Programmed exercise bicycle with computer aided guidance

• US 8,506,457 B2
• Filed: 08/16/2011
• Issued: 08/13/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 02/02/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mad Dogg Athletics Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Mad Dogg Athletics Incorporated
• Inventors: Baudhuin, John
• Primary Examiner(s): RICHMAN, GLENN E
• Application Number:
  US13/136,998
• Publication Number:
  US 20120108393A1
• Time in Patent Office: 728 Days
• Field of Search: 482 1- 9, 482900-902, 434/247
• US Class Current: 482/57
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0658 for cycling with a group of people, e.g. spinning classes
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0068 Comparison to target or threshold, previous performance or not real time comparison to other individuals
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0093 the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/015 including rotating or oscillating elements rubbing against fixed elements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/225 with flywheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/06 with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movementsupport stands for bicycles A63B69/16; unicycles B62K1/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0605 performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/34 Angular speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/52 Weight, e.g. weight distribution
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/09 Adjustable dimensions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/15 with identification means that can be read by electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/045 used as a control parameter for the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/06 heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/75 calorie expenditure
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/00 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0062 Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0075 Means for generating exercise programs or schemes, e.g. computerized virtual trainer, e.g. using expert databases
• 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 71/0622 : Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 : relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/901 : having computer circuitry

Abstract

The invention pertains to a stationary exercise bike along with a display that provides instruction to lead a rider through an exercise program. The invention allows a rider to obtain benefits of a group, instructor-led class though the rider'"'"'s schedule does not permit the rider to participate in the class. The invention also describes a method of exercising with the foregoing bike and display.

Claims

1. An exercise device, comprising:

a stationary exercise bike having an adjustable handlebar that provides multiple hand positions, an adjustable seat and a resistance adjustment mechanism;

a display coupled to the stationary exercise bike, wherein the display conveys instructions to the rider to conduct a ride assuming different riding positions that simulate different bicycle riding conditions, wherein the instructions include different hand positions on the handlebar;

alternating sitting and standing positions;

varying resistances and varying cadence ranges;

a remote computer or storage device that provides the instructions to the display to convey to the rider, wherein the remote computer or storage device is configured to receive data about the rider, the ride to be conducted and the rider'"'"'s cadence and heart rate during the ride; and

wherein the remote computer or storage device is configured to provide instructions to the display to convey to the rider that instruct the rider to vary resistance and/or cadence to achieve a heart rate within a desired range.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising an input device coupled to the display, wherein the input device enables the rider to input data into the remote computer or storage device.

3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the display includes a handlebar icon, the handlebar icon providing instructions to the rider on where to place the hands.

4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the handlebar icon includes a first, a second, and a third hand position that lights up to indicate the location of the rider'"'"'s hand position.

5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the display includes a pair of arrow icons comprising an up arrow icon and a down arrow icon.

6. The exercise device of claim 5, wherein the up arrow icon is illuminated to indicate the rider should stand, the down arrow icon is illuminated to indicate that the rider should sit, and both the up arrow icon and the down arrow icon are illuminated to indicate the rider should assume a jumping motion.

7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the display includes a target cadence display, the target cadence display revealing the appropriate cadence at which the rider should be pedaling.

8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the display includes a cadence screen, the cadence screen indicating the rider'"'"'s actual cadence.

9. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein the cadence screen flashes to inform the rider to either pedal faster or slower and stays constant without flashing to indicate the rider should maintain the current cadence.

10. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the computer directs the stationary bike to fluctuate levels of resistance to imitate cycling situations encountered on the road.

11. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the remote computer or storage device receives heart rate signals from a transistor worn by the rider.

12. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the remote computer or storage device receives heart rate signals from a sensor located on the handlebar.