Systems and methods for a hill training apparatus for a bicycle trainer

• US 8,419,597 B2
• Filed: 08/17/2010
• Issued: 04/16/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 08/17/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Pro-Climb, LLC
• Original Assignee: Emily L. Cooper
• Inventors: Cooper, Emily L.
• Primary Examiner(s): RICHMAN, GLENN E
• Application Number:
  US12/858,233
• Publication Number:
  US 20110039664A1
• Time in Patent Office: 973 Days
• Field of Search: 482/1, 482/3, 482/4, 482/5, 482/8, 482/51, 482/57, 482/61, 211/1, 211/17, 211/20, 211/22, 211/24, 211/175, 211/207, 601/36, 273/442, 434/61
• US Class Current: 482/61
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/162 for front fork or handlebar
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0605 performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/14 Platforms for reciprocating rotating motion about a vertical axis , e.g. axis through the middle of the platform
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/17 Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/34 Angular speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/093 Height
• 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 with a hill training apparatus is described. The hill training apparatus enables bicyclist to simulate uphill riding (incline), downhill riding (decline) and hill resistance or lack thereof. The hill training apparatus also provides for correct body positioning while riding uphill or downhill and with or without resistance. Riding on a trainer with correct body positioning provides for improved training.

Claims

1. An apparatus for a hill training stationary portable bicycle trainer comprising:

a connecting rod; and

a slider, slidably supported by a surface,

wherein the connecting rod links the slider to a front fork and/or front wheel of a bicycle, wherein force applied to the slider causes the slider to slide along the surface altering the angle of the connecting rod and the slider relative to the surface and operating to raise or lower the front fork and/or front wheel of the bicycle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a rear mounting apparatus attached to the rear hub of the bicycle such that substantially no translation of the hub occurs in the vertical or horizontal direction.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the rear mounting apparatus measures the angular velocity of the hub and/or a rear wheel of the bicycle.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the rear mounting apparatus measures a cyclist'"'"'s cadence.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the rear mounting apparatus provides resistance to the hub and/or a rear wheel of the bicycle.

6. An apparatus for a hill training stationary portable bicycle trainer comprising:

a crank;

a coupler; and

a pivot,

wherein the coupler links the crank to a front fork and/or front wheel of a bicycle through the pivot, wherein when torque is applied to the crank it alters the angle of the pivot between the crank and the coupler causing the front fork and/or front wheel of the bicycle to raise or lower.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a rear mounting apparatus attached to the rear hub of the bicycle such that substantially no translation of the hub occurs in the vertical or horizontal direction.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the rear mounting apparatus measures the angular velocity of the hub and/or a rear wheel of the bicycle.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the rear mounting apparatus measures a cyclist'"'"'s cadence.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the rear mounting apparatus provides resistance to the hub and/or a rear wheel of the bicycle.

11. An apparatus for a hill training stationary portable bicycle trainer comprising:

a rod;

a slider; and

a pivot;

wherein the slider operatively connects the rod to a front fork and/or front wheel of a bicycle and, wherein the rod is operatively connected to the pivot such that torque applied to the rod causes the rod to rotate about the pivot such that the slider is raised or lowered thereby raising or lowering the front fork and/or front wheel of the bicycle.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a rear mounting apparatus attached to the rear hub of the bicycle such that substantially no translation of the hub occurs in the vertical or horizontal direction.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the rear mounting apparatus measures the angular velocity of the hub and/or a rear wheel of the bicycle.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the rear mounting apparatus measures a cyclist'"'"'s cadence.

15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the rear mounting apparatus provides resistance to the hub and/or a rear wheel of the bicycle.