions in smaller rotation to exercise the arms. Tensioning mechanisms afford a user the ability to increase or decrease the amount of force required to rotate the handlebars, thus provide a means to control the exercise. 
     Prior art in this field consists of bicycle having motioning handlebar portions and stationary exercise machines resembling bicycles with arm training apparatuses. Bicycles with motioning handlebars focus on either assisting the driving of the bicycle or providing wider range of motion of the handlebars themselves. In either situation, the motion of the handlebars is inconsistent with the motion of the present invention&#39;s handlebars and fails to provide the training and exercise that the present invention&#39;s does. While drive-assist motioning of the handlebars of the prior art provides a workout, this is not the intent of such motion; therefore, such motioning fails to accomplish the goal of exercising as efficiently and effectively as the present invention does. Furthermore, prior art fails to provide a means to disengage the motioning of the handlebars so as to enable normal bicycle operation. Some prior art exercise machines resembling bicycles are equipped with rotating handlebars specifically designed to work the arms while simulating cycling. These machines lack the ability to act modes of transport. It is an object of this invention to provide both a means of transport and a means to maximize a workout. It is a further object of this invention to provide an ergonomic configuration conducive for cycling and exercising the upper arms. It is a further objective of this invention to enable control of the effectiveness of the upper body exercise mode of the apparatus. It is a further objective of this invention to enable full disengagement, or arrestment, of the rotational motion of the handlebars so as to operate the bicycle in a normal cycling mode. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The apparatus comprises a bicycle structure with a functional handlebar section. The bicycle structure comprises a common framework, having a truss configuration, front and rear forks, an adjustable and removable seat, and removable front and rear tires. The framework is equipped with a pedal assembly that acts as a drive train for at least one (1) wheel of the bicycle. The front forks are rotably attached to the framework and placed into mechanical connection with the handlebars. The handlebars not only enable steering of the front wheel but the bars also rotate independently in a circular manner. This rotation affords the ability to exercise the user&#39;s arms while cycling. 
     The handlebars are equipped with a tensioning mechanism to set a degree of resistance for a user while exercising the arms. The handlebars may also be locked into a stationary position. The handlebars comprise two (2) angled members rotatingly affixed with each other via a flywheel assembly. Each member has an ergonomic shape and is provided with a hand grip. Adjustment knobs enable control and manipulation of the tensioning mechanism. In alternate embodiments, the apparatus is equipped with various other accessories, such as wheel fenders, a kick-stand, a bottle holder, breaking mechanisms. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bicycle with resistant arm exercise  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of an arm cycling mechanism  20  portion of the bicycle with resistant arm exercise  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention: and, 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view of an arm cycling mechanism portion  20  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 2 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  bicycle with resistant arm exercise 
               11  bicycle frame 
               12  seat 
               13   a  front fork 
               13   b  rear fork 
               14   a  front wheel assembly 
               14   b  rear wheel assembly 
               15   a  front fender 
               15   b  rear fender 
               16  pedal/crank assembly 
               17  kickstand 
               18  bottle holder 
               20  arm cycling mechanism 
               21  housing 
               22  first tensioning knob 
               23  second tensioning knob 
               24  right handlebar 
               25  left handlebar 
               26  right hand grip 
               27  left hand grip 
               28  first flywheel 
               29  second flywheel 
               30  first friction device 
               31  second friction device 
               31   a  spring 
               31   b  friction pad 
               42  right brake lever 
               43  left brake lever 
               44  master cylinder 
               45  first rotary seal 
               47  second rotary seal 
               48  brake line 
               50  bearing 
               52  slave cylinder 
               54  brake cable 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a bicycle with resistant arm exercise (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for exercising. The apparatus  10  comprises a common bicycle structure with an enhanced arm cycling mechanism  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  takes a form of a bicycle having a typical tubular bicycle frame  11  providing a conventional truss configuration to support a rider. The bicycle frame  11  is envisioned to be fabricated from a light weight durable material such as, but not limited to: aluminum alloy, carbon fiber, or the like. Sections of the bicycle frame  11  are positioned under an upright seat  12  and under the arm cycling mechanism  20 , and are envisioned to comprise flexible members and/or shock absorbing features to ease the ride of the apparatus  10 . The seat  12  comprises a padded cushion and is envisioned to comprise a quick release device for removal or adjustment. The bicycle frame  11  is fastened to a front wheel assembly  14   a  and a rear wheel assembly  14   b  via a pair of respective front fork  13   a  and rear fork  13   b  portions. The wheel assemblies  14   a ,  14   b  may comprise types such as, but not limited to: road tires, off-road tires, or the like. The various designs and styles of the wheel assemblies  14   a ,  14   b  are based upon various intended riding terrain and the needs of the rider. The forks  13   a ,  13   b  provide steering and balancing functions to the apparatus  10 , and the wheel assemblies  14   a ,  14   b  enable said apparatus  10  to travel. The wheel assemblies  14   a ,  14   b  rotate via a centrally located pedal/crank assembly  16  integrated into a lower portion of the frame  11  which being common to bicycles. The frame  11  enables one (1) of the wheel assemblies  14   a ,  14   b  to be connected to the pedal/crank assembly  16  preferably using a chain mechanism. The pedal/crank assembly  16  is driven by the rider&#39;s feet rotating said pedal/crank assembly  16  in a circular fashion which simultaneously rotates the wheel assemblies  14   a ,  14   b . In at least one (1) embodiment, a rearward motion of the pedal/crank assembly  16  provides a braking force to either wheel assembly  14   a ,  14   b  as is commonly applied. 
     The steering of the apparatus  10  is provided by the arm cycling mechanism  20  which comprises a housing  21 , a pair of tensioning knobs  22 ,  23 , a right handlebar  24 , and a left handlebar  25 . The arm cycling mechanism  20  enables the rider to rotate the handlebars  24 ,  25  to exercise their arms while coincidentally being utilized to steer the apparatus  10 . The arm cycling mechanism  20  operates in an offset crankshaft manner enabling the rider to rotate the handlebars  24 ,  25  in either a simultaneous pedaling manner or in an out of phase manner with regards to the motion of the pedal/crank assembly  16 . The apparatus  10  provides a means of variable rotational resistance of the handlebars  24 ,  25  via user-selectable right friction device  30  and left friction device  31  portions. The handlebars  24 ,  25  are also envisioned to be utilized in a fixed and motionless state by tightening the friction devices  30 ,  31 , thereby enabling the rider to utilize the handlebars  24 ,  25  in a traditional steering manner. 
     The apparatus  10  is envisioned to also comprise various accessories which enable riding to be more pleasurable such as, but not limited to: a front fender  15   a , a left fender  15   b , a bottle holder  18 , and a kickstand  17 . Located between each fork  13   a ,  13   b  and above each wheel assembly  14   a ,  14   b  is a fender  15   a ,  15   b  to protect the rider from debris, water, or the like during riding. The fenders  15   a ,  15   b  are envisioned to be fabricated from metal or plastic materials. The bottle holder  18  is attached to the bicycle frame  11  to enable placement of an existing beverage bottle. Although the bottle holder  18  is depicted as be positioned upon a down tube portion of the bicycle frame  11 , it is known that other convenient locations may be utilized with out limiting the scope of the invention. A lower portion of the bicycle frame  11  comprises a double kickstand  17  to enable the apparatus  10  to maintain an upright position while parked. The kickstand  17  preferably comprises a “V”-shaped design which pivots downwardly to engage the ground surface upon both sides of the bicycle frame  11  to support the weight of the apparatus  10 . 
     The wheel assemblies  14   a ,  14   b  are envisioned to utilize conventional cable-type braking mechanisms to stop the rotation of the wheel assemblies  14   a ,  14   b . Various existing brake devices such as disc brakes can be utilized as dependant upon riding conditions and terrain as well as manufacturing cost considerations. The right  24  and left  25  handlebars comprise respective right brake lever  42  and a left brake lever  43  portions being operably located upon respective right hand grip  26  and left hand grip  27  portions to enable an effective stopping means (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a top view of the arm cycling mechanism  20 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The housing portion  21  of the arm cycling mechanism  20  is located between the right handlebar  24  and the left handlebar  25  comprising a box structure made using a material similar to the bicycle frame  11 . The right handlebar  24  and left handlebar  25  comprise respective first friction device  30  and second friction device  31  portions located within the housing  21 . The friction devices  30 ,  31  act to vary a rotational force required to rotate each handlebar  24 ,  25 , via adjustment of respective external tensioning knobs  22 ,  23 . The friction devices  30 ,  31  comprise respective spring  31   a  and friction pad  31   b  portions. The tensioning knobs  22 ,  23  act upon the spring portion  31   a  of the friction devices  30 ,  31 , which in turn exert a downward force upon the respective friction pad  31   b . The friction pads  31   b  are in direct contact with the rotating metallic flywheels  28 ,  29 . Rotating the tensioning knobs  28 ,  29  threadingly inward causes the friction devices  30 ,  31  to provide an increased resistance to the rotation of said flywheels  28 ,  29 , and conversely, rotating the tensioning knobs  28 ,  29  threadingly outward causes the friction devices  30 ,  31  to provide less resistance to the rotation of said flywheels  28 ,  29 . The friction devices  32 ,  33  independently adjust a rotational tension of each handlebar  24 ,  25  using respective externally accessible tensioning knobs  22 ,  23 . The adjusting of the friction devices  30 ,  31  increases or decreases the rotation of respective internal flywheels  28 ,  29  thereby increasing or decreasing the force a rider must exert during the exercise (also see  FIG. 3 ). 
     It is envisioned that other crankshaft configurations could be utilized without limiting the scope of the invention. It is also understood that other devices could be used in lieu of a crankshaft type device to rotate the handlebars  24 ,  25  without limiting the scope of the invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a sectional view of the arm cycling mechanism portion  20  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 2 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The housing  21  provides an attachment means to the right handlebar  24  and left handlebar  25  portions, being rotatingly secured and supported by respective pairs of first bearings  50  located within the housing  21 . Outer end portions of the right handlebar  24  and the left handlebar  25  comprise comfortable and ergonomically designed right hand grip  26  and left hand grip  27  portions, respectively. Said hand grip portions  26 ,  27  provide rotary motion with respect to respective handlebar portions  24 ,  25  via an internal second bearing  51 , thus allowing a user to freely motion the handlebars  24 ,  25  in a circular pattern while maintaining a stationary grip upon said grips  26 ,  27 . 
     The handlebars  24 ,  25  provide respective axial attachment to the first flywheel  28  and second flywheel  29  portions within the housing  21 . The resistance of rotation for the right handlebar  24  is adjusted by a first tensioning knob  22  which in turn acts upon the first friction device  30  and first flywheel  28  portions, and the resistance of rotation for the left handlebar  25  is adjusted by a second tensioning knob  23  which in turn acts upon the second friction device  31  and second flywheel  29  portions. Said tensioning knobs  22 ,  23  are in mechanical communication with the respective first  30  and second  31  friction devices which in turn act upon respective side surface portions of the cylindrical flywheels  28 ,  29 . 
     Tightening the tensioning knobs  22 ,  23  to an extreme position is envisioned to fix the handlebars  24 ,  25  in the motionless state to provide a traditional steering function. Each handlebar  24 ,  25  may be independently rotated by the user being synchronous with a pedaling motion, out of phase with the pedaling motion, or other desired motion, based upon a user&#39;s preference. 
     The hand grip portions  26 ,  27  of each handlebar  24 ,  25  further comprise respective right brake lever  42  and left brake lever  43  portions which may be utilized to actuate brake mechanisms at the wheels  14   a ,  14   b  to stop the apparatus  10 . Said brake levers  42 ,  43  preferably comprise respective corresponding hydraulic braking circuits which interface with traditional cable-type braking mechanisms at respective wheel assembly portions  14   a ,  14   b . Each brake lever  42 ,  43  is in mechanical and hydraulic communication with respective assembled hydraulic components mounted to the housing  21  including a master cylinder  44 , a first rotary seal  45 , a second rotary seal  47 , a plurality of interconnecting brake lines  48 , and a slave cylinder  52 . The hydraulic components  44 ,  45 ,  47 ,  52  conduct hydraulic fluid pressure between relative rotating portions including the hand grips  26 ,  27 , the handlebars  24 ,  25 , and the housing  21 , and to produce a linear motion from an output shaft portion of each respective slave cylinder  52 . The output shaft portions of each slave cylinder  52  are mechanically connected to respective front  14   a  and rear  14   b  wheel assemblies via conventional bicycle brake cables  54 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; sitting upon the seat  12 ; retracting the kickstand  17  to its stowed state; positioning an existing beverage bottle within the bottle holder  18  as desired; gripping the hand grips  26 ,  27  to steer the apparatus  10 ; adjusting the tensioning knobs  22 ,  23  to rotate the handlebars  24 ,  25  with a desired amount of rotational resistance; utilizing the pedal/crank assembly  16  to drive the wheel assemblies  14   a ,  14   b ; utilizing the fenders  15   a ,  15   b  to protect a user from debris or water; and, utilizing the apparatus  10  for normal transportation as well as for arm exercise purposes afforded a user of the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.