Abstract:
A highly adjustable stationary exercise bicycle for tall or large individuals is presented incorporating a number of features specifically designed for larger stationary bicycle users. The bicycle includes infinitely adjustable vertical and horizontal seat heights and positions as well as infinitely adjustable horizontal handle bar heights. The bicycle further includes extendable front and rear support mechanisms that increase the footprint of the stationary bicycle to provide additional stability for tall or large users. The extendable foot may be included in the front, rear, or both.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/142,363, filed Apr. 2, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to exercise equipment such as exercise bikes, including an exercise bike having an adjustable ground support so that the bike may be safely ridden by larger and/or taller riders. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Exercise bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years. This has included exercise bikes that may be used either at home or in a gym setting. 
         [0004]    Exercise bikes that simulate outdoor riding are a particularly effective way for users to obtain a total body workout and provide an enjoyable ride that retains the rider&#39;s interest. Such bikes allow the rider to place his or her hands on different areas of the handlebar and also allow the rider to adopt different riding positions, such as sitting and standing. This allows the rider to simulate the experience of riding on hills, riding across flat terrain and other riding conditions. Such bikes have generally become known as indoor cycles. Because they are ridden in different positions, such bikes need to have a strong and stable frame and also need to provide stability to the rider. 
         [0005]    Because exercise bikes are often ridden by different people of different sizes, indoor cycles and other exercise devices typically provide some amount of adjustability to accommodate different riders. In a gym setting, it is desirable that the bike be easily adjusted by multiple users, so that one bike taking up a certain amount of space on the floor may be ridden by differently sized riders. Similarly, in the home setting, it is desirable that the bike easily accommodate different family members of different sizes. This is necessary especially when considering the limited space that may be available in the gym or at home. This also avoids the situation of having differently sized versions of the same bike or other exercise device. 
         [0006]    Existing indoor cycles and other exercise bikes have provided different types of adjustment for some time to accommodate the foregoing needs. For example, it is common for a rider to adjust seat height and handlebar height. A rider may also adjust the fore and aft position of the seat and handlebar. 
         [0007]    However, the adjustments currently available may not provide stability for especially large or tall riders. This is an issue because if an exercise bike is adjusted for maximum seat and handlebar height to accommodate a very tall rider, the bike may become top heavy and unsafe. This is especially so where the bike is ridden in a standing position or in another vigorous fashion. To this end, the height and/or weight of particularly tall or heavy riders may cause existing exercise bikes to tip to one side or another during vigorous exercise. Accordingly, there is a need for an exercise bike that may be adjusted to safely accommodate especially large or tall riders. 
         [0008]    Beyond the space taken up by a bike at the gym or at home, another consideration is the box or other container in which it will be shipped after manufacture. While certain exercise devices may allow some adjustability, this may require a large box or container which may increase shipping costs. Accordingly, there is a need for an exercise bike with increased adjustability but which may still be shipped in a standard or reasonably sized box or container. 
         [0009]    Existing devices may allow for some adjustability in order to account for differently sized riders or users. However, these devices have various shortcomings and/or do not allow an indoor cycle ride that simulates outdoor riding conditions, including riding in sitting and standing positions. 
         [0010]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,409,060 to Hsu entitled “Exercise Bike for Rehabilitation” discloses a device for rehabilitation. The device includes a movable base that allows the user to adjust the distance between the seat and the handlebars of the device. While the adjustable base may accommodate users of different heights, it does not address the need for providing extra stability that may be necessary for taller or larger riders. Furthermore, this device is not at all intended to allow the rider to ride in different positions to simulate outdoor bike riding conditions in which vigorous riding could cause the device to tip in the first place. 
         [0011]    Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,894 to Chen, entitled “Stationary Exercising Bicycle” discloses an exercise device with a movable base. The purpose of the movable base in this device appears to be to raise or lower the seat for users of different heights. However, it does not appear that movement of the base is intended for increased support for larger or taller riders. In addition, the device looks inherently unstable and top heavy, and has many rotating joints that would appear prone to failure. Furthermore, this device does not does not allow riding in different positions and does not appear to address instability that could be caused by vigorous riding of a tall or heavy person. 
         [0012]    Likewise, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2012/0295770 A1 to Lo discloses an exercise device with a movable base. But in this device, the base is movable to accommodate sitting and lying positions. The base is not designed to provide structural support for larger users. In addition, the device is not designed to simulate an outdoor bicycle ride where the rider may stand up and sit down or address associated instability. 
         [0013]    Some existing devices have adjustable support bars that may provide additional structural support, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,433A to Lunden. However, this device is a step climber and is not at all an exercise bike that may allow the rider to simulate outdoor bike riding conditions. Furthermore, the adjustable support bar appears limited to the situation where the step climber wants to shift his or her weight to the rear of the steps on which the user stands. It provides no lateral stability or protection against tipping from side to side. 
         [0014]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a versatile and adjustable exercise bike that has an adjustable support that may accommodate larger and taller riders so that they may safely ride the bike. There is also a need for this bike to provide a ride for a heavy or tall rider that simulates outdoor bike riding conditions, such as riding in alternating sitting and standing positions. There is also a need that the adjustment mechanism may be easily and cleanly adjusted by the rider. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The current invention addresses the foregoing issues and provides an improvement over existing devices. 
         [0016]    In a first aspect of the invention, the exercise bike is configured to accommodate a variety of different sized riders, including riders who may be heavy, large and/or tall. To this end, the bike includes a frame that may adjust to provide more stability so that larger and taller riders may safely ride the bike. For example, the frame may include an adjustable base that may be extended to provide a larger footprint on the ground and thus provide more stability. The adjustable base may include one or more extendable ground supports. By extending these support(s), the bike or other exercise device has a longer and/or wider base to accommodate larger or taller riders to avoid the bike from tipping over. 
         [0017]    In another aspect of the invention, extra stability of the exercise device may be provided in different manners. For example, the adjustable ground supports may extend from the front and/or from the rear of the bike or other exercise device. 
         [0018]    In another aspect of the invention, increased stability for larger or taller riders may be provided without significantly increasing the overall footprint so that the bike may still be used by larger or taller riders in limited space. For example, while the overall footprint may be longer to provide stability for tall riders, the overall increase is preferably small enough to avoid hitting nearby objects. 
         [0019]    In another aspect of the invention, the extendable ground supports may be easily adjusted without the use of specialized equipment. For example, it is preferred that the adjustment may occur through pop-pins, quick release levers, retractable knobs or other suitable means. In this manner, an array of different riders, including taller and/or larger riders, may readily adjust and safely use the bike. 
         [0020]    In another aspect of the invention, the adjustable supports may be adjustable at a variety of different positions to accommodate different sized riders. This may occur through the use a quick release handle that may allow infinite adjustment that is not limited to specific locations dictated by, e.g., holes in the frame. 
         [0021]    In another aspect of the invention, the extendable support may be easily adjusted without the need for lubricants. This allows the adjustment without the user becoming dirty or causing slippery conditions. 
         [0022]    In another aspect of the invention, the extendable support(s) may be extended without bushings or other additional components. This avoids adding to manufacturing cost and/or creating maintenance issues. 
         [0023]    Other aspects of the invention may involve any of the foregoing in combination with each other. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an exercise bike. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of an exercise bike. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of an exercise bike. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4 a    is a perspective view of an exercise bike with an adjustable support in a retracted position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4 b    is a perspective view of an exercise bike with an adjustable support in an extended position. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C  are top perspective views of an extendable support in a retracted position, extended position and removed position, respectively. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C  are bottom perspective views of an extendable support in a retracted position, extended position and removed position, respectively. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing an alternate embodiment with a tubular construction and sleeve. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    Preferred embodiments of bike  1  of the current invention are now described with reference to the figures. The same or similar components may bear the same reference numerals in different figures. 
         [0033]    As shown in the figures, bike  1  may include frame  10 . In a preferred embodiment, frame  10  has an open geometry that allows the rider to adopt different riding positions, such as alternating sitting and standing positions, without hitting his or her knees and elbows. It is also preferred that frame  10  have sufficient rigidity and strength to allow the rider, including larger and/or taller riders, to vigorously ride bike  1  in a safe manner. 
         [0034]    Frame  10  may include base or ground support  220 , which may in turn include central ground support  230 , front ground support  250  and rear ground support  270 . As shown, central ground support  230  may join front and rear ground supports  250 ,  270  to form a base that provides stability for bike  1  as it is ridden as discussed in more detail below. 
         [0035]    Ground support  220  may generally support the rest of frame  10 . To this end, down tube  13  and forks  15  may be connected to ground support  220 . Down tube  13  may support seat tube  14 , which may in turn support seat assembly  14 A which may include components to provide vertical and fore and aft adjustment of seat  14 B. 
         [0036]    Forks  15  may engage down tube  13  near the head of bike  1 . Upstanding post or head tube  16  may extend upward and support handlebars  30 . Handlebars  30  may be adjustable in the vertical and fore and aft directions. 
         [0037]    Pedal assembly  50  may be supported by down tube  13  or some other component of frame  10 . Pedal assembly  50  may include pedals  51  that may include toe clips and/or cleats. Pedal assembly  50  may also include a cog or chain wheel (not shown) and cranks  51 A connecting pedals  51  to the chain wheel. Flywheel  35  may be located between forks  15  and may be held in place by flanges  15 A extending from forks  15  or by some other component of frame  10 . A chain, belt or other suitable device may connect pedal assembly  50  and flywheel  35  to form a direct drive or fixed gear device. The chain, belt or other device connecting pedal assembly  50  and flywheel  35  may be protected by drive guard  26 . This helps protect the rider from moving parts. 
         [0038]    Bike  1  may also include resistance adjustor  40  which may adjust the force required for the rider to pedal. The resistance may be effected by brake pad  37  which is connected to frame  10  by rod  36  and which may rub on flywheel  35  with varying amounts of pressure depending on the amount of resistance selected by the rider. Bike  1  may also include other means to vary resistance such as magnetic resistance and other devices. 
         [0039]    It should be noted that different configurations of frames are within the scope of the invention, and the foregoing is only one example. To this end, the frames and other disclosure of U.S. Pat. Nos. D709,567 and D677,747 are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
         [0040]    Adjustable ground support  220  is now further described with reference to  FIGS. 2, 3, 4A and 4B . As noted above, ground support  220  generally provides stability for bike  1  as it is ridden. Ground support  220  may include central ground support  230  that may run longitudinally or along the direction of the length of bike  1 . Central ground support  230  may extend from the bottom of down tube  13  to forks  15 . Support  230  may end at these frame elements or may extend beyond them. Central ground support  230  may join front and rear ground supports  250 ,  270 . 
         [0041]    Each of front and rear grounds supports  250 ,  270  may include lateral bars  252 ,  272  extending perpendicular to central ground support  230  thereby providing lateral support and stability. It is preferred that front and rear lateral bars  252 ,  272  have sufficient width to provide stability during a vigorous ride of bike  1 . 
         [0042]    Lateral bars  252 ,  272  may include adjustable pads or feet  254 ,  274  at or near their ends. Feet  254 ,  274  are preferably adjustable in the vertical direction so that bike  1  may rest solidly on a floor or other surface. This vertical adjustment may occur by screwing or rotating the feet which may cause them to raise or lower along threads. However, other suitable adjustment means may be used. Front later bar  252  may also include transport wheels  256  that may allow bike  1  to be wheeled around to relocate it. 
         [0043]    An embodiment showing how ground support  220  may be adjusted is now further described with reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B . Generally,  FIG. 4A  shows ground support  220  in a retracted position while  FIG. 4B  shows ground support in an extended position. The retracted position may be suitable when bike  1  is ridden by many riders such as small or average sized riders. That is, the footprint of ground support  220  may be sufficient to keep bike  1  stable when it is ridden by other than significantly heavy or tall riders. In this situation, the length of central ground support  230  and the width of front and rear supports  350 ,  270  provide enough longitudinal and lateral stability. 
         [0044]    The retracted position may also be used when bike  1  is not in use, or when it is being transported. To this end, it may be easier to tilt bike  1  (for wheels  256  engage the floor) when ground support  220  is in a retracted position. The retracted position also preferably renders the overall size of bike  1  small enough to fit within reasonably sized boxes and standard containers for shipping purposes. In this manner, an increased number of bikes  1  may be packed for shipping in a shipping container. 
         [0045]    In  FIG. 4B , rear ground support  270  has been extended to provide increased stability for large and/or tall riders. As shown, rear ground support  270  may include longitudinal bar  280  that is connected to lateral bar  272  and that also engages central ground support  230 . Longitudinal bar  280  may engage central ground support  230  and move relative thereto to allow adjustment. 
         [0046]    The engagement between central ground support  230  and rear ground support  270  is best shown in  FIGS. 5A-C  and  6 A-C which are two series of top and bottom perspective views of rear support  270  in various positions relative to central ground support  230 . As shown, longitudinal member  280  and central ground support  230  may comprise C-shaped channels  282 ,  232 . In a preferred embodiment, C-shaped channels  282 ,  232  may be pointed downward, i.e., their open portion may face the ground. The C-shaped  282  channel of rear support member  270  may be dimensioned to fit within the C-shaped channel  232  of central ground support  230  and slide therein so that it may be extended and retracted. 
         [0047]    More specifically, C-shaped channel  282  may be formed by top  282 A and sidewalls  282 B,  282 C. Similarly, C-shaped channel  232  may be formed by top  232 A and sidewalls  232 B,  232 C. To facilitate rear support member  270  sliding along central ground support  230 , the outer dimensions of top and sides  282 A,  282 B,  282 C may be smaller than the corresponding tops and sides  232 A,  232 B,  232 C of central ground support. In this manner, longitudinal support member  280  may easily move along central ground support  230 . However, it is preferred that the corresponding dimensions of C-channels  232 ,  282  are not so different that longitudinal member  280  has significant play within central ground support  230 . 
         [0048]    To facilitate the movement of member  280  relative to member  230 , the exterior surface of C-channel  282  may be coated with a low frictional material as may the interior surface of C-channel  232 . Materials such as Teflon may be used. In this manner, it is preferred that grease or other lubricants need not be applied between the engagement surfaces of C-channels  232 ,  282 . This avoids the rider from becoming dirty or otherwise creating slippery exposed surfaces, e.g., when rear support member  270  is extended from central ground support  230  thereby exposing C-channel  282 . 
         [0049]    The manner in which rear ground support may be adjusted relative to central ground support  230  is now further described. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 5A-C  and  6 A-C, longitudinal member  280  may include one or more retractable knobs  284  that may engage holes  234  in central ground support  230 . Support  230  may have a number of holes  234  to accommodate knobs  284  at different positions as shown in  FIGS. 5A-B  and  6 A-B. 
         [0050]    In order to move rear ground support relative to central ground support, the rider may depress knob(s)  284  and either move rear support  270  to the front or rear until knob(s)  284  are positioned to engage other hole(s)  234 . When rear support  270  has been moved a sufficient distance relative to support  230 , knob(s)  284  may engage a new hole or holes to secure rear ground support  270  in an adjusted position relative to central ground support  230 . To this end, knobs  284  may be spring loaded such that they extend laterally upon encountering a hole  234 . 
         [0051]    In order to keep longitudinal member  280  within central ground support  230 , sidewalls  232 B,  232 C may include inwardly extending lips  232 BB,  232 CC that prevent longitudinal member  280  from disengaging central ground support  230 . But even without lips  232 BB,  232 CC, the weight of bike  1  may preferably keep longitudinal member  280  and central ground support  230  aligned. 
         [0052]    There are other manners in which rear ground support  270  may engage central ground support  230 . For example, pop-pins may be installed on central ground support  230 , wherein the pin may extend inward to engage holes (not shown) in longitudinal member  280  (where, for example, knobs  284  were located in the above-described embodiment). 
         [0053]    As another alternative, central ground support may include a quick release mechanism that includes a pin extending inward from support  230  to engage either of sidewalls  282 B,  282 C by a friction fit. An advantage of this embodiment is that the adjustment is infinite in that it is not limited to the locations of holes in either central ground support  230  and/or rear support member  270 . 
         [0054]    In an alternative embodiment, front ground support  250  may comprise a longitudinal member that may be similar to rear longitudinal member  280  and that may slide within the front portion of central ground support  230 . In this manner, increased stability may be provided from the front end of bike  1 . 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , an alternate embodiment is now described. The reference numerals in  FIG. 7  are similar to those used for the components in earlier figures but with a leading “1” thereby making the reference numerals in the 1000s. A primary feature of the embodiment of  FIG. 7  is that the components of the adjustable ground support  1220  are configured as tube-in-tube as opposed to C-channels. The cross-section of the tubular members may vary, but the scope of the invention includes square, rectangular, other polygonal and circular cross-sections. This configuration preferably provides increased stability and facilitates adjustment. 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , central ground support  1230  may comprise an enclosed tube that forms a receptacle  1232  for rear ground support  1270 , and more particularly for longitudinal bar  1280 . Longitudinal bar  1280  may also comprise a closed tube cross-section that is sized to fit within central ground support  1230 . Longitudinal bar  1280  may comprise top surface  1282 A, along with sidewalls  1282 B,  1282 C, as well as a bottom wall to complete the tubular structure. In this configuration, bar  1280  may be adjusted with respect to support  1230  to provide the stability described above. The manner in which longitudinal bar  1280  may slide within central ground support  1230  may be similar to the manner in which the seat and handlebars may slide within their respective frame members to effect adjustment. 
         [0057]    Central ground support  1230  may also include sleeve  1230 A that may comprise plastic or other suitable material. Sleeve  1230 A may serve as a material between ground support  1230  and rear ground support  1270  (and more particularly longitudinal bar  1280 ) which facilitates adjustment. To this end, sleeve  1230 A may provide a less frictional surface on which to move bar  1280  relative to support  1230  than would exist between two metal surfaces. 
         [0058]    As with the earlier embodiments, the adjustability provided by the embodiment in  FIG. 7  may also be accomplished with an adjustment in the front of the bike or other exercise device. That is, central ground support  1230  may include a tubular receptacle at its front end to receive a front ground support that may be slid in and out of central ground support  1230 . In this embodiment, a sleeve may also be used to facilitate adjustment. 
         [0059]    Although certain presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that variations and modifications of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.