Patent Application
20060048599
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to exercise equipment. More specifically, the present invention is drawn to an adjunct for a stationery bicycle or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
A consistent exercise regimen is recommended for almost everyone, even those of us who may be partially disabled. Walking has been recognized as one of the most efficient exercises available; however, if one's disability precludes walking, riding a stationery bicycle has proven to be a satisfactory substitute. Unfortunately, there are some people whose disability is related to one or both feet. Such a disability makes it impossible to walk for any significant distance. It also may be difficult to keep the injured foot in contact with the pedal of a stationary exercise bicycle, thus preventing or seriously limiting participation in either exercise.
The related art is rife with adjuncts to aid a cyclist to engage the pedals of a bicycle. However, most of the adjuncts are geared to cyclists who participate in touring, racing or off-road riding. None of the aforestated related art appears to address the problem of a user with a disabled foot or feet. Thus a bicycle pedal adjunct solving the aforementioned problem would certainly be a desired and needed addition to the art.
The present invention is an adjunct for a bicycle pedal, which adjunct includes a platform having a contoured heel cup at one end thereof. The platform and heel cup are arranged to partially encase the heel and part of the sole of a shoe therein. A member is positioned on the bottom surface of the platform for encompassing and engaging the pedal of the bicycle. The member is dimensioned to encompass the pedal of any conventional stationery exercise bicycle. Hook and loop straps are disposed on the platform and provide means for attaching the platform to the user's shod foot. The adjunct can be used on either or both feet.
Accordingly, the present invention presents a device that allows a user having a disabled foot to participate in exercise that employs a stationery bicycle. Use of the device can be accomplished without alteration of the bicycle's pedal. A user can securely don the device with minimum effort.
The invention provides for improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.
A clear understanding of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
Attention is directed to
As indicated above, a user merely has to place his/her shod foot on the platform so that the heel of the shoe rests within the heel cup and secure the ends of the straps together. This endeavor will require a minimum of manual dexterity. As the user mounts the bicycle, the user's foot is positioned so that the bicycle's pedal is inserted into the opening of the pedal receiving member. This scenario allows for a stable connection between the foot and the pedal.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
