Abstract:
A stationary bicycle comprises a frame. A crankset is rotatably mounted to the frame to receive a pedaling actuation from a user of the stationary bicycle. A seat is mounted to the frame to support the user using the crankset in the pedaling actuation. A handlebar is mounted to the frame to serve as a hand/arm support for the user during the pedaling actuation. Translational joints between the frame and the seat and the handlebar are provided for translational displacement of the seat or handlebar with respect to the crankset. A mechanism is connected to the translational joint for locking the translational joint in a selected position, the mechanism allowing movement of the translational joint solely by a selected actuation displacing the translational joint proportionally in the direction of the translational displacement.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Applications No. 60/823,777, filed on Aug. 29, 2006, and No. 60/868,433, filed on Dec. 4, 2006. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE APPLICATION 
     The present application relates to stationary bicycles and, more particularly, to an adjustable stationary bicycle as used for exercise, as a fitting apparatus in purchasing a bicycle, and/or as an interface in the gaming industry. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE ART 
     In riding a bicycle, the pedaling power of the user is a primary factor in determining how fast the rider will get to the destination. There are other factors associated with the bicycle and the interaction between the rider and the bicycle, such as the wind resistance (i.e., drag coefficient) and the weight. 
     In order to optimize the power output of the rider on the bicycle, it is important that the bicycle be of appropriate dimensions for the rider. The rider must be in an aerodynamic riding position as much as possible, but the position should affect the breathing and the pedaling of the rider as little as possible. The pedaling power is directly related to the heart rate of the rider, whereby adequate breathing is essential to an optimized riding position. 
     At present, when purchasing a bicycle, a rider moves onto the bike having its rear wheel supported by a trainer. According to the salesman&#39;s experience, various adjustments are made (vertical and horizontal position of the seat, stem length and handlebar height) until a suitable riding position is reached, often as visually decided by the salesman. The rider must at the very least stop pedaling and lean forward to make adjustments to the seat. In some instances, the rider must come off the bicycle for adjustments to be made. 
     In the indoor training industry and more specifically in gyms, stationary bikes are often limited as to the adjustable parameters that are available for the user. Moreover, a user of the stationary bicycle often lacks the ability or the assistance of a trainer to adjust the bicycle to a proper fit. Therefore, a rider training on a stationary bicycle often does not sit in the optimized riding position, therefore not fully benefiting from the workout. 
     SUMMARY OF THE APPLICATION 
     It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a novel stationary bicycle that addresses issues associated with the prior art. 
     Therefore, in accordance with a first embodiment, there is provided a stationary bicycle comprising: a frame; a crankset rotatably mounted to the frame to receive a pedaling actuation from a user of the stationary bicycle; a seat mounted to the frame to support the user using the crankset in the pedaling actuation; a handlebar mounted to the frame to serve as a hand/arm support for the user during the pedaling actuation; at least one translational joint between the frame and at least one of the seat and the handlebar for translational displacement of the seat or handlebar with respect to the crankset; and a mechanism connected to the translational joint for locking the translational joint in a selected position, the mechanism allowing movement of the translational joint solely by a selected actuation displacing the translational joint proportionally in the direction of the translational displacement. 
     In accordance with a second embodiment, there is provided a stationary bicycle control system in combination with a stationary bicycle, comprising: a stationary bicycle comprising a crankset rotatably mounted to a frame to receive a pedaling actuation from a user of the stationary bicycle, a seat and a handlebar, at least one 1-DOF seat joint between the frame and the seat, and at least one 1-DOF handlebar joint between the frame and the handlebar; a seat actuator to actuate the 1-DOF seat joint to cause displacement of the seat; a handlebar actuator to actuate the 1-DOF handlebar joint to cause displacement of the handlebar; a bicycle controller system comprising: a user interface for entering/adjusting positions for the seat and for the handlebar; a position commander for displacing the seat and the handlebar through actuation of the seat actuator and the handlebar actuator; and a position calculator receiving actuation data from the position commander and calculating a position of the seat and of the handlebar so as to guide the position commander in positioning the seat and the handlebar to selected positions. 
     In accordance with a third embodiment, there is provided a method for adjusting a stationary bicycle for a user, comprising: providing a stationary bicycle with a seat and a handlebar related to a crankset by actuators; obtaining anthropometric data associated with the user; selecting a seat position and a handlebar position with respect to the crankset for the stationary bicycle, as a function of the anthropometric data associated with the user; and displacing the seat to said selected seat position and the handlebar to said selected handlebar position relative to the crankset by actuating said actuators; whereby the stationary bicycle is adjusted for the user. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of an adjustable stationary bicycle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the adjustable stationary bicycle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the adjustable stationary bicycle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of an adjustable stationary bicycle in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a bicycle controller system used in combination with the adjustable stationary bicycle of  FIGS. 1 and 4 ; and 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart illustrating a method for adjusting a stationary bicycle in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , an adjustable stationary bicycle in accordance with a first embodiment is generally shown at  10 . The stationary bicycle  10  has a base  11 , a frame  12 , an exercise wheel  13 , a crankset  14 , a seat  16  and a handlebar  18 . 
     The base  11  supports a remainder of the bicycle  10 . The base  11  is for instance mounted on the floor. 
     A frame  12  is connected to the base  11 . The frame  12  supports the various user interface components of the bicycle  10 , namely the crankset  14 , the seat  16  and the handlebar  18 . 
     The exercise wheel  13  is related to the crankset  14 . The power output of the user of the bicycle  10  is typically measured using the exercise wheel  13 . The exercise wheel  13  is also actuated to control the resistance to pedaling. 
     The crankset  14  has pedals (not shown) and receives the pedaling actuation from the user of the bicycle  10 . 
     The seat  16  supports the user of the bicycle  10  in a riding position. 
     The handlebar  18  is provided as a support for the arms of the user. 
     The frame  12  has a support beam  20  by which it is connected to the base  11 . The support beam  20  has a chainstay  21  between which the exercise wheel  13  is in a rotational relation. Although not shown, a chain/chainring and gears, belt/pulleys or similar transmissions are provided between the wheel  13  and the crankset  14  for the transmission of the pedaling power of the user to the wheel  13 . 
     A rail  22  is supported by the support beam  20 . The rail  22  is generally parallel to the ground. A carriage  23  is slidingly mounted onto the support beam  20 , so as to form a prismatic joint therewith (i.e., translational one-DOF joint). As it is supported by the carriage  23 , the seat  16  is displaceable in translation along the X-axis. The prismatic joint formed by the rail  22  and the carriage  23  is actuated by actuator  24 . 
     A seat tube  25  is connected to the carriage  23  and is preferably in a perpendicular relation therewith. A seat post support  26  is telescopically engaged into the seat tube  25 , so as to form another prismatic joint. As the seat post of the seat  16  is locked to the seat post support  26 , the seat  26  is displaceable in translation along the Y-axis. The prismatic joint formed by the seat tube  25  and the seat post support  26  is actuated by actuator  27 . 
     The handlebar  18  is also displaceable in translation along the X-axis and the Y-axis. More specifically, a carriage  30  supporting the handlebar  18  is operatively mounted to a front end of the rail  22 , thereby forming a prismatic joint. The direction of the carriage  30  is along the X-axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the displacement of the handlebar  18  along the X-axis is actuated by actuator  31 . 
     A head tube  32  is mounted to the carriage  30 , and is preferably in a perpendicular relation therewith. A bracket  33  is telescopically inserted into the head tube  32  so as to form a prismatic joint displaceable along the Y-axis direction. Actuator  34  powers the prismatic joint along the Y-axis direction. 
     Although the actuators  24 ,  27 ,  31  and  34  are preferably electrically powered linear actuators, it is contemplated to use manual actuation as well. The translational degrees of freedom of the seat  16  and of the handlebar  18  are mechanically controlled and self-supported/self-locked such that actuation is required to displace the seat  16  and/or handlebar  18 . In the illustrated embodiments, the seat  16  and handlebar  18  are therefore fixed into X and Y positions, and can only be displaced by actuation of the prismatic joints. Therefore, the seat  16  and the handlebar  18  are displaceable even while a rider is supported in a riding position. 
     The bracket  33  is a quick-release mechanism allowing different handlebars  18  to be mounted rapidly onto the stationary bicycle  10 . Alternatively, a handlebar extendable in a Z-axis (perpendicular to both the X- and Y-axes) is considered. 
     Although not shown, the crankset  14  is preferably of the extendable type, in that the cranks can be adjusted to different lengths. One contemplated crankset system has the cranks pivotally off-center from the chainring, so as to be adjustable to different crank lengths. 
     Various sensors are provided in order to measure the performance of the rider on the stationary bicycle  10 . For instance, referring to  FIG. 5 , a power sensor  40  and a cadence sensor  41  are respectively provided in association with the exercise wheel  13  and the crankset  14  to measure the pedaling power and the cadence. Other configurations for these sensors, and for other sensors  42 , are considered, such as a heart-rate monitor, pressure sensors for the pedals, etc. 
     It is considered to have the stationary bicycle  10  take different configurations to enhance its stiffness. Referring to  FIG. 4 , an alternative embodiment of the stationary bicycle is also illustrated as  10 , but features a frame  12 ′ that is different than the frame  12  of the stationary bicycle of  FIGS. 1 to 3 . Many components are similar between the stationary bicycles  10  of  FIGS. 1-3  and of  FIG. 4 , whereby like parts will bear like reference numerals. 
     The frame  12 ′ has a pair of guideways  22 ′ supporting the carriage  23 ′, such that the carriage  23 ′ is displaceable in translation along the X-axis, enabling the horizontal adjustment of the seat  16 . The carriage  23 ′ consists of a pair of parallel plates that support the seat tube  25 . 
     Similarly, the frame  12 ′ has a pair of guideways  22 ″ supporting the carriage  30 ′, such that the carriage  30 ′ is displaceable in translation along the X-axis, enabling the horizontal adjustment of the seat  16 . The carriage  30 ′ consists of a pair of parallel plates that support the head tube  32 . 
     The configuration of the frame  12 ′ ( FIG. 4 ), although similar in construction to the frame  12  ( FIGS. 1-3 ), provides added structural rigidity to the stationary bicycle  10 . Alternative frame configurations are considered as well. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a stationary bicycle controller system in accordance with a preferred embodiment is generally shown at  50 . The bicycle controller system  50  is in communication with the actuators  24 ,  27 ,  31  and  34 , as well as with the sensors  40 ,  41  and  42 . 
     The bicycle controller system  50  has a bicycle controller  51  that is a processing unit (PC, microprocessor, or the like). The bicycle controller  51  receives data from the power sensor  40 , the cadence sensor  41  and the other sensors  42 . 
     A position commander  52  is connected to the bicycle controller  51 , and is in association with the actuators  24 ,  27 ,  31  and  34 . More specifically, the actuation of the actuators  24 ,  27 ,  31  and  34  is controlled by the commander  52 . A position calculator  53  is connected to the position commander  52  and determines the position of the seat  16  and the handlebar  18  in the X-Y coordinate system illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3 . 
     As an example, a reference point for the X and Y coordinates of the seat  16  and the handlebar  18  is a center of the crankset  14 . Considering that the feet of the rider are locked to the cranks of the crankset  14 , the center of the crankset  14  constitutes a fixed point well suited to be used as a reference for the position of the seat  16  and the handlebar  18 . 
     The position calculator  53  may operate in different ways. For instance, a calibration is preferably performed every time the stationary bicycle  10  is turned on, so as to relate the degree of actuation of the actuators  24 ,  27 ,  31  and  34  to X and Y positions. In an embodiment, the actuators  24 ,  27 ,  31  and  34  are subjected to a homing movement (moved to a null extension) to be calibrated. Alternatively, sensors (not shown) may be provided in the actuators  24 ,  27 ,  31  and  34 , or on the various prismatic joints, so as to detect the position of the seat  16  and the handlebar  18  with respect to the reference. The use of sensors is considered for manually actuated mechanisms of displacements for the seat  16  and the handlebar  18 . 
     A profile calculator  54  is connected to the bicycle controller  51 . The profile calculator  54  receives the various data from the sensors  40 - 42 , as well as the X and Y positions of the seat  16  and the handlebar  18 , as a function of time. Accordingly, the performance of the rider (pedaling power, cadence, heart rate) is related to the dimensions of the stationary bicycle  10 . All information is related to rider identification and characteristics (e.g., name, anthropometric measurements, weight, age, etc.) in the form of a rider profile in a rider profile database  55 . Additional information can be recorded under the rider profile, such as the preferred dimensions of the stationary bicycle  10 . 
     A user interface  56  is connected to the bicycle controller  51 . The user interface  56  is typically a monitor with touch keys or a keyboard, through which the user interface  56  is commanded and information is entered (e.g., rider identification). In an embodiment, the user interface  56  displays actuator controls, for the manual control of the actuation of the actuators  24 ,  27 ,  31  and  34 . It is considered to provide a touch-screen with icons represent available directions of displacement for the seat  16  and the handlebar  18 . 
     The user interface  56  may include other peripherals, such as a printer, ports for plug-in devices (e.g., USB port), digital camera, etc. Smart cards and chip cards can be used to store the rider profile. 
     Amongst the various applications considered, the use of the stationary bicycle  10  as a training device in a public gym setting is contemplated. When a rider wants to use the bicycle  10 , his/her identification is entered into the bicycle controller system  50 , whereby the rider profile is retrieved from the database  55 . The bicycle controller  51  transmits the information to the position commander  52  such that the size of the stationary bicycle  10  is adjusted as a function of the rider identification. 
     For a new user of the stationary bicycle  10 , a rider profile is created and saved in the rider profile database  55 . It is considered to provide statistical data relating anthropometric data of users to desired bicycle dimensions. Accordingly, by entering anthropometric data pertaining to a user, the bicycle controller  51  can select a suitable bicycle size as a function of the anthropometric data. As described hereinafter, a frame size calculator  57  is used to select a suitable bicycle size from the anthropometric data. Alternatively, from statistical data, formulas can be derived to determine initial bicycle dimensions as a function of anthropometric data. 
     Moreover, the rider profile may include the performance of the rider at different bicycle dimensions. Therefore, an optimal bicycle size can be determined from the review of the information gathered in the database  55  following calculations by the profile calculator  54 . This is particularly useful for elite athletes. Alternatively, a trainer can assist the rider in trying different bicycle sizes, to then enter the dimensions, at a position selected by the trainer or the rider. 
     As another application, the stationary bicycle  10  is used as a fitting apparatus to determine an optimal bicycle size. The stationary bicycle  10  is used with the controller system  50  to gather performance information associated with bicycle size. The use of actuators  24 ,  27 ,  31  and/or  34  enables a dynamic fitting. More specifically, the controller system  50  may direct a plurality of incremental changes to have the rider try various adjusted positions while not interrupting his/her pedaling. As an alternative, the rider profile data from the database  55  may then interpreted to identify the optimal position. With the rider profile, the optimal bicycle size (according to the type of bicycle, such as road bike, mountain bike, cyclo-cross bike, etc.) for the rider can be determined. 
     When the stationary bicycle  10  is used as part of a fitting apparatus, it is considered to provide the controller system  50  with the frame size calculator  57 . The frame size calculator  57  receives the actual position data from the bicycle controller  51  (i.e., the adjusted position following testing by the user), and produces frame size data. The frame size calculator  57  is also provided to identify initial seat and handlebar positions from the anthropometric data of the user. The frame size calculator  57  typically selects starting seat and handlebar positions from statistical data relating bicycle size to anthropometric data. For this purpose, the bicycle controller  51  is connected to the internet  58 , to access a remotely-located server comprising the statistical data tables associating bicycle/frame sizes to anthropometric data. These statistical data tables are typically updated with any new user recording adjusted bicycle dimensions as a function of anthropometric data. 
     The frame size data calculated by the frame size calculator  57  represents enough information for a user (e.g., salesman) to select a bicycle of correct size. As an example, the X and Y coordinates of the seat and of the handlebars are given with respect to the pivot axis of the crankset. A tool (e.g., a t-shaped ruler) may then be provided to measure a bicycle to determine whether it has the right size. Accordingly, a store salesman can readily pick bikes from the inventory by having the required dimensions of the bike, and means to measure the bike. 
     Alternatively, the user interface  56  may produce data in the form of savable files. For instance, the frame size data may be printed out, or saved, to be sent to a supplier or a manufacturer of bicycles. Similarly, the bicycle controller  51  may be connected to the internet  58 , so as to forward bike dimensions to a manufacturer of bicycles. In the case of custom-made bicycles, the delay between the fitting of a bicycle is reduced with the use of the controller system  50 . 
     Additional information can be obtained. For instance, it is considered to place the stationary bicycle  10  in a wind tunnel in order to obtain the rider&#39;s drag coefficient as a function of the effect of the size of the bicycle on the riding position. This information is then related to the performance of the rider to determine the optimal size of the bicycle for the rider. 
     It is also considered to use the stationary bicycle  10  as a motion simulator for video games. The stationary bicycle  10  can provide force feedback in the form of resistance in the exercise wheel  13 , as well as through actuation of the actuators  24 ,  27 ,  31  and/or  34  to simulate the vibrations of a bicycle. 
     In  FIG. 6 , a method for adjusting a stationary bicycle, such as the stationary bicycle  10  of  FIGS. 1 to 4 , for instance used in combination with the stationary bicycle control system as described in  FIGS. 1 to 5 , is explained. 
     In step  102 , data associated with the user of the stationary bicycle is obtained. 
     In one embodiment, if it is the first time the user tries the stationary bicycle, the data is typically anthropometric data pertaining to the limb length (e.g., measured at the crotch), the torso dimensions, the arm length of the user, the shoulder width. Additional information such as user restrictions (e.g., back pain, knee problems, or the like) may also be recorded. 
     In another embodiment, in which the stationary bicycle is used in a training environment and the user already has a profile recorded in the stationary bicycle control system  50  ( FIG. 5 ), the data obtained in step  102  is an identification of the user. By obtaining the identification of the user in step  102 , the stationary bicycle control system  50  can load stationary bicycle dimensions as prerecorded in a user profile following a previous adjustment session. 
     In step  104 , the dimensions of the stationary bicycle are selected as a function of the user data obtained in step  102 . More specifically, if the data is anthropometric in nature, the stationary bicycle control system obtains typical dimensions from statistical data tables relating anthropometric data of numerous users to average dimensions associated with such data. In another embodiment, the selected dimensions of the stationary bicycle are provided with a user profile. 
     In step  106 , the stationary bicycle is actuated to the selected dimensions using the various actuators described in  FIGS. 1 to 5 . 
     In step  107 , particularly useful when the stationary bicycle is used in a training environment, the stationary bicycle is ready for use. Step  107  is typically achieved if an adjustment fitting of the stationary bicycle was performed in a previous session. 
     In step  108 , a testing period is provided for the stationary bicycle. More specifically, the user spins with the stationary bicycle in order to provide a personal appreciation of the specific selected dimensions. In step  108 , the user or an operator (e.g., a trainer) use the interface of the stationary bicycle control system  50  in order to adjust the seat and handlebar position, to reach adjusted positions that are preferred by the user. It is also pointed out that an observer, such as a bike-shop specialist, can stand next to the user to provide comments on the stance and the pedaling style. 
     In one testing configuration, the adjusted positions are reached after several positions are tested. It is suggested to provide incremental variations of the bicycle dimension, and require that the user spins at a constant power. The comments of the user are gathered at each variation of position, to facilitate the selection of a bicycle size. It is also considered to film the user while pedaling to provide footage of pedaling actuation for different frame dimensions. 
     In another testing configuration, the adjusted positions are used after gathering parameters related to the performance of the user. More specifically, in optional step  109 , measurements are made on parameters related to the performance of the user of the stationary bicycle. For instance, the pedaling power, the pedaling cadence, and the heart rate of the user are measured as a function of the stationary-bicycle dimensions. This step is typically performed for high-level athletes. 
     In step  110 , once testing is completed and the user has elected final dimensions for the stationary bicycle, the adjusted dimensions are recorded for the user. Accordingly, if the stationary bicycle is used in a training environment, a profile specific to the user are recorded, so as to skip testing steps  108  and  109  at the next use. 
     In optional step  111 , statistical data is recorded as a function of the anthropometric data so as to accumulate general data associating bicycle dimensions with anthropometric data. 
     In step  112 , particularly useful for bike-shop use, bicycle-frame dimensions are suggested in accordance with the adjusted positions recorded in step  110 . 
     In one embodiment, the bicycle-frame dimensions may be compared with inventory of a shop so as to determine what bicycles in the shop are suited for the user as a function of the adjusted positions resulting from method  100 . 
     As an alternative embodiment, the bicycle-frame dimensions obtained in step  112  are forwarded to a bicycle manufacturer for the manufacture of a bicycle with such dimensions.