Patent Publication Number: US-11395948-B2

Title: Bicycle climbing and descending training device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/036,626, filed Jul. 16, 2018, titled “Bicycle Climbing and Descending Training Device,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,695,638, which is related to and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/534,296, filed Jul. 19, 2017, titled “BICYCLE CLIMBING AND DESCENDING TRAINING DEVICE,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Aspects of the present invention involve a cycling training apparatus, and, in particular, a climbing trainer for dynamically adjusting inclination of a bicycle connected to the trainer. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Busy schedules, bad weather, focused training, and other factors cause bicycle riders ranging from the novice to the professional to train indoors. Numerous indoor training options exist including exercise bicycles and trainers. An exercise bicycle looks similar to a bicycle but without actual wheels, and includes a seat, handlebars, pedals, crank arms, a drive sprocket and chain. An indoor trainer, in contrast, is a mechanism that allows the rider to mount her actual bicycle to the trainer, with or without the rear wheel, and then ride the bike indoors. The trainer provides the resistance and supports the bike but otherwise is a simpler mechanism than a complete exercise bicycle. Such trainers allow a user to train using her own bicycle, are much smaller than full exercise bicycles, and are often less expensive than full exercise bicycles. 
     While very useful, conventional exercise bicycles and trainers can suffer from limitations that prevent a rider from accurately simulating a road or trail ride and, in particular, hills or other changes in elevation that a rider may encounter during a real-world ride. More specifically, some conventional trainers allow a user to modify a resistance provided by the trainer. Although resistance changes may be used to approximate the effort required for overcoming certain terrain, many conventional trainers do not change the orientation of the bicycle to simulate gradients corresponding to the terrain. As a result, a rider is not generally placed into the same position as would be encountered when actually riding the terrain. 
     With these thoughts in mind among others, aspects of the training device disclosed herein were conceived. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure a training device for use with a bicycle is provided. The training device includes a shuttle guide member including a lower end and an upper end that define an axis therebetween. A shuttle is operably coupleable to a front end of the bicycle and translatable parallel to the axis by a drive coupled to the shuttle. When coupled to the front end of the bicycle, translation of the shuttle parallel to the axis by the drive results in each of a rotation of the shuttle guide member about a pivot and a change in elevation of the front end of the bicycle. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a climbing trainer is provided. The climbing trainer includes a housing having a base and an upper end, the base and the upper end defining an axis therebetween. The climbing trainer further includes a shuttle disposed within the housing. The shuttle includes an axle assembly to which a front wheel mount of a bicycle may be connected to operably connect the bicycle to the climbing trainer. The climbing trainer also includes a drive coupled to the shuttle and adapted to move the shuttle along the axis between a lower shuttle position and an upper shuttle position. A curved foot is coupled to the base of the housing, such that the curved foot permits tilting of the exercise apparatus in response to movement of the shuttle when a bicycle is operably connected to the axle assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Example embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting. 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are schematic illustrations of a bicycle training system including a first climbing trainer according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of a second climbing trainer according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of the climbing trainer of  FIG. 2  with an external housing of the climbing trainer partially removed; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of a drive assembly of the climbing trainer of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of a motor assembly of the climbing trainer of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration of the internal structure of the climbing trainer of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of a shuttle assembly of the climbing trainer of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram of a training system including a climbing trainer according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic illustration of an alternative implementation of a bicycle training system including a second climbing trainer according to the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 10  is a kinematic representation of a bicycle training system according to the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects of the present disclosure involve a bicycle climbing and descending training device (referred to herein simply as a “climbing trainer”) that may be used to dynamically adjust the elevation of a front end of a bicycle and, as a result, the inclination of the bicycle during the course of a training session. The climbing trainer is generally intended to be used in conjunction with an indoor bicycle trainer to which a rider may mount the rear end of his or her bicycle or cycling rollers on which the rider rests the rear wheel of his or her bicycle. In one example, the climbing trainer may be used in conjunction with a wheel-on style trainer or cycling rollers where the rear wheel of the bicycle is not removed and, when the user pedals, the rear wheel drives a roller or other resistance device. In another example, the climbing trainer may be used with a wheel-off style trainer where the rear wheel of the bicycle is removed and when the user pedals, the chain of the bicycle is connected to a sprocket of the trainer that turns a flywheel or other mechanism. 
     Climbing training devices in accordance with this disclosure generally include a housing containing a shuttle coupled to a drive such that the shuttle is linearly translatable within the housing along a primarily axis extending in a predominantly vertical direction. The shuttle includes an axle or similar feature to which front drop-outs, through-axle supports, or similar wheel mounts of a front fork of a bicycle may be coupled such that movement of the shuttle causes a corresponding change in the elevation of a front end of the bicycle. In one example, a user removes her front wheel, and mounts the wheel mount of the front forks (where the wheel and axle would normally be mounted), to the axle of the shuttle. Raising or lower the shuttle thus raises or lowers, respectively, the front of the bicycle to simulate climbing or descending. Changing the position of the shuttle along the axis causes the bicycle to rotate about a rear axle such that the front end of the bicycle moves along an arcuate path in a vertical plane. When used in conjunction with an indoor trainer to which the rider directly mounts the rear bicycle, for example, the rear axle generally corresponds to an axle of the trainer. In applications in which the rear wheel of the bicycle is retained on the bicycle, the rear axle corresponds to the axle of the rear wheel. 
     Climbing trainers in accordance with this disclosure further include a curved base that permits the climbing trainer to rock or tilt in response to changes in the orientation of the bicycle as the front of the bicycle is raised or lowered by the climbing trainer. As previously noted, because the rear axle of the bicycle is generally maintained in a fixed location, the front end of the bicycle, and more particularly the front drop outs, through axle, or other front wheel mount of the front end that is coupled to the climbing trainer, follow an arcuate path as movement of the shuttle changes the elevation of the front end of the bicycle. The arcuate path has a vertical component but also has a horizontal component due to the fixed location of the front wheel mount relative to the rear axle. In other words, as the front wheel mount is raised or lowered, the climbing trainer needs to accommodate a small amount of horizontal movement of the front wheel mount for any situation where the rear axle is fixed. The curved base of the climbing trainer, therefore allows the device to rock or tilt in response to horizontal displacement of the front wheel mount as the elevation of the front end of the bicycle changes. 
     The climbing trainer may be controlled in various ways. In certain implementations, for example, a wired or wireless controller is provided that allows a user to change the position of the shuttle. The controller may be a dedicated device for the climbing trainer or, in certain implementations, may be an application or similar software executed by a computing device, such as a laptop or mobile phone, that enables the user to change the position of the shuttle. In still other implementations, the climbing trainer may be adapted to interact with a computing device executing ride mapping or similar software from which a user may select a simulated cycling route or exercise routine. The climbing trainer may then receive gradient values, elevation values, control inputs, or similar inputs from the software to automatically and dynamically control the position of the shuttle and, as a result, the inclination of the bicycle attached to the shuttle. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are schematic illustrations of a bicycle training system  10  intended to illustrate operation of a climbing trainer  100  in accordance with this disclosure. In addition to the climbing trainer  100 , the bicycle training system  10  includes a bicycle  12  and a bicycle trainer  14 . Prior to use, a rider couples the bicycle  12  to each of the bicycle trainer  14  and the climbing trainer  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the bicycle trainer  14  may be a conventional wheel-on bicycle trainer in which a rear wheel  16  of the bicycle  12  engages a roller  15  of the bicycle trainer  14 . In such conventional wheel-on bicycle trainers, the bicycle trainer  14  may include a clamp or similar retention feature adapted to retain the rear wheel  16  while still permitting rotation of the rear wheel  16 . In other applications, mounting of the bicycle  12  to the bicycle trainer  14  may require removal of the rear wheel  16  and direct mounting of a rear drop out of the bicycle  12  to an axle or mount of the bicycle trainer  14 . In still other applications, the bicycle trainer  14  may instead be replaced with cycling rollers on which the rear wheel  16  may rest. 
     The bicycle  12  is further coupled to the climbing trainer  100 . The climbing trainer  100  includes a housing  102  and a curved base  104 . Disposed within the housing  102  is a shuttle  106  that linearly translates within the housing  102 . In certain implementations, the shuttle  106  includes an axle assembly  108  to which front drop outs  18  of the bicycle  12  may be coupled after removal of a front wheel of the bicycle  12 . In other implementations, the shuttle  106  may be adapted to couple with other front wheel mount configurations including, without limitation, a through axle or through-axle supports. 
     During operation, the shuttle  106  linearly translates within the housing  102 , thereby causing changes to the elevation of a front end of the bicycle  12  and the overall inclination of the bicycle  12 . For example,  FIG. 1A  illustrates use of the bicycle training system  10  with the bicycle  12  in a substantially level orientation. In contrast,  FIG. 1B  illustrates the bicycle training system  10  with the bicycle  12  in an inclined orientation. To transition between the orientation illustrated in  FIG. 1A  and that in  FIG. 1B , the shuttle  106  is linearly translated within the housing  102  (as indicated in  FIG. 1B  by a first arrow  20 ). As the shuttle translates, the front end of the bicycle  12  is pushed in a primarily upward direction, causing the bicycle  12  to rotate about a rear axle  22  of the bicycle  12  (as indicated in  FIG. 1B  by a second arrow  24 ). In applications in which rear drop outs of the bicycle  12  are directly mounted to the bicycle trainer  14 , rotation of the bicycle  12  generally occurs about an axle of the bicycle trainer  14  to which the rear drop outs are coupled. 
     The climbing trainer  100  also rocks or tilts on its curved base  104  in response to rotation of the bicycle  12  about the rear axle  22  (as indicated in  FIG. 1B  by a third arrow,  26 ). Rocking of the climbing trainer  100  is necessary to account for horizontal displacement of the front drop outs  18  during movement of the front end of the bicycle  12 . More specifically, because the distance between the rear wheel  16  and the front dropouts  18  is fixed, rotation of the bicycle  12  about the rear wheel  16 , as results from movement of the shuttle  106 , causes the front dropouts  18  to follow an arcuate path  21  (shown in  FIG. 1B  originating from a starting point  23  corresponding to the initial location of the front drop outs  18  shown in  FIG. 1A ) with both vertical and horizontal components. By including the curved base  104 , the climbing trainer  100  can rock to accommodate the partially horizontal movement of the front drop outs  18 . Doing so reduces stress placed on the climbing trainer  100  and facilitates movement of the shuttle  106  within the housing  102 . To improve stability, the curved base  104  may be shaped, in certain implementations, to reflect the path travelled by the shuttle  106  when transitioning between the lowest and highest shuttle positions. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of a climbing trainer  200  in accordance with the present disclosure. The climbing trainer  200  includes a housing  202  and a curved base  204 . Disposed within the housing  202  is a shuttle  206 . In certain implementations, the shuttle  206  is adapted to receive an axle assembly (not shown) to which front dropouts of a bicycle may be operably coupled or a similar assembly to which other wheel mounts, such as through axles or through-axle supports, may be coupled. The shuttle  206  is movable along an axis  210  defined by the housing  202 . As shown, the housing  202  defines a first elongate opening  211  and a second elongate opening (not shown, but opposite the first elongate opening  211 ) through which an axle member or similar coupling members of the shuttle  206  extend so that a front fork of a bicycle may be coupled to the shuttle  206 . The climbing trainer  200  further includes a power cable  208  that may be used to connect the climbing trainer  200  to a wall socket or similar power source. In certain implementations, the housing  202  may include a shuttle guide member  207  including the shuttle  206  and a support member  203  extending between a top  205  of the climbing trainer  200  and the curved base  204 . The support member  203  may provide additional structural support, function as a handle to carry the climbing trainer, and may contain wiring and other electrical components of the climbing trainer  200 . The shuttle guide member  207  may include slats, such as a first set of slats  209  corresponding to the first opening  211 , that move with the shuttle  206  to close off the elongated openings and therefore prevent ingress into the shuttle guide member  207  through the elongated openings. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  are schematic illustration of the climbing trainer  200  of  FIG. 2  with the housing  202  substantially removed to show components within the housing  202 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the climbing trainer  200  includes a drive assembly  220  adapted to move the shuttle  206  within the housing  202  along the axis  210 . Although various drive configurations may be implemented, the example implementation of the climbing trainer  200  is a belt drive assembly including a motor assembly  221  that includes a motor  222  and a gear assembly  224  (enclosed within a gear assembly housing  225 ), a belt  226 , and a tensioner pulley  228 . During operation, the motor  222  is actuated to cause rotation of gears of the gear assembly  224  which are in turn coupled to the belt  226 . The belt  226  is routed around the tensioner pulley  228  and coupled to the shuttle  206 . In certain implementations, the belt  226  includes two separate ends and each end is coupled to a side of the shuttle  206 , thereby forming a loop. Alternatively, the belt  226  may be continuous and the shuttle  206  may be clipped onto or otherwise coupled to the loop. Regardless of the mounting of the shuttle  206  to the belt  226 , actuation of the motor  222  causes rotation of the gears of the gear assembly  224  and movement of the belt  226 , thereby causing the shuttle  206  to move upward or downward along the axis  210 . By rotating the motor  222  in different directions, the shuttle  206  can be made to move in opposite directions along the axis  210 . 
     The housing  202  may include rails, grooves, or similar features extending through an interior volume of the housing  202  shaped to receive corresponding features of the shuttle  206 . Such features may support and guide the shuttle  206  within the housing  202  along the axis  210 . The housing  202  may also include hard stops for preventing translation of the shuttle  206  beyond predetermined locations within the housing  202 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the tensioner pulley  228  may be mounted to a top plate  230  disposed within the housing  202  using a pair of adjustment screws  232 ,  234 . Accordingly, tension of the belt  226  may be adjusted by loosening or tightening the adjustment screws  232 ,  234 . 
     In certain implementations, the climbing trainer  200  may include a controller  236  with which a rider may provide instructions to adjust the position of the shuttle  206  and, as a result, the inclination of a bicycle mounted thereto. In certain implementations, the controller  236  may be retractably mounted to the housing  202  such that a user may pull the controller  236  from the housing  202  and mount the controller  236  to handlebars or other fixtures of the bicycle during use of the climbing trainer  200 . The controller  236  is just one example of how a rider may control the climbing trainer  200 . Additional aspects and approaches to control and operation of the climbing trainer  200  are discussed below in more detail in the context of  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of the motor assembly  221  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The motor assembly  221  includes the motor  222  and the gear assembly  224 , which is shown with the gear assembly housing  225  (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) removed. Although various arrangements of gears may be used in embodiments of the present disclosure, the example gear assembly  224  of  FIG. 5  includes a worm  237  coupled to the motor  222  such that the worm  237  rotates in response to rotation of the motor  222 . The worm  237  is mated with a worm gear  238  to drive the worm gear  238 . The worm gear  238  is in turn coupled to a belt pulley  243  that is coupled to the belt  226  (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) to cause movement of the belt  226  and the shuttle  206  in response to rotation of the motor  222 . 
     In certain implementations, the worm gear  238  may also be coupled to a sensor assembly  240  adapted to provide measurements that may be used to ascertain the position of the shuttle  206 . The position of the shuttle  206  may then be used to determine the precise location of a bicycle wheel mount coupled to the shuttle  206  and the inclination of the bicycle itself. For example, the sensor assembly  240  includes a potentiometer  241  coupled to a potentiometer gear  242  that is in turn mated with an intermediate potentiometer gear  244 . Accordingly, as the worm gear  238  rotates in response to actuation of the motor  222  and causes movement of the shuttle  206 , the resistance of the potentiometer  241  will vary and, as a result, may be used to determine the position of the shuttle  206  within the housing  202 . 
     The potentiometer  241  is merely one way of determining the inclination of the bicycle and other sensors may be used in addition to or instead of the potentiometer  241 . For example, in some implementations, the potentiometer  241  may be replace by an encoder, a Hall effect sensor, or other sensor capable of measuring rotation of one or more components of the motor assembly from which a location of the shuttle  206  may be derived. The position of the shuttle  206  may also be measured using, among other things, limit switches disposed within the housing  202  along the axis  210  or accelerometers or similar sensors coupled directly to the shuttle  206 . In still other implementations, the inclination of the shuttle  206  may be determined by other sensors, such as accelerometers or inclinometers, adapted to measure the orientation of the climbing trainer or bicycle directly. 
       FIG. 6  is a partial schematic view of the internal structure of the climbing trainer  200  of  FIG. 2  and, more particularly, with the shuttle guide member  207  removed. The shuttle guide member  207  may include slats inserted into the elongated openings of the housing  202  (such as the first elongated opening  211  shown in  FIG. 2 ) to prevent ingress of dirt, debris, hands, and other similar objects into the shuttle guide member  207 . In the implementation illustrated in  FIG. 6 , for example, the shuttle guide member  207  contains a first set of slats  209  disposed along a first side of the shuttle guide member  207  within the first elongated opening  211 . A matching second set of slats that functions the same as the first set of slats  209  may also be included on the opposite side of the shuttle guide member  207  to prevent ingress through a second elongated opening opposite the first elongated opening  211 , but is omitted in  FIG. 6  for clarity. The first set of slats  209  may include a shuttle slat  246  coupled to the shuttle  206 . The first set of slats  209  may also include a top fixed slat  248  and a bottom fixed slat  250  and a plurality of layered slats  252 - 258  disposed between the shuttle slat  246  and the top and bottom fixed slats  248 ,  250 . Each of the slats may be retained within a pair of opposing slat rails  254 ,  256  such that the shuttle slat  246  and the plurality of layered slats  252  are movable within the slat rails  260 ,  262 . During operation and in response to movement of the shuttle  206 , the plurality of slats  252 - 258  translate and “stack” on each other such that they prevent ingress into the shuttle guide member  207  through the elongated openings regardless of the position of the shuttle  206 . For example, in certain implementations, each of the plurality of slats  252 - 258  may include a lip, such as a lip  264 , shaped to contact and engage a translating adjacent slat when the slat and the adjacent slat are substantially overlapping. Accordingly, further translation of the shuttle  206  would cause both the slat and the adjacent slat to translate. In certain implementations, the slats  209  may be replaced with other similar structures including, without limitation, flexible covers such as bellows- or accordion-type panels that fold as the shuttle  206  translates. The slats  209  or similar structures may also be omitted, leaving the elongated openings open. Regardless of whether slats  209  or similar features are included, other features, such as wipers or brushes, may also be included on the shuttle  206  or within the interior of the shuttle guide member  207  to maintain cleanliness within the shuttle guide member  207 . 
     Although the shuttle  206  of the climbing trainer  200  is illustrated as being disposed and movable within the shuttle guide member  207 , other arrangements are within the scope of implementations of this disclosure. Generally, the shuttle guide member supports and guides the shuttle within the shuttle guide member and defines an axis parallel or otherwise along which the shuttle moves. In other implementations, however, the shuttle and shuttle guide member may be structured and arranged in various alternative ways other than the shuttle being disposed within the shuttle guide member. In each alternative arrangement, however, the shuttle moves parallel to or otherwise along the path or axis defined by the shuttle guide member. 
     In a first alternative arrangement, the shuttle is disposed around the shuttle guide member. In such implementations, the shuttle may be in the form of a movable sleeve that defines a through-hole or similar channel through which the shuttle guide member extends. The internal surface of the shuttle and the external surface of the shuttle guide member may be complimentary. For example, the shuttle guide member may have a rail, gear rack, or similar surface shaped to mate with or receive a corresponding groove, gear, or other complimentary structure of the shuttle. During operation, the shuttle translates along the shuttle guide member, maintaining the shuttle guide member within the through-hole or channel. To facilitate translation of the shuttle, the shuttle may be coupled to a drive by a looped belt, chain, or similar component extending around the shuttle guide member. Accordingly, as the drive is actuated, the belt and, as a result, the shuttle may move relative to the shuttle guide member. In another implementation, the drive may instead be incorporated into the shuttle itself. For example, the shuttle may include a rotatable wheel or gear that mates with a corresponding structure of the shuttle guide member such that as the wheel/gear is rotated, the shuttle translates along the shuttle guide member. 
     In another example alternative arrangement, the shuttle may be disposed adjacent the shuttle guide member such that a side face of the shuttle is in contact with the shuttle guide member. For example, a side face of the shuttle may include a groove, protrusion, gear, wheel, or similar feature adapted to receive or be received by a complimentary structure of the shuttle guide member. Similar to the previously discussed alternative example, the shuttle may be coupled to a drive via a belt or similar component that extends about the shuttle guide member such that actuation of the drive causes movement of the belt and the shuttle relative to the shuttle guide member. As previously noted, the drive may alternatively be incorporated into the shuttle itself. 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of the shuttle  206  shown in  FIGS. 2-4, and 6 . As previously discussed, the shuttle  206  couples to the belt  226  (shown in  FIGS. 3, 4, and 6 ) such that movement of the belt  226  causes translation of the shuttle  206  within the housing  202  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). The shuttle  206  is also configured to be coupled to front wheel mounts, such as front drop outs or through-axle supports, of a bicycle by an axle assembly  266 . The axle assembly  266  shown in  FIG. 7 , for example, includes a pair of reversible axle inserts  268 ,  270  that may be inserted into a shuttle bore  272  defined by a body  274  of the shuttle  206 . Each of the axle inserts  268 ,  270  includes an insert body and a pair of axles extending therefrom. Referring to the axle insert  270 , for example, the axle insert  270  includes an insert body  276 , a first axle extension  278 , and a second axle extension  280 . The insert body  276  is adapted to mate with and be retained within the shuttle bore  272 . Such retention may be achieved by, among other things, a press fit between the insert body  276  and the shuttle bore  268 , mating threads of the insert body  276  and the shuttle bore  272 , mating twist-lock features of the insert body  276  and the shuttle bore  272 , or any other suitable method of retaining the insert body  276  within the shuttle bore  272 . The first axle extension  278  and the second axle extension  280  preferably accommodate two different front wheel mounts. For example, in certain implementations, the first axle extension  278  and the second axle extension  280  may be sized to accept wheel mounts having two different drop-out sizes or spacings. In other implementations, the first axle extension  278  may be shaped to receive through-axle supports while the second axle extension  280  may be shaped to receive drop outs. Accordingly, a rider may insert the axle inserts  268 ,  270  in a first orientation to accommodate a first bicycle having a first front wheel mount configuration and subsequently remove, flip, and reinsert the axle inserts  268 ,  270  to accommodate a second bicycle having a second front wheel mount configuration. 
     Reversible axle inserts are simply one way of coupling a bicycle to the shuttle  206 . In other implementations, the axle assembly may be similar to a conventional bicycle axle such that the axle assembly is installed by inserting an axle through the shuttle bore  272  and attaching an axle cap to each end of the axle. Such axles may be of varying sizes to accommodate different front drop out configurations and may also incorporate additional features, such as quick release mechanisms, to facilitate coupling and removal of a bicycle from the shuttle  206 . In still other implementations, the axle assembly may be integrated with the shuttle  206  such that the shuttle  206  and the axle assembly form a unitary component. In such implementations, bicycle having different front wheel mount dimensions or configurations may be accommodated by exchanging the shuttle  206  for a different shuttle having the required axle assembly. 
     The belt drive illustrated in  FIGS. 3-6  is simply one example of a drive that may be used in climbing trainers in accordance with the present disclosure. More broadly, any suitable drive mechanism adapted to translate the shuttle  206  within the housing  202  may be used in conjunction with or instead of the belt drive of  FIGS. 3-6 . For example, in certain implementations, the belt  226  may be replaced by a chain or similar flexible linkage with appropriate modifications to the drive assembly  220 . In other implementations, the belt drive may be substituted by a linear actuator such as a ball screw drive. The drive mechanism is not limited to purely electromechanical systems and, as a result, linear actuators such as pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, may also be used in implementations of the present disclosure. In still other implementations, the drive mechanism may be incorporated, at least in part, within the shuttle  206 . For example, the shuttle  206  may include a motor and gears such that when the motor is actuated, the gears engage and move along toothed rails disposed along the housing  202 , thereby translating the shuttle  206  within the housing  202 . 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration of a bicycle training system  300  including a climbing trainer  302  in accordance with the present disclosure. The climbing trainer  302  may include various electronic and control components including a control board  304  including one or more processors  306 , one or more memories  308 , and one or more communication modules  310 . The control board  304  may be communicatively coupled to a motor  322  and, more specifically, a motor controller  324  adapted to receive control signals and to drive the motor  322 . The climbing trainer  302  may further include power circuitry  313  adapted to receive power from an external source, such as a wall socket, and to perform any necessary transformation to the received power to accommodate the requirements of the climbing trainer  302 . 
     During operation, the processor  306  retrieves and executes commands stored in the memory  308  that cause the processor  306  to issue commands to the motor controller  324 . Such commands generally cause actuation of the motor  322  to cause translation of the shuttle (e.g., the shuttle  206  of  FIGS. 2-7 ) within the housing of the climbing trainer  302 . The processor  306  may also execute instructions to store data within the memory  308 . Such data may include performance and diagnostic data obtained from other components of the climbing trainer  302  or broader bicycle training system  300 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the climbing trainer  302  may further include a controller  312  communicatively coupled to the control board  304 . The controller  312  may include one or more buttons or switches (which may include “soft” buttons or switches displayed on a touchscreen) that enable a used of the climbing trainer  302  to modify the inclination of a bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer  302  and to otherwise operate the climbing trainer  302 . In response to such inputs, the processor  306  issues instructions to components of the climbing trainer  302 , such as the motor controller  324 . Controls provided to the user through the controller  312  may allow a user to perform various actions including, without limitation, one or more of raising the front end of the bicycle (e.g., by moving the shuttle of the climbing trainer  302  upward), lowering the front end of the bicycle (e.g., by moving the shuttle of the climbing trainer  302  downward), inputting a specific inclination or grade, turning the climbing trainer  302  on or off, resetting the climbing trainer  302  to a level position (i.e., no inclination), switching between a manual operation mode and an automatic operation mode, locking or unlocking the position of the climbing trainer  302 , and initiating pairing of the climbing trainer  302  with one or more other devices. 
     The controller  324  may also include additional components and features. For example, in certain implementations, the controller  324  may include a display for presenting data to a user. Such data may include, among other things, current settings for the climbing trainer  302  and additional performance or settings data, such as performance or settings data obtained from a trainer  326  or a user computing device  328 . In certain implementations, the controller  324  may be directly wired to the control board  304 . Alternatively the controller  324  may be adapted to wirelessly communicate with the control board  304 , such as through the communications module  310 , using one or more wireless protocols, such as, without limitation, ANT, ANT+, Bluetooth®, and Wi-Fi. 
     The climbing trainer  302  may further include at least one sensor  330  from which data may be collected to facilitate determining the current inclination of a bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer  302 . The current inclination may then be displayed to the user, such as through the controller  324 , or may be used as a feedback value for controlling the climbing trainer  302 . The inclination of a bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer  302  may be determined using a wide range of sensors adapted to measure different operating parameters of the climbing trainer  302 . For example, the inclination of a bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer  302  may be determined based on, among other things, the position of the shuttle within the housing of the climbing trainer or the inclination of the climbing trainer. Such parameters may be determined in a wide range of ways using different types of sensors. 
     Determining the position of the shuttle within the housing of the climbing trainer  302 , for example, may include determining the extent to which a drive assembly coupled to the shuttle has been actuated. For example, in the implementation illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the motor assembly  221  includes a potentiometer  241  that indicates the amount of rotation of gears within the motor assembly  221  and, as a result, may be used to derive the position of the shuttle  206 . In similar implementations, the sensor  330  may instead be a suitable type of optical (e.g., an encoder) or magnetic (e.g., a Hall effect sensor) adapted to measure rotation of the motor  322  or one or more gears coupled to the motor  322 . As an alternative to measuring the actuation of the motor  322 , the position of the shuttle within the climbing trainer  302  may be measured directly. For example, the sensor  330  may be one of a plurality of mechanical, optical, or magnetic limit switches disposed within the housing of the climbing trainer  302  corresponding to different shuttle positions within the housing. As the shuttle translates to the shuttle positions, it activates the limit switches, thereby identifying its location within the housing. As yet another example, the sensor  330  may be an accelerometer or similar sensor directly coupled to the shuttle. 
     Instead of or in addition to measuring the position of the shuttle within the climbing trainer  302 , the sensor  330  may measure the position or orientation of the climbing trainer  302 . As previously discussed, using the climbing trainer  302  to change the inclination of a bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer  302  causes the climbing trainer  302  to rock or tilt. The inclination of the climbing trainer  302  may then be used to derive the inclination of a bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer  302 . Accordingly, the sensor  330  may include, without limitation, an accelerometer, an inclinometer, or any similar sensor for measuring the relative position or orientation of the climbing trainer  302 . 
     As previously noted with respect to communications between the controller  324  and the control board  304 , the control board  304  may include a communications module  310 . The communications module  310  may facilitate communication between the climbing trainer  302  and other devices through wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless communication protocols. Accordingly, the communications module  310  may include both hardware and software components adapted to transmit and receive data and to convert received data into a format usable by the processor  306  or other components of the control board  304 . The communications module  310  may enable communication using wireless communication protocols including, but not limited to ANT, ANT+, Bluetooth®, and Wi-Fi. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the climbing trainer  302  may be communicatively coupled to one or both of a trainer  326  and a user computing device  328  and, as a result, may be able to exchange data with the trainer  326  and the user computing device  328 . For example, the trainer  326  may be a “smart” bicycle trainer including wireless or other communication capabilities that enable the trainer  326  to, among other things, receive and transmit control signals and performance data. The trainer  326  may further include mechanisms that permit dynamic adjustment of the resistance provided by the trainer  326 . The user computing device  328  may be any suitable computing device capable of executing software applications for communicating with the trainer  326  and/or the climbing trainer  302 . For example, the user computing device  328  may be a mobile phone, laptop, or bicycle head unit capable of communicating using a communication protocol common to each of the trainer  326  and the climbing trainer  302  and on which a training application or similar software may be executed. The climbing trainer  302  may communicate directly or indirectly with one or both of the trainer  326  and the user computing device  328 . For example, in certain implementations, the user computing device  328  and the climbing trainer  302  may communicate indirectly through the trainer  326 . 
     The user computing device  328  may also be communicatively coupled to a network  332 , such as the Internet, through which the user computing device  328  may access a data source  334 . In certain implementations, the user computing device  328  may access the data source  334  in to retrieve training programs, route data, or similar information from which resistance values and/or inclination values may be obtained or derived. The user computing device  328  may then transmit control signals to the trainer  326  and/or the climbing trainer  302  accordingly. So, for example, the user computing device  328  may retrieve elevation data for a particular real-world route, determine resistance and inclination values for points along the route, generate corresponding control signals, and transmit the control signals to the trainer  326  and the climbing trainer  302  to simulate riding the route. 
     In certain implementations, the user computing device  328  may also transmit data to the data source  334 . For example, a rider may transmit times, statistics, and other performance data collected during a training session for storage in the data source  334  and later retrieval and analysis. The rider may also create training sessions and store the parameters for such sessions in the data source  334 . For example, at the beginning of a training session, the rider may initiate recording of the training session such that the resistance of the trainer  326  and the inclination of the climbing trainer  302  are periodically sampled. The corresponding data may then be stored in the data source  334  and retrieved at a later date by the user or a different user to execute a subsequent training session. 
     In certain implementations, the user computing device  328  may perform some or all of the previously discussed functionality of the controller  324  and the sensor  330  and, as a result, may be used in place of the controller  324  and the sensor  330 . For example, the user computing device  328  may be used to execute an application or similar software that allows a user to provide inputs to the climbing trainer  302  and to display data obtained from the climbing trainer  302 . Sensors of the user computing device  328  may also be used in addition to or instead of the sensor  330  of the climbing trainer  302 . For example, the user computing device  328  may be coupled to handlebars or other part of a bicycle and an internal accelerometer or similar sensor may be used to determine the inclination of the bicycle. The inclination value may then be transmitted to the climbing trainer  302  for use as a feedback value. 
     Due to variation in bicycle construction and dimensions, control of the climbing trainer  302  may depend, at least in part, on dimensions or similar frame parameters of the bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer  302 . In certain implementations, such information may be provided or selected by the user. For example, an application executed on the user computing device  328  may ask a user for a frame size, model, or similar information corresponding to the bicycle. Such information may be used directly or to retrieve supplemental data from a remote data source including more detailed frame parameters. The climbing trainer  302  may also perform a calibration process. Such a calibration process may include, for example, cycling the climbing trainer  302  between its lowest and highest positions and monitoring the orientation of the climbing trainer  302  throughout. The orientation data may then be used to calculate or approximate one or more frame parameters of the bicycle or otherwise form a baseline for measuring the inclination of the bicycle. 
     As previously discussed, the climbing trainer  302  may operate in either a manual or automatic mode. While in a manual mode, the climbing trainer  302  is controlled in response to input provided by a user, such as by using the controller  324  or the user device  328 . Such input may include, among other things, input to incrementally increase an incline, incrementally decrease an incline, set the incline to a particular value, or level the bicycle. 
     When operating in the automatic mode, on the other hand, the incline provided by the climbing trainer  302  is automatically adjusted over time. In certain implementations, for example, the user may use the controller  324  or the user device  328  to select a predetermined workout or workout goal such that as the user exercises, the climbing trainer  302  may then automatically adjust the position of the climbing trainer  302  in response to the parameters of the workout. For example, the workout may correspond to one or more predefined workout routines such as, without limitation, a hill climb routine, an interval routine, a fat loss routine, or other similar routines, each of which include inclination settings for the climbing trainer  302  that correspond to the particular type of routine. Within each type of routine, the user may also select one or more additional parameters for the routine including a duration of the routine, a difficulty of the routine, a quantity of intervals, a duration of intervals, or any other similar parameter related to the routine. Once a routine has been selected, the climbing trainer  302  may then execute the routine by automatically adjusting the incline over time in accordance with the parameters of the routine. 
     In certain implementations, the routines may be based on data corresponding to one or more of a recorded ride, a simulated ride, a workout, or similar exercise routine that is available to a user of the climbing trainer  302 . The user of the climbing trainer  302  may, for example, access the data from the data source  334  over the Internet  332  with the user device  328 . The user device  328  may then execute or otherwise process the data to control the climbing trainer  302 . For example, the data may include settings for the climbing trainer  302  or incline, altitude, or similar information that may be translated into settings for the climbing trainer  302  by the user device  328 . The data may also include or be translatable into settings (e.g., resistance settings) for the trainer  326  such that as the climbing trainer  302  raises and lowers, the corresponding resistance provided by the trainer  326  may undergo a similar modification. The data may further include video, audio, images, or other multimedia that may be synchronized with the data and played back by the user device  328  during execution of the routine. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the climbing trainer  302  communicatively coupled to each of the user device  328  and the trainer  326 . However, other communications architectures may also be implemented. In one implementation, the trainer  326  may act as an intermediary between the user device  328  and the climbing trainer  302  such that signals from the user device  328  are received by the trainer  326  and corresponding control signals for the climbing trainer  302  are then sent from the trainer  326  to the climbing trainer  302 . In another implementation, the user device  328  may pair with each of the trainer  326  and the climbing trainer  302  and may send control signals to each without communication passing directly between the trainer  326  and the climbing trainer  302 . 
     The climbing trainer  302  may further include a vibration feedback system  350  configured to provide feedback during use of the climbing trainer  302 . The vibration feedback system  350  is generally configured to induce vibrations in a bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer  302 . Such vibrations may, for example, be used to simulate different terrain or riding surfaces such as, without limitation, a track, pavement, gravel, or cobblestone. 
     In certain implementations, such as that illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the vibration feedback system  350  may be partially implemented using dedicated hardware components communicatively coupled to the control board  304 . Such components may include, for example, a motor or other actuator  352  that is fixed to a component of the climbing trainer  302  such that actuation of the actuator induces vibrations in the structural element which are then transmitted to the bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer  302 . For example and without limitation, the actuator  352  may be coupled to the shuttle, the housing, the base, or any other element of the climbing trainer  302  that is directly or indirectly coupled to the bicycle. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , in hardware-based implementations of the vibration feedback system, the components of the vibration feedback system  350  may also be coupled to the power circuitry  313  of the climbing trainer  302  to receive power for controlling the actuator. The vibration feedback system  350  may further include a system control board  354  for controlling the actuator  352  in response to control signals received from the control board  304 . For example, the control board  304  may provide one or more of a vibration frequency, a vibration amplitude, or a setting (e.g., a desired surface or vibration intensity level) that, when received by the vibration feedback system  350 , is translated by the system control board  354  into control signals for controlling the actuator  352 . 
     In other implementations, feedback may be implemented, at least in part, through software control of the motor  322 . In such software-based implementations, vibrations may be induced in the bicycle by controlling the motor  322  to rapidly oscillate the shuttle. More specifically, in addition to larger scale back-and-forth movements of the shuttle to change inclination of the bicycle, the motor  322  may also be adapted to make small back-and-forth movements/oscillations of the shuttle that simulate different riding surfaces. Such oscillations may occur independently of the larger scale movements (e.g., to simulate riding on a particular surface at a steady grade) or in conjunction with the larger scale movements (e.g., to simulate riding on a particular surface as grade changes). 
     In either hardware- or software-based implementations, the vibrations induced by the vibration feedback system may be varied during use of the climbing trainer  302 . For example, a user may increase, decrease, turn on, or turn off vibration feedback by providing corresponding input through the user device  328 , the controller  324 , or other input device. In one implementation, a user may change the feedback settings by choosing between predetermined settings (e.g., a “road” setting, a “gravel” setting) for different riding surfaces, each of the predetermined settings resulting in different combinations of vibration frequencies and amplitudes corresponding to the riding surfaces. 
     Instead of or in addition to manual changes by the user, settings for the vibration feedback system may be automatically changed in response to an exercise routine, workout, or simulated ride executed by the user device  328 . For example, the data received and executed by the user device  328  to control the climbing trainer  302  for a simulated ride may include both incline and riding surface data. Accordingly, as the user device  328  executes the simulated ride, the user device  328 , the data may indicate a change in riding surface that is then transmitted by the user device  328  to the control board  304 . In response, the control board  304  may transmit corresponding feedback settings (or signals corresponding to the settings) to the hardware components of the vibration feedback system (in hardware-based implementations) or to the motor controller  324  (in software-based implementations) to change the settings of the vibration feedback system to reflect the new riding surface. 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic illustration of an alternative bicycle training system  90  including a climbing trainer  900  in accordance with this disclosure. In addition to the climbing trainer  900 , the bicycle training system  90  includes a bicycle  92  and a bicycle trainer  94 . The bicycle  92  is shown coupled to each of the bicycle trainer  94  and the climbing trainer  900 . Although other arrangements are possible (as previously discussed herein), as shown in  FIG. 9 , the bicycle trainer  94  is a conventional wheel-on bicycle trainer in which a rear wheel  96  of the bicycle  92  engages a roller  95  of the bicycle trainer  94 . 
     The climbing trainer  900  includes a housing  902  and a fixed base  904 . Disposed within the housing  902  is a shuttle  906  that linearly translates within the housing  902 . The shuttle  106  further includes an axle assembly  908  to which front drop outs  98  of the bicycle  92  may be coupled after removal of a front wheel of the bicycle  92 . In other implementations, the shuttle  906  may be adapted to couple with other front wheel mount configurations including, without limitation, a through axle or through-axle supports. 
     During operation of the climbing trainer  900 , the shuttle  906  is translated along an axis (as indicated by arrow  99 ). As the shuttle  906  translates, the bicycle  92  inclines or declines accordingly by rotating about the coupling between the bicycle  92  and the bicycle trainer  94 . In contrast to the previously discussed implementations of this disclosure in which the horizontal component of the coupling between the bicycle and climbing trainer was accounted for by the climbing trainer including a curved base, the climbing trainer  900  includes a rotational coupling  910  between the housing  902  and the fixed base  904 . Accordingly, as the shuttle  906  is translated to change the inclination of the bicycle  92 , the housing  902  is permitted to rotate about the rotational coupling  910 , compensating for the horizontal component of the coupling between the axle assembly  908  and the front drop outs  98 . 
     As previously discussed, implementations of climbing trainers according to the present disclosure may also include a feedback mechanism  912  that induces vibrations in a bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer. Such vibrations may be used, for example, to simulate the feel of various riding surfaces by varying the amplitude and/or frequency of the vibrations to approximate vibrations that would be experience by a rider if actually riding a particular surface. For example, relatively minimal vibrations may be induced by the feedback mechanism  912  when simulating a substantially smooth race track while increased vibrations could be applied to simulate other surfaces including, but not limited to, road, gravel, or cobblestone. In certain implementations, the vibrations induced by the feedback mechanism  912  may be provided in response to predetermined settings corresponding to different riding surfaces. Alternatively, the vibrations induced by the feedback mechanism  912  may correspond to vibrometer, accelerometer, or other vibration measurement device data collected during a real-world ride and stored subsequent retrieval and execution during a workout routine. 
     The feedback mechanism  912  may be a separate component of the climbing trainer or may correspond to a method of operating the drive mechanism for translating the shuttle. In implementations in which the feedback mechanism  912  is a separate component, the feedback mechanism  912  may include a vibration-inducing device, such as an eccentric rotation mass (ERM) motor, linear actuator, or similar device that is coupled to one of the shuttle, the shuttle guide member, the base, or another structural of the climbing trainer. For example, the climbing trainer  900  of  FIG. 9  includes an ERM  912  coupled directly to the shuttle  906  to induce vibrations in the shuttle  906  that are then transmitted to the bicycle  92  due to the coupling of the shuttle  906  to the drop outs  98  of the bicycle  92 . 
     In other implementations, the feedback mechanism  912  may be directly coupled to a structural element of the climbing trainer. For example,  FIG. 9  further indicates an alternative location  914  for a feedback mechanism in which the feedback mechanism is coupled directly to the shuttle guide member  902 . In still other implementations, the feedback mechanism may be coupled to, among other things, the base  904  of the climbing trainer  900  or another structural support member of the climbing trainer (such as the support member  203  of the climbing trainer  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2 ). 
     In certain implementations feedback may instead be provided by inducing vibrations with the drive mechanism  916  used to translate the shuttle  906 . The drive mechanism  916  (which is incorporated into the base  904  in the example climbing trainer  900 ) is adapted to translate the shuttle  906  along the shuttle guide member  902  to simulate changes in incline. In certain implementations, the drive mechanism  916  may be further adapted to rapidly move the shuttle  906  back and forth along the shuttle guide member  902  to induce vibrations in the front drop out  98  and simulate different riding surfaces. By changing the frequency and amplitude of the shuttle oscillations, vibrations having different qualities may be induced, thereby allowing simulation of different surfaces. 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic illustration of another bicycle training system  1000  in accordance with the present disclosure. The bicycle training system  1000  is illustrated in the form of a kinematic diagram to emphasize the functional aspects of training systems in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     The bicycle training system  1000  includes a bicycle, indicated by a frame  1002 , which is coupled in two locations. First, a rear portion of the frame  1002  is rotationally coupled to a rear pivot point  1004 . As previously discussed, the rear pivot point  1004  may take varying forms. For example, in implementations in a wheel-on type trainer, the rear pivot point  1004  may generally correspond to the rear axle of the bicycle. In a wheel-off type trainer, the rear pivot point  1004  may correspond to an axle assembly of the trainer to which the rear drop outs of the bicycle frame are coupled. Alternatively, if a roller-type trainer is implemented, the pivot point  1004  may correspond to the rear axle of the bicycle. 
     Second, a front portion of the frame  1002  is coupled to a movable shuttle  1006  of a climbing trainer  1001 . The shuttle  1006  is supported by and movable relative to a primary member  1008 . As previously noted, the arrangement of the shuttle  1006  and the primary member  1008  may take various forms. For example, the shuttle  1006  may be disposed within the primary member  1008 , around the primary member  1008 , or adjacent the primary member  1008 . The primary member  1008  defines an axis  1010  that defines the path along which the shuttle  1006  translates. More specifically, the axis  1010  defines a path parallel to which the shuttle  1006  moves in response to activation of a drive mechanism (not illustrated) configured to translate the shuttle  1006 . In implementations in which the shuttle  1006  is substantially centered on the housing, parallel movement of the shuttle  1006  may correspond to collinear movement of the shuttle  1006  along the axis  1010 . 
     As the shuttle  1006  translates relative to the axis  1010 , the primary member  1008  is permitted to rotate about a front pivot point  1012  to compensate for horizontal displacement of the shuttle  1006  as the frame  1002  is rotated about the rear pivot point  1004 . As discussed herein, the front pivot point  1012  may correspond to a rotational coupling between the primary member  1008  and a fixed base of the climbing trainer  1001  (such as illustrated in  FIG. 9 ). Alternatively, the front pivot point  1012  may correspond to a contact point between a curved foot of the climbing trainer  1001  and the ground. In such cases, the pivot point may shift or otherwise correspond to different points of the curved foot as the primary member  1008  rotates. 
     Although various representative embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification. All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. 
     In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.