Abstract:
An aquatic exercise cycle including a frame receptive to be at least partially submersed in a liquid medium; a seat adjustably secured to the frame; a pair of handles operably coupled to at least one of the frame and the seat for an operator to hold onto; a crank assembly operably coupled to said frame having an input shaft rotatable with a pair of user operated pedals; and a variable resistance mechanism in operable communication with the input shaft and receptive to varying a resistance of rotation of the input shaft. The aquatic exercise cycle allows the user to adjust at least the seat relative to the crank assembly to select either an upright riding position or a recumbent riding position.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application No. 60/489,946, filed Jul. 22, 2003 the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The invention relates generally to exercise equipment and in particular to an aquatic exercise bicycle for providing exercise in a liquid medium. More particularly, the invention relates to an aquatic exercise bicycle that may be adjusted and ridden in a recumbent or upright bicycle configurations.  
         [0003]     The benefits of aerobic exercise and particularly jogging are well known. Jogging is not suggested for persons who are prone to back, knee, and foot problems because the inherent impact of the feet on the ground surface is often the cause of peripheral vascular insufficiency or injury to the legs, ankles, and back. Invalids, osteoarthritic, and postoperative patients are given alternative forms of exercise such as swimming, which does not necessarily exercise the muscles which come into play in running or jogging.  
         [0004]     Aquatic exercise, and jogging apparatus are known in the art. There are several patents which disclose devices which are used for exercising in water, and jogging devices used out of water (i.e., treadmills). For example, one device for exercising in water includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,039 to Wasserman et al., which disclose an upright exercycle fixedly attached to a walkway of the pool. However, this design is limited to adjustment of the seat relative to the fixed crank and directed toward exercising in an upright position only. This design does not allow an operator to pedal the exercycle in a supine position as in a recumbent bicycle configuration. The advantage of a stationary recumbent bicycle as opposed to a stationary upright bicycle is that the user is positioned in a sitting position with the legs extending forwardly which reduces strain and stress on the spine and back muscles.  
         [0005]     Current exercise bicycles can be classified into three categories; (1) common bicycle held stationary while applying resistance to the rear wheel, (2) sitting exercise bicycles, and (3) semi-recumbent exercise bicycles. Units of the bicycle type are typically used by persons who want to simulate outdoor cycling for training purposes. With this form of exercise bicycle the weight of a user may be supported by both a handlebar and a seat. The sitting type refers to exercise bicycles where the user&#39;s weight is substantially supported by a seat and the crank and pedals are positioned below and shortly forward of the user. The semi-recumbent type refers to exercise bicycles where the user&#39;s weight is substantially supported by a seat and possibly a seat back. The crank and pedals are positioned substantially forward of the user on a substantially equal level with the seat.  
         [0006]     Each type of exercise exercises somewhat different muscle groups. The different configurations of exercise bicycles also provide differing levels of comfort for each user. For example, the classical position of a machine of the bicycle type provides the realistic body position and motion that are essential for accurate simulation of outdoor cycling. The classical position, however, may require a significant portion of the user&#39;s weight to be supported by the arms and upper body of the user. Such a position may be uncomfortable for an elderly user.  
         [0007]     Accordingly, it would be an advancement in the field to provide an exercise bicycle on which a user is able to accurately simulate the classical cycling position, while also allowing for an alternate semi-recumbent position. Such a bicycle would increase the range of users of differing abilities that may efficiently exercise with a single bicycle. Additionally, such a bicycle usable in a liquid medium, such as a swimming pool, would provide a variety of workouts for a user, thus, promoting interest and provide a method for exercising different muscle groups, while limiting harmful impact on the user because of buoyancy provided by the liquid medium. Furthermore, there is a desire for such an aquatic exercise bicycle to be easily disposed and positioned within the liquid medium, while remaining stable during operation.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The above discussed and other drawbacks and deficiencies are overcome or alleviated by an aquatic exercise cycle that includes a frame receptive to be at least partially submersed in a liquid medium; a seat adjustably secured to the frame; a pair of handles operably coupled to at least one of the frame and the seat for an operator to hold onto; a crank assembly operably coupled to said frame having an input shaft rotatable with a pair of user operated pedals; and a variable resistance mechanism in operable communication with the input shaft and receptive to varying a resistance of rotation of the input shaft. The aquatic exercise cycle allows the user to adjust at least the seat relative to the crank assembly to select either an upright riding position or a recumbent riding position. In an exemplary embodiment, the seat and the crank assembly are adjustable relative to the frame to select either an upright riding position or a recumbent riding position.  
         [0009]     The above-discussed and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     Referring to the exemplary drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the several FIGURES:  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an aquatic exercise bicycle having a seat and crank adjusted in a supine or recumbent position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is illustrates the aquatic exercise bicycle of  FIG. 1  having the seat and crank adjusted in an upright position;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is front perspective view of the aquatic exercise bicycle as in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the of the aquatic exercise bicycle of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the aquatic exercise bicycle as in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  depicts an exemplary embodiment of a variable resistance mechanism that may be employed with a crank assembly to vary a resistance of pedaling by an operator;  
         [0017]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  depict an alternative exemplary embodiment of another variable resistance mechanism that may be employed with the variable resistance mechanism of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  depicts a partial cross section view of one beveled pulley half engaged with a pulley belt illustrating relative displacement between a pair of pulley halves dependent on a distance therebetween;  
         [0019]      FIG. 9  depicts an alternative exemplary embodiment of another variable resistance mechanism that may be employed with the variable resistance mechanism of  FIG. 6  illustrating a variably displaced input wheel relative to an output disk to vary a gear ratio therebetween;  
         [0020]      FIG. 10  depicts an alternative exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 9  illustrating a variably displaced input wheel relative to an output cone to vary a gear ratio therebetween;  
         [0021]      FIGS. 11 and 12  depict alternative exemplary embodiments of another variable resistance mechanism that may be employed with the variable resistance mechanism of  FIG. 6  illustrating a variably displaced input wheels relative to a pair of a spaced output disks to vary an amount of friction on the input wheels therebetween; and  
         [0022]      FIGS. 13 and 14  depict alternative exemplary embodiments of another variable resistance mechanism that may be employed with the variable resistance mechanism of  FIG. 6  illustrating a variably displaced input shaft relative to an output shaft to vary a speed of rotation of said input shaft depending coaxial displacement of the input shaft from the output shaft.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0023]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an aquatic exercise bicycle  10  in an embodiment of the invention. The aquatic exercise bicycle  10  includes a frame  12  having a seat  14  operably coupled to frame  12  via a seat post  24 , recumbent handles  16  operably connected to either the seat  14  or seat post  15 , upright handles  18  extending from frame  12 , and a crank assembly  20  secured to frame  12 . Frame  12  is configure as a singular tube frame having an arch shape, however, other suitable configurations are contemplated suitable to the desired end purpose. Frame  12  includes feet  22  extending from ends  23  defining frame  12  to stabilize the aquatic exercise bicycle  10 . The entire aquatic exercise bicycle  10 , or at least a substantial portion thereof, is intended to be immersed in water, such as a swimming pool, for example, when in operation. A user operates pedals  21  extending from cranks  19  operably connected to an input shaft (not shown).  
         [0024]     Seat  14  is mounted on seat post  24  that rides in a slot  26  configured in a track  28  depending from frame  12 . A knob having a threaded fastener generally shown at  27  secures the post  24  in a fixed location relative to track  28 . Tilt of the seat  14  may be adjusted using a same knob or a separate further knob. In  FIG. 1 , seat  14  is shown in the recumbent position.  
         [0025]     Although track  28  is shown and described as depending from frame  12 , it will be recognized that track  28  having a slot  26  may be configured in frame  12 . In either case, slot  26  provides infinite adjustment for translation of seat  14  via seat post  24  substantially parallel with frame  12  within the bounds of slot  26 . Alternatively, it is also contemplated that slot  26  may be substituted with a plurality of discrete slots or apertures  26  along a length of track  28  or frame  12  providing discrete adjustability for seat  14  via seat post  24 . In this manner, seat  14  may be translated relative to frame  12  and crank assembly  20  to select either an upright or a recumbent riding position depending on the relative location of seat  14  with respect to crank assembly  20 .  
         [0026]     In an exemplary embodiment, crank assembly  20  is secured to frame  12  through two supports  30  and  32 . Support  30  is pivotally connected to frame  12  and to a housing  31  of the crank assembly  20 . Support  32  is pivotally connected to housing  31  of crank assembly  20  at one end. The other end of support  32  rides in a slot  34  configured in a track  36  depending from frame  12  forward of track  28 . A knob having a threaded fastener generally shown at  38  secures support  32  relative to track  36 . In  FIG. 1 , the crank assembly  20  is shown in the recumbent position.  
         [0027]     Although track  36  is shown and described as depending from frame  12 , it will be recognized that track  36  having a slot  34  may be configured in frame  12 . In either case, slot  34  provides infinite adjustment for translation of one end of support  32  substantially parallel with frame  12  within the bounds of slot  34 . Alternatively, it is also contemplated that slot  34  may be substituted with a plurality of discrete slots or apertures  34  along a length of track  36  or frame  12  providing discrete adjustability for support  32 . In this manner, crank assembly  20  may be positioned relative to frame  12  and crank assembly  20  to select either an upright or a recumbent riding position depending on the relative location of seat  14  with respect to crank assembly  20 .  
         [0028]     It will be recognized by one skilled in the pertinent art that although a pin and slot arrangement have been described with reference to translation of one end of support  32  and seat  14  via seat post  24 , any suitable connection is contemplated that allows such translation or positioning of seat  14  relative crank assembly  20 . For example, crank assembly  20  may be supported via a single support  32  absent support  30 . In this example, crank assembly  20  is pivotally attached to frame  12  at a first location and a second location. The crank assembly is attached to the first location using support  32  having a first end pivotally extending from the crank assembly  20  and an opposite second end realeasably coupled along a length of frame  12  at the first location depending on a selected riding position. Here the second location may include one end of housing  31  pivotally attached to frame  12  allowing use of a single support  32  to pivotally translate input shaft generally shown at  50  in  FIGS. 1 and 2  about the second location corresponding to direct pivotal attachment of housing  31  at an opposite end to frame  12  coincident with the second location.  
         [0029]      FIG. 2  shows the aquatic exercise bicycle  10  of  FIG. 1  in the upright position with the recumbent handles  16  removed. Seat  14  has been moved towards upright handles  18  via movement of seat post  24  in track  28 . Support  32  has been moved toward seat  14  in track  36 . Thus, seat  14  is positioned substantially directly over the crank assembly  20  for the upright riding position.  
         [0030]      FIGS. 3-5  are various perspective views of the aquatic exercise bicycle  10  in both the upright and recumbent riding positions.  FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate a further knob  51  in conjunction with handles  18  for raising and lowering the handles, as known in the pertinent art.  
         [0031]      FIG. 6  depicts an exemplary variable resistance mechanism that may be incorporated in the crank assembly  20 . Pedals  21  are mechanical coupled to gears  42  and  44  which when operated, pump fluid from an inlet  46  to an outlet  48 . It is envisioned that input shaft  51  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) may be operably connected to one of the gears  42  and  44  via a corresponding shaft extending through one of the gears  42  and  44  via a transmission means, such as a belt or chain, for example, but not limited thereto. A handle  50  is attached to a restrictor plate  52  by a threaded shank  54 . As handle  50  is turned, restrictor plate  52  is moved into and out of outlet  48 . This provides adjustable resistance and approaches an infinite resistance as outlet  48  becomes completely blocked. The fluid circulated by gears  42  and  44  may be the fluid in which the aquatic exercise bicycle  10  is immersed or may be a self contained closed fluid system with appropriate reservoirs.  
         [0032]      FIGS. 7-14  depict alternative mechanisms for generating variable resistance. Each mechanism includes an input shaft, which is operably coupled to both pedals  21  and an output shaft coupled to one of gears  42  or  44 . By adjusting the speed of the output shaft relative to the input shaft, the resistance is either increased or decreased. In some instances, the input shaft may coincide with input shaft  51  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , as will be described hereinafter.  
         [0033]     Shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B  is a pair of split pulleys  100  coupled by a belt  102 . Each split pulley  100  includes two pulley halves  101 . Each pulley half  101  has a beveled interior surface  104  as best seen with reference to  FIG. 8  illustrating a pulley half  101  in cross-section. The spacing  106  between pulley halves  101  may be adjusted by the user (e.g., through a knob mechanically coupled to one or both pulley halves). By moving the pulley halves  101  closer or farther apart, the effective diameter of the pulley  100  relative to the belt  102  is changed to alter the output speed of an output shaft  108 .  FIG. 7A  illustrates a high output speed at output shaft  106  and thus more resistance felt at input shaft  51 .  FIG. 7B  illustrates a low output speed at output shaft  106  and thus less resistance felt at input shat  51 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 9  shows an alternative mechanism for changing resistance. An input wheel  110  is in contact with an output disk  112 . The location of the input wheel  110  relative to the output disk  112  may be altered by the user (e.g., by a knob mechanically coupled to the input wheel shaft  114 ). The radial location of the input wheel  110  relative to the output disk  112  establishes the speed with which the output disk  112  rotates. In other words, as input wheel  110  is translated from a center portion to a peripheral portion defining output disc  112 , input wheel  110  and thus input wheel shaft  114  rotate faster. Furthermore, there is less resistance felt by input wheel shaft  114  to rotate output disc  112  as input wheel  110  is translated from a center portion to a peripheral portion defining output disc  112 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 10  shows an alternative mechanism for changing resistance. An input wheel  120  is in contact with an output cone  122 . The location of the input wheel  120  relative to the output cone  122  may be altered by the user (e.g., by a knob mechanically coupled to the input wheel shaft  124 ). The location of the input wheel  120  relative to the output cone  122  establishes the speed with which the output cone  122  rotates. In other words, as input wheel  120  is translated from a tip portion to a larger diameter base portion defining output cone  122 , input wheel  120  and thus input wheel shaft  124  rotate faster. Furthermore, there is less resistance felt by input wheel shaft  124  to rotate output cone  122  as input wheel  120  is translated from the tip portion to the larger diameter base portion defining output cone  122 .  
         [0036]      FIGS. 11 and 12  depict alternative mechanisms for changing resistance. Counter rotating input wheels  130  are in contact with two output disks  132 . The distance between the pair of input wheels  130  may be altered by the user (e.g., by a knob mechanically coupled to one or both output disks). As the pair of input wheels  130  are brought closer together, friction on the output disks  132  increases because of the parabolic configuration on facing surfaces of the output dicks  132 , thereby reducing speed of the output disks  132  and increasing a resistance felt by an input shaft (not shown) operably connected to the input wheels  130 .  
         [0037]      FIGS. 13 and 14  depict an alternative mechanism for changing resistance. An input shaft  140  is connected to a driving cone  142 . The driving cone  142  contacts an output disk  144  coupled to an output shaft  146 . The location of the input shaft  140  relative to the output shaft  146  may be altered by the user (e.g., by a knob mechanically coupled to one or both of the input shaft and output shaft). The location of the input shaft  140  relative to the output shaft  146  establishes the speed with which the output shaft  146  rotates. In  FIG. 13 , the input shaft  140  and output shaft  146  are substantially aligned resulting in a higher output speed and less resistance felt by input shaft  140  as more driving cone  142  is in contact with the output disk  144 . In  FIG. 14 , the input shaft  140  is displaced from the output shaft  146  resulting in a lower output shaft speed and higher resistance felt at input shaft  140 .  
         [0038]     Although numerous variable resistance mechanisms have been described with reference to  FIGS. 6-14  to provide a variable resistance on input shaft  51  felt by a user, any number of variable resistance mechanisms known in the art are contemplated for use suitable to the desired end purpose. In any selected variable resistance mechanism, such mechanism should not interfere with selection and operation of the aquatic exercise cycle in the upright or recumbent riding positions. Furthermore, such a selected mechanism should allow easy disposal and positioning of the aquatic exercise cycle within the liquid medium such as a swimming pool, for example, while remaining stable during operation thereof and without having to attach the cycle to swimming pool structure.  
         [0039]     One of the advantages obtained by using above described aquatic exercise cycle is discussed below. Amateur tri-athletes, like professionals will train from about 15 hours per week up to about 30 hours per week in an effort to maximize their performance in each of the three triathlon disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running. Three of the key factors that comprise a successful training program for this type of event are the hours of quality effort invested, the maximum recovery benefit obtained between training sessions, and remaining injury-free during the training program.  
         [0040]     One alternative course of training which can achieve all three of the above includes cross-training with aquatic exercise equipment, including the above described aquatic exercise cycle. For instance, using a high quality, non-motorized aquatic treadmill and an aquatic exercise cycle in a small pool with a tethered or mechanical swim resistance device will greatly reduce the amount of time required to produce the same benefit from land-based training.  
         [0041]     Very few athletes are able to devote equal training time to each discipline because they are stronger in one or two than the third, and need to devote additional time to that third or weaker area. However, devoting additional time to the weaker discipline takes valuable hours away from the other disciplines, which can then suffer.  
         [0042]     One solution includes aquatic training because training in water produces 12 times more resistance than training in air(i.e., on land) and the time required to achieve equal benefit is greatly reduced. Simultaneously, the buoyancy obtained by training in water greatly reduces stress and impact on joints, bones, and muscles. This benefit not only reduces the likelihood of injury, but also reduces the recovery time required between training sessions. In addition, subsequent training sessions are of higher quality because the lingering fatigue factor and discomfort level caused by previous sessions is greatly reduced.  
         [0043]     Thus, using the above described aquatic exercise cycle in a liquid medium that allows selection between a classical upright and recumbent riding position can aid in triathlon training, at least with respect to training for a bicycling aspect thereof.  
         [0044]     While this invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention.