Bicycle Trainer with Variable Magnetic Resistance to Pedaling

• US 20100062909A1
• Filed: 11/13/2008
• Published: 03/11/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/08/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Maniac Holdings, LLC
• Original Assignee: Brian H. Hamilton
• Inventors: Hamilton, Brian H.
• Granted Patent: US 7,955,228 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/61
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/163 for the front wheel
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/164 supports for the rear of the bicycle, e.g. for the rear forks
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/165 rear wheel hub supports
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00069 Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00192 using resistance provided by magnetic means A63B21/005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/005 using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0051 using eddy currents induced in moved elements, e.g. by permanent magnets
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/78 Surface covering conditions, e.g. of a road surface
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/16 for cycling , i.e. arrangements on or for real bicycles

Abstract

A bicycle trainer provides variable resistance to pedaling and allows for a rider to simulate a real-world bicycle course. The trainer engages both the front tire and the back tire of the bicycle and adjusts each according to the rider'"'"'s preferences during a training session. The front tire lifts up and down as the bicycle moves forward and backward on the trainer. The back tire is adjusted by incorporating magnets thereon in the form of magnetic elements on a sleeve or a clip that engages the back tire and/or the back tire rim. The magnets on the back tire may also be attached to the spokes. The trainer includes magnets as well, usually of opposite polarity, and adds resistance to pedaling when the magnetic fields of the magnets interact to resist back tire revolution.

Claims

1. A bicycle trainer supporting the back tire of a bicycle on one end, the trainer comprising:

a first magnetic mechanism proximate the end of the trainer supporting the back tire;

a second magnetic mechanism removably attached to the back tire of the bicycle such that said first and second magnetic mechanisms are in sufficiently close proximity to one another to provide resistance to back tire revolution.

2. A bicycle trainer according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic mechanisms have opposite polarity.

3. A bicycle trainer according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic mechanisms have the same polarity.

4. A bicycle trainer according to claim 1, wherein one of said magnetic mechanisms comprises a ferromagnetic metal.

5. A bicycle trainer according to claim 1, wherein one of said magnetic mechanisms comprises an electromagnet.

6. A bicycle trainer according to claim 1, wherein one of said magnetic mechanisms comprises a permanent magnet.

7. A bicycle trainer according to claim 1, wherein said first magnetic mechanism comprises a magnetic arch surrounding at least a portion of the back tire of the bicycle.

8. A bicycle trainer according to claim 1, wherein said second magnetic mechanism comprises a removable sleeve for tucking into the rim of the back tire of the bicycle, wherein said sleeve substantially covers the outer surface of the back tire.

9. A bicycle trainer according to claim 8, wherein said sleeve comprises at least one magnet attached to said sleeve.

10. A trainer according to claim 1, wherein said first magnetic mechanism comprises a cylinder adapted for rotating about its longitudinal axis.

11. A bicycle trainer supporting the back tire of a bicycle, the trainer comprising:

a first magnetic mechanism proximate the end of the trainer supporting the back tire of the bicycle;

a second magnetic mechanism removably attached to at least one spoke of the back tire such that both magnetic mechanisms are in close proximity to one another and are in a position providing resistance to tire revolution.

12. A bicycle trainer according to claim 11, wherein said magnetic mechanisms have opposite polarity

13. A bicycle trainer according to claim 11, wherein said magnetic mechanisms have the same polarity.

14. A bicycle trainer according to claim 11, wherein one of said magnetic mechanisms comprises a ferromagnetic metal.

15. A bicycle trainer according to claim 11, wherein one of said first and second magnetic mechanisms is a permanent magnets.

16. A bicycle trainer according to claim 11, wherein one of said first and second magnetic mechanisms is an electromagnets.

17. A bicycle trainer supporting the back tire of the bicycle, the trainer comprising:

a first magnetic mechanism proximate the rear of a trainer;

a second magnetic mechanism removably attached to the back tire of the bicycle such that both magnetic mechanisms are in close proximity to one another and are in a position providing magnetic resistance to tire revolution,

wherein said second magnetic mechanism comprises a bicycle tire combination, the combination comprising;

a tire body defining a slot extending circumferentially around the tire; and

a resistance strip removably attached to said tire body within the slot.

18. A combination according to claim 17, wherein said second mechanism is a magnetic mechanism having opposite polarity with said first magnetic mechanism.

19. A combination according to claim 17, wherein said mechanisms have the same polarity.

20. A combination according to claim 17, wherein said second mechanism is a ferromagnetic metal.

21. A combination according to claim 17, wherein said first and second magnetic mechanisms are either permanent magnets or electromagnets.

22. A bicycle trainer comprising:

a first magnetic mechanism proximate the end of a bicycle trainer supporting the back tire of a bicycle;

a magnetic clip removably attached to the back tire of the bicycle such that said magnetic mechanism and said clip are proximate to one another and are in respective positions providing magnetic resistance to tire revolution.