Abstract:
An exercise bicycle has a frame with longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions substantially orthogonal to one another. A crank, characterized by a crank axis and corresponding axial and radial directions, connects to a rotational resistance mechanism. The frame is configured to selectively support a user in either a first, classical, position and a second, semi-recumbent, position.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of United States Provisional Patent Application, Serial No. 60/181,398, filed on Feb. 9, 2000 and directed to a Multi-Position Exercise Bike. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    1. The Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    This invention relates to exercise equipment and, more particularly, to novel systems and methods for configuring an exercise bicycle.  
           [0004]    2. The Background  
           [0005]    In an effort to generally improve one&#39;s health, many people regularly exercise. Some may be motivated by a desire to lose excess weight, while others may be motivated to exercise so that they feel invigorated and have the energy they need to better perform daily activities. Still, others may exercise to combat the effects of a physical ailments such as heart disease, injury, or diabetes.  
           [0006]    Many methods of exercising exist. Fitness centers have been developed to provide a location where paying members may use a variety of exercise equipment and participate in aerobic classes. These fitness centers, however, are typically expensive and involve travel time. As appreciated by those who exercise, it is possible to walk, run, cycle, or the like outdoors. However, outdoor activities are often limited by the weather. In many locations, winter conditions make outdoor exercise unpleasant. Furthermore, outdoor exercise can prove to be a safety hazard for persons exercising alone.  
           [0007]    Indoor exercise bicycles have proven to be an effective and popular choice of exercise equipment. An exercise bicycle allows a user to exercise in the privacy of his/her home or apartment. A user, therefore, is no longer limited by the weather or the time of day.  
           [0008]    The exercise bicycle can provide exercise throughout a range of difficulty by varying the crank rotational resistance. Exercise bicycles are simple to operate and provide low impact exercise. The crank of an exercise bicycle cycles the legs of a user through a large range of motion. The low impact exercise and large range of motion combine to make exercise bicycles a popular choice for lower body rehabilitation.  
           [0009]    Current exercise bicycles can be classified into three categories; (1) common bicycle held stationary while applying resistance to the rear wheel, (2) sitting exercise bicycles, and (3) semi-recumbent exercise bicycles. Units of the bicycle type are typically used by persons who want to simulate outdoor cycling for training purposes. With this form of exercise bicycle, the weight of a user may be supported by both a handlebar and a seat. The sitting type refers to exercise bicycles where the user&#39;s weight is substantially supported by a seat and the crank and pedals are positioned below and shortly forward of the user. The semi-recumbent type refers to exercise bicycles where the user&#39;s weight is substantially supported by a seat and possibly a seat back. The crank and pedals are positioned substantially forward of the user on a substantially equal level with the seat.  
           [0010]    Each type of exercise bicycle exercises somewhat different muscle groups. The different configurations of exercise bicycles also provide differing levels of comfort for each users. For example, the classical position of a machine of the bicycle type provides the realistic body position and motion that are essential for accurate simulation of outdoor cycling. The classical position, however, may require a significant portion of the user&#39;s weight to be supported by the arms and upper body of the user. Such a position may be uncomfortable for an elderly user.  
           [0011]    It would be an advancement in the field to provide an exercise bicycle on which a user is able to accurately simulate the classical cycling position, while also allowing for an alternate semi-recumbent position. Such a bicycle would increase the range of users of differing abilities that may efficiently exercise with a single bicycle. Additionally, such a bicycle would provide a variety of workouts for a user, thus, promoting interest and provide a method for exercising different muscle groups.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an exercise bicycle that provides both a classical and a semi-recumbent exercise position.  
           [0013]    It is an object of the invention to provide an exercise bicycle which provides an accurate classical position for simulation of outdoor cycling.  
           [0014]    It is an object of the invention to provide an exercise bicycle that may shift from the classical position to the semi-recumbent position with minimal user adjustment.  
           [0015]    It is an object of the invention to provide an exercise bicycle that may be fully adjustable in order to accommodate the stature of a variety of users.  
           [0016]    Consistent with the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a method and apparatus of the present invention are disclosed. In one presently preferred embodiment, the exercise bicycle may be configured to have a frame. The frame may be configured to have a crossbar connecting a plurality of legs and stabilizers. The legs may be configured to support the crossbar away from a supporting surface. The stabilizers may be configured to maintain the exercise bicycle in a proper vertical orientation.  
           [0017]    In one presently preferred embodiment, a handlebar post may be configured to operably secured to the crossbar. The handlebar post may be configured to pivot with respect to the crossbar by means of a bearing. A base for the handlebar post may be configured to house the bearing. An extension may be configured to slide in and out of the base to provide lengthening and shortening of the handlebar post. A lock may be provided to maintain the extension at a desired location with respect to the base.  
           [0018]    A stem may be configured to secure to the distal end of the extension. The stem secures a handlebar to the handlebar post. The handlebar provides a location for the user to stabilize and support himself/herself. Additionally, the handlebar provides a location for controls and readouts that may be accessible to a user while operating the exercise bicycle. Pivoting the handlebar post allows access to the controls while the user is in either a classical position or a semi-recumbent position.  
           [0019]    Similar to the handlebar post, a seat post may be configured to operably secure to the crossbar. The seat post may also have a base with a bearing and an extension for providing length adjustment. The seat post may be further configured to have an adaptor secured at a distal end. The adaptor may provide a location for securing a seat.  
           [0020]    A bar may pivotably connect to the handlebar post and the seat post. The bar allows the handlebar post and the seat post to move in unison from the classical position to the semi-recumbent position. The bar may be thought of as a drag link to synchronize motion.  
           [0021]    The classical position may be defined as the typical position of a user on a conventional bicycle. In such a position, the seat is located above and slightly behind the crank. The balls of the user&#39;s feet are substantially in contact the pedals of the crank. The legs of the user extended primarily downward are slightly bent at the knee when the pedal passes through the lowest region of the pedal stroke. In the classical position, a significant portion of the user&#39;s weight may be supported by the user&#39;s arms, which transfer the load to the handlebar.  
           [0022]    The semi-recumbent position may be defined as a sitting position with the legs of the user extending primarily forward. The crank is located in front of the seat and approximately the same level as the seat. The balls of the user&#39;s feet are substantially in contact the pedals of the crank. The legs of the user are preferably slightly bent at the knee when the pedal passes through the most forward region of the pedal stoke. Substantially all of the weight of a user is supported by the seat. A seat back provides support in a horizontal direction.  
           [0023]    A post lock may attach near the pivot of the handlebar post, the seat post, or both. In one presently preferred embodiment, the post lock may attach to the seat post and maintain it in a classical bicycling position. When the seat post is locked in the classical position, the bar connecting the seat post to the handlebar post secures the handlebar post in a substantially vertical position. In bicycles, substantially vertical orientations are almost never exactly vertical as geometries are selected for system strength and user comfort. When the post lock is released, the seat post and handlebar post recline to new positions provides a semi-recumbent position for the user.  
           [0024]    In one presently preferred embodiment, in the semi-recumbent position, the bicycling seat may be removed and replaced with a chair-like seat. The chair may be configured with a bottom for supporting the weight of a user and a back for providing longitudinal positioning and support. The chair seat may further be configured to have stabilizing handlebars to aid the user in maintaining a proper balance. Additionally, the chair seat may be adjusted to tilt forward or backward to provide a variety of seating positions.  
           [0025]    In an alternate embodiment, the seat post may be easily removed from the frame. The extension of the seat post may be removed from the base, which may be rigidly secured to the crossbar of the frame. The bar may easily release the front the handlebar post. With the seat post and bar removed, the handlebar post may pivot to provide a user in the semi-recumbent position comfortable access to the handlebar. The chair-like seat of the semi-recumbent position may be permanently secured to the frame or may be removable. The chair seat may also provide longitudinal adjustment to accommodate different users.  
           [0026]    The resistance for the exercise bicycle may be provided by a resistance mechanism attached to the crank. The crank may be any suitable pedal crank, such as those found on typical bicycles. The resistance mechanism may be any mechanism that provides rotational resistance. The crank may be connected to the resistance mechanism by a belt, a chain, or any other suitable transfer device. In certain embodiments, the crank and resistance mechanism may be incorporated into a single unit. In such a mechanism, the resistance may be applied directly to the sprocket of the crank, thus, eliminating the need for a belt.  
           [0027]    The pedals of the crank may be designed to promote efficient use. In one presently preferred embodiment, the pedals are standard flat bicycle pedals. In an alternative embodiment, the pedals may be a specialized clipless type to promote more efficient rotation of the crank.  
           [0028]    An exercise bicycle in accordance with the present invention may have a shroud. The shroud may surround the crank, resistance mechanism, and frame cross-bar. The shroud design may provide styling for aesthetic appeal, while protecting the user from injury associated with the rotational units contained therein. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0029]    The foregoing and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise bicycle in accordance with the invention, arranged in the classical position;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an exercise bike in accordance with the present invention, arranged in the classical position;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a post lock for maintaining the seat and handlebar posts in the classical position;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an exercise bicycle in accordance with the present invention, arranged in a semi-recumbent position;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of one alternative embodiment of an exercise bicycle in accordance with the present invention in the classical position;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of an exercise bicycle in accordance with the present invention in a semi-recumbent position;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of one embodiment or crank and resistance mechanism;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a crank and resistance mechanism;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of one presently preferred embodiment of an exercise bicycle in accordance with the present invention, arranged in the classical position; and  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of one presently preferred embodiment of an exercise bicycle in the semi-recumbent position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0040]    It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of selected embodiments of a system and method in accordance with the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through 10, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of certain presently preferred embodiments for implementing the invention. The presently preferred embodiments will be best understood by reference to the Figures, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.  
         [0041]    Referring to FIGS.  1 - 2 , an exercise bicycle  10  may be configured to have a frame  12 . The frame  12  may have longitudinal  11   c , lateral  11   b , and transverse  11   c  directions, substantially orthogonal to one another. The frame  12  provides the necessary strength, support, and stability needed for effective operation of the exercise bicycle  10 . The frame  12  may be constructed of metal, a metal alloy, plastic, a polymer, a reinforced polymer, a composite, or any other material with sufficient strength, durability, and rigidity.  
         [0042]    A crank  14  may rotatably attach to the frame  12 . The crank  14  may be characterized by a crank axis  15  and a radial direction  17 , the crank  14  being connected to the frame  12  to rotate about the crank axis  15 . The crank  14  provides a location for a user to provide force over a range of motion, thus, providing exercise. The crank  14  may be operably connected to a resistance mechanism  16 . The resistance mechanism  16  may be a circumferential friction belt, an electromagnetic flywheel, a disk brake, a fluid dash pot, an air fan, or any other suitable rotational resistor. With suitable transfer mechanisms, the rotary motion may be converted to a reciprocating motion.  
         [0043]    The frame  12  of the exercise bicycle  10  may be configured to have a longitudinally  11   a  extending cross-bar  18  extending in a longitudinal direction. The cross-bar  18  may be configured to provide a “backbone” for the exercise bicycle  10 . Legs  20  may be secured to the cross-bar  18  to provide transverse  11   c  spacing of the cross-bar  18  from a supporting surface (e.g. floor). The legs  20  may be configured to have stabilizers  22  to provide a secure and stable platform from which the exercise bicycle  10  may be operated. The members  18 ,  20 , and  22  of the frame  12  may be configured to have any convenient cross section, providing strength, rigidity, durability and other physical parameters.  
         [0044]    A handlebar post  24  may be configured to extend substantially transversely  11   c  from the crossbar  40 . The handlebar post of FIG. 1 is illustrated as a round tube. In reality, the handlebar post  24  may have any convenient cross section (e.g. square, rectangular, oval, etc.).  
         [0045]    The handlebar post  24  may secure to the crossbar  18 . In certain embodiments, the handlebar post  24  may be pivotably connected to the crossbar  18  in order to rotate between a classical position and a semi-recumbent position. In one presently preferred embodiment, the handlebar post  24  attaches to the crossbar  18  through a bearing  26 . The bearing  26  provides smooth rotation of the handlebar post  24  with respect to the crossbar  18  with minimum wear.  
         [0046]    The handlebar post  24  may be configured to provide for adjustments in length. Such adjustment may allow the exercise bicycle to conform to a variety of users. In one presently preferred embodiment, the handlebar post  24  may have a base  28 , an extension  30 , and a stem  32 . The base  28  may be configured to provide a housing for the bearing  26 . The extension  30  may slide in and out of the base  28  to provide lengthening or shortening of the handlebar post  24 . The extension  30  may be secured in relation to the base by a frictional, or other type of clamp. Alternatively, a member loaded in shear, such as a pin, may extend laterally through the base  28  and extension  30 , or another simple locking device may be used.  
         [0047]    The stem  32  may secure to the extension  30 . Bicycle stems may serve well for the intended purposes of the present invention. The stem  32  provides a location for securing a handlebar  34 . The handlebar  34  provides a structure for supporting the arms and upper body of a user while operating the exercise bicycle  10 .  
         [0048]    Many different handlebars and handlebar accessories may be implemented. These handlebars may include mountain bicycle handlebars, mountain bicycle handlebars with bar ends, drop handlebars, aerodynamic handlebars, touring handlebars, and the like. The handlebar  34  of the present invention may be configured to integrate any handlebar style that may be employed on conventional bicycles. The handlebar  34  may be configured to contain a console  36  or panel  36  presenting switches, dials, indicators, displays, controls and the like. The console  36  may be operably connected to the resistance mechanism  16  for adjusting the rotational resistance thereof. The console  36  may have a computation device for calculating calories consumed, equivalent miles traveled, resistance level, time of exercise, heart rate, or other desirable information.  
         [0049]    If desired, the stem  32  and handlebar  34  may be configured in a manner not typical of current bicycle components. Different configurations may be used to provide additional comfort and utility for users with special physical needs and requirements.  
         [0050]    A seat post  40  may be configured to extend from the crossbar  18  at an angle  41  with respect to the transverse axis  11   c.  The angle  41  may correspond to the angle of the down-tube of typical bicycles with respect to the vertical axis. Similar to the handlebar post  24 , the seat post  40  may have any suitable cross section for structure and convenience.  
         [0051]    The seat post  40  may secure to the crossbar  18 . In certain embodiments, the seat post  40  may be pivotably connected to the crossbar  18  in order to rotate between a classical position and a semi-recumbent position. In one presently preferred embodiment, the seat post  40  attaches to the crossbar  18  by a bearing  42 . The bearing  42  provides smooth rotation of the seat post  40  with respect to the crossbar  18  while minimizing wear.  
         [0052]    The seat post  40  may be adjustable in length. Such adjustment may allow the exercise bicycle to conform to a variety of users. In one presently preferred embodiment, the seat post  40  may have a base  44 , an extension  46 , and an adapter  48 . The base  44  may be configured to provide a housing for the bearing  42 . The extension  46  may telescope in and out of the base  44  to provide lengthening or shortening of the seat post  40 . The extension  46  may be secured to the base  44  as discussed hereinabove.  
         [0053]    The adaptor  48  may be secured to one end of the extension  46 . The adaptor  48  may be configured to receive and secure a seat stem  50 . The seat stem  50  in turn, provides a location for securing a bicycle seat  52 . The seat stem  50  and bicycle seat  52  may be selected from any one of a number of bicycle seat stems and seats currently known. As discussed hereinbove, alternate configurations may be used to provide more comfort and utility for users with special physical needs, requirements, or desires.  
         [0054]    In certain embodiments, a bar  54  may be configured to connect the handlebar post  24  to the seat post  40 . In one presently preferred embodiment, the bar  54  is a two force member attaching to the handlebar post  24  at a pivot  56  and attaching to the seat post  40  at a pivot  58 .  
         [0055]    The handlebar post  24 , the seat post  40 , or both may be maintained in the classical position by a post lock  60 . In one presently preferred embodiment, the post lock is secured to the base  44  of the seat post  40 . The bar  54  may connect to the seat post  40  to rigidly maintain the handlebar post  24  in the proper position with respect to the seat post  40 .  
         [0056]    Referring to FIG. 3, the post lock  60  may have any configuration that allows for a rigid securement of the post  24 ,  40  in the classical position. In one presently preferred embodiment, the lock may have two outer flanges  62  attached to the base  44 . A corresponding inner flange  64  may attach to the crossbar  18 . An aperture (not shown) in the outer flanges  62  may admit a pin  66 . The pin  66  may have a knob  67  secured to one end.  
         [0057]    When the knob  67  is pulled, a spring  68  may compress and the pin  66  retract from the aperture in the outer flange  62   a.  With the pin  66  retracted, the base  44  may pivot to the classical position. The knob  67  may then be released and the pin  66  may pass through the aperture  69  in the inner flange  64  and the aperture in the outer flange  62   b,  thus locking the base  44  in position with respect to the crossbar  18 . The lock may be released by retracting the pin  66  and pivoting the base  44 . The post lock  60  may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics.  
         [0058]    Referring to FIG. 4, when the post lock  60  is released, the seat post  40  and the handlebar post  24  recline to the semi-recumbent position as illustrated. The seat  52  and stem  50  may be removed from the adapter  48 . A chair-like seat  70  with a stem  71  may then be secured to the adapter  48 . In one presently preferred embodiment, the chair  70  may be configured with a seat  72  for supporting the weight of a user and a back  74  for providing longitudinal  11   a  support. The chair  70  may have stabilizing handlebars  76  for aiding a user in balancing himself/herself. Additionally, the stem  71 , seat  72 , and back  74  may tilt forward or backward about a lateral axis  11   b  to provide a variety of seating positions.  
         [0059]    In certain embodiments, as discussed hereinabove, the seat post  40  may be lengthened or shortened by the extension  46  telescoping in and out of the base  44 . With the chair seat  70  installed, the seat post  40  may still be adjusted in a similar manner, thus, accommodating differently sized users.  
         [0060]    Referring to FIGS.  5 - 6 , the seat post  40  need not pivot to accomplish the objectives of the invention. In an alternative embodiment, the base  44  may rigidly secure to the crossbar  18 . The extension  46  may be removed from the base  44 , and the bar  54  may detach at the pivot  56 . With the seat post  40  and bar  54  removed, the handlebar post  24  may pivot to provide the user with access to controls  36  and readouts  36  while operating the bicycle from the semi-recumbent position. A stop  3   8  may support the handlebar post  24  in the semi-recumbent position. If desired, the handlebar post  24 , may lock in the semi-recumbent position.  
         [0061]    In the alternate embodiment, the chair  70  may be configured with a base  77 . The base  77  may comprise a longitudinally extending member  77   a  and a transversely extending member  77   b.  The longitudinally extending member  77   a  may provide longitudinal adjustment of the chair  70 , while the transversely extending member  77   b  may provide transverse adjustment of the chair  70 . The chair  70  may be configured to be removed from the frame  12 . In an alternative embodiment, however, the chair  70  may be permanently secured to the frame  12 .  
         [0062]    Referring to FIGS.  7 - 8 , the crank  14  may have an axle  78 , a sprocket  80 , crank arms  82 , and pedals  84 . In one presently preferred embodiment, the crossbar  18  may accommodate a typical bicycle crank axle  78 . The crank arms  82  and pedals  84  may also be typical bicycle components. If desired, the pedals  84  may be clipless. Clipless pedals  84  allow a user to pull as well as push on a pedal  84 , thus, allowing more muscles and muscle groups to be exercised.  
         [0063]    The crank  14  may be configured to transfer rotation to the resistance mechanism  16  by a belt  86 . The resistance mechanism  16  resists rotation of the belt  86 , which resists rotation of the crank  14  and subsequently increases the load that must applied by the user to rotate the crank  14 . The resistance mechanism  16  may include a sprocket  88  to engage the belt  86 . A support structure  90  may secure the resistance mechanism  16  to the crossbar  18 .  
         [0064]    The sprockets  80 ,  88  may be configured in any manner suitable to transfer rotation therebetween. The sprockets  80 ,  88  may be replaced by gears that positively engage one another. In such an embodiment, the belt  86  may be eliminated. The sprockets  80 ,  88  may also engage a chain  86 .  
         [0065]    The resistance mechanism  16  may be any one of a variety of mechanisms. In certain embodiments the crank  14  and the resistance mechanism  16  may be incorporated into a single unit. In such an embodiment, the resistance mechanism  16  may apply a force to the sprocket  80  to resist rotation. The actuation of the resistive force may be applied axially by a caliper (similar to a disk brake) or circumferentially (similar to a drum brake).  
         [0066]    Referring to FIGS.  9 - 10 , an exercise bicycle  10  in accordance with the present invention may have post covers  92  and a shroud  94 . The covers  92  and shroud  94  may be designed to provide aesthetic appeal as well as protect the user from the rotating crank  14  and resistance mechanism  16 . Additionally, the shroud  96  may have an aperture  96  to allow a user access to the knob  67  of the post lock  60 . The aperture  96  may have an arced configuration to allow for the motion of the knob  67  as the seat post  40  reclines.  
         [0067]    From the above discussion, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides an exercise bicycle having both a classical and a semi-recumbent exercise positions. The exercise bicycle may be configured with typical bicycle components to provide an accurate classical position for simulation of outdoor cycling. Furthermore, the present invention provides an exercise bicycle that may shift from the classical position to the semi-recumbent with minimal user adjustment. Moreover, the invention to provides an exercise bicycle that may be fully adjustable in order to accommodate the stature of a variety of users.  
         [0068]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.