Abstract:
Devices, methods and systems for strength training directed at improving a bicyclist&#39;s performance. The training device includes a cycle frame, a seat and a set of handlebars and a crank arm assembly attached to the frame. The training device also includes a means for selecting an amount of resistance to rotational motion of the crank arm assembly. In use, a user advances the pedals and crank arms by pedaling against the selected resistance through a selected training arc, then returns the crank arms to the starting position, against negative resistance, and repeats the extension/retraction motion according to the strengthening protocol in use. The user then selects a second training arc and repeats the sequence of rotation against resistance and counter-rotation against negative resistance.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of the filing date of a prior-filed Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/323,825 entitled Training Cycle and Method, filed Apr. 13, 2010, which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to athletic training devices and more particularly to a weight training device that is adapted specifically for strengthening those muscles and muscle groups utilized by the bicyclist. 
         [0004]    2. Background 
         [0005]    Exercise bicycles or cycling training devices in general are well known. To the extent that the prior art has addressed the training needs of the cyclist, however, those devices and methods are directed primarily to the cardiovascular and endurance demands of the sport, while overlooking the benefits that may be realized by the cyclist through strength training directed specifically at strengthening those muscles and muscle groups utilized by the bicyclist. 
         [0006]    The prior art teaches a variety of exercise devices including pedal configurations that offer resistance to rotation in either direction. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,625,318 to Heyn, U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,940 to Schneider, U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,535 to Twardokens and U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,249 to Raley. While resistance and weight training devices have been designed for specific sports that involves a repeated complex leg movement, (see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,460 to Miller, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,372 to McCormack), to date there have been none that have been directed specifically at strengthening those muscles and muscle groups utilized by the bicyclist. 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  depicts a cycle training device according to the prior art that focuses solely on the cardiovascular aspects of training for a competitive cyclist. Consistent with the teaching of the prior art,  FIG. 1  shows a training cycle wherein pedaling against a selected resistance occurs in a forward rotation FR and the resistance to rotation RTR resists said forward rotation of the pedals. 
         [0008]    Therefore, advantage may be found in providing a weight training device and method that specifically addresses the strength training need of the bicyclist. Additional advantage may be found in providing a weight training device and method that allows the bicyclist to strength train those muscles and muscle groups in isolation, with the same patterns of muscle action and joint angles, and utilized by the bicyclist while the cyclist assumes a position on the training device that mimics the position and muscular movements that the cyclist assumes relative to the bicycle during actual riding conditions. 
         [0009]    Therefore one object of the present invention is to provide a weight training device and method that specifically addresses the strength training need of the bicyclist according to well accepted principles of exercise physiology, and particularly a device that enables isolated strength training for both the downstroke and upstroke muscle groups pertaining to both the left and right-side movements, and with resistance applied to both the concentric and eccentric muscle actions of each exercise. Another object of the present invention is to provide a weight training device and method that allows the bicyclist to strength train those muscles and muscle groups utilized by the bicyclist with the same muscle movement patterns, degrees of muscle contraction, and joint angles of coordinated multi-joint movements (termed “specificity” by exercise physiologists), and while the cyclist assumes a position on the training device that mimics the position and bodily geometry that the cyclist assumes relative to the bicycle during actual riding conditions including both sitting and standing positions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention is directed to a device and method for resistance and strength training that specifically addresses the strength training need of the bicyclist. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a device and method that allows the bicyclist to strength train those muscles and muscle groups, in isolation, utilized by the bicyclist while the cyclist assumes a position on the training device that mimics the position and bodily geometry that the cyclist assumes relative to the bicycle during actual riding conditions. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a device and method to perform movements in a semi-circular, forward and reverse motion, with uninterrupted positive and negative resistance present throughout the movement. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, a cycle frame assembly is mounted in a stationary fixed position. Fixed to the frame are a seat and a set of handlebars, preferably having a configuration including dimensions, frame angles and seating position that is similar to those that the user employs on a bicycle that the rider typically uses for actual riding, for instance a road, track, cyclocross, time trial, or mountain bicycle. The objective is to provide a bicycle-like frame that supports the user in a cycling position for any of the known cycling disciplines, including the standard road/track/cyclocross position, the time trial position, and the mountain biking position. In a preferred embodiment, the frame offers adjustability for seat height and forward-back positioning, and for handlebar height and forward-back positioning to accommodate a variety of riders exhibiting a variety of physical statures and sizes. 
         [0012]    The cycle frame of the present invention also includes a crank arm assembly similar to that of the typical bicycle in that it includes a pair of crank arms each offset from the other by one-hundred and eighty degrees of rotation, with each of the crank arms including an attached pedal. The device is further adapted so that the user may alternately position either crank arm at start of rotation point, thereby enabling isolated downstroke and upstroke strengthening exercises for both the left and right legs of the user. In one embodiment the crank arm includes a chain ring similar to that of a bicycle. Alternately and in lieu of a chain ring, the crank arm assembly may include a pulley or wheel attached for rotation with the crank arms. 
         [0013]    Strength training that is specific to various cycling sports may be accomplished according to the method of the present invention in the following manner. A user advances the pedals and crank arms by pedaling against the selected resistance until the crank arms reaches a desired limit of rotation, then returns the crank arm to the starting position, against negative resistance, and repeats the extension/retraction motion according to the strengthening protocol in use. 
         [0014]    In alternate embodiments of the invention, resistance to rotation and counter-rotation may be produced hydraulically, fluidly, by mechanical friction, electro-magnetically, electrically, pneumatically and other such means or devices. 
         [0015]    In other alternate embodiments of the invention, the chain ring, wheel or pulley of the chain ring assembly may be configured as an elliptical chain ring, wheel or pulley. Additionally, the position of the primary axis of the ellipses may be varied with respect to the crank arm positions. Similarly, the device may include a feature wherein the crank arms may be changed for longer or shorter crank arms depending on a rider&#39;s preference. 
         [0016]    Alternately the device may include a controller such that the device may be programmable such that resistance levels throughout the semi-circular rotation and counter rotation may be varied to simulate the use of elliptical chain rings, or other such means of enabling varying resistance throughout the motion. 
         [0017]    The apparatus can be configured to provide both positive resistance to forward rotation and negative resistance to counter rotation or alternately positive resistance only, for instance resistance to forward rotation or in the alternative, just a negative resistance, or resistance to counter rotation. 
         [0018]    In yet another embodiment of the invention, and to offer versatility in a single training device, the training cycle of the present invention may be adapted to be switchable between a strength training mode and an aerobic training mode. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a cycle training device according to the prior art; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a representative side view of a cycle training device according to the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a representative side view of a cycle training device according to the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a representative top view of a cycle training device according to the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a representative side view of a drive assembly and a freewheel assembly for a cycle training device according to the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a representative cutaway view of a freewheel assembly for a cycle training device according to the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a representative side view of a sprag clutch for a cycle training device according to the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a representative side view of a drive assembly and a freewheel assembly for a cycle training device according to the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a representative cutaway view of a freewheel assembly for a cycle training device according to the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a representative side view of a sprag clutch for a cycle training device according to the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a representative flow diagram for a method of training according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , training device  110  includes cycle frame  111  including handlebars  112  and saddle  114  attached to an adjustable seat post  115 . Training device  110  also includes power assembly  120  including a pair of pedals  124  attached to a pair of crank arms  123  which in turn are connected to crank sprocket  121 . Flexible continuous drive member  125  operatively connects crank sprocket  121  to drive sprocket  126 . Resistance system  140  is configured to provide resistance R to forward rotation FR of crank arms  123  as well as negative resistance NR to the reverse rotation RR crank arms  123 . Drive controls  145  provides control requires to permit training device  110  to operate as a strength training device according to the teachings of the present invention as well as an aerobic training device as is common in the prior art. According to the present invention, resistance R to forward rotation FR and negative resistance NR to counter or reverse-rotation RR may be produced hydraulically, fluidly, by mechanical friction, or other mechanical means, electro-magnetically, electrically, pneumatically and other such means or devices. Drive controls  145  also provides the capability to permit operation of power assembly  120  in a freewheeling manner to permit re-positioning of the pair of crank arms  123  to a desired angular starting position without resistance to such movement. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 3 and 4  show training device  10  including cycle frame  11  and resistance system  40  both attached to training system frame  50 . Cycle frame  11  is not unlike those employed commonly for aerobic training, to the extent that it includes handlebars  12  that are adjustable up and down and fixable in a selected position employing stem positioner  13 . Seat post  15  slideably engages downtube  19  and a height of saddle  14  is vertically adjustable and fixable in a selected position employing seat post adjuster  16 . Saddle  14  is adjustable forward and backward and fixable in a selected position with horizontal saddle positioner  17 . 
         [0032]    Training device  10  also includes power assembly  20  including a pair of crank arms  23 A and  23 B attached to crank sprocket  21 . Pedals  24 A and  24 B are attached to the pair of crank arms  23 A and  23 B respectively. Chain  25  operatively connects chain sprocket  21  to freewheel assembly  30 . Freewheel assembly  30  includes pulley wheel  31 . 
         [0033]    Resistance system  40  includes weight frame  45  that provides the necessary structural support for weight stack  42  that is connected to weight frame  45 . Weight stack  42  is not unlike those seen commonly employed in weight training devices known to those skilled in the art. Weight stack  42  includes a plurality of individual weights stacked one atop another, each slideably engaging a pair of guide rails  41 . Lift bar  43  is formed having one or more apertures formed through its cross-section perpendicular to its primary axis as is also well known to those skilled in the art. Lift bar  43  inserts through an aperture formed on a vertical axis through a cross-section of each of the plurality of individual weights comprising weight stack  42  as is also well known to those skilled in the art. Each of the plurality of individual weights comprising weight stack  42  also include an aperture formed on a substantially horizontal axis, again as is known in the art. Lift bar  43  includes a plurality of apertures formed along its length such that each aperture aligns with one of the apertures formed on the substantially horizontal axis of each of the plurality of individual weights comprising weight stack  42 . An amount of weight that is to act as the force resisting rotation and which is to provide negative resistance NR to counter or reverse rotation of crank arms  23 A and  23 B is selectable by inserting pin  47  through a particular weight and a corresponding aperture formed on the substantially horizontal axis of each of the plurality of individual weights comprising weight stack  42 . 
         [0034]    Cable  44  attaches at a first end to lift bar  43  and passes through a series of pulleys  46 A- 46 F before attaching at as second end to pulley wheel  31 . The second end of cable  44  is fixed to pulley wheel  31  by end clamp  48  such that as pulley wheel  31  is rotated by movement of crank arms  23 A and  23 B and the attached crank sprocket  21  and chain  25 , a force equal to that portion of weight stack  42  that has been selected resists angular movement of pulley wheel  31 , the attached chain  25  and thereby crank sprocket  21  and the attached crank arms  23 A and  23 B. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 5 and 8  show power assembly  20  including a pair of crank arms  23 A and  23 B attached to crank sprocket  21 . Pedals  24 A and  24 B are attached to the pair of crank arms  23 A and  23 B respectively. Freewheel assembly includes sprocket  26  attached to pulley wheel  31 . Chain  25  operatively connects chain sprocket  21  to sprocket  26  of freewheel assembly  30 . Cable  44  is shown engaging pulley wheel  31  and is attached to pulley wheel  31  by end clamp  47 . Due to the stresses encountered in the weight training routines that may be practiced with the present invention, the components of power assembly, particularly crank arms  23 A and  23 B, crank sprocket  21  and chain  25  and sprocket  26  of the freewheel assembly  30  are of substantially greater substance than typical bicycle components. 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 5  upon forward rotation FR of pedals  24 A and  24 B and their respective attached crank arms  23 A and  23 B, depicted here in the clockwise direction designated as crank arm rotation CAR, causes a consequential forward rotation FR of crank sprocket  21  and thereby chain  25  and the operatively connected drive sprocket  26 , designated as sprocket rotation SR resulting in forward rotation of pulley wheel  31  designated as pulley rotation PR. As pulley wheel  31  rotates, cable  44  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , is drawn about a circumference defined by pulley wheel  31 , said pulley rotation PR being resisted by resistance R equal to a weight selected as described in reference to  FIG. 3 . Once pedals  24 A and  24 B and their respective attached crank arms  23 A and  23 B have reached the bottom of training arc BTA, a controlled reverse rotation RR of crank arms  23 A and  23 B is initiated causing a consequential counter rotation of crank sprocket  21  and thereby chain  25  and the operatively connected drive sprocket  26 , designated as sprocket counter rotation SCR resulting in counter rotation of pulley wheel  31  designated as pulley counter rotation PCR. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 6 and 9  show a cutaway view of freewheel assembly  30  including drive sprocket  26  attached to pulley wheel  31  by sprag clutch assembly  35 . Drive sprocket  26 , pulley wheel  31  and sprag clutch assembly  35  are connected to one another by bolt  34 . As shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  9  and  10  sprag clutch assembly  35  includes a plurality of sprags  38  disposed between inner race  36  and outer race  37 . Sprag clutch assembly  35  serves as a freewheel device, and in this case inner race  36  operates as an input member and outer race  37  serves as an output member. Sprag clutch assembly  35  is employed in the preferred embodiment as generally speaking a sprag clutch is capable to transmitting greater torque, for a given overall dimension of the clutch than other types of freewheel devices. 
         [0038]    When sprocket rotation SR occurs at sprocket  26  as shown in  FIG. 5 , inner race  36  is rotated in the clockwise direction designated as inner race rotation IRR as seen in  FIG. 7 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , a configuration of each of the sprags  38  is such that each of the sprags  38  wedge between inner race  36  and outer race  37  against a biasing force of spring  39  transferring the torque of inner race rotation IRR to outer race  37  providing outer race rotation ORR, which in turn provides pulley rotation PR of the attached pulley wheel  31 , (shown in  FIG. 5 ). Once sprags  38  engage both inner race  36  and outer race  37  and rotation of pulley wheel  31  is initiated, the plurality of sprags remain wedged between inner race  36  and outer race  37  due to the force of resistance R, (shown in  FIG. 5 ) against pulley wheel  31  and outer race  37 . This feature allows the user to sequentially rotate crank arms  23 A and  23 B through training arc TA, shown in  FIG. 5 , against resistance R and then counter or reverse rotate RR crank arms  23 A and  23 B through training arc TA in a controlled manner so as to not allow negative resistance NR to accelerate the speed of crank arms  23 A and  23 B during reverse rotation. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , when a user desires to change an angular orientation of crank arms  23 A and  23 B so that alternate muscle groups may be isolated and subjected to resistance training, pedals  24 A and  24 B with their respective attached crank arms  23 A and  23 B are counter-rotated, designated as crank arm counter-rotation CACR, to the desired position. Counter-rotation of rank arms  23 A and  23 B causes a consequential counter-clockwise rotation of crank sprocket  21  and thereby chain  25  and the operatively connected sprocket  26 , designated as sprocket counter-rotation SCR. 
         [0040]    As seen in  FIG. 10 , as sprocket counter-rotation SCR occurs at sprocket  26 , inner race  36  is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction designated as inner race counter-rotation IRCR. As counter-rotation of inner race  36  occurs a biasing force of spring  39  and a configuration of each of the sprags  38  is such that gap G is observed between each of the plurality of sprags  38  and outer race  37  such that sprocket  26  counter rotates in a “freewheeling” manner without engaging outer race  37  or pulley wheel  31 , shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0041]    In one study employing the device and methods of the present invention, performance of a group of female and male competitive cyclists and tri-athletes were tested. The subjects completed pre and post repeated Wingate anaerobic power tests with a two minute recovery between, a lactate/ventilatory threshold test, initially one-hundred and fifty watts at eighty revolutions per minute with the workload increasing by twenty-five watts at two minute intervals until volitional fatigue, and a race simulation with repeated anaerobic sprints of thirty minutes at ninety percent of ventilatory threshold. Subjects continued their usual aerobic training and used the strength training device twice a week for six weeks. 
         [0042]    Among other things, the results of testing demonstrated the following:
       1. Peak power increased by approximately sixteen percent in the training group, while the control group experienced a decrease in this measure.   2. Anaerobic capacity improved by approximately fifteen percent in the training group, while the control group experienced a decrease.   3. Muscular endurance volume improved by approximately forty-five percent in the downstroke and approximately forty-eight percent in the upstroke in the training group, while the control group experienced no change.   4. Muscular strength increased by approximately eleven percent in the downstroke and approximately fifteen percent in the upstroke in the training group, while the control group experienced no change.   5. Total work in repeated sprints increased by approximately twenty-one percent in the training group, while the control group experienced no change.       
 
         [0048]      FIG. 11  shows the steps of a METHOD FOR CYCLE STRENGTH TRAINING  200  that includes the steps of SELECTING A RESISTANCE FORCE TO A ROTATION OF THE OFFSET CRANK ARMS AND A NEGATIVE RESISTANCE FORCE TO A COUNTER-ROTATION OF THE OFFSET CRANK ARMS  201 , SELECTING A FIRST TRAINING ARC DEFINED BY A NUMBER OF DEGREES OF ROTATION THAT THE OFFSET CRANK ARMS WILL BE ROTATED AGAINST THE RESISTANCE FORCE AND COUNTER-ROTATED AGAINST THE NEGATIVE RESISTANCE FORCE  202 , ROTATING THE OFFSET CRANK ARMS THROUGH THE TRAINING ARC AGAINST THE RESISTANCE FORCE  203 , COUNTER-ROTATING THE OFFSET CRANK ARMS THROUGH THE TRAINING ARC WHILE CONTROLLING THE OFFSET CRANK ARMS AGAINST ACCELERATION BY THE NEGATIVE RESISTANCE FORCE  204 , and COUNTER-ROTATING THE OFFSET CRANK ARMS AGAINST A FREEWHEEL MECHANISM TO SELECT A SECOND TRAINING ARC  205 . 
         [0049]    While this invention has been described with reference to the described embodiments, this is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications to the described embodiments, as well as additional embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments as fall within the true scope of the invention.