Programmed exercise bicycle with computer aided guidance

• US 8,944,968 B2
• Filed: 08/06/2013
• Issued: 02/03/2015
• 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:
  US13/960,795
• Publication Number:
  US 20140038778A1
• Time in Patent Office: 546 Days
• Field of Search: 482 1-902, 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 bike, comprising:

a frame that is configured to allow a rider to ride in sitting and standing positions;

a direct drive mechanism that includes a pedal assembly and flywheel coupled together and that facilitates a smooth transition between sitting and standing positions;

a set of handlebars that is coupled to the frame and that provides the rider with at least one hand position;

a resistance adjustment mechanism for a rider to adjust the pedaling resistance of the exercise bike;

a computer that is coupled to the exercise bike and that is configured to provide instructions to the rider regarding cadence, pedaling resistance and riding position, so that the rider safely rides the exercise bike.

2. The exercise bike, of claim 1, further comprising a display that is coupled to the computer and that displays instructions provided by the computer.

3. The exercise bike of claim 1, wherein the computer is remotely located from the exercise bike.

4. The exercise bike of claim 1, wherein the computer is contained within the display.

5. The exercise bike of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to receive information about the rider and is configured to provide instructions based on that information.

6. The exercise bike of claim 1, wherein the computer instructs the rider to vary the cadence and pedaling resistance based on a desired intensity level.

7. The exercise bike of claim 1, further comprising a sensor that receives information about the rider'"'"'s actual heart rate, and wherein the computer is further configured to receive information reflecting the rider'"'"'s heart rate.

8. The exercise bike of claim 7, wherein the computer is configured to instruct the rider to vary the cadence and pedaling resistance based on the rider'"'"'s heart rate.

9. The exercise bike of claim 8, wherein the bike computer provides the rider'"'"'s actual heart rate.

10. The exercise bike of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to receive instructions from the rider about a desired ride.

11. The exercise bike of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to provide instructions to the rider to vary hand position on the handlebars.

12. The exercise bike of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to store the rider'"'"'s past exercise history.

13. The exercise bike of claim 1, wherein the computer is connected to the internet.

14. The exercise bike of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to generate work out routines.

15. The exercise bike of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to provide instructions regarding cadence and/or pedal resistance based on the riding position.