Abstract:
An armrest for use on bicycle type handlebars of stationary bikes and bicycles used as indoor trainers. The device allows operator to rest forearms on padded and absorbent top surface for increased comfort and free use of hands and fingers while exercising. Armrest is shaped to allow placement of a laptop computer type device where hands rest. Armrest is positioned on handlebars with securing straps securing armrest by pulling down to handlebar by way of fore and aft location of straps.

Description:
PRIORITY/CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority date of the provisional application entitled INFLATABLE REST PAD FOR BIKE HANDLES filed on Feb. 9, 2009, with application Ser. No. 61/207,591, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to exercise devices and more particularly to bicycle type exercise devices with a bicycle handlebar type handgrip. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    There are many bicycling type exercise devices, such as stationary exercise bikes. Many people also set up their bicycle on a training stand so that it becomes a stationary bicycle. For serious cyclists, this allows them to ride their regular bicycle and do their training with the exact geometry that they will be riding with in better weather. For bicycles set up on a training stand, the rear wheel is allowed to spin and may have some type of resistance device attached to it, such as a variably resistant magnet, or a fan, or other device which is powered by contact with the rear wheel. Each of these devices are used extensively by people exercising indoors, at times when the weather outdoors is not conducive to riding a bicycle. 
         [0004]    Many bicycles are tiresome to ride indoors for a long period of time because they are configured so the rider is leaning forward and supporting part of the weight of his upper body with his hands in contact with the handle bar of the bike. This can be true even with stationary bicycles. This kind of support causes strain on the bike rider&#39;s hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and neck. If this position were more comfortable, the bike rider would exercise longer and be more comfortable when exercising on his bicycle. 
         [0005]    Another problem with indoor cycling is that it can be boring. Anything that can add interest to the indoor cycling experience can result in the rider getting a better and longer workout, and being less bored while doing it. This experience will commonly cause an increase in the frequency which persons will use indoor exercise equipment 
         [0006]    One way to alleviate the boredom of indoor cycling is to simply watch TV. This does not solve all of the problems for all riders, because TV programs are interrupted by commercials, and with as many channels as are available, the rider may spend a lot of time switching channels at commercials, or looking for a different channel to watch. This distraction cuts down on the duration of efficient cycling and reduces the exercise value of the indoor cycling. 
         [0007]    If something could be provided that would help alleviate boredom, add more comfort to the indoor bike riding experience, allow a rider to ride longer, and at the same time, cause the biker to ride more often, it would improve the benefits of indoor cycling even more. The invention presents a problem solving way for persons interested in multitasking while exercising. Typically, this person will use the invention with indoor exercise cycles while positioning a laptop type computer within comfortable reach to type while pedaling. With the desk-like feature, a typical user may use video game controllers, mobile phones, read books, fold clothes, type comfortably, or process office type documents. The equipment would rest on the handlebars as a desk with the ability to support rider weight on elbows and forearms with desk surface positioned where hands would reach a laptop type device with ease while supporting up to, but not limited to 50 lbs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The invention is a handlebar armrest for use with bicycle type handlebars. In one embodiment it can serve to replace the entire handlebar, or can also fit over the top of an existing handlebar. Such handlebars may be present on a bicycle being used as an exercise bike, or on various kinds of exercise devices which are similar in configuration to a bicycle. Bicycles of this type may include road bikes, which are set up on rollers for temporary use as an indoor exercise machine and other types of bikes, such as BMX, mountain bikes or cruiser bikes which may be set up for use as a stationary bicycle. Similarly, the handlebar armrest of the invention can be pressed over most stationary exercise bicycles or can be easily modified to press over many types of stationary bicycles. 
         [0009]    Such bicycles usually have a stem, which is the upright piece to which the handlebar is attached, creating a “T” pattern. Additionally, often an “H” pattern exists when bars are added to the ends of the handlebar. These are more common on stationary bicycle handlebars. The device of the invention includes an armrest body which has a top surface and a bottom surface, a front side and a rear side, and a left side and a right side. The top surface of the armrest body is configured for support of a bike rider&#39;s forearms with a planer area to support a laptop device extended in front of forearm area. 
         [0010]    By supporting the user&#39;s forearm, the armrest body allows the user to increase the variety of places to transfer upper body weight while sitting. This will cause the rider to be more comfortable. The armrest body will allow the rider to place the upper body weight on forearms and elbows, allowing rest to the hands and wrist. With body weight off hands and onto elbows, the rider&#39;s hands become available for multitasking options. By incorporating some conveniences into the armrest body, the user can relieve the boredom of indoor cycling, and have some creature comforts. These comforts include drinking utensils, which can be mounted in depressions in the surface of the armrest body, bags to hold items such as a phone, video controller, etc. The armrest body will also provide a laptop tray on which a user&#39;s laptop can be placed. The laptop tray is configured in one embodiment to be an integral part of the armrest. In another embodiment, the laptop tray can be removable and attachable when the user chooses to use it. In either configuration, a laptop tray is configured to position the keyboard of the laptop within easy reach of the user&#39;s fingers, as his forearms are placed on the top surface of the armrest body. 
         [0011]    The bottom surface of the armrest body defines a choice of patterns, T or H, or other patterns which create securing and positioning slots to be placed over the handlebars and pressed into place. The slot thus encircles three sides of the handlebars. The device also includes a slot for insertion of the handlebar stem. The handle bar stem slot can extend from the front side to the back side as a groove similar to the handlebar slot. It can also be shorter because many stems of bicycle type handlebars are short and would not need such a long slot. Like the handlebar slot, the stem slot encircles the handlebar stem and allows the armrest body to fit over the top of the handlebars. In one embodiment, the armrest of the invention may be bolted to the existing handlebar. 
         [0012]    A drink container, as mentioned above, can be placed in a recess which is defined in the top surface of the armrest body which is shaped to support the lower end of the drink container. Also, a commonly available cycling computer with a display of distance, time, speed, cadence, etc, may be positioned on the top surface of the armrest. The armrest top surface may have depressions which allow for the comfortable placement of the user&#39;s forearms in the depressions. These depressions may be padded or be lined with a resilient surface which provides cushioning. The entire surface of the armrest may be covered by an absorbent covering, which provides comfort for the user, and which absorbs sweat, and for this reason is removable and washable. The armrest of the invention attaches to the handlebars by one or more straps. A typical configuration of straps is one in which the straps are embedded in the armrest body, in the front and rear of the armrest and extend downward to wrap around parts of the bicycle frame. This creates a three point mounting system where the handle bar slot provides proper positioning to a variety of riders, with straps pulling in a downward action on armrest, suspending it immoveable over the fixed handle bar region. The straps include a device for tightening them, and may include a resilient device for applying additional tension as the armrest is in use. 
         [0013]    The forearm depressions in the top surface of the device are generally angled, with the depressions being closer at the front end of the armrest body. This is consistent with the anatomy of a typical user, in which the elbows would be placed wider than the hands on such a resting device. The armrest body may be made of a number of different types of materials, or combinations of materials. One successful embodiment of the invention is with an eps (expanded polystyrene) or pe (polyethylene) material. On this polystyrene or Styrofoam body, padded armrest inserts may be placed, as well as an absorbent cover. Another configuration of the device is in which the device is made of a foam material. When constructed of foam, an inner stiffening panel may be present to provide rigidity to the armrest body. When made of different layers of foam, the top surface of the device may be covered by closed cell foam, or one with a smooth surface which does not absorb moisture, the side surface may have a thin, hard shell plastic coating to provide color options over foam or an inflatable core and the bottom surface may be covered by a softer rubber surface which provides a gripping power for the armrest to be secure over the handlebars. 
         [0014]    The purpose of the Abstract is to enable the public, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
         [0015]    Still other features and advantages of the claimed invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out my invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the armrest of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is perspective view of the underside of the armrest of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the armrest of the invention with a laptop shelf attached to the armrest, and with a rider on the bicycle. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the armrest of the invention on a stationary bicycle with a rider. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing details of the laptop shelf mounted on the armrest. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. 
         [0022]      FIGS. 1 through 5  show the armrest of the invention.  FIG. 1  shows the handlebar armrest of the invention as seen from above. The armrest of the invention is designated as  10  in the photos. Shown in  FIG. 1  is the armrest, with the armrest body designated as  16 , a top surface  18 , a front side  22 , a rear side  24 , a left side  26 , and a right side  28 . Not shown in  FIG. 1  but better shown in  FIG. 2  is the bottom surface  20 . Also shown in  FIG. 1  is a drink container recess  38  in which a water bottle or other drink container may be placed. Shown in  FIG. 1  is an optional trackball  68 , with USB cable  74 . Raised edge contours  72  may be present for a more comfortable fit and for resistance to arms sliding apart and are shown in  FIG. 1 . A ridge  70  is shown for supporting the laptop  50 , and this ridge may be positioned as shown or may be completely around the laptop area. Forearm depressions  40  are present, which are generally recessed concave regions which are in the general shape of a bike rider&#39;s forearms. They are positioned so that a bike rider may place his forearms in the forearm depressions  40 , in order to achieve a more restful posture, to resist the sliding apart of arms, and in order to free his hands for use of other devices on top of the handlebar armrest  10 . Resilient inserts  52  may be secured in said forearm depressions for a more comfortable surface. Vents (not shown) may be present in the top surface laptop tray area of the device. 
         [0023]    To provide for use of other devices, a laptop shelf  36  is provided to which a laptop  50  may be attached. The laptop tray can be adjustable as well as removable. The tray can slide in or out from the elbow rest area, at the user&#39;s discretion. Straps  66  illustrate one way that the laptop  50  may be secured to the device. Alternative to a laptop, a video controller module can be conveniently placed on the laptop shelf  36 , for use by the rider while he is cycling. The capability to use both of these devices helps alleviate the boredom of indoor cycling, and encourages the rider to use an indoor cycling opportunity more often and for longer duration. Being able to lean down and rest rider&#39;s forearms takes the strain off of his hands, wrists, and shoulders, and allows for more comfortable cycling. Also having ones hands free in this position allows the rider to use a laptop, video controller, text, and to hold a book. The handlebar armrest of the invention includes various attachment straps  44 , with which the device is secured over the handlebars of a bicycle type exercise machine. Such an exercise device can be a bicycle mounted on a trainer, as shown in  FIG. 3 , or it can be the armrest of the invention mounted on a stationary exercise device as shown in  FIG. 4 , over the handlebars of the exercise machine. The armrest can also be bolted to the stationary bike frame or handlebars, or press fitted over the handlebars and strap mounted to the frame. Another embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  is one with one or more handlebar type tubes  82  embedded in a material such as EPS foam, which provide support and a mounting location when armrest is to replace existing exercise device handlebar. This embodiment provides a location for embedded support tubes  82  to exit eps foam  20  in a fashion that can be used as a mounting surface  84  such as a typical handlebar mounting to stem. 
         [0024]    The handlebar armrest  10  of the invention can be made of a number of different materials, such as expanded polystyrene foam, open or closed cell foam, or it may be inflatable. A reason to choose an inflatable would be the compact size for shelf space in a retail environment. Additionally, inflatable construction would allow a wider variety of press mounting tolerances. In one version, the armrest body has a stiffening internal member made of more rigid material such as plastic, over which is placed a layer of foam. This foam top surface  18  is contoured to create a shape consistent in  FIG. 1 . The top surface  18  of the invention will typically be made of a non-absorbent material, such as closed cell foam, or many other types of non-absorbent materials. The armrest body  16  will typically be covered by an absorbent covering  42  which is provided to absorb the sweat of a user. The absorbent covering  42  would be removable and washable and replaceable. 
         [0025]    The forearm depressions  40  can also be lined with a resilient insert to provide more padding to the rider&#39;s forearms. 
         [0026]    Shown in  FIG. 2  is the bottom surface  20  of the handlebar armrest  10  of the invention. Shown in  FIG. 2  is the handlebar slot  34 , and the stem slot  46 . Both of these are a form of positioning slots. These slots are provided to allow the armrest of the invention to fit over the handlebars of a bicycle or exercise bike and prevent sliding or movement and to prevent twisting and to provide a position for mounting the armrest.  FIG. 2  shows an inner core  62 , which may be plastic or other similar material, which is sandwiched between layers of softer or more flexible foam material. The device may also have inflatable bladders located on the bottom surface of  FIG. 2 ,  20 , which allow the armrest to have air added for increased stiffness and hold or air may be decreased for a softer rest area.  FIG. 2  shows secure strap mount D rings  64  which display locations for securing strap  44  of  FIG. 1  to suspend armrest over handle bar feature of both bicycles mounted in a trainer or stationary exercise device. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  also shows positioning slots  80 , which are alternatives to the handlebar and stem slots, and some versions may utilize any or all of these slots depending on the configuration of the bike to be fitted with the armrest. Also shown in  FIG. 2  is an embedded steel frame  82  with a mounting post  84 , with which the armrest  10  may replace a bicycle or exercise bike handlebar. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  shows a rider  32  on a bicycle  56  with the handlebar armrest  10  of the invention pressed over the handlebars  12  of the bicycle, with the bicycle  56  mounted on a training stand  60 . The armrest  10  is attached to the frame of the bicycle by attachment straps  44  which attach to the top tube and the head tube of the bicycle. An adjustable strap in the front can be looped around the front wheel or fork. An adjustable strap on the rear of the device, attached to the bottom of armrest with secured “D” ring  62  on one side loops down and under exercise equipment frame and back up to secured “D” ring  64 , thus suspending the device over slots  34  and  80  on the underside of the armrest  10 . This increases the security and stability of the armrest on any type of bike or exercise machine to which it is attached. Even if only one point on the armrest touches the bike frame, the fore and aft straps  44  act like guy lines on a tent to secure and stabilize the armrest  10 . The portion of the bicycle to which the handlebars  12  ( FIG. 3 ) are attached is the stem  14  which is inserted into the stem slot  46  of the invention, but which is not visible in  FIG. 3 . In  FIG. 3 , a video controller  58  is shown which is usable by the rider since his body weight is supported by his forearms  30 . 
         [0029]    Shown in  FIG. 4  is the armrest of the invention  10  mounted on an exercise bike  48 . It is attached by attachment straps  44  and is shown with a laptop  50  in use on the laptop shelf  36 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 5  shows the armrest  10  of the invention with details of the adjustable laptop tray  76 . This includes hook and loop tray fasteners  78  attached to the top surface  18 , by which the tray  76  is attached, using corresponding hook and loop fasteners on the underside of the tray  76 . Laptop straps  66  are available for securing a laptop on the tray. 
         [0031]    While there is shown and described the present preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that this invention is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.