Biomechanical diagnostic machine for bicycle fitting, rehabilitation and training

• US 7,976,433 B2
• Filed: 09/27/2010
• Issued: 07/12/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Todd N. Kenyon
• Original Assignee: Todd N. Kenyon
• Inventors: Kenyon, Todd N.
• Primary Examiner(s): Richman; Glenn
• Application Number:
  US12/891,678
• Publication Number:
  US 20110077125A1
• Time in Patent Office: 288 Days
• Field of Search: 482 1- 9, 482/51, 482 57- 65, 482900-902, 434/61, 434/247
• US Class Current: 482/4
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0623 Cranks of adjustable length
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0635 specially adapted for a particular use
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0652 for cycling in a recumbent position
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0658 for cycling with a group of people, e.g. spinning classes
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/005 using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0088 by moving the surrounding air
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0605 performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/51 Force
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/58 Measurement of force related parameters by electric or magnetic means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/096 automatically adjusted according to anthropometric data of the user

Abstract

Presented is a bike fitting and diagnostic machine with adjustable rider contact points of the saddle, the pedals, and the handlebars. Adjustments can be made while the rider pedals, and while the rider'"'"'s output is measured in watts, calories, heart rate, or other units. Optimal bike fit parameters are determined to help a rider select a well fitting bike or have one made to his specifications.

Claims

1. A biomechanical diagnostic machine for fitting a bicycle frame for a bicycle rider, comprising:

a frame for supporting a bicycle rider, said frame comprising three contact points for a bicycle rider, comprising a bicycle saddle, bicycle pedals, and bicycle handlebars;

a bicycle saddle attached to said frame, configured to support said rider in a riding position;

a seat tube with a first end and a second end, with said first end pivotally attached to said frame at a pivot attached to said frame adjacent to said bicycle saddle, and attached to a bottom bracket at said second end, said seat tube configured to telescope in or out to increase or decrease the distance between said pivot and said bottom bracket, with said seat tube configured to pivot in the plane of said frame to change the angle of the seat tube relative to horizontal, with said telescoping motion powered by at least one linear actuator and said pivoting motion powered by one or more linear actuators, with said linear actuators controlled from a control console;

a drive train rotatably mounted in said bottom bracket and comprising an axle with a left and right pedal attached, with said axle configured for rotation in said bottom bracket;

a load attached to said drive train, for providing resistance to said axle rotation; and

a handlebar assembly attached to said frame, comprising a bicycle handlebar, and vertical and horizontal adjustment assembly each powered by one or more linear actuators, with said linear actuators controlled from said control console;

wherein said biomechanical diagnostic machine is configured for adjustment of handlebar drop and reach, angle of said seat tube, and distance between said saddle and said bottom bracket.

2. The biomechanical diagnostic machine of claim 1 which further comprises a power measuring instrument for measuring an output of power from said drive train.

3. The biomechanical diagnostic machine of claim 1 which is configured for remote adjustment of said points of contacts by said rider while pedaling under load.

4. The biomechanical diagnostic machine of claim 1 in which said control console is attached to said frame adjacent to said handlebar assembly.

5. The biomechanical diagnostic machine of claim 1 in which said load is a wheel, disc, air moving fan, fluid resistance unit or roller, driven from said drive train of said bottom bracket.

6. The biomechanical diagnostic machine of claim 1 in which said machine load wheel is driven by a circular power band from said bottom bracket.

7. The biomechanical diagnostic machine of claim 6 in which said drivetrain further comprises a chain ring for transmitting power from said axle, and at least one rear chain ring attached to said wheel, for transmitting power from said chain to said rear wheel.

8. The biomechanical diagnostic machine of claim 5 which further comprises a resistance generator selected from the group consisting of an air moving fan, magnetic resistor, friction resistor, fluid resistor or an electronic resistor.

9. The biomechanical diagnostic machine of claim 1 in which said load is adjustable by computer control.

10. The biomechanical diagnostic machine of claim 1 in which said control console is operable from a location remote from said machine.

11. The biomechanical diagnostic machine of claim 1 in which said drive train and said computer controlled resistance unit attach to said second end of said seat tube, and extends and pivots along with said bottom bracket as the seat tube is extended or pivoted in the plane of said frame for adjustment of fit.

12. The biomechanical diagnostic machine of claim 1 in which said crank arms are adjustable in length.

13. The biomechanical diagnostic machine of claim 1 in which said saddle is adjustable in fore and aft placement over said seat tube, and adjustable in angle from horizontal.

14. The biomechanical diagnostic machine of claim 1 which includes a numerical position indicators for bottom bracket angle to top of seat tube, extension of seat tube, and drop and reach of handlebars.

15. The biomechanical diagnostic machine of claim 1 in which said seat tube angle is adjustable from <

70 degrees to >

80 degrees (measured from horizontal).

16. The biomechanical diagnostic machine of claim 1 in which bicycle fit parameters, including distance from saddle to bottom bracket, seat tube angle, and drop and reach of handlebars are each adjustable automatically and independent of one another, while said rider is pedaling under load.

17. The biomechanical diagnostic machine of claim 1 which includes a support stand attached to said frame.

18. The biomechanical diagnostic machine of claim 1 in which said linear actuators include support assemblies comprised of at least one stabilizing bar, parallel with said linear actuators.

19. A biomechanical diagnostic machine for fitting a bicycle frame for a bicycle rider, comprising:

a frame for supporting a bicycle rider, said frame comprising three contact points for a bicycle rider, comprising a stationary bicycle saddle, bicycle pedals, and bicycle handlebars;

a bicycle saddle attached to said frame adjacent to a seat tube, configured to support said rider in a riding position;

a seat tube with a first end and a second end, with said first end pivotally attached to said frame at a pivot and attached to said frame adjacent to said bicycle saddle, and attached to a bottom bracket at said second end, said seat tube configured to telescope in or out to increase or decrease the distance between said pivot and said bottom bracket, with said seat tube configured to rotate in the plane of said frame to change the angle of the seat tube to horizontal, with said telescoping motion powered by at least one linear actuator and said pivoting motion powered by one or more linear actuators and configured for adjustment while said rider is pedaling, with said linear actuators controlled from a control console;

a drive train rotatably mounted in said bottom bracket and comprising an axle with a left and right pedal attached, with said axle configured for rotation in said bottom bracket;

a load attached to said drive train, for providing resistance to said axle rotation; and

a power measuring instrument for measuring an output of power from said drive train;

a handlebar assembly configured for adjustment while said rider pedals, said handlebar assembly attached to said frame and comprising a bicycle handlebar, and vertical and horizontal adjustment assembly each powered by one or more linear actuators, with said linear actuators controlled from said control console;

wherein said biomechanical diagnostic machine is configured for adjustment of handlebar drop and reach, angle of said seat tube, and distance between said saddle and said bottom bracket.