Mock bicycle for exercise and training effects

• US 4,709,917 A
• Filed: 04/29/1985
• Issued: 12/01/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 09/03/1982
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Tai-Her Yang
• Original Assignee: Tai-Her Yang
• Inventors: Yang, Tai-her
• Primary Examiner(s): Pinkham, Richard C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Application Number:
  US06/726,961
• Time in Patent Office: 946 Days
• Field of Search: 434/61, 434/35, 434/43, 434/45, 434/253, 273/1 E, 273/85 G, 273/86 R, 273/138 A, 273/DIG. 28, 272/73, 272/97, 272/129, 272/DIG. 4-6, 73/379, 324/166, 280/289 R, 280/200
• US Class Current: 482/63
• 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 2071/0644 with display speed of moving landscape controlled by the user's performance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00178 for active exercising, the apparatus being also usable for passive exercising
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0058 using motors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0125 with surfaces rolling against each other without substantial slip
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0605 performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/12 specially adapted for children
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/34 Angular speed
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/058 for teaching control of cycles or motorcycles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/90 Ergometer with feedback to load or with feedback comparison
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/902 Employing specific graphic or video display
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/903 Utilizing electromagnetic force resistance
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/909 Mechanical indicator

Abstract

An exercise device is furnished with an electronic display or a mechanical belt for simulating road conditions. In an embodiment utilizing an electronic display, sensors are used to sense pedaling speed, rotational direction, and displacement of the handlebars. A brake handle producing a signal when actuated is also provided. The signals produced by the sensors are processed by a microprocessor for controlling the lateral position of the exercise bicycle with respect to the scene being displayed and the running speed of the road condition simulation. The microprocessor includes a memory which stores a program for controlling the pedaling resistance of the exercise device. In another embodiment, a belt provided with flat patterns on its surface depicting mock road conditions rotates. The user may control the position of a mock vehicle resting on the belt surface by manipulating the handlebars. The mock vehicle is coupled to the handlebar stem by a right-angle-shaped rod. Pedaling resistance is provided by coupling a multi-pole A.C. induction motor to the pedals.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus comprising:

a frame for supporting a user;

first mechanical means, rotatably journaled to said frame, for being rotated by the feet of a user;

velocity sensing means, coupled to said first mechanical means, for producing a first signal proportional to the angular velocity of the rotation of said first mechanical means;

second mechanical means, rotatably journaled to said frame, for being manipulated between a first and a second position by the hands of the user;

position sensing means, coupled to said second mechanical means, for producing a second signal indicative of the position of said second mechanical means;

electronic simulation means, mounted to said frame and responsive to said first and second signals, for providing a changing visual scene simulating road conditions, said scene simulating inclines and declines in said simulated road conditions, the rate of change of said scene responsive to said first signal, the position of said scene with respect to said user responsive to said second signal;

resistance control means, responsive to said simulated inclines and declines, for automatically applying a variable braking torque to said first mechanical means, wherein said resistance control means includes multi-pole A.C. synchronous induction motor means, mechanically coupled to said first mechanical means, for converting the rotational energy of said first mechanical means to electrical energy, said electrical energy being fed back to said motor means when said first mechanical means is rotated at an angular velocity exceeding the synchronous speed of said motor means, said motor means converting said fed back electrical energy to braking torque for braking said first mechanical means; and

one-way transmission means for coupling braking torque produced by said motor means to said first mechanical means whenever said first mechanical means is rotated at an angular velocity exceeding the synchronous speed of said motor means, and for permitting said first mechanical means to freely rotate at a velocity less than the synchronous speed of said motor means.

2. An exercise bicycle of the type including a frame for supporting a user, said bicycle comprising:

first mechanical means, rotatably journaled to a frame, for being rotated by the feet of a user, said first mechanical means producing a first signal proportional to the angular velocity of said rotation;

second mechanical means, rotatably journaled to said frame, for being manipulated between a first and a second position by the hands of the user, said second mechanical means including sensor means for producing a second signal indicative of the position of said second mechanical means;

electronic simulation means, responsive to said first and second signals and viewable by the user, for providing a changing scene simulating road conditions, said scene simulating inclines and declines in said road conditions, the rate of change of said scene responsive to said first signal, the position of said scene with respect to said viewer responsive to said second signal;

resistance control means, responsive to said simulated inclines and declines, for automatically applying a variable braking torque to said first mechanical means, wherein said resistance control means includes multi-pole A.C. synchronous induction motor means, mechanically coupled to said first mechanial means, for converting the rotational energy of said first mechanical means to electrical energy, said electrical energy being fed back to said motor means when said first mechanical means is rotated at an angular velocity exceeding the synchronous speed of said motor means, said motor means converting said fed back electrical energy to braking torque for braking said first mechanical means; and

power cut off brake means for applying braking friction to said first mechanical means when said power source ceases supplying power to said motor means.