Patent Application
20250213916
The invention relates to a console for an indoor sports device, such as an exercise bike, comprising a cooling means, such as a fan, for a user of said indoor sports device, as well as an indoor sports device comprising such a console and a kit.
Numerous sports devices allowing their users to practice one or more sports in the comfort of their home or of gyms are known from the prior art.
However, in contrast to numerous outdoor sports, all indoor sports devices are static in their place of implementation, which causes overheating of their users. In parallel, users wish more and more to carry out tasks requiring a support while exercising. For example, users can wish to have a computer in front of them for personal or even professional reasons.
In this context, CN107174786A discloses an indoor exercise bike intended to bike in virtual reality. The exercise bike comprises virtual reality goggles, a frame comprising a roof plate and vertical plates in which multiple sources of projection of air are arranged.
Document U.S. Pat. No. 6,881,176 discloses an indoor training bike comprising a screen (optionally touch) placed in front of the user, various sensors and performance calculation means, as well as fans in options. This is a virtual reality device intended to motivate the user to increase their performance by immersing them in a particular context, such as a bike race.
However, these devices specific to virtual reality are, on the one hand, complex in their implementations and costly, and on the other hand of a size not very practical for their use in an apartment. Moreover, these devices do not comprise any means for supporting personal items (such as a laptop computer) since they involve immersing the user in a virtual reality. These devices are not very adjustable given their goals (virtual reality).
Document U.S. Pat. No. D934,406S discloses a system of fans that can be fastened to an exercise bike. The system described in this document appears to be able to be attached to an exercise bike in order to cool its user. However, it requires a suitable support that requires the presence of handlebars.
Document US2021219713 discloses a stationary exercise bike with a “desk plate”. Moreover, this plate can be removed from the bike and used as an independent table. However, this device does not comprise a cooling system.
The goal of the invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by proposing a console dedicated to the use of an indoor sports device.
To do this, the invention thus relates, in its broadest acceptance, to a console for an indoor sports device comprising a cooling means for a user of said indoor sports device.
One of the technical advantages of the console according to the present invention can be being able to use it with several types of indoor sports devices, which demonstrates a versatility thereof.
Another technical advantage of the console according to the present invention can be being able to store it independently of the indoor sports device(s) for which it is intended to be used.
Another technical advantage of the console according to the present invention can therefore be its independence with respect to the indoor sports device for which it is intended. Thus, the console according to the present invention can be easily customizable by the user, and this customization can thus be applicable to several indoor sports devices that the user could have.
The object of the present invention further relates to an indoor sports device comprising a console as presently defined.
Since the console according to the present invention can be adaptable, it is possible to have an indoor sports device physically connected to this console. The console becomes a component element of and optionally detachable from the indoor sports device.
Moreover, the object of the present invention relates to a kit comprising a console as presently defined and an indoor sports device configured to be used with said console.
In order to facilitate the obtaining of a console according to the present invention, a kit having this console with an indoor sports device adapted to be combined with the latter
“Console” is understood in the context of the present invention as a piece of furniture on one or more legs, onto which an object such as a laptop computer, a book, a flat screen, a computer keyboard, a computer mouse, etc. can be placed or fastened at sight height. The console according to the present invention has de facto an orientation: the bottom of the console being represented by the parts of the console intended to be as close as possible to or in contact with the ground on which it rests and the top of the console being represented by the parts of the console intended to be as far away as possible from the ground on which it rests. The front face of the console (equivalent to the “face side of the console”) is the side on which the user of the indoor sports device faces the console. The rear face of the console is therefore the side opposite to the front face of the console.
“Indoor sports device” is understood in the context of the present invention as an apparatus to be implemented in a covered location such as a home or a gymnasium, allowing its user to practice a sport. For example, such a device can be an exercise bike, a treadmill for walking, a treadmill for running, an elliptical bike, a stepper, a power tower, etc.
“Cooling means” is understood in the context of the present invention as a means allowing to reduce the temperature of the user of the indoor sports device, such as a fan, an apparatus for spraying water, an air conditioner, a water mister, an air purifier, etc.
In a specific embodiment, the console according to the present invention can be characterized in that the console can comprise a support shelf.
“Support shelf” is understood in the context of the present invention as a flat surface intended to receive and hold up one or more objects placed thereon.
The support shelf can be manufactured from any rigid material allowing such support. Advantageously, the rigid material can be a biodegradable material, such as wood or a cellulosic material. Alternatively, the rigid material can be a recyclable material.
Advantageously, the support shelf can be mounted in a sliding manner to be able to be moved closed to or farther from the user of the indoor sports device.
Advantageously, the biodegradable rigid material can be sensitive to a lasting exposure to water, making it more biodegradable. Such a material can be a cellulosic material such as cardboard, in particular a cardboard reinforced for example with a structure made of wood or metallic (thus recyclable).
Preferably, the support shelf can be adapted to receive at least one personal item of the user such as a telephone, a laptop computer, a watch, keys and/or a wallet.
The support shelf can further be covered with a non-slip coating allowing to avoid the items falling from the support shelf, in particular if the console can be subjected to vibrations related to the use of an indoor sports device.
Preferably, the support shelf can comprise a passage for a flow of air disposed on the path of a flow of air coming from said cooling means.
For example, the support shelf can have a shape allowing the passage of a flow of air.
For example, the support shelf can have a recess, a hollow or an opening allowing the passage of a flow of air and which can be dedicated to this purpose.
Preferably, the support shelf can comprise a part in the shape of a C or L.
More preferably, the C or the L can be oriented in such a way that the support shelf is configured to partly surround the user of said indoor sports device. Thus, the user can place their personal belongings on the parts of the support shelf that surround the user while benefitting from a flow of air to cool the user.
In one embodiment, the console according to the present invention can be adapted to receive at least one piece of clothing or a towel. For example, the console can comprise a towel rack, such as a horizontal bar disposed under the support shelf or attached to one of the legs of the console. Advantageously, the support shelf can comprise an oblong or rectangular opening for example placed close to one of its edges thus allowing to carry out the function of clothes rack or towel rack.
Thus, in a specific embodiment, the console according to the present invention can be characterized in that, if necessary, the support shelf can comprise a passage for a flow of air, for example in the shape of a C or L, disposed on the path of a flow of air coming from said cooling means.
Even more preferably, the C can be oriented in such a manner that it allows the passage of a flow of air towards the user. The passage of a flow of air can thus pass through the hollow of the C. The shelf can advantageously have in its entirety the shape of a flat C.
Even more preferably, the L can be oriented in such a manner that it allows the passage of a flow of air towards the user. The passage of a flow of air can thus pass through the hollow of the L (that is to say in the space between the two bars of the L). The shelf can advantageously have in its entirety the shape of a flat L.
A support shelf can be joined to at least one other support shelf on a console according to the present invention. Moreover, a console according to the present invention can be joined with at least one other console according to the present invention. Thus, viewed from above, such consoles can form patterns combining Cs and/or Ls. For example, the pattern thus formed can resemble an E, an F or several Cs stuck to one another.
In a specific embodiment, a console according to the present invention can comprise several support shelves and/or passages for a flow of air allowing the reception of several indoor sports devices, such as exercise bikes.
The indoor sports devices can be placed next to each other in a straight or curved line, or in a circle.
In a specific embodiment, the console comprises at least one reception means for a container of liquid such as a glass, a cup, a bottle or a water bottle. The consumption of a liquid is obviously a means for cooling the user, on the one hand via the effect of heat transfer of the heat of the user to the liquid ingested and on the other hand by the addition of water usable for the sweating and the evaporation at the skin of this water for the user.
The reception means for a container of liquid can be any known means allowing to receive and stabilize said container, such as a water bottle holder, a cup holder, a glass holder.
More preferably, said at least one reception means for a container of liquid can be an opening having a suitable shape such as a circular shape in a support shelf.
Thus, in a specific embodiment, the console according to the present invention can be characterized in that said console comprises a support shelf, said support shelf preferably comprising at least one reception means for a container of liquid such as a glass, a cup, a bottle or a water bottle.
In a specific embodiment, the console according to the present invention can be characterized in that the indoor sports device can be an exercise bike.
In a specific embodiment, the console according to the present invention can be characterized in that the indoor sports device can be a treadmill for walking, a treadmill for running, an elliptical bike, a stepper or a power tower.
Preferably, said console can be configured to allow the placement of several indoor sports devices. As mentioned above, the indoor sports devices can be placed next to one another in a straight or curved line, or in a circle.
In a specific embodiment, the console according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises at least two legs, for example fastened, if necessary, to the support shelf, which legs being disposed so as to allow the placement of said indoor sports device between said at least two legs.
In the case of a console able to receive several indoor sports devices placed next to one another, in particular in a circle, several legs are necessary for the stability of the console. The console can thus comprise 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 legs.
In a specific embodiment, said at least two legs comprise two vertical arms and two horizontal arms connected to each other by their ends. Such an arrangement allows the console according to the present invention to be particularly stable.
In a specific embodiment, the console according to the present invention can be characterized in that the cooling means can be oriented or can be orientable according to the nature of the indoor sports device.
In a specific embodiment, the console according to the present invention can be characterized in that the cooling means can be a fan, an apparatus for spraying water, an air conditioner, a water mister, etc.
Preferably, the cooling means can be a fan.
Preferably, the cooling means such as a fan can comprise controls disposed so as to be accessible when said user maneuvers said indoor sports device.
Preferably, the cooling means such as a fan or a water mister can comprise controls so as to control the quality or the force of the flow of air produced by said cooling means.
Preferably, the cooling means, such as a fan, can be orientable.
Preferably, the cooling means, such as a fan, can be configured so that the flow of air generated is oriented or orientable towards the user.
In a specific embodiment, the console according to the present invention can comprise several cooling means (identical or different) disposed so as to best expose and cool the user. The console according to the present invention can thus comprise controls (preferably accessible to the user when the latter maneuvers the indoor sports device) allowing the user to individually control the various cooling means.
For example, the console can comprise a fan on each of its legs, which fans are directed towards the user. These fans can be completed by water misters and/or air purifiers actuatable as much as desired by the user.
In a specific embodiment, the console according to the present invention can be characterized in that it can comprise at least one storage case.
Preferably, said storage case can be placed between at least two legs for example fastened to a support shelf as defined above.
Thus, in a specific embodiment, the console according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises at least one storage case, preferably said storage case is placed, if necessary, between at least two legs as defined above.
Preferably, said storage case can be configured to receive cables for electricity, for connection to a communication network and/or a power socket.
Preferably, said storage case can comprise a sliding bottom.
One advantage of a sliding bottom is to allow the passage of cables via the bottom of the storage case.
Moreover, said storage case comprises a passage of a cable, in particular on the upper part of the storage case. The orientation of the storage case is the same as that of the console.
In a specific embodiment, said console 1 is manufactured from a biodegradable material, such as wood.
In a specific embodiment, the console according to the present invention can be characterized in that it can be capable of being disassembled and/or foldable to facilitate its storage. For example, the leg(s) of the console can be detachable, capable of being disassembled and/or foldable. For example, the support shelf or shelves can be detachable, capable of being disassembled and/or foldable.
In a specific embodiment, the console according to the present invention can be characterized in that it can be configured so as to be adjustable in terms of height. For example, the leg(s) can be telescopic, have screwable systems or have additional sections to allow to adjust the height of the console.
“Height” is understood in the context of the present invention as the distance between the end intended to be placed on the ground and the end intended to be at sight height of the user. For example, the height can be between 20 centimeters (cm) and 2 meters (m), preferably between 50 cm and 1.80 m, or between 60 cm and 1.70 m such as between 70 cm and 1.60 m, between 80 cm and 1.50 m, between 90 cm and 1.40 m, between 1 m and 1.30 m, for example between 1.10 m and 1.20 m.
Advantageously, the console is dimensioned so as to not obstruct the view of the user of the indoor sports device. Thus, the user can for example place an open laptop computer on the support shelf of the console, and at the same time view a television placed behind the console. Moreover, this is one of the advantages of one embodiment of the console according to the present invention: by placing the cooling means under the support shelf, the peripheral vision of the user is not obstructed.
Moreover, in a specific embodiment, the console according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises cylinders allowing it to be configurable in terms of height and/or to ensure its stability.
“Cylinders” is understood in the context of the present invention as an apparatus for raising by screws.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below as non-limiting examples, in reference to the appended drawings in which:
In reference to the drawings, a console 1 is shown according to various views in which a cooling means 2 can be seen, here taking the form of a fan 9. This fan can comprise a control 10 for controlling the fan 9 to vary the flow of air. Here, the fan comprises a control arranged so as to control the flow of air produced, preferably when the user maneuvers said indoor sports device. The console comprises a support shelf 3 having the shape of a C allowing a passage for a flow of air 4 in the hollow of the C. The support shelf 3 comprises a reception means 5 for a container here taking the form of a circular opening in said support shelf 3. Moreover, the console 1 comprises two legs 6 disposed so as to allow the console 1 to be able to receive an indoor sports device between its two legs 6. The two legs 6 each comprise two vertical arms 7 and two horizontal arms 8. The console 1 can comprise a storage case 11. This storage case 11 can comprise passages of cables 13 to for example allow the recharging of electronic devices (for example of mobile phones, audio headsets, etc.). The console 1 can comprise means allowing to adjust the height of said console 1, such as cylinders 14.
In reference to
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR2202811 | Mar 2022 | FR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2023/053138 | 3/29/2023 | WO |
