Patent Publication Number: US-2023145780-A1

Title: Cycling training device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to a stationary device for cycling training, and in particular, to a device to which the rear part of a bicycle can be connected, which may or may not be integral with the device, so that the device acts as sprockets and rear wheel together with the bicycle. 
     STATE OF THE ART 
     In the sports field of cycling there are various forms of indoor training which are very convenient as a complement to outdoor practice or when weather conditions prevent or hinder outdoor training. 
     Certain indoor training systems consist of static devices equipped with a saddle, handlebars and pedals, simulating those of a bicycle, where a cyclist can sit and pedal. These devices are commonly known as “exercise bikes”, even though they do not have wheels and therefore are not bicycles as such. These devices have the drawback that they do not simulate a real pedalling experience on the road, for example because the device is normally laterally static, which makes the training incomplete. Consequently, more experienced amateur cyclists or professional cyclists do not have their training needs met. 
     Alternatively, there are static cycling training devices into which the cyclist places their own bicycle, such as rollers using direct drive technology. Current rollers make it possible to remove the rear wheel of the bicycle and connect the bicycle chain to the roller, allowing direct interaction between the bicycle and the roller, which acts as sprockets. In this way, at each pedal stroke the roller sprockets are turned. This second type of device is more suitable for advanced cyclists, because it allows the user to train with their own bicycle and therefore encourages long training sessions, similar to those carried out on the road. These rollers, previously described for cycling training, can be static or allow a slight swinging motion. 
     Static rollers comprise a base or support attached to a system of sprockets where the bicycle is attached without its rear wheel. However, this type of static roller generates muscular overload in the cyclist during training by not allowing a slight swinging of the bicycle and only allowing the adjustment of the pedalling resistance through the gear changes. 
     However, there are also rollers that allow slight swinging. For example, that described in patent application WO03/045508, which describes a cycling training device connected to a bicycle, in a transverse direction defined by the bicycle frame. The device comprises a base with fixing elements for attaching the bicycle and a connection mechanism between the base and the fixing elements. The connection mechanism is adapted to lift the fixing elements and the bicycle frame when the bicycle frame is tilted from an intermediate position towards any of the opposing positions. 
     Although in theory the devices described allow a certain swing and/or lateral movement of the bicycle on the device, the pedalling experience, and in particular the degree of similarity with the experience of pedalling on the road, could be improved. The types of roller that include swing systems tend to tilt to one side when they are at rest. In other words, the bicycle and the cyclist are left listing to the left or right. In addition, the resistance to the swing remains constant so the rider&#39;s balance and training experience could be improved. 
     Although current rollers are a good alternative to stationary bikes since they take up less space, they are nevertheless very heavy and difficult to transport from one place to another. They can weigh around 20 kilograms, so moving them is hard. 
     For all these reasons, the object of the invention is a cycling device that improves the cyclist&#39;s balance during training and is also lighter and more portable than those previously described. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is for a cycling training device, based on direct drive technology, like the rollers described above. These devices are characterized by the fact that they are connected to the rear of the bicycle, which can be integral with the device or not, substituting road training for static training. The device of the invention acts as a combination of the rear wheel, the sprockets and the rear brake. The use of the device of the invention allows the user to train in reduced spaces and also, as each user is able to use their own bicycle, it gives the sensation of more realistic training. Once training is finished, the bicycle is disconnected and what remains is a device of a size that is easy to store. 
     The device of the invention comprises a support that is foldable, a drive system to which the bicycle is connected and a pendulum that joins the support to the drive system. The device of the invention is characterized by the way that the pendulum is longitudinal and comprises two ends, where the upper end is joined to the support by an upper end so that it can rotate by means of an upper joining element, and the other lower end of the pendulum is joined to the drive system so that it can rotate by means of a lower connecting element. 
     In this way, the pendulum allows the drive system, together with the bicycle and therefore the cyclist, to swing sideways in the plane that is perpendicular to that of the bicycle, allowing the user to get a more realistic pedalling sensation similar to road training. 
     Furthermore, the device of the invention comprises at least one actuator that makes it possible to damp the swing of the cyclist. The actuator is a flexible tubular element, which extends from a closed proximal end to a open distal end, where the closed proximal end is connected to the pendulum and where the open distal end is connected to a base of the frame. This actuator allows the user to adjust the resistance to swing by adjusting the rigidity of the actuator body. The adjustment is carried out by inserting air through the open distal end of the actuator, quickly and easily adjusting the swing resistance of each cyclist to their personal preferences or physical characteristics. 
     Additionally, the drive system is rotationally connected on one side to the pendulum by means of the lower connecting element on the upper part of the drive system and on the other side to the support by means of a guide mechanism on a lower part of the drive system. The guide mechanism makes it possible to control the swing of the lower area of the drive system, and at the same time ensures that the bicycle and the rider have greater stability. 
     The device also comprises folding wheels and legs on the support base, allowing the device legs to be folded with one movement, so that it can be transported easily. Moreover, at least two wheels unfold with a simple inclination of the support against its legs, and the device is thereby supported and ready to be transported anywhere. With a second movement of the legs, the appliance can be stored more compactly, by reducing the surface area it occupies. 
     Finally, it can be seen that the device of the invention is advantageous because of its ability to offer complete, personalized cycling training for the preferences of each user, simulating real cycling conditions with great fidelity, in addition to being a very versatile device due to its foldable size and portability. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The details of the invention are shown in the following figures, which do not intend to limit the scope of the invention: 
         FIG.  1    shows a perspective view of the device of the invention. 
         FIG.  2    shows an elevation view of the device of the invention. 
         FIG.  3    shows a profile view of the device of the invention. 
         FIG.  4    shows a rear perspective view of the device of the invention. 
         FIG.  4   a    shows the guide mechanism and the union of the actuators with the air header in detail. 
         FIG.  5    shows a plan view of the device of the invention. 
         FIG.  6    shows a sequence of the movement of the device of the invention. 
         FIG.  7    shows an underneath perspective view of the device of the invention. 
         FIG.  8    shows a perspective view of the folding of the legs. 
         FIG.  9    shows an elevation sequence view of the device in an alternative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a cycling training device ( 1 ) that allows a user to train statically on a bicycle that allows the cyclist to swing from side to side. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the user connects a bicycle to the device ( 1 ); specifically, they connect the rear fork of the bicycle without a rear wheel to the device ( 1 ). Once the device ( 1 ) and the bicycle are connected, the user gets on the bicycle and begins pedalling in the same way as pedalling freely on the road. 
       FIG.  1    shows an embodiment of the invention consisting of a cycling training device ( 1 ) to which a bicycle is connected, which may or may not be integral with the device ( 1 ). It can be seen that the device ( 1 ) comprises a support ( 2 ), a pendulum ( 6 ) and a drive system ( 3 ). The drive system ( 3 ) is needed to couple the bicycle to the device ( 1 ). To do this, it is necessary to remove the rear wheel of the bicycle and fix the rear fork of the bicycle to a hollow axle ( 4   a ) that passes transversely through the hub ( 4   b ) of a disk ( 4 ) on the drive system ( 3 ). In this way, the drive system ( 3 ) acts as a static rear wheel and allows the cyclist to pedal without moving forwards. The training device ( 1 ) allows the cyclist on the bicycle to train and swing from side to side, as they would on the road. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS.  1  to  5   , the support ( 2 ) of the device ( 1 ) is defined as a hollow pyramidal body with an upper end or vertex ( 2   a ) and a base ( 2   b ). Specifically, the base ( 2   b ) is triangular with sides ( 2   c ,  2   d ,  2   e ), as seen in  FIG.  5   . From two of the sides ( 2   c ,  2   d ) of the base ( 2   b ) a surface extends partially from the base ( 2   b ) to the upper end ( 2   a ) of the support ( 2 ), while from the side ( 2   e ) a surface partially extends from the base ( 2   b ) towards the upper end ( 2   a ) a specific distance (d), as shown in  FIG.  2   . The upper end ( 2   a ) is circular and comprises a recess ( 21 ) and a transverse hole. The recess ( 21 ) is at the back of the upper end ( 2   a ), the front part being where the bicycle is connected. The transverse hole extends in a horizontal direction (x) from the front part of the support ( 2 ) towards the recess ( 21 ), where an upper connecting element ( 20 ) is inserted. The upper connecting element ( 20 ) connects the upper end ( 2   a ) of the support ( 2 ) externally and internally with the pendulum ( 6 ). The pendulum ( 6 ) is the element that connects the support ( 2 ) with the drive system ( 3 ) and with the bicycle by direct connection through the upper connecting element ( 20 ). In addition, the pendulum ( 6 ) allows the bicycle and the cyclist to swing in a plane that is perpendicular to that formed by the bicycle, i.e., in a direction (z). The potential swing of the bicycle is what closely simulates road training. 
     The device ( 1 ) of the invention is characterized by allowing damped, controlled swinging of the bicycle and cyclist together. To achieve this swing, it can be seen that in this embodiment of the invention, specifically in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the pendulum ( 6 ) is a longitudinal element in a vertical direction (y) and comprises two ends ( 6   a ,  6   b ), each end ( 6   a ,  6   b ) comprising a hole through which connecting elements ( 7 ,  20 ) are inserted. On the one hand, the upper end ( 6   a ) is connected to the support ( 2 ) by the upper end ( 2   a ) so that it can rotate by means of an upper connection element ( 20 ) that is arranged in a horizontal direction (x). Thus, the pendulum ( 6 ) is able to rotate freely on the support ( 2 ). Moreover, the lower end ( 6   b ) of the pendulum ( 6 ) is rotationally connected to the drive system ( 3 ) by means of a lower connecting element ( 7 ) in a horizontal direction (x). In other words, the drive system ( 3 ) attached to the bicycle is also capable of rotating on the lower connecting element ( 7 ) and the pendulum ( 6 ). 
     In  FIGS.  1  and  2   , it can also be seen that the device ( 1 ) comprises at least one actuator ( 9 ) attached to the pendulum ( 6 ), which allows the user to damp and adjust the swing of the pendulum ( 6 ) and therefore the swing of the bicycle together with the cyclist. However, it is seen that in the preferred embodiment, the device ( 1 ) comprises two actuators ( 9 ), one on either side of the pendulum ( 6 ). The actuators ( 9 ) are hollow cylindrical bodies of a flexible material, which extend from a closed proximal end ( 9   a ) towards an open distal end ( 9   b ). The closed proximal end ( 9   a ) is connected to the pendulum ( 6 ) inside the lower end ( 6   b ), by means of the lower connecting element ( 7 ) as seen in  FIGS.  1  to  4    of the invention. However, the open distal end ( 9   b ) is connected to the base ( 2   b ) of the support ( 2 ) so that it can rotate as seen in detail in  FIGS.  4  and  4     a . The actuators ( 9 ) have the objective of damping the swing, because it is possible to control the resistance or rigidity of the actuator bodies ( 9 ) to suit to the cyclist preferences by pumping air into the actuator body ( 9 ). 
     The drive system ( 3 ) of the device ( 1 ) is the element which connects the bicycle with the device ( 1 ) of the invention, specifically with the pendulum ( 6 ) for swinging the bicycle. The drive system ( 3 ) contains several systems not defined in the Figures for the correct operation of the device ( 1 ). These systems are a motor system, a brake system, a gear system, i.e. the set of disks ( 4 ), and an electronic system that regulates and controls the drive system ( 3 ). The drive system ( 3 ) is connected to the pendulum ( 6 ) in a rotational way through the lower connecting element ( 7 ) as mentioned above, and this connection between the drive system ( 3 ) and the pendulum ( 6 ) is made in an upper part ( 3   a ) of the drive system ( 3 ) at the same height as the disk ( 4 ). In other words, the drive system ( 3 ) swings from the pendulum ( 6 ) while the pendulum ( 6 ) swings from the support ( 2 ) as mentioned above. To control the swing of the drive system ( 3 ) from the pendulum ( 6 ), the drive system ( 3 ) is also connected to the support ( 2 ) by means of a guide mechanism ( 15 ) on a lower part ( 3   b ) of the drive system ( 3 ) as seen in  FIGS.  4  and  4     a  in more detail. Specifically, part of the guide mechanism ( 15 ) is located in the centre of the side ( 2   e ) of the base ( 2   b ) of the support ( 2 ). 
       FIG.  4   a    shows the guide mechanism ( 15 ) in detail, where it can be seen that in the lower part ( 3   b ), the drive system ( 3 ) comprises a guide projection ( 17 ) that is inserted through a guide hole ( 16 ) which is longitudinal in the vertical direction (y), in the centre of the partial surface of the side ( 2   e ). The longitudinal shape of the guide hole ( 16 ) allows the guide projection ( 17 ) to move in the vertical direction (y). By means of the guide mechanism ( 15 ), the drive system ( 3 ) is joined to the support ( 2 ) and the swing of the bicycle and cyclist together is controlled. This is due to the fact that the upper part ( 3   a ) of the drive system ( 3 ) swings from the pendulum ( 6 ), while the lower part ( 3   b ) moves in the vertical direction (y). 
     In short, thanks to the pendulum ( 6 ), the device ( 1 ) allows the cyclist on the bicycle to swing as they would do in outdoor training but also, thanks to the actuators ( 9 ) and the guide mechanism ( 15 ) the device ( 1 ) is capable of damping and adjusting the swing to the user&#39;s preferences, thus achieving the training goal. 
     Additionally, in the embodiment of  FIGS.  1  and  3   , it is observed that the device ( 1 ) comprises an air header ( 12 ), i.e., a rigid, hollow cylindrical body, arranged longitudinally in the vertical direction (y), where the air header ( 12 ) extends from a proximal end ( 12   a ) connected internally to the upper end ( 2   a ) of the support ( 2 ), towards a distal end ( 12   b ) connected to the base ( 2   b ) of the support ( 2 ), the air header ( 12 ) being fixed within the pyramidal interior of the support ( 2 ). Furthermore, at the distal end ( 12   b ) of the air header ( 12 ), the air header ( 12 ) comprises an air valve ( 13 ) and at least one hollow flexible tube ( 14 ). Preferably, the air header ( 12 ) comprises two tubes ( 14 ), one on each side of the distal end ( 12   b ) of the air header ( 12 ). The tubes ( 14 ) extend from each side of the distal end ( 12   b ) to the open distal ends ( 9   b ) of the actuators ( 9 ). Through the air valve ( 13 ), air is pumped into the air header ( 12 ) from the outside by means of a bicycle pump, which every cyclist carries with them when they go training. That air inside the air header ( 12 ) is transmitted through the tubes ( 14 ) to the actuators ( 9 ). Specifically, air is pumped into the air header ( 12 ) with the aim of filling the actuators ( 9 ) with as much air as required by the cyclist for the hardness or swing resistance. That is, the greater the amount of air inside the actuators ( 9 ), the greater the rigidity of the body of the actuators ( 9 ) and therefore the greater the firmness of the swing that the cyclist&#39;s force must overcome to move the pendulum ( 6 ). This is due to the fact that the actuators ( 9 ) are attached to the distal end ( 6   b ) of the pendulum ( 6 ) which is the element that allows the cyclist to swing naturally. In addition, the air header ( 12 ) is also the air conducting element from one actuator ( 9 ) to another during training, or while the bicycle and cyclist are swinging from side to side. In other words, when the cyclist swings, they exert a compression force on the actuator ( 9 ) towards which they lean, so the body loses volume and with it air. That air circulates through the tubes ( 14 ) and the air header ( 12 ) towards the other actuator ( 9 ), which damps the next swing to the other side, so that while there is swing, the air will be exchanged from one actuator ( 9 ) to the other through the tubes ( 14 ) and the air header ( 12 ). 
     For further clarification,  FIG.  6    shows a sequence of the movement of an embodiment of the device ( 1 ) and it can be seen that when the cyclist leans the bicycle in direction plane (z), the upper part ( 3   a ) of the drive system ( 3 ) also inclines the same number of degrees, while the guide projection ( 17 ) of the lower part ( 3   b ) rises through the guide hole ( 16 ). When the drive system ( 3 ) that is connected to the pendulum ( 6 ) so that it can rotate is tilted, it makes the pendulum ( 6 ) in turn swing in the same plane of the direction (z). That is, the lower end ( 6   b ) of the pendulum ( 6 ) has risen in a vertical direction (y) compared to the initial position, compressing the actuator ( 9 ), which the cyclist leans towards, and pulling the other actuator ( 9 ), with the actuators ( 9 ) as full of air as necessary to achieve the firmness of resistance that the rider wants. 
     In the embodiment of the invention, during movement, the actuators ( 9 ) damp the swing of the cyclist for greater stability, as explained above. In the Figures it can be seen that the device ( 1 ) comprises two inclined actuators ( 9 ) that extend from the pendulum ( 6 ) towards the outer vertices of the sides ( 2   c ,  2   d ) of the base ( 2   b ) of the support ( 2 ). Specifically, the closed upper ends ( 9   a ) are attached to the lower end ( 6   b ) of the pendulum ( 6 ) and the open distal ends ( 9   b ) are attached to the ends of the side ( 2   e ) of the base ( 2   b ) of the support ( 2 ) so that they can rotate, as can be seen in  FIGS.  4  and  4     a.    
     The interconnection by means of the tubes ( 14 ) between the actuators ( 9 ) and the air header ( 12 ) allows the air to circulate between them, damping the swing. In this way, the rigidity of the actuators ( 9 ) can be regulated or adjusted, and will allow greater or lesser resistance against the swing of the bicycle with the cyclist on it. In addition, the introduction of air through the valve ( 13 ) of the air header ( 12 ) is very simple and fast, since every professional cyclist carries a bicycle pump on their own bike, and they will be able to regulate the parameters of stiffness and hardness of the swing as desired. 
     Due to all the above and as a result of the connection and configuration of the rigidity of the actuators ( 9 ), a more complete cycling training device ( 1 ) is achieved than those known, and it can be adapted to the needs of each user. 
     Additionally, as seen in  FIGS.  1  to  8   , the device ( 1 ) comprises at least two longitudinal legs ( 8 ) that give stability to the support ( 2 ) and the cyclist during training. The legs ( 8 ) extend in the same direction as the sides ( 2   c ,  2   d ), from a proximal joint end ( 8   a ) at the free ends of the sides ( 2   c ,  2   d ) of the support ( 2 ) towards a free distal end ( 8   b ). Optionally, the legs ( 8 ) can be folded, in at least one position, by means of a ball joint ( 18 ). The ball joint ( 18 ) is the junction of the base ( 2   b ) of the support ( 2 ) with the legs ( 8 ). Specifically, the ball joint ( 18 ) joins the free ends of the sides ( 2   c ,  2   d ) of the base ( 2   b ) of the support ( 2 ) with the proximal joint end ( 8   a ) of the leg ( 8 ). Likewise, the free distal ends ( 8   b ) of the legs ( 8 ) comprise handles ( 19 ), which project towards the inside of the device ( 1 ). 
     Furthermore, in the embodiment of  FIGS.  7  and  8   , it can also be seen that the device ( 1 ) comprises at least two wheels ( 10 ) so that it can be transported. The wheels ( 10 ) in the position of use pass partially through the base ( 2   b ), remaining partially inside the support ( 2 ), as seen in  FIGS.  5  and  7   . The wheels ( 10 ) are connected by an axle ( 10   a ) which is on a lower part of the base ( 2   b ), as shown in  FIG.  7   . A rotational element ( 11 ) extends towards the vertex formed by the sides ( 2   c ,  2   d ) from the axle ( 10   a ) that connects the wheels ( 10 ). The rotational element ( 11 ) is deployed on a hinge ( 11   a ) at the lower of the base ( 2   b ). By means of the wheels ( 10 ) and the rotational element ( 11 ), the device ( 1 ) can be transported easily. To unfold the wheels ( 10 ), it is only necessary to lift the device ( 1 ) on the legs ( 8 ) with the help of the recess ( 21 ) of the upper end ( 2   a ), which releases the hinge ( 11   a ), and lets it fall open as indicated by the arrow (M). Once the wheels ( 10 ) are released, the device ( 1 ) can rest on them again. Then, with the help of the handles ( 19 ), a first folding movement of the legs ( 8 ) is carried out in direction (z), towards the interior of the device ( 1 ), bringing the handles ( 19 ) together as shown in  FIG.  8   . Subsequently, by tilting the device ( 1 ) on the wheels ( 10 ) with the help of the handles ( 19 ), it is possible to push the device ( 1 ) and transport it by means of the handles ( 19 ). In this way, it is a transportable cycling training device ( 1 ). 
     In alternative embodiments, the device ( 1 ) comprises at least two independent wheels ( 10 ), each with a rotational element ( 11 ) and a hinge ( 11   a ), without the need to be joined by an axle ( 10   a ), so that the wheels ( 10 ) of this embodiment can be deployed independently. 
     Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, the device ( 1 ) is collapsible, to allow it to be stored, as mentioned above. In other words, the legs ( 8 ) allow a second movement with the ball joint ( 18 ), towards the upper end ( 2   a ) of the support in a horizontal direction (x), a movement not shown in the Figures. The legs ( 8 ) are then parallel to the sides that extend from the ends of the side ( 2   e ) of the base ( 2   b ) towards the upper end ( 2   a ), and the device ( 1 ) then becomes compact and ready to store in a smaller space. In a different embodiment, the legs ( 8 ) may be removed from the ball joint ( 18 ) for storage. The advantages of transport and storage are important for professional cyclists, because it allows them to train wherever they go. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS.  1  to  8   , the device ( 1 ) also comprises at least one stand ( 22 ) attached to the base ( 2   b ) of the support ( 2 ) by means of a fixing element on the partial surface of the side ( 2   e ). This stand ( 22 ) gives stability to the device ( 1 ) when there is no bicycle attached to it for training. 
     Optionally, in an alternative embodiment, the device ( 1 ) comprises actuators ( 9 ) that allow the user to regulate the swing path of the device ( 1 ), as can be seen in  FIG.  9   . In this embodiment, the partial surface of the side ( 2   e ) comprises at least two holes at the ends, on each side of the guide mechanism ( 15 ), to be able to fix the distal ends ( 9   b ) of the actuators ( 9 ) in different positions (p 1 , p 2 , p 3 ). This allows the user to adjust the swing from the upright, simply by adjusting the position of the lower end ( 9   b ). In other words, depending on the different positions (p 1 , p 2 , p 3 ), the cyclist will have more or less swing from the upright, i.e., more or less angle of travel. When the open distal ends ( 9   b ) of the actuators ( 9 ) are further apart in direction (z), the rider will have less swing. However, if the open distal ends ( 9   b ) are closer, there will be more swing from the upright. In other words, as shown in  FIG.  9   , in position (p 1 ) of the open distal ends ( 9   b ) of the actuators ( 9 ), angle (a) is less than angle (b) of position (p 2 ) of the open distal ends ( 9   b ), and angle (b) is less than angle (c) at position (p 3 ) of the open distal ends ( 9   b ) of the actuators ( 9 ). 
     Due to all the above and thanks to the actuators ( 9 ) and the possible position adjustments of the open distal ends ( 9   b ) through the holes on the side ( 2   e ) of the support ( 2 ) and the resistance adjustments by means of air pressure of the actuators ( 9 ) pumped in by means of the air valve ( 13 ) of the air header ( 12 ), the device ( 1 ) of this embodiment allows training to be tailored to each user.