Bicycle trainer with variable magnetic resistance to pedaling

• US 7,955,228 B2
• Filed: 11/13/2008
• Issued: 06/07/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/08/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Maniac Holdings, LLC
• Original Assignee: Brian H. Hamilton
• Inventors: Hamilton, Brian H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Thanh; Loan
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nguyen; Tam
• Application Number:
  US12/270,223
• Publication Number:
  US 20100062909A1
• Time in Patent Office: 936 Days
• Field of Search: 482/57, 482/60, 482/61, 482/62, 482/63, 482/148, 482/903, 482/110, 601/35, 601/36
• 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 and bicycle trainer combination, the combination comprising:

a bicycle trainer comprising a frame adapted to rest on a support surface while also engaging and lifting a rear tire of a bicycle off the support surface, and a first magnetic mechanism adjustably positioned on an end of the frame to provide variable resistance to rotation of the rear tire of the bicycle; and

a bicycle comprising a frame, a seat, a handlebar, a drive mechanism having pedals, front and rear wheels each having a tire and a second magnetic mechanism removably attached directly onto the rear tire of the bicycle such that, when the bicycle is engaged to the bicycle trainer by having the bicycle'"'"'s rear wheel and tire lifted up and supported by the bicycle trainer'"'"'s frame, said first and second magnetic mechanisms are in proximity to each other to provide resistance to rotation of the rear tire.

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

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

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

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

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

16. A bicycle and bicycle trainer combination according to claim 1, wherein said second magnetic mechanism comprises a magnetic strip adapted to be removably attached to the rear tire of the bicycle.

7. A bicycle and bicycle trainer combination, the combination comprising:

a bicycle trainer comprising a frame adapted to rest on a support surface while also engaging and lifting a rear tire of a bicycle off the support surface, and a first magnetic mechanism adjustably positioned on an end of the frame to provide variable resistance to rotation of the rear tire of the bicycle; and

a bicycle comprising a frame, a seat, a handlebar, a drive mechanism having pedals, front and rear wheels each having a tire and a second magnetic mechanism removably attached directly onto the rear tire of the bicycle such that, when the bicycle is engaged to the bicycle trainer by having the bicycle'"'"'s rear wheel and tire lifted up and supported by the bicycle trainer'"'"'s frame, said first and second magnetic mechanisms are in proximity to each other to provide resistance to rotation of the rear tire

wherein said second magnetic mechanism comprises a removable sleeve for tucking into a rim of the rear tire of the bicycle, wherein said sleeve substantially covers the outer surface of the rear tire.

8. A bicycle and bicycle trainer combination according to claim 7, wherein said magnetic mechanisms have opposite polarity.

9. A bicycle and bicycle trainer combination according to claim 7, wherein said magnetic mechanisms have the same polarity.

10. A bicycle and bicycle trainer combination according to claim 7, wherein one of said magnetic mechanisms comprises a ferromagnetic metal.

11. A bicycle and bicycle trainer combination according to claim 7, wherein one of said magnetic mechanisms comprises a permanent magnet.

12. A bicycle and bicycle trainer combination according to claim 7, wherein one of said first magnetic mechanism comprises a magnetic arch surrounding at least a portion of the rear tire of the bicycle.

13. A bicycle and bicycle trainer combination according to claim 7, wherein said sleeve comprises at least one magnet attached to said sleeve.

14. A bicycle and bicycle trainer combination, the combination comprising:

a bicycle trainer comprising a frame adapted to rest on a support surface while also engaging and lifting a rear tire of a bicycle off the support surface, and a first magnetic mechanism adjustably positioned on an end of the frame to provide variable resistance to rotation of the rear tire of the bicycle; and

a bicycle comprising a frame, a seat, a handlebar, a drive mechanism having pedals, front and rear wheels each having a tire and a second magnetic mechanism removably attached directly onto the rear tire of the bicycle such that, when the bicycle is engaged to the bicycle trainer by having the bicycle'"'"'s rear wheel and tire lifted up and supported by the bicycle trainer'"'"'s frame, said first and second magnetic mechanisms are in proximity to each other to provide resistance to rotation of the rear tire;

wherein one of said magnetic mechanisms comprises an electromagnet.

15. A bicycle and bicycle trainer combination according to claim 14, wherein said second magnetic mechanism comprises a magnetic strip adapted to be removably attached to the rear tire of the bicycle.