Portable and attachable bicycle trainer

• US 9,517,376 B2
• Filed: 03/16/2015
• Issued: 12/13/2016
• 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:
  US14/658,846
• Publication Number:
  US 20150182774A1
• Time in Patent Office: 638 Days
• Field of Search: 482 57- 65
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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. A system for altering the resistance to tire revolution on a bicycle, the system comprising:

a resistance support configured for attaching to a bicycle proximate a bicycle tire; and

a resistance device comprising a magnetic mechanism configured for attaching to the resistance support;

wherein the resistance device is configured to provide a magnetic force to alter resistance to the bicycle tire'"'"'s revolution when the resistance support is attached to the bicycle, the resistance device is attached to the resistance support, and a user operates the bicycle along a travel surface.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the resistance device comprises an outer housing at least partially enclosing and providing support for the magnetic mechanism.

3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the outer housing defines a slot for sliding over and removably attaching to the resistance support.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein the magnetic mechanism comprises a magnetic plate.

5. A system according to claim 4, wherein the outer housing is adapted to receive adjustable screws and the adjustable screws are configured to control the position of the magnetic plate relative to the bicycle tire.

6. A system according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic force that is provided by the resistance device is adjustable.

7. A system according to claim 1, wherein the resistance support comprises a bracket configured to attach to the bicycle frame proximate a rear tire of the bicycle.

8. A system according to claim 1, wherein the resistance device comprises an electromagnet.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the magnetic mechanism comprises a battery compartment.

10. A system according to claim 1, wherein the resistance device comprises a ferromagnetic metal.

11. A bicycle and resistance device combination for altering the resistance to tire revolution on the bicycle, the combination comprising:

a bicycle comprising a resistance support attached to the bicycle proximate a bicycle tire; and

a resistance device comprising a first magnetic mechanism attached to the resistance support;

wherein a second magnetic mechanism is attached to the bicycle tire or wheel;

wherein the resistance device is configured to provide a magnetic force to alter resistance to the rotation of the bicycle tire.

12. A combination according to claim 11, wherein the second magnetic mechanism is removably attached to the bicycle tire.

13. A combination according to claim 12, wherein the second magnetic mechanism is a magnetic sleeve.

14. A combination according to claim 11, wherein the second magnetic mechanism is incorporated into the bicycle tire.

15. A combination according to claim 11, wherein the second magnetic mechanism is attached to the bicycle wheel.

16. A combination according to claim 15, wherein the second magnetic mechanism comprises a magnetic clip.

17. A combination according to claim 11, wherein the second magnetic mechanism is incorporated onto the axle of a bicycle wheel.

18. A method of altering the resistance to tire revolution on a bicycle, comprising:

providing a bicycle, the bicycle comprising;

a resistance support attached to the bicycle proximate a bicycle tire;

a resistance device comprising a first magnetic mechanism attached to the resistance support; and

a second magnetic mechanism attached to a wheel, an axle, or to the tire of the bicycle; and

positioning the first and second magnetic mechanisms in proximity to each other such that a magnetic force altering the resistance to tire revolution is applied when a user operates the bicycle.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

adjusting the position of the first magnetic mechanism relative to the second magnetic mechanism.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

adjusting the amount of the magnetic force that is applied.