Patent Description:
Aspects of the present disclosure involve a cycling training apparatus, and, in particular, a climbing trainer for dynamically adjusting inclination of a bicycle connected to the trainer. The present invention relates to a climbing trainer.

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.

<CIT> describes a device for improving the performance and experience of an individual training using their own bicycle. <CIT> describes systems and methods for a hill training apparatus for a bicycle rider. <CIT> describes a stationary exercise bicycle including an actuator configured to pivot the bicycle's frame relative to its base. <CIT> describes a bicycle type simulator. <CIT> describes a machine for simulating mountain biking, rafting, or other sports from home or at a gym.

The invention is a climbing trainer as defined by claim <NUM>.

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.

An embodiment of 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.

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.

<FIG> are schematic illustrations of a bicycle training system <NUM> intended to illustrate operation of a climbing trainer <NUM> in accordance with this disclosure. In addition to the climbing trainer <NUM>, the bicycle training system <NUM> includes a bicycle <NUM> and a bicycle trainer <NUM>. Prior to use, a rider couples the bicycle <NUM> to each of the bicycle trainer <NUM> and the climbing trainer <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the bicycle trainer <NUM> may be a conventional wheel-on bicycle trainer in which a rear wheel <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> engages a roller <NUM> of the bicycle trainer <NUM>. In such conventional wheel-on bicycle trainers, the bicycle trainer <NUM> may include a clamp or similar retention feature adapted to retain the rear wheel <NUM> while still permitting rotation of the rear wheel <NUM>. In other applications, mounting of the bicycle <NUM> to the bicycle trainer <NUM> may require removal of the rear wheel <NUM> and direct mounting of a rear drop out of the bicycle <NUM> to an axle or mount of the bicycle trainer <NUM>. In still other applications, the bicycle trainer <NUM> may instead be replaced with cycling rollers on which the rear wheel <NUM> may rest.

The bicycle <NUM> is further coupled to the climbing trainer <NUM>. The climbing trainer <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> and a curved base <NUM>. Disposed within the housing <NUM> is a shuttle <NUM> that linearly translates within the housing <NUM>. In certain implementations, the shuttle <NUM> includes an axle assembly <NUM> to which front drop outs <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> may be coupled after removal of a front wheel of the bicycle <NUM>. In other implementations, the shuttle <NUM> 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 <NUM> linearly translates within the housing <NUM>, thereby causing changes to the elevation of a front end of the bicycle <NUM> and the overall inclination of the bicycle <NUM>. For example, <FIG> illustrates use of the bicycle training system <NUM> with the bicycle <NUM> in a substantially level orientation. In contrast, <FIG> illustrates the bicycle training system <NUM> with the bicycle <NUM> in an inclined orientation. To transition between the orientation illustrated in <FIG> and that in <FIG>, the shuttle <NUM> is linearly translated within the housing <NUM> (as indicated in <FIG> by a first arrow <NUM>). As the shuttle translates, the front end of the bicycle <NUM> is pushed in a primarily upward direction, causing the bicycle <NUM> to rotate about a rear axle <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> (as indicated in <FIG> by a second arrow <NUM>). In applications in which rear drop outs of the bicycle <NUM> are directly mounted to the bicycle trainer <NUM>, rotation of the bicycle <NUM> generally occurs about an axle of the bicycle trainer <NUM> to which the rear drop outs are coupled.

The climbing trainer <NUM> also rocks or tilts on its curved base <NUM> in response to rotation of the bicycle <NUM> about the rear axle <NUM> (as indicated in <FIG> by a third arrow, <NUM>). Rocking of the climbing trainer <NUM> is necessary to account for horizontal displacement of the front drop outs <NUM> during movement of the front end of the bicycle <NUM>. More specifically, because the distance between the rear wheel <NUM> and the front dropouts <NUM> is fixed, rotation of the bicycle <NUM> about the rear wheel <NUM>, as results from movement of the shuttle <NUM>, causes the front dropouts <NUM> to follow an arcuate path <NUM> (shown in <FIG> originating from a starting point <NUM> corresponding to the initial location of the front drop outs <NUM> shown in <FIG> with both vertical and horizontal components. By including the curved base <NUM>, the climbing trainer <NUM> can rock to accommodate the partially horizontal movement of the front drop outs <NUM>. Doing so reduces stress placed on the climbing trainer <NUM> and facilitates movement of the shuttle <NUM> within the housing <NUM>. To improve stability, the curved base <NUM> may be shaped, in certain implementations, to reflect the path travelled by the shuttle <NUM> when transitioning between the lowest and highest shuttle positions.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of a climbing trainer <NUM> in accordance with the present disclosure. The climbing trainer <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> and a curved base <NUM>. Disposed within the housing <NUM> is a shuttle <NUM>. In certain implementations, the shuttle <NUM> 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 <NUM> is movable along an axis <NUM> defined by the housing <NUM>. As shown, the housing <NUM> defines a first elongate opening <NUM> and a second elongate opening (not shown, but opposite the first elongate opening <NUM>) through which an axle member or similar coupling members of the shuttle <NUM> extend so that a front fork of a bicycle may be coupled to the shuttle <NUM>. The climbing trainer <NUM> further includes a power cable <NUM> that may be used to connect the climbing trainer <NUM> to a wall socket or similar power source. In certain implementations, the housing <NUM> may include a shuttle guide member <NUM> including the shuttle <NUM> and a support member <NUM> extending between a top <NUM> of the climbing trainer <NUM> and the curved base <NUM>. The support member <NUM> 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 <NUM>. The shuttle guide member <NUM> may include slats, such as a first set of slats <NUM> corresponding to the first opening <NUM>, that move with the shuttle <NUM> to close off the elongated openings and therefore prevent ingress into the shuttle guide member <NUM> through the elongated openings.

<FIG> and <FIG> are schematic illustration of the climbing trainer <NUM> of <FIG> with the housing <NUM> substantially removed to show components within the housing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the climbing trainer <NUM> includes a drive assembly <NUM> adapted to move the shuttle <NUM> within the housing <NUM> along the axis <NUM>. Although various drive configurations may be implemented, the example implementation of the climbing trainer <NUM> is a belt drive assembly including a motor assembly <NUM> that includes a motor <NUM> and a gear assembly <NUM> (enclosed within a gear assembly housing <NUM>), a belt <NUM>, and a tensioner pulley <NUM>. During operation, the motor <NUM> is actuated to cause rotation of gears of the gear assembly <NUM> which are in turn coupled to the belt <NUM>. The belt <NUM> is routed around the tensioner pulley <NUM> and coupled to the shuttle <NUM>. In certain implementations, the belt <NUM> includes two separate ends and each end is coupled to a side of the shuttle <NUM>, thereby forming a loop. Alternatively, the belt <NUM> may be continuous and the shuttle <NUM> may be clipped onto or otherwise coupled to the loop. Regardless of the mounting of the shuttle <NUM> to the belt <NUM>, actuation of the motor <NUM> causes rotation of the gears of the gear assembly <NUM> and movement of the belt <NUM>, thereby causing the shuttle <NUM> to move upward or downward along the axis <NUM>. By rotating the motor <NUM> in different directions, the shuttle <NUM> can be made to move in opposite directions along the axis <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> may include rails, grooves, or similar features extending through an interior volume of the housing <NUM> shaped to receive corresponding features of the shuttle <NUM>. Such features may support and guide the shuttle <NUM> within the housing <NUM> along the axis <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may also include hard stops for preventing translation of the shuttle <NUM> beyond predetermined locations within the housing <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the tensioner pulley <NUM> may be mounted to a top plate <NUM> disposed within the housing <NUM> using a pair of adjustment screws <NUM>, <NUM>. Accordingly, tension of the belt <NUM> may be adjusted by loosening or tightening the adjustment screws <NUM>, <NUM>.

In certain implementations, the climbing trainer <NUM> may include a controller <NUM> with which a rider may provide instructions to adjust the position of the shuttle <NUM> and, as a result, the inclination of a bicycle mounted thereto. In certain implementations, the controller <NUM> may be retractably mounted to the housing <NUM> such that a user may pull the controller <NUM> from the housing <NUM> and mount the controller <NUM> to handlebars or other fixtures of the bicycle during use of the climbing trainer <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is just one example of how a rider may control the climbing trainer <NUM>. Additional aspects and approaches to control and operation of the climbing trainer <NUM> are discussed below in more detail in the context of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of the motor assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The motor assembly <NUM> includes the motor <NUM> and the gear assembly <NUM>, which is shown with the gear assembly housing <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) removed. Although various arrangements of gears may be used in embodiments of the present disclosure, the example gear assembly <NUM> of <FIG> includes a worm <NUM> coupled to the motor <NUM> such that the worm <NUM> rotates in response to rotation of the motor <NUM>. The worm <NUM> is mated with a worm gear <NUM> to drive the worm gear <NUM>. The worm gear <NUM> is in turn coupled to a belt pulley <NUM> that is coupled to the belt <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) to cause movement of the belt <NUM> and the shuttle <NUM> in response to rotation of the motor <NUM>.

In certain implementations, the worm gear <NUM> may also be coupled to a sensor assembly <NUM> adapted to provide measurements that may be used to ascertain the position of the shuttle <NUM>. The position of the shuttle <NUM> may then be used to determine the precise location of a bicycle wheel mount coupled to the shuttle <NUM> and the inclination of the bicycle itself. For example, the sensor assembly <NUM> includes a potentiometer <NUM> coupled to a potentiometer gear <NUM> that is in turn mated with an intermediate potentiometer gear <NUM>. Accordingly, as the worm gear <NUM> rotates in response to actuation of the motor <NUM> and causes movement of the shuttle <NUM>, the resistance of the potentiometer <NUM> will vary and, as a result, may be used to determine the position of the shuttle <NUM> within the housing <NUM>.

The potentiometer <NUM> 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 <NUM>. For example, in some implementations, the potentiometer <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be derived. The position of the shuttle <NUM> may also be measured using, among other things, limit switches disposed within the housing <NUM> along the axis <NUM> or accelerometers or similar sensors coupled directly to the shuttle <NUM>. In still other implementations, the inclination of the shuttle <NUM> may be determined by other sensors, such as accelerometers or inclinometers, adapted to measure the orientation of the climbing trainer or bicycle directly.

<FIG> is a partial schematic view of the internal structure of the climbing trainer <NUM> of <FIG> and, more particularly, with the shuttle guide member <NUM> removed. The shuttle guide member <NUM> may include slats inserted into the elongated openings of the housing <NUM> (such as the first elongated opening <NUM> shown in <FIG>) to prevent ingress of dirt, debris, hands, and other similar objects into the shuttle guide member <NUM>. In the implementation illustrated in <FIG>, for example, the shuttle guide member <NUM> contains a first set of slats <NUM> disposed along a first side of the shuttle guide member <NUM> within the first elongated opening <NUM>. A matching second set of slats that functions the same as the first set of slats <NUM> may also be included on the opposite side of the shuttle guide member <NUM> to prevent ingress through a second elongated opening opposite the first elongated opening <NUM>, but is omitted in <FIG> for clarity. The first set of slats <NUM> may include a shuttle slat <NUM> coupled to the shuttle <NUM>. The first set of slats <NUM> may also include a top fixed slat <NUM> and a bottom fixed slat <NUM> and a plurality of layered slats <NUM>-<NUM> disposed between the shuttle slat <NUM> and the top and bottom fixed slats <NUM>, <NUM>. Each of the slats may be retained within a pair of opposing slat rails <NUM>, <NUM> such that the shuttle slat <NUM> and the plurality of layered slats <NUM> are movable within the slat rails <NUM>, <NUM>. During operation and in response to movement of the shuttle <NUM>, the plurality of slats <NUM>-<NUM> translate and "stack" on each other such that they prevent ingress into the shuttle guide member <NUM> through the elongated openings regardless of the position of the shuttle <NUM>. For example, in certain implementations, each of the plurality of slats <NUM>-<NUM> may include a lip, such as a lip <NUM>, 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 <NUM> would cause both the slat and the adjacent slat to translate. In certain implementations, the slats <NUM> may be replaced with other similar structures including, without limitation, flexible covers such as bellows- or accordion-type panels that fold as the shuttle <NUM> translates. The slats <NUM> or similar structures may also be omitted, leaving the elongated openings open. Regardless of whether slats <NUM> or similar features are included, other features, such as wipers or brushes, may also be included on the shuttle <NUM> or within the interior of the shuttle guide member <NUM> to maintain cleanliness within the shuttle guide member <NUM>.

Although the shuttle <NUM> of the climbing trainer <NUM> is illustrated as being disposed and movable within the shuttle guide member <NUM>, 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> is a schematic illustration of the shuttle <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>. As previously discussed, the shuttle <NUM> couples to the belt <NUM> (shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) such that movement of the belt <NUM> causes translation of the shuttle <NUM> within the housing <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The shuttle <NUM> 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 <NUM>. The axle assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>, for example, includes a pair of reversible axle inserts <NUM>, <NUM> that may be inserted into a shuttle bore <NUM> defined by a body <NUM> of the shuttle <NUM>. Each of the axle inserts <NUM>, <NUM> includes an insert body and a pair of axles extending therefrom. Referring to the axle insert <NUM>, for example, the axle insert <NUM> includes an insert body <NUM>, a first axle extension <NUM>, and a second axle extension <NUM>. The insert body <NUM> is adapted to mate with and be retained within the shuttle bore <NUM>. Such retention may be achieved by, among other things, a press fit between the insert body <NUM> and the shuttle bore <NUM>, mating threads of the insert body <NUM> and the shuttle bore <NUM>, mating twist-lock features of the insert body <NUM> and the shuttle bore <NUM>, or any other suitable method of retaining the insert body <NUM> within the shuttle bore <NUM>. The first axle extension <NUM> and the second axle extension <NUM> preferably accommodate two different front wheel mounts. For example, in certain implementations, the first axle extension <NUM> and the second axle extension <NUM> may be sized to accept wheel mounts having two different drop-out sizes or spacings. In other implementations, the first axle extension <NUM> may be shaped to receive through-axle supports while the second axle extension <NUM> may be shaped to receive drop outs. Accordingly, a rider may insert the axle inserts <NUM>, <NUM> 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 <NUM>, <NUM> 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 <NUM>. 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM>. In still other implementations, the axle assembly may be integrated with the shuttle <NUM> such that the shuttle <NUM> 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 <NUM> for a different shuttle having the required axle assembly.

The belt drive illustrated in <FIG> 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 <NUM> within the housing <NUM> may be used in conjunction with or instead of the belt drive of <FIG>. For example, in certain implementations, the belt <NUM> may be replaced by a chain or similar flexible linkage with appropriate modifications to the drive assembly <NUM>. 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 <NUM>. For example, the shuttle <NUM> 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 <NUM>, thereby translating the shuttle <NUM> within the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of a bicycle training system <NUM> including a climbing trainer <NUM> in accordance with the present disclosure. The climbing trainer <NUM> may include various electronic and control components including a control board <NUM> including one or more processors <NUM>, one or more memories <NUM>, and one or more communication modules <NUM>. The control board <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to a motor <NUM> and, more specifically, a motor controller <NUM> adapted to receive control signals and to drive the motor <NUM>. The climbing trainer <NUM> may further include power circuitry <NUM> 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 <NUM>.

During operation, the processor <NUM> retrieves and executes commands stored in the memory <NUM> that cause the processor <NUM> to issue commands to the motor controller <NUM>. Such commands generally cause actuation of the motor <NUM> to cause translation of the shuttle (e.g., the shuttle <NUM> of <FIG>) within the housing of the climbing trainer <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may also execute instructions to store data within the memory <NUM>. Such data may include performance and diagnostic data obtained from other components of the climbing trainer <NUM> or broader bicycle training system <NUM>.

As further illustrated in <FIG>, the climbing trainer <NUM> may further include a controller <NUM> communicatively coupled to the control board <NUM>. The controller <NUM> 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 <NUM> to modify the inclination of a bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer <NUM> and to otherwise operate the climbing trainer <NUM>. In response to such inputs, the processor <NUM> issues instructions to components of the climbing trainer <NUM>, such as the motor controller <NUM>. Controls provided to the user through the controller <NUM> 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 <NUM> upward), lowering the front end of the bicycle (e.g., by moving the shuttle of the climbing trainer <NUM> downward), inputting a specific inclination or grade, turning the climbing trainer <NUM> on or off, resetting the climbing trainer <NUM> 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 <NUM>, and initiating pairing of the climbing trainer <NUM> with one or more other devices.

The controller <NUM> may also include additional components and features. For example, in certain implementations, the controller <NUM> may include a display for presenting data to a user. Such data may include, among other things, current settings for the climbing trainer <NUM> and additional performance or settings data, such as performance or settings data obtained from a trainer <NUM> or a user computing device <NUM>. In certain implementations, the controller <NUM> may be directly wired to the control board <NUM>. Alternatively the controller <NUM> may be adapted to wirelessly communicate with the control board <NUM>, such as through the communications module <NUM>, using one or more wireless protocols, such as, without limitation, ANT, ANT+, Bluetooth®, and Wi-Fi.

The climbing trainer <NUM> may further include at least one sensor <NUM> from which data may be collected to facilitate determining the current inclination of a bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer <NUM>. The current inclination may then be displayed to the user, such as through the controller <NUM>, or may be used as a feedback value for controlling the climbing trainer <NUM>. The inclination of a bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer <NUM> may be determined using a wide range of sensors adapted to measure different operating parameters of the climbing trainer <NUM>. For example, the inclination of a bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer <NUM> 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 <NUM>, 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>, the motor assembly <NUM> includes a potentiometer <NUM> that indicates the amount of rotation of gears within the motor assembly <NUM> and, as a result, may be used to derive the position of the shuttle <NUM>. In similar implementations, the sensor <NUM> 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 <NUM> or one or more gears coupled to the motor <NUM>. As an alternative to measuring the actuation of the motor <NUM>, the position of the shuttle within the climbing trainer <NUM> may be measured directly. For example, the sensor <NUM> may be one of a plurality of mechanical, optical, or magnetic limit switches disposed within the housing of the climbing trainer <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM>, the sensor <NUM> may measure the position or orientation of the climbing trainer <NUM>. As previously discussed, using the climbing trainer <NUM> to change the inclination of a bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer <NUM> causes the climbing trainer <NUM> to rock or tilt. The inclination of the climbing trainer <NUM> may then be used to derive the inclination of a bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer <NUM>. Accordingly, the sensor <NUM> may include, without limitation, an accelerometer, an inclinometer, or any similar sensor for measuring the relative position or orientation of the climbing trainer <NUM>.

As previously noted with respect to communications between the controller <NUM> and the control board <NUM>, the control board <NUM> may include a communications module <NUM>. The communications module <NUM> may facilitate communication between the climbing trainer <NUM> and other devices through wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless communication protocols. Accordingly, the communications module <NUM> 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 <NUM> or other components of the control board <NUM>. The communications module <NUM> may enable communication using wireless communication protocols including, but not limited to ANT, ANT+, Bluetooth®, and Wi-Fi.

As further illustrated in <FIG>, the climbing trainer <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to one or both of a trainer <NUM> and a user computing device <NUM> and, as a result, may be able to exchange data with the trainer <NUM> and the user computing device <NUM>. For example, the trainer <NUM> may be a "smart" bicycle trainer including wireless or other communication capabilities that enable the trainer <NUM> to, among other things, receive and transmit control signals and performance data. The trainer <NUM> may further include mechanisms that permit dynamic adjustment of the resistance provided by the trainer <NUM>. The user computing device <NUM> may be any suitable computing device capable of executing software applications for communicating with the trainer <NUM> and/or the climbing trainer <NUM>. For example, the user computing device <NUM> may be a mobile phone, laptop, or bicycle head unit capable of communicating using a communication protocol common to each of the trainer <NUM> and the climbing trainer <NUM> and on which a training application or similar software may be executed. The climbing trainer <NUM> may communicate directly or indirectly with one or both of the trainer <NUM> and the user computing device <NUM>. For example, in certain implementations, the user computing device <NUM> and the climbing trainer <NUM> may communicate indirectly through the trainer <NUM>.

The user computing device <NUM> may also be communicatively coupled to a network <NUM>, such as the Internet, through which the user computing device <NUM> may access a data source <NUM>. In certain implementations, the user computing device <NUM> may access the data source <NUM> 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 <NUM> may then transmit control signals to the trainer <NUM> and/or the climbing trainer <NUM> accordingly. So, for example, the user computing device <NUM> 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 <NUM> and the climbing trainer <NUM> to simulate riding the route.

In certain implementations, the user computing device <NUM> may also transmit data to the data source <NUM>. For example, a rider may transmit times, statistics, and other performance data collected during a training session for storage in the data source <NUM> and later retrieval and analysis. The rider may also create training sessions and store the parameters for such sessions in the data source <NUM>. 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 <NUM> and the inclination of the climbing trainer <NUM> are periodically sampled. The corresponding data may then be stored in the data source <NUM> 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 <NUM> may perform some or all of the previously discussed functionality of the controller <NUM> and the sensor <NUM> and, as a result, may be used in place of the controller <NUM> and the sensor <NUM>. For example, the user computing device <NUM> may be used to execute an application or similar software that allows a user to provide inputs to the climbing trainer <NUM> and to display data obtained from the climbing trainer <NUM>. Sensors of the user computing device <NUM> may also be used in addition to or instead of the sensor <NUM> of the climbing trainer <NUM>. For example, the user computing device <NUM> 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 <NUM> for use as a feedback value.

Due to variation in bicycle construction and dimensions, control of the climbing trainer <NUM> may depend, at least in part, on dimensions or similar frame parameters of the bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer <NUM>. In certain implementations, such information may be provided or selected by the user. For example, an application executed on the user computing device <NUM> 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 <NUM> may also perform a calibration process. Such a calibration process may include, for example, cycling the climbing trainer <NUM> between its lowest and highest positions and monitoring the orientation of the climbing trainer <NUM> 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 <NUM> may operate in either a manual or automatic mode. While in a manual mode, the climbing trainer <NUM> is controlled in response to input provided by a user, such as by using the controller <NUM> or the user device <NUM>. 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 <NUM> is automatically adjusted over time. In certain implementations, for example, the user may use the controller <NUM> or the user device <NUM> to select a predetermined workout or workout goal such that as the user exercises, the climbing trainer <NUM> may then automatically adjust the position of the climbing trainer <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM>. The user of the climbing trainer <NUM> may, for example, access the data from the data source <NUM> over the Internet <NUM> with the user device <NUM>. The user device <NUM> may then execute or otherwise process the data to control the climbing trainer <NUM>. For example, the data may include settings for the climbing trainer <NUM> or incline, altitude, or similar information that may be translated into settings for the climbing trainer <NUM> by the user device <NUM>. The data may also include or be translatable into settings (e.g., resistance settings) for the trainer <NUM> such that as the climbing trainer <NUM> raises and lowers, the corresponding resistance provided by the trainer <NUM> 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 <NUM> during execution of the routine.

<FIG> illustrates the climbing trainer <NUM> communicatively coupled to each of the user device <NUM> and the trainer <NUM>. However, other communications architectures may also be implemented. In one implementation, the trainer <NUM> may act as an intermediary between the user device <NUM> and the climbing trainer <NUM> such that signals from the user device <NUM> are received by the trainer <NUM> and corresponding control signals for the climbing trainer <NUM> are then sent from the trainer <NUM> to the climbing trainer <NUM>. In another implementation, the user device <NUM> may pair with each of the trainer <NUM> and the climbing trainer <NUM> and may send control signals to each without communication passing directly between the trainer <NUM> and the climbing trainer <NUM>.

The climbing trainer <NUM> may further include a vibration feedback system <NUM> configured to provide feedback during use of the climbing trainer <NUM>. The vibration feedback system <NUM> is generally configured to induce vibrations in a bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer <NUM>. 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>, the vibration feedback system <NUM> may be partially implemented using dedicated hardware components communicatively coupled to the control board <NUM>. Such components may include, for example, a motor or other actuator <NUM> that is fixed to a component of the climbing trainer <NUM> such that actuation of the actuator induces vibrations in the structural element which are then transmitted to the bicycle coupled to the climbing trainer <NUM>. For example and without limitation, the actuator <NUM> may be coupled to the shuttle, the housing, the base, or any other element of the climbing trainer <NUM> that is directly or indirectly coupled to the bicycle.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in hardware-based implementations of the vibration feedback system, the components of the vibration feedback system <NUM> may also be coupled to the power circuitry <NUM> of the climbing trainer <NUM> to receive power for controlling the actuator. The vibration feedback system <NUM> may further include a system control board <NUM> for controlling the actuator <NUM> in response to control signals received from the control board <NUM>. For example, the control board <NUM> 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 <NUM>, is translated by the system control board <NUM> into control signals for controlling the actuator <NUM>.

In other implementations, feedback may be implemented, at least in part, through software control of the motor <NUM>. In such software-based implementations, vibrations may be induced in the bicycle by controlling the motor <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM>. For example, a user may increase, decrease, turn on, or turn off vibration feedback by providing corresponding input through the user device <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, 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 <NUM>. For example, the data received and executed by the user device <NUM> to control the climbing trainer <NUM> for a simulated ride may include both incline and riding surface data. Accordingly, as the user device <NUM> executes the simulated ride, the user device <NUM>, the data may indicate a change in riding surface that is then transmitted by the user device <NUM> to the control board <NUM>. In response, the control board <NUM> 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 <NUM> (in software-based implementations) to change the settings of the vibration feedback system to reflect the new riding surface.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of an alternative bicycle training system <NUM> including a climbing trainer <NUM> in accordance with this disclosure, and which is not part of the invention. In addition to the climbing trainer <NUM>, the bicycle training system <NUM> includes a bicycle <NUM> and a bicycle trainer <NUM>. The bicycle <NUM> is shown coupled to each of the bicycle trainer <NUM> and the climbing trainer <NUM>. Although other arrangements are possible (as previously discussed herein), as shown in <FIG>, the bicycle trainer <NUM> is a conventional wheel-on bicycle trainer in which a rear wheel <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> engages a roller <NUM> of the bicycle trainer <NUM>.

The climbing trainer <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> and a fixed base <NUM>. Disposed within the housing <NUM> is a shuttle <NUM> that linearly translates within the housing <NUM>. The shuttle <NUM> further includes an axle assembly <NUM> to which front drop outs <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> may be coupled after removal of a front wheel of the bicycle <NUM>. In other implementations, the shuttle <NUM> 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 <NUM>, the shuttle <NUM> is translated along an axis (as indicated by arrow <NUM>). As the shuttle <NUM> translates, the bicycle <NUM> inclines or declines accordingly by rotating about the coupling between the bicycle <NUM> and the bicycle trainer <NUM>. 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 <NUM> includes a rotational coupling <NUM> between the housing <NUM> and the fixed base <NUM>. Accordingly, as the shuttle <NUM> is translated to change the inclination of the bicycle <NUM>, the housing <NUM> is permitted to rotate about the rotational coupling <NUM>, compensating for the horizontal component of the coupling between the axle assembly <NUM> and the front drop outs <NUM>.

As previously discussed, implementations of climbing trainers according to the present disclosure may also include a feedback mechanism <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be provided in response to predetermined settings corresponding to different riding surfaces. Alternatively, the vibrations induced by the feedback mechanism <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> is a separate component, the feedback mechanism <NUM> 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 <NUM> of <FIG> includes an ERM <NUM> coupled directly to the shuttle <NUM> to induce vibrations in the shuttle <NUM> that are then transmitted to the bicycle <NUM> due to the coupling of the shuttle <NUM> to the drop outs <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM>.

In other implementations, the feedback mechanism <NUM> may be directly coupled to a structural element of the climbing trainer. For example, <FIG> further indicates an alternative location <NUM> for a feedback mechanism in which the feedback mechanism is coupled directly to the shuttle guide member <NUM>. In still other implementations, the feedback mechanism may be coupled to, among other things, the base <NUM> of the climbing trainer <NUM> or another structural support member of the climbing trainer (such as the support member <NUM> of the climbing trainer <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>).

In certain implementations feedback may instead be provided by inducing vibrations with the drive mechanism <NUM> used to translate the shuttle <NUM>. The drive mechanism <NUM> (which is incorporated into the base <NUM> in the example climbing trainer <NUM>) is adapted to translate the shuttle <NUM> along the shuttle guide member <NUM> to simulate changes in incline. In certain implementations, the drive mechanism <NUM> may be further adapted to rapidly move the shuttle <NUM> back and forth along the shuttle guide member <NUM> to induce vibrations in the front drop out <NUM> 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> is a schematic illustration of another bicycle training system <NUM> in accordance with the present disclosure. The bicycle training system <NUM> 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 <NUM> includes a bicycle, indicated by a frame <NUM>, which is coupled in two locations. First, a rear portion of the frame <NUM> is rotationally coupled to a rear pivot point <NUM>. As previously discussed, the rear pivot point <NUM> may take varying forms. For example, in implementations in a wheel-on type trainer, the rear pivot point <NUM> may generally correspond to the rear axle of the bicycle. In a wheel-off type trainer, the rear pivot point <NUM> 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 <NUM> may correspond to the rear axle of the bicycle.

Second, a front portion of the frame <NUM> is coupled to a movable shuttle <NUM> of a climbing trainer <NUM>. The shuttle <NUM> is supported by and movable relative to a primary member <NUM>. As previously noted, the arrangement of the shuttle <NUM> and the primary member <NUM> may take various forms. For example, the shuttle <NUM> may be disposed within the primary member <NUM>, around the primary member <NUM>, or adjacent the primary member <NUM>. The primary member <NUM> defines an axis <NUM> that defines the path along which the shuttle <NUM> translates. More specifically, the axis <NUM> defines a path parallel to which the shuttle <NUM> moves in response to activation of a drive mechanism (not illustrated) configured to translate the shuttle <NUM>. In implementations in which the shuttle <NUM> is substantially centered on the housing, parallel movement of the shuttle <NUM> may correspond to collinear movement of the shuttle <NUM> along the axis <NUM>.

As the shuttle <NUM> translates relative to the axis <NUM>, the primary member <NUM> is permitted to rotate about a front pivot point <NUM> to compensate for horizontal displacement of the shuttle <NUM> as the frame <NUM> is rotated about the rear pivot point <NUM>. As discussed herein, in an example which is not part of the claimed invention, the front pivot point <NUM> may correspond to a rotational coupling between the primary member <NUM> and a fixed base of the climbing trainer <NUM> (such as illustrated in <FIG>). Alternatively, the front pivot point <NUM> may correspond to a contact point between a curved foot of the climbing trainer <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 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'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.

Claim 1:
A climbing trainer (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a shuttle guide member (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a base and an upper end, the base and the upper end defining an axis (<NUM>) therebetween;
a shuttle (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed within the shuttle guide member (<NUM>, <NUM>), the shuttle (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising an axle assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) to which a front wheel mount of a bicycle (<NUM>, <NUM>) may be connected to operably connect the bicycle (<NUM>, <NUM>) to the climbing trainer (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a drive (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to the shuttle (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and adapted to move the shuttle (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) parallel to the axis between a lower shuttle position and an upper shuttle position; and
a curved foot (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to the base of the shuttle guide member (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the curved foot (<NUM>, <NUM>) permits tilting of the climbing trainer (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in response to movement of the shuttle (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) when the bicycle (<NUM>, <NUM>) is operably connected to the axle assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the shuttle (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) moves between the lower shuttle position and the upper shuttle position.