Patent Publication Number: US-6712737-B1

Title: Exercise apparatus with video effects synchronized to exercise parameters

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/158,625, filed Oct. 6, 1999 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/176,973, filed Jan. 19, 2000. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to stationary exercise bicycles. More particularly, it relates to stationary exercise bicycles used in conjunction with a video game in which video effects are synchronized to exercise parameters. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Stationary bicycles are well known exercise machines used by professional athletes and recreational cyclers alike for training and/or general physical conditioning. To monitor exercise parameters, such as speed and distance, or simply to make exercising more entertaining, stationary exercise bicycles are often connected to a computer, such as a personal computer with a display screen or a video game console, such as a Sony Playstation, a Nintendo 64, or a Sega system, connected to a television screen. The computer may be configured to simulate an interactive cycling routine on the screen wherein the cyclist&#39;s exercising effort on the stationary bicycle is measured and is then synchronized to the cycling routine. Alternatively, the computer may be configured to permit the cyclist to play a video game by synchronizing the cyclist&#39;s exercising effort to moving features of the game. For examples of bicycles which are configured for interaction with a video game or computerized simulated environment, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,897, issued to Melton et al. on Sep. 24, 1985, U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,995, issued to Bobick et al. on Apr. 6, 1999, U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,104 issued to Andrus et al. on Jan. 7, 1997, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,513 issued to Haydocy et al. on Jul. 8, 1997. 
     Stationary exercise bicycles generally fall into one of two categories. The first category comprises those apparatus which simulate the cycling exercise but are designed only for stationary use, such as, for example, the apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,567, issued to Phillips on Apr. 23, 1985, which is incorporated herein by reference. The second category those apparatus that permit a cyclist to retrofit a conventional bicycle for stationary use, such as, for example, the apparatus disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 09/305,124, which is incorporated herein by this reference. The latter group provides the advantage that a cyclist can exercise indoors and outdoors without having to purchase two separate, expensive, pieces of equipment. 
     Conventional techniques for converting a bicycle into a stationary exercise machine generally employ a mechanical device known as a bicycle trainer which elevates the back wheel of the bicycle off the ground and operationally engages a resistance device that simulates the resistance a cyclist would experience by pedaling on a road. When the bicycle is interfaced with a computer, the speed with which the cyclist pedals is measured and converted to a signal which is supplied to the computer. Steering mechanisms are also used to allow the cyclist to steer the cycle to interface with video games. Such steering mechanisms generally employ a rotating platform which supports the front wheel of the bicycle and allows the cyclist to rotate the handlebars of the bicycle relative to the frame of the bicycle. Such steering mechanisms, however, result in side-to-side movement of the rear wheel of the bicycle as the front wheel is rotated. Such side-to-side movement may result in wear to the rear wheel and bicycle trainer, and may ultimately cause the rear wheel to become disengaged from the bicycle trainer or the bicycle, resulting in injury to the cyclist. 
     Thus, a need exists for a safe and stable exercise bicycle apparatus that will permit a conventional bicycle to be used as a stationary exercise machine and that can be operationally engaged with a computer, such as a video game console or personal computer, so that a user can play a video game or participate in an exercise simulation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     These and other aspects of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention taken with reference to the accompanying figures. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for synchronizing the movement of a stationary bicycle with video effects produced on a video display of a computer, wherein the bicycle has a rear wheel, handlebars, and a pair of front wheel forks operatively engaged with the handlebars, and further wherein the synchronizing apparatus includes a motion sensor. The motion sensor is configured to produce a rear wheel rotation signal which corresponds to the rotation of the rear wheel. The apparatus also includes a handlebar rotation sensor assembly that is configured to engage the pair of front wheel forks and produce a handlebar rotation signal which corresponds to the rotation of the handlebars about an axis. A digital signal processor is configured to receive the rear wheel rotation signal and the handlebar rotation signal and transmit output signals to the computer so that a user of the bicycle may interact with the video effects by rotating the rear wheel and the handlebars. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a speed scaling potentiometer configured to permit scaling of the rear wheel rotation signal. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a steering scaling potentiometer configured to permit scaling of the handlebar rotation signal. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a rear wheel support assembly removably connected to the stationary bicycle and configured to permit rotation of the rear wheel. 
     In accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a stabilizing member attached at a first end to the rear wheel support assembly and attached at a second end to the handlebar rotation sensor assembly. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for permitting a user of an exercise device to transmit user commands to a computer to interact with a video game produced on a video display associated with the computer. The apparatus includes a game controller configured to produce signals for controlling the video game. The apparatus also includes a digital signal processor configured to receive the signals from the game controller and transmit output signals to the computer so that the user may interact with the video game by actuating the game controller while using the exercise device. 
     These and other aspects of the present invention are described in the following description, claims and appended drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will hereafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like designations denote like elements, and: 
     FIG. 1 is a side view illustration of a stationary bicycle apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 a  is a top view illustration of a digital signal processor device attached to handlebars of a bicycle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 b  is a top view illustration of a digital signal processor device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 c  is a top view illustration of a digital signal processor device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 a  is a perspective front view of a handlebar rotation sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 b  is a side view of a handlebar rotation sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 c  is a side view of a handlebar rotation sensor assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 d  is a side view of a rotation member of a handlebar rotation sensor assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of steering sensitivity potentiometer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective back view of a handlebar rotation sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a side view illustration of a stationary bicycle apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a side view illustration of a stationary bicycle apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a side view illustration of the “offset” of a bicycle. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following description is of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise apparatus of the present invention. A stationary exercise bicycle apparatus  10  of the present invention is operationally engaged with a bicycle  150  having a frame  12 , a pair of pedals  14 , a rear wheel  16 , handlebars  18  and front forks  20 . By cranking pedals  14 , a user can rotate rear wheel  16  via a bicycle chain  22  and gears  24 . Bicycle  150  is mounted on a bicycle trainer  26 , which is suitably configured to allow bicycle  150  to be used as a stationary exercise device. 
     Bicycle apparatus  10  may have a rotation sensing device that includes a magnet  28  and a magnet-sensing device  30 . Magnet  28  is attached to a spoke (not shown) of rear wheel  16  and magnetic sensing device  30  is attached to frame  12 . Upon rotation of rear wheel  16 , magnet  28  moves proximate to magnetic sensing device  30 , which, upon sensing magnet  28 , sends a signal to a digital signal processor device  32  via a cable  34 . A digital signal processor  36  (described below) of the digital signal processor device  32  converts the signal from magnetic sensing device to a speed signal representing the speed of rear wheel  16 . This speed signal is then transmitted to a computer, such as a personal computer or video game console (not shown), via an output cable  60 . While FIG. 1 illustrates bicycle apparatus  10  employing only one magnet  28 , it will be appreciated that more than one magnet may be employed to increase speed-sensing accuracy. It will be further appreciated that the speed-sensing device may use any suitable sensor, such as, for example, an optical encoder, which may measure the rotation of rear wheel  16  or, alternatively, which may suitably measure the speed of chain  22 , the rotation of pedals  14 , or the like. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 a , digital signal processor device  32  may be attached to handlebars  18  via a fastener  46 , such as, for example, a bracket, a clamp, a hook and loop device, or the like. Digital signal processor device  32  may include a control panel  48 , digital signal processor  36 , a speed scaling potentiometer  40 , a steering scaling potentiometer  42  (described below), and an output cable  60  which provides output signals from digital signal processor  36  to a computer (not shown), such as a video game console or a personal computer. Speed scaling potentiometer  40  is suitably configured to be adjustable by a user to scale the speed calculated by digital signal processor  36  to a speed or speed range appropriate for a video game being viewed by the user. For example, if the user is pedaling at 20 miles per hour but is playing a video game requiring racing speeds of 80 miles per hour, the user can adjust speed scaling potentiometer  40  so that an actual pedaling speed of 20 mph is scaled to produce an output signal representing 80 miles per hour, which is then provided to the video game console or personal computer via output cable  60 . 
     Digital signal processor device  32  may also communicate with a conventional game controller  38  which is configured to cooperate with digital signal processor  36  in any suitable manner, for example via a cable  44 , and which is mounted to control panel  48  for easy access by the user. Game controller  38 , such as the Sony® Dual Analog game controller, the Microsoft® Sidewinder®, or the like, may employ buttons or a conventional joystick. By pressing the buttons or moving the joystick, a user is able to control the game being played without having to dismount bicycle  150 . For example, game controller  38  may be used to start the game, set up the game, pause the game or reconfigure game parameters. Signals from game controller  38  are conveniently transmitted to digital signal processor  36  using a standard input protocol and are processed by digital signal processor  36 . Output signals from digital signal processor  36  are then transmitted via cable  60  to the computer so that the user may interact with the video game by actuating the game controller. 
     Digital signal processor device  32  may further include left action buttons member  50  and right action buttons member  52  which may be mounted onto handlebars  18  for convenient access by the user. Left action buttons member  50  and right action buttons member  52  may be mounted to handlebars  18  by any suitable device, such as brackets, clamps, hook and loop mechanisms and the like. Left action buttons member  50  and right action buttons member  52  may be selectively pressed by the user to provide output signals from digital signal processor  36  to the video game console or personal computer to operate features of the game. For example, buttons of left action buttons member  50  and right action buttons member  52  can be used to cause a character of the video game to jump, fire, flip, punch, and the like. While shown in FIG. 2 a  with two buttons, it will be appreciated that left action buttons member  50  and right action buttons member  52  may include any number of buttons or other suitable actuators to permit a user to control features of a video game. Alternatively, left action buttons member  50  and/or right action buttons member  52  may be used by the user in place of game controller  38  to permit the user to start the game, setup the game, pause the game or reconfigure game parameters. Using left action buttons member  50  and/or right action buttons member  52 , the user can control the video game being played without removing his or her hands from the handlebars. 
     FIGS. 2 a  and  2   b  illustrate signal inputs to and outputs from digital signal processor  36 . Signals from left action buttons member  50  may be conveniently transmitted to digital signal processor  36  via cable  54  and signals from right action buttons member  52  may be conveniently transmitted to digital signal processor  36  via cable  56 . Cable  54  and cable  56  are illustrated in FIGS. 2 a  and  2   b  as having two inputs to digital signal processor  36  because left action buttons member  50  and right action buttons member  52  are illustrated employing two buttons each; however, it will be appreciated that cables  54  and  56  may have inputs to digital signal processor  36  based on the number of buttons or actuators employed. Signals from game controller  38  may be conveniently transmitted via cable  44 . Speed input signals may be conveniently transmitted to digital signal processor  36  from magnetic sensing device  30  via cable  34 . In addition, a steering sensitivity signal from steering sensitivity potentiometer  112 , discussed below, may be conveniently transmitted to digital signal processor  36  via a cable  58 . 
     Digital signal processor  36  is configured to compute and convert the above-identified input signals to output signals that are required by the computer, such as a video game console or a personal computer, through an available connection port, such as a DB- 15  game port, a serial port, a USB port or game machine-specific ports, such as the ports required for Sony Playstations, Sega Dreamcast consoles and the like. Output signals are transmitted to the computer via cable  60 . 
     FIG. 2 c  illustrates an alternative embodiment of digital signal processor device  32  wherein game controller  38  is not employed. This embodiment typically may be used when bicycle apparatus  10  is used in association with a personal computer where a keyboard and mouse, as opposed to game controller  38 , may be required to configure or reconfigure a video game or when digital signal processor device  32  includes its own actuators to perform the functions of game controller  38 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1,  3   a  and  3   b , bicycle apparatus  10  further includes a handlebar rotation sensor assembly  62 . Handlebar rotation sensor assembly  62  suitably includes a base member  64  and a rotational member  66 . Base member  64  includes an outer telescoping tube  68  attached to a horizontal support tube  70 . Horizontal support tube  70  is attached to floor stand tubes  72 . Inner telescoping tube  74  is positioned within outer telescoping tube  68  and may be height adjustable by pairs of positioning holes  76  which are positioned on opposing sides of inner telescoping tube  74 . A pair of anchoring holes  80  are positioned on opposing sides of outer telescoping tube  68 . The height of rotational member  66  may be adjusted and subsequently fixed into position by inserting a pin  78  through one hole of the pair of anchoring holes  80  of outer telescoping tube  68 , then through a pair of opposing holes  76  of inner telescoping tube  74  and finally through the remaining hole of the pair of anchoring holes  80 . While outer telescoping tube  68 , horizontal support tube  70 , floor stand tubes  72  and inner telescoping tube  74  are illustrated in FIGS. 1,  3   a  and  3   b  as square in shape, it will be appreciated that the tubes may be cylindrical or of any other suitable shape that permits opposing holes to be so positioned. 
     Alternatively, inner telescoping tube  74  may be height adjustable by a thread mechanism. Inner telescoping tube  74  may be cylindrical with helical threads on its outside perimeter surface and outer telescoping tube  68  may be cylindrical with helical threads on its inside diameter surface. By threading or unthreading inner telescoping tube  74  within outer telescoping tube  68 , the height of inner telescoping tube  74  and, accordingly, rotational member  66  may be adjusted. 
     In yet another alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 c , base member  64  may include at least two floor stand tubes  152 , and at least two floor brace tubes  162  interposed and attached to floor stand tubes  152 . A support rod  154  is pivotally attached at a first end to a first of the floor brace tubes  162  and pivotally attached at a second end to rotation member  66 . Support rod  154  includes a plurality of position holes  156 . A height adjustment rod  158  is pivotally attached at a first end to a second of the floor brace tubes  162 . A pin  160  extends from a second end of height adjustment rod  158 . The height of rotational member  66  may be adjusted by inserting pin  160  of height adjustment rod  158  into any one of the plurality of position holes  156 . It will be appreciated that a variety of other well-known mechanisms may be employed to adjust the height of rotational member  66 . 
     Referring again to FIGS. 1,  3   a  and  3   b , rotational member  66  suitably includes plate  106  which may be fixedly attached at its back face to an anchoring bracket  124  by any suitable mechanism, such as welding or gluing, or by screws, pins or other suitable device. A control rod  98  is attached to an axle U-channel bracket  84 . A pin  100  passes through the center of axle U-channel bracket  84 , control rod  98 , washers  146 , plate  106  and the center of anchoring bracket  124 , thereby permitting control rod  98  and axle U-channel bracket  84  to rotate about a longitudinal axis of pin  100  relative to rotational member  66 . Pin  100  is locked into place proximate to anchoring bracket  124  by any suitable fixation device  148 , such as a lock nut, pin or the like. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3 d , U-channel bracket  84  is slidably attached to control rod  98  so that U-channel bracket  84  may be moved from the longitudinal axis of pin  100  by a desired distance “d” which represents the bicycle “offset.” As illustrated in FIG. 8, offset “d” is the distance between where the front wheel  180  of the bicycle touches the ground and the point on the ground to which the “head angle” is projected, wherein the “head angle” of a bicycle is the angle of the steering column  170  as measured from the ground. By moving U-channel bracket  84  along control rod  98  a distance approximately equal to offset “d,” preferably a distance in the range of approximately 1 inch to 1.5 inches, the bicycle “head angle” may be more closely simulated, thereby minimizing the movement of rear wheel  16  when the bicycle is in use. It will be appreciated that U-channel bracket  84  may be slidably attached to control rod  98  by a variety of well-known mechanisms, including set screws, clamps and the like. 
     Referring again to FIGS. 1,  3   a  and  3   b , a hub  82  is suitably positioned within axle U-channel bracket  84  and is prevented from vertical movement by pins  86  which are inserted through holes  88  in axle U-channel bracket  84  and which are prevented from escaping holes  88  by positioning leads  96 . Hub  82  includes an axle  92  and flanges  90 . Flanges  90  are fixedly attached to the ends of hub  82  and are suitably configured to prevent hub  82  from sliding out of axle U-channel bracket  84 . Alternatively, axle  92  may be fixedly attached to U-channel bracket  84  or directly to control rod  98  by any suitable fixation technique or device, such as screws or by soldering. Front forks  20  are positioned on axle  92  and are locked into place by an over-center cam lever  94 , which is typically used on “quick release” bicycle front wheels. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 3 b  and  4 , control rod  98  has a proximate end and a distal end. A movement-limiting pin  102  extends perpendicularly from the proximate end of control rod  98  and into a proximate slot  104  of plate  106 . Proximate slot  104  is arc-shaped and is configured to limit the movement of movement-limiting pin  102  and, accordingly, the rotation of control rod  98 , thereby limiting the rotation of a handlebars  18  relative to bicycle frame  12 . Attached to the distal end of control rod  98  is a suspension pin  108 . Suspension pin  108  extends perpendicularly from control rod  98 , through an arc-shaped distal slot  110  of plate  106 , and is fixedly attached to a potentiometer control rod  118 . A steering sensitivity potentiometer  112  is mounted to the underside of plate  106  by a set of mounting members  114 . Steering sensitivity potentiometer  112  includes a movement potentiometer slide  116  which extends perpendicularly from steering sensitivity potentiometer  112 , through a slot  120  at an end of potentiometer control rod  118 . In operation, when handlebars  18  are rotated relative to frame  12 , front wheel forks  20  cause axle  92  and, accordingly, control rod  98  to rotate relative to pin  100 . When control rod  98  rotates about pin  100 , suspension pin  108  moves within distal slot  110 , causing potentiometer control rod  118  to move movement potentiometer slide  116 , thereby activating steering sensitivity potentiometer  112 . Steering sensitivity potentiometer  112  measures the amount of movement of movement potentiometer slide  116  and converts this into a signal which is then transmitted to digital signal processor  36  via cable  58 . Digital signal processor  36  then converts this signal to an output signal proportional to the amount of rotation of handlebars  18  relative to bicycle frame  12 . While FIG. 4 illustrates steering sensitivity potentiometer  112  as a linear potentiometer, it will be appreciated that steering sensitivity potentiometer  112  may be a rotational potentiometer, or any other device suitable to measure the rotation of control rod  98  about pin  100 . 
     Referring back to FIG. 2 a , steering scaling potentiometer  42  is suitably configured to be adjustable by a user to scale the signal representing the amount of rotation of handlebars  18 . By scaling this signal, a user is able to adjust the synchronization of the rotation signal to on-screen characters or features of the video game. For example, in a motorcycle racing video game, the user may want to scale the rotation signal so that a 25 degree rotation of the handlebars represents 90 degrees of rotation of the motorcycle handlebars. Alternatively, in a car racing video game, the user may want to scale the rotation signal so that a 50 degree rotation of the handlebars represents a 90 degree rotation of a car steering wheel. Thus, by scaling the rotation signal, a user is able to synchronize rotation of the handlebars to video effects of a variety of video games or environmental simulations. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 3 b  and  5 , anchoring bracket  124  has a base  126  from which two side members  128  perpendicularly extend. Side members  128  each have a hole  130 . A support hub  122 , having a central bore, is interposed between side members  128  so that the longitudinal axis of the central bore is collinear with the central axes of holes  130 . Support hub  122  is attached to inner telescoping tube  74 . A support axle  132  extends from one of the holes  130  through the central bore of support hub  122  and through the remaining hole  130  so that anchor bracket  124  and, accordingly, plate  106  are permitted to rotate about support axle  132 . Anchor bracket  124  is prevented from movement along the longitudinal axis of support axle  132  by fixation devices  134  positioned on both ends of support axle  132  adjacent to side members  128 . Fixation devices  134  may be lock nuts, pins, or any other suitable fixation mechanism. 
     The angle α of plate  106  relative to inner telescoping tube  74  may be adjusted by use of a bracing assembly which includes an angle bracket  136 , an adjustment knob  138 , a threaded carriage bolt  140  and a nut  142 . Carriage bolt  140  is pivotally attached at a proximate end to the back face of plate  106  and extends through a hole in angle bracket  136 . Angle bracket  136  is attached to inner telescoping tube  74  by any suitable mechanism, such as by welding or gluing, or by a suitable fixation device such as a screw and nut configuration. Adjustment knob  138  is threaded onto the distal end of carriage bolt  140 . As adjustment knob  138  is threaded closer to the proximate end of carriage bolt  140 , angle a increases, that is, plate  106  becomes more aligned with a horizontal plane. As adjustment knob  138  is threaded closer to the distal end of carriage bolt  140 , angle α decreases and plate  106  becomes more aligned with a vertical plane. When the desired angle α is determined, nut  142  may be threaded along carriage bolt  140  to secure carriage bolt  140  in position relative to angle bracket  136 . By adjusting the angle α, the user is able to simulate the true steering angle of the bicycle when the front wheel is in place, thereby reducing the amount of frame and rear wheel movement. By reducing the amount of frame and rear wheel movement, the user is able to reduce the stress on the bike frame, wear on the rear tire while on the trainer, and the possibility of the rear wheel disengaging from the trainer while in use (which could result in injury to the user). 
     Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of the present invention, bicycle apparatus  200 , may include a telescoping device which is configured to connect bicycle trainer  26  to base member  64  of handlebar rotation sensor assembly  62  for improved stability and to reduce or, preferably, eliminate movement of bicycle frame  12  caused from movement of rotational member  66 . A U-shaped member  202  has two inner telescoping tubes  204 . Two hollow floor stand tubes  206  are attached to horizontal support tube  70  to support handlebar rotation sensor assembly  62 . Inner telescoping tubes  204  are slidably received into floor stand tubes  206 . A plurality of pairs of opposing holes  208  are aligned horizontally along sidewalls of inner telescoping tubes  204 . Sidewalls of floor stand tubes  206  have a similarly configured pair of opposing holes  210 . To anchor U-shaped member  202  to base member  64 , the user may insert inner telescoping tubes  204  into floor stand tubes  206 , align the pair of holes  210  of floor stand tubes  206  with one of the pairs of holes  208  of both inner telescoping tubes  204 , and insert pins  212  through the pairs of holes  208  and holes  210  of each inner telescoping tube  204  and floor stand tube  206 , respectively. Alternatively, inner telescoping tubes  204  may be advanced into and anchored to floor stand tubes  206  via a threading mechanism, that is, inner telescoping tubes  204  may be cylindrical with helical threads on their outside perimeter surfaces and configured to rotate about their longitudinal axes relative to U-shaped member  202 . Floor stand tubes  206  also may be cylindrical with helical threads on their inside diameter surfaces and inner telescoping tubes  204  may be threaded into floor stand tubes  206  a desired distance. 
     An outer connector tube  214  is attached to U-shaped member  202  by any suitable fixation mechanism, such as welding, gluing or the like. Alternatively, outer connector tube  214  may be attached to U-shaped member  202  via suitable fixation devices, such as screws. Outer connector tube  214  is hollow and is configured to slidably receive a proximate end of an inner connector tube  216 . A distal end of inner connector tube  216  is attached to bicycle trainer  26  by a clamp  220  or any other suitable attachment device. Sidewalls of outer connector tube  214  have a pair of opposing holes  218  and sidewalls of inner connector tube  216  have a plurality of pairs of opposing holes  222 . A user may adjust bicycle apparatus  200  to fit a conventional bicycle, with the front wheel removed and the back wheel  16  suitably operational with bicycle trainer  26 , by inserting inner connector tube  216  into outer connector tube  214  to a desired extent, aligning a pair of holes  222  of inner connector tube  216  with the pair of holes  218  of outer connector tube  214  and inserting a pin  224  through the aligned holes. While outer connector tube  214 , floor stand tubes  206 , inner telescoping tubes  204  and inner connector tube  216  are illustrated in FIG. 6 as square-shaped, it will be appreciated that these tubes may be cylindrical or of any other suitable shape that permits the opposing holes to be so aligned. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, inner connector tube  216  may be adjustably connected to outer connector tube  214  via a thread mechanism. Inner connector tube  216  may be cylindrical with helical threads on its outside perimeter surface and outer connector tube  214  may be cylindrical with helical threads on its inside diameter surface. A user may adjust bicycle apparatus  200  to fit a bicycle by threading inner connector tube  216  into outer connector tube  214  a desired distance. 
     FIG. 7 illustrated yet another embodiment of the present invention. Bicycle apparatus  300  includes a telescoping device which is configured to connect bicycle trainer  26  to a front wheel sensing device  304  that measures the rotation of a front bicycle wheel  302  relative to frame  12 . Such front wheel sensing devices are known in the prior art, such as the type incorporated in the GAMEbike™ virtual trainer. Typically, front wheel sensing devices  304  have a tray  306  that rotates about an axle (not shown) when handlebars  18  are rotated relative to frame  12 . When tray  306  rotates, it activates a potentiometer or other sensing device. 
     Tray  306  is supported by a base  308 . Base  308  is attached to an outer telescoping tube  310 . Outer telescoping tube  310  has a pair of opposing holes  312  and is configured to slidably receive an inner telescoping tube  320 . A first end of inner telescoping tube  320  is attached to bicycle trainer  26  by a clamp  314  or any other suitable attachment device. Alternatively, inner telescoping tube  320  may be welded or glued to bicycle trainer  26 . A second end of inner telescoping tube  320  has a plurality of pairs of opposing holes  316 . A user may adjust bicycle apparatus  300  to fit a conventional bicycle, with the back wheel suitably operational with bicycle trainer  26 , by inserting inner telescoping tube  320  into outer telescoping tube  310  to a desired extent, aligning a pair of holes  316  of inner telescoping tube  320  with the pair of holes  3   12  of outer telescoping tube  310 , and inserting a pin  318  through the aligned holes. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, inner telescoping tube  320  may be adjustably connected to outer telescoping tube  310  via a thread mechanism. Inner telescoping tube  320  may be cylindrical with helical threads on its outside perimeter surface and outer telescoping tube  310  may be cylindrical with helical threads on its inside diameter surface. A user may adjust bicycle apparatus  300  to fit a bicycle by threading inner telescoping tube  320  into outer telescoping tube  310  a desired distance. 
     The above-described embodiments may also be employed when it is desirable to prevent handlebars  18  from rotating relative to bicycle frame  12 . The rotation of handlebars  18  may be simulated by employing buttons or other suitable actuators which provide signals to digital signal processor  36  representing the desired amount of simulated rotation. For example, left action buttons member  50  and right action buttons member  52  may each include a button which, when pressed, simulates rotating the handlebars to left and to the right, respectively. The more times the button is pushed, or alternatively, the longer the button is pressed, the greater the rotation that is simulated. 
     Although the subject invention has been described herein in conjunction with the appended drawing Figures, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not so limited. Various modifications in the arrangement of the components discussed and the steps described herein for using the subject device may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of invention as set forth in the appended claims.