Portable and attachable bicycle trainer

• US 8,979,715 B2
• Filed: 06/14/2011
• Issued: 03/17/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 09/08/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Maniac Holdings, LLC
• Original Assignee: Brian H. Hamilton
• Inventors: Hamilton, Brian H.
• Primary Examiner(s): CROW, STEPHEN R
• Application Number:
  US13/159,816
• Publication Number:
  US 20110275488A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,372 Days
• Field of Search: 482/51, 482 57- 65
• US Class Current: 482/61
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/009 the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled in synchronism with visualising systems, e.g. hill slope
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/163 for the front wheel
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/165 rear wheel hub supports
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/166 supports for the central frame of the bicycle, e.g. for the crank axle housing, seat tube or horizontal tube
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00069 Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/008 using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0125 with surfaces rolling against each other without substantial slip
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/015 including rotating or oscillating elements rubbing against fixed elements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/78 Surface covering conditions, e.g. of a road surface
• 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

The invention encompasses a removable attachment for installing on a bicycle with the goal of altering the resistance to either front tire or back tire revolution. In this way, the bicycle includes enhanced physical training capabilities allowing the rider to use a bicycle on a standard trainer frame or as a regular bicycle for riding in the usual manner. In one embodiment, the attachment includes a resistance support connected to a bicycle and supporting a resistance device that engages a bicycle wheel or bicycle tire for altering the resistance to tire revolution. In this exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a resistance support attached to the bicycle proximate a bicycle tire along with a resistance device removably attached to the resistance support. In one embodiment, the resistance device defines a slot, and the resistance support projects through the slot to position the resistance device against the bicycle wheel or the bicycle tire.

Claims

1. An apparatus for altering the resistance to tire revolution on a bicycle, the apparatus comprising:

a resistance support attached in a fixed position to the bicycle proximate a bicycle tire, said resistance support defining a slot;

a resistance device slidably mounted and removably attached to the slot in said resistance support and engaging said bicycle tire to alter resistance to tire revolution;

wherein said resistance device comprises at least one roller engaging a rim connected to said bicycle tire.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said resistance support is attached to a seat tube on the bicycle.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said roller is adjustable such that said roller exerts a variable pressure against said rim.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said roller is adjusted by an adjustment mechanism, wherein said adjustment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a cable, a screw, a spring, and a clamp.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said adjustment mechanism comprises a cable extending from said adjustment mechanism to a handle bar on said bicycle.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said resistance device comprises at least one roller engaging a side wall of said bicycle tire.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said resistance support is attached to a down tube on said bicycle.