Bicycling exercise apparatus
First Claim
1. An apparatus permitting a user positioned in a forward facing orientation to perform a simulated bicycling exercise, the apparatus employing a base substantially defining a base plane when extended and comprising:
- a frame;
a first mounting point and a second mounting point, wherein the first mounting point comprises an upper rear mounting point and the second mounting point comprises a lower front mounting point, the lower front mounting point positioned forward of and below the upper rear mounting point and comprising a resistive element substantially centrally positioned relative to the frame and about which the frame pivots;
a steering linkage connected to the frame, the steering linkage configured to rotate a steering tube within a head tube fixedly mounted to a forward portion of the frame in response to leaning by the user, the steering tube connected to a steering mechanism;
a seat connected to said frame and configured to support the user; and
a wheel positioned in association with said frame and pedals configured to interact with said wheel;
wherein said frame is configured to pivot about an axis formed by the first mounting point and second mounting point and about the resistive element in response to sideways leaning by the user, and further wherein the axis is angularly displaced from the base plane in a range between approximately 30 to 45 degrees intersecting at a point forward of the pedals, said sideways leaning by the user in a first horizontal direction causing the steering tube, the forward portion of the frame, the steering mechanism, and the seat to move in the first horizontal direction, and a bottom bracket and a rear portion of the frame to move in a second horizontal direction opposite the first horizontal direction.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus permitting a user to perform a simulated bicycling exercise is provided. The design includes a frame and a first mounting point and a second mounting point configured to maintain the frame. A seat is connected to the frame and configured to support the user. A wheel is positioned in association with said frame and pedals configured to interact with the wheel, and the frame is configured to pivot about the first mounting point and second mounting point in response to leaning by the user. Handlebars may be provided that enable further force application and enhance the leaning or pivoting in the bicycle riding simulation experience.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. An apparatus permitting a user positioned in a forward facing orientation to perform a simulated bicycling exercise, the apparatus employing a base substantially defining a base plane when extended and comprising:
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a frame; a first mounting point and a second mounting point, wherein the first mounting point comprises an upper rear mounting point and the second mounting point comprises a lower front mounting point, the lower front mounting point positioned forward of and below the upper rear mounting point and comprising a resistive element substantially centrally positioned relative to the frame and about which the frame pivots; a steering linkage connected to the frame, the steering linkage configured to rotate a steering tube within a head tube fixedly mounted to a forward portion of the frame in response to leaning by the user, the steering tube connected to a steering mechanism; a seat connected to said frame and configured to support the user; and a wheel positioned in association with said frame and pedals configured to interact with said wheel; wherein said frame is configured to pivot about an axis formed by the first mounting point and second mounting point and about the resistive element in response to sideways leaning by the user, and further wherein the axis is angularly displaced from the base plane in a range between approximately 30 to 45 degrees intersecting at a point forward of the pedals, said sideways leaning by the user in a first horizontal direction causing the steering tube, the forward portion of the frame, the steering mechanism, and the seat to move in the first horizontal direction, and a bottom bracket and a rear portion of the frame to move in a second horizontal direction opposite the first horizontal direction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for enabling a user positioned in a forward facing orientation to perform a simulated bicycling exercise, comprising:
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providing two mounting points defining an axis, wherein said two mounting points comprise an upper rear mounting point and a lower front mounting point, the lower front mounting point positioned forward of and below the upper rear mounting point and comprising a tensioning/return device; employing a frame with the two mounting points, the frame configured to be maintained by the upper rear mounting point and the lower front mounting point and receive forces from the user and dissipate the forces into frame leaning forces and further configured to interact with a steering tube connected to a steering mechanism using a steering linkage, the steering linkage configured to rotate a steering tube within a head tube fixedly mounted to a forward portion of the frame in response to leaning by the user; and enabling the user to operate pedals associated with the frame, said pedals associated with a wheel; wherein the tensioning/return device is substantially centrally positioned relative to the frame and about which the frame pivots; and wherein the frame is configured to pivot about the axis and about the tensioning/return device when the user leans to one side, and further wherein the axis is angularly displaced from the base plane in a range between approximately 30 to 45 degrees intersecting at a point forward of the pedals, wherein the user leaning to one side in a first horizontal direction causes the steering tube, the forward portion of the frame, the steering mechanism, and the seat to move in the first horizontal direction, and a bottom bracket and a rear portion of the frame to move in a second horizontal direction opposite the first horizontal direction. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. An apparatus for enabling a user positioned in a forward facing orientation to perform a simulated bicycling exercise, the apparatus employing a base that, when extended, substantially forms a base plane, the apparatus comprising:
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a frame; a higher rear mounting point and a lower front mounting point providing an axis, wherein the lower front mounting point is positioned forward of and below the higher rear mounting point; a steering linkage connected to the frame, the steering linkage configured to rotate a steering tube within a head tube fixedly mounted to a forward portion of the frame in response to leaning by the user, the steering tube connected to a steering mechanism; a pair of pedals and a wheel, wherein the pedals and wheel are attached to the frame and enable the user to perform a pedaling motion; a seat for maintaining the user; and mounting point articulation components proximate the lower front mounting point configured to enable the user leaning in a direction to cause pivoting of said frame about the axis in the direction, said mounting point articulation components substantially centrally positioned relative to the frame and about which the frame pivots; wherein the axis is angularly displaced from the base plane in a range between approximately 30 to 45 degrees intersecting at a point forward of the pedals, said leaning by the user in the direction causing the steering tube, the forward portion of the frame, the steering mechanism, and the seat to move in the direction, and a bottom bracket and a rear portion of the frame to move in an opposite direction. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification