Bicycle trainer with variable magnetic resistance to pedaling

• US 9,802,099 B2
• Filed: 10/05/2015
• Issued: 10/31/2017
• 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:
  US14/875,036
• Publication Number:
  US 20160023082A1
• Time in Patent Office: 757 Days
• 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 system, comprising:

a bicycle trainer configured for removably supporting at least a portion of a bicycle that is ridable independently of the trainer, the trainer including a first magnetic mechanism; and

a second magnetic mechanism configured to be attached to a tire or wheel of the bicycle;

wherein the system is configured to provide resistance to tire revolution of the bicycle when the second magnetic mechanism is attached to the tire or wheel of the bicycle, the bicycle is supported by the trainer, and a user operates the bicycle.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic mechanisms are configured to provide magnetic resistance forces when a user operates the bicycle.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein one of the magnetic mechanisms comprises a metal alloy.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein one of the magnetic mechanisms comprises a ferromagnetic metal.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein one of the magnetic mechanisms comprises an electromagnet.

6. A system according to claim 1, wherein one of the magnetic mechanisms comprises a permanent magnet.

7. A system according to claim 1, wherein the first magnetic mechanism comprises an arch configured to surround at least a portion of the tire of the bicycle.

8. A system according to claim 1, wherein the second magnetic mechanism comprises a magnetic spoke element.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the magnetic spoke element is configured to clip to a rear wheel spoke of the bicycle.

10. A system according to claim 8, wherein the magnetic spoke element comprises a metal plate.

11. A system, comprising:

a bicycle trainer configured for supporting at least a portion of a bicycle, the trainer comprising a first magnetic mechanism; and

a second magnetic mechanism configured to be attached to at least one spoke of a back wheel of the bicycle;

wherein the system is configured to provide magnetic resistance to tire revolution of the bicycle when the second magnetic mechanism is removably attached to at least one spoke of the back wheel of the bicycle, the bicycle is supported by the trainer, and a user operates the bicycle.

12. A system according to claim 11, wherein the magnetic mechanisms have opposite polarity.

13. A system according to claim 11, wherein the magnetic mechanisms have the same polarity.

14. A system according to claim 11, wherein one of the magnetic mechanisms comprises a ferromagnetic metal.

15. A system according to claim 11, wherein one of the first and second magnetic mechanisms is a permanent magnet.

16. A system according to claim 11, wherein one of the first and second magnetic mechanisms is an electromagnet.

17. A system according to claim 11, wherein the second magnetic mechanism is configured to be clipped to the rear wheel spoke of the bicycle.

18. A system according to claim 11, wherein the magnetic spoke element comprises a metal disc.

19. A system according to claim 11, wherein one of the first and second magnetic mechanisms comprises a metal alloy.