Bicycling exercise apparatus with multiple element load dispersion
First Claim
1. An apparatus permitting a user to perform a simulated bicycling exercise when positioned in a forward facing orientation, comprising:
- a frame;
a first lower front mounting point comprising a multiple element load distribution arrangement comprising a plurality of resistive elements substantially centrally positioned relative to the frame and about which the frame pivots;
a second upper rear mounting point comprising a pin defining an axis substantially representing a line joining the second upper rear mounting point and the first lower front mounting point;
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;
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;
wherein said frame is configured to pivot about the axis in response to leaning by the user and further wherein the first lower front mounting point is positioned lower than and forward of the second upper rear mounting point relative to the user;
wherein leaning by the user in a first horizontal direction causes the forward portion of the frame, steering tube, 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.
1 Assignment
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 (lower front) mounting point including a multiple element distributed load arrangement and a second (upper rear) mounting point configured to maintain the frame a first lower front mounting point including a pin defining an axis substantially representing a line joining the second upper rear mounting point and the first lower front mounting point. The design includes a seat, a wheel, and pedals, and the frame is configured to pivot about the axis in response to leaning by the user. Handlebars may be provided that enable force application and enhance the leaning or pivoting in the bicycle riding simulation experience.
93 Citations
21 Claims
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1. An apparatus permitting a user to perform a simulated bicycling exercise when positioned in a forward facing orientation, comprising:
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a frame; a first lower front mounting point comprising a multiple element load distribution arrangement comprising a plurality of resistive elements substantially centrally positioned relative to the frame and about which the frame pivots; a second upper rear mounting point comprising a pin defining an axis substantially representing a line joining the second upper rear mounting point and the first lower front mounting point; 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; 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; wherein said frame is configured to pivot about the axis in response to leaning by the user and further wherein the first lower front mounting point is positioned lower than and forward of the second upper rear mounting point relative to the user; wherein leaning by the user in a first horizontal direction causes the forward portion of the frame, steering tube, 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)
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13. A method for enabling a user to perform a simulated bicycling exercise when the user is positioned in a forward facing orientation, the method comprising:
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providing two mounting points defining an axis, the two mounting points oriented at predetermined distances above a surface, the two mounting points comprising a first lower front mounting point comprising a plurality of load distributing resistive elements substantially centrally positioned relative to the frame and about which the frame pivots and a second upper rear mounting point comprising a pin substantially aligned with the axis; employing a frame with the two mounting points, the frame configured to receive forces from the user and dissipate the forces into frame leaning forces; and enabling the user to operate pedals associated with the frame, said pedals associated with a wheel; providing 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; wherein the user has an ability to cause said frame to pivot about at least one mounting point by leaning to one side and further wherein the first lower front mounting point is positioned lower than and forward of the second upper rear mounting point relative to the surface; wherein leaning by the user in a first horizontal direction causes the forward portion of the frame, steering tube, 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 (14, 15, 16)
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17. An apparatus for enabling a user oriented in a forward facing orientation to perform a simulated bicycling exercise, 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 comprises a plurality of resistive load distributing elements substantially centrally positioned relative to the frame and about which the frame pivots and the higher rear mounting point comprises a pin substantially aligned along the axis; 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; and a seat for maintaining the user; 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; wherein the plurality of resistive load distributing elements are positioned proximate the lower front mounting point and configured to enable the user leaning in a direction to cause pivoting of said frame about the axis in the direction and further wherein the first lower front mounting point is positioned lower than and forward of the second upper rear mounting point relative to the user; wherein leaning by the user in a first horizontal direction causes the forward portion of the frame, steering tube, 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 (18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification