Bicycle trainer with variable magnetic resistance to pedaling

• US 9,149,702 B2
• Filed: 11/20/2012
• Issued: 10/06/2015
• 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): Thanh, Loan H
• Assistant Examiner(s): Deichl, Jennifer M
• Application Number:
  US13/681,600
• Publication Number:
  US 20130079199A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,050 Days
• Field of Search: 482 60- 63, 482/57, 482/105, 482/903
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/163 for the front wheel
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/164 supports for the rear of the bicycle, e.g. for the rear forks
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/165 rear wheel hub supports
• 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 21/00192 using resistance provided by magnetic means A63B21/005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/005 using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0051 using eddy currents induced in moved elements, e.g. by permanent magnets
• 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

A bicycle trainer provides variable resistance to pedaling and allows for a rider to simulate a real-world bicycle course. The trainer engages both the front tire and the back tire of the bicycle and adjusts each according to the rider'"'"'s preferences during a training session. The front tire lifts up and down as the bicycle moves forward and backward on the trainer. The back tire is adjusted by incorporating magnets thereon in the form of magnetic elements on a sleeve or a clip that engages the back tire and/or the back tire rim. The magnets on the back tire may also be attached to the spokes. The trainer includes magnets as well, usually of opposite polarity, and adds resistance to pedaling when the magnetic fields of the magnets interact to resist back tire revolution.

Claims

1. A sleeve for attachment within a rim of a tire of a bicycle, comprising:

a sleeve body configured to extend circumferentially around an entire exposed surface of a bicycle tire; and

a sleeve bead attached to said sleeve body; and

magnetic elements that are attached to a surface of said sleeve body;

wherein said sleeve bead is configured to fit within the rim of the bicycle tire to secure said sleeve over an entire circumference of the exposed surface of the bicycle tire.

2. A sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the bicycle tire is a rear bicycle tire.

3. A sleeve according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic elements are permanent magnets fixed to the surface of the sleeve.

4. A sleeve according to claim 1, wherein one of said magnetic elements comprise a ferromagnetic metal.

5. A sleeve according to claim 1, wherein one of said magnetic elements comprise a electromagnet.

6. A sleeve according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic elements provide a magnetic field to magnetically control and vary resistance to the bicycle tire.

7. A method of attaching a sleeve within a rim of a tire of a bicycle, comprising:

providing a sleeve comprising;

a sleeve body configured to extend circumferentially around a portion of an exposed surface of a bicycle tire;

a sleeve bead attached to said sleeve body configured to extend about a circumference of the bicycle tire; and

magnetic elements that are attached to a surface of said sleeve body;

deflating a bicycle tire;

fitting said sleeve over the deflated bicycle tire;

engaging said sleeve bead with a rim of the bicycle tire; and

re-inflating the bicycle tire.