Patent Application
20250108252
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a locking device for a stationary bicycle that is configured for engagement of an emergency brake mechanism.
A stationary bicycle has an emergency brake system that, when engaged, prevents the pedals from moving and prevents the flywheel from moving. A knob is connected to an end of a rod. The rod is connected to the bicycle. When the knob is depressed, the emergency brake is engaged. When the rod is turned, the resistance is variable. A problem arises when any individual such as a child is playing on the stationary bicycle and may become entangled in the gear device if the pedals are inadvertently rotated and a child is near the gear device. This may result in injury and/or death. Thus, it would be more desirable for a child safety lock device to be connected to a stationary bicycle to prevent the pedals from rotating when the stationary bicycle is not in use during storage and/or between sessions.
Previous approaches for locking devices for stationary bicycles have typically involved complex mechanisms and multiple components, resulting in increased manufacturing costs and potential points of failure. These locking devices often require manual adjustment and may not provide a secure and reliable connection between the housing and the base. However, none of these approaches have provided a comprehensive solution that combines the features described in this disclosure. The present invention aims to address these limitations and provide an improved locking device for stationary bicycles that is secure, easy to use, and incorporates an effective engagement of an emergency brake mechanism.
Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved lock device for a stationary bicycle. This need and other needs are satisfied by the various aspects of the present disclosure.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a locking device for a stationary bicycle includes a housing with a knob receiving wall and a sidewall connected to the knob receiving wall. The sidewall has an opening opposite the knob receiving wall, and a chamber is configured to receive a knob connected to a rod. A first latch is connected to the outer wall surface of the sidewall. The device also includes a base with an aperture to receive a portion of the rod and a capturing structure. The first latch of the housing is removably connected to the capturing structure of the base. When the housing is connected to the base, the knob receiving wall depresses the knob to engage an emergency brake, and which also includes improvements that overcome the limitations of prior art locking device systems for stationary bicycles is now met by a new, useful, and non-obvious invention.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a locking device for a stationary bicycle, including a housing having a knob receiving wall. A sidewall has an outer wall surface. The sidewall has a first end connected to the knob receiving wall. The sidewall has a second end forming an opening. The knob receiving wall is located opposite the opening of the housing. A chamber is configured to receive a knob connected to a rod. The opening of the sidewall borders the chamber. A first latch is connected to the outer wall surface of the sidewall of the housing. A base has an aperture configured to receive at least a portion of the rod. The first latch of the housing is removably connected to a capturing structure of the base. The knob receiving wall of the housing is configured to connect to the knob and depress the knob to engage an emergency brake of the stationary bicycle when the housing is connected to the base.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a locking device, wherein the first latch having a first end located opposite a second end, the first latch is tapered.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a locking device, wherein the second end of the first latch having a greater thickness than the first end of the first latch, the first end of the first latch abuts the opening of the housing.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a locking device, wherein the housing having a first channel and a second channel, the first channel is parallel to the second channel, the first channel having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first channel and the second channel abut the opening of the housing.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a locking device, wherein the first latch is located between the first channel and the second channel.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a locking device, wherein the outer wall surface of the housing having a protrusion structure, the protrusion structure is in alignment with the first latch.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a locking device, wherein the protrusion structure is a ramp, the ramp is configured to be engaged by a user to release the first latch of the housing from the capturing structure of the base, the protrusion structure is located between the first channel and the second channel.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a locking device, wherein the aperture of the base having a flange extending therefrom, the flange is removably connected to the second end of the sidewall of the housing.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a locking device, wherein the capturing structure including: a first end and a second end, the first end of the capturing structure is connected to an outer perimeter edge of the base, the second end of the capturing structure has a protruded ridge; at least one recess; a pin, the pin is configured to traverse through an opening of the protruded ridge of the second end of the capturing structure, the pin is located within the at least one recess, the pin is configured to engage the second end of the first latch when the housing is connected to the base.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a locking device, wherein a second latch connected to the outer wall surface of the sidewall of the housing, the second latch of the housing is removably connected to the capturing structure of the base.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of engaging an emergency brake of a stationary bicycle using a locking device, including the steps of: providing the stationary bicycle, the stationary bicycle has the emergency brake including: a brake system; a knob; a rod, the rod has one end connected to the knob located opposite another end coupled to the brake system; and a fastener, the fastener connects the rod to the stationary bicycle; loosening the fastener; providing the locking device, including: a housing, including: a knob receiving wall; a sidewall having an outer wall surface, the sidewall having a first end connected to the knob receiving wall, the sidewall having a second end forming an opening, wherein the knob receiving wall is located opposite the opening of the housing; and a chamber, the chamber is configured to receive the knob connected to the rod of the stationary bicycle, wherein the opening of the sidewall bordering the chamber; a first latch connected to the outer wall surface of the sidewall of the housing; and a base, including: an aperture, the aperture is configured to receive at least a portion of the rod; and a capturing structure, wherein the first latch of the housing is removably connected to the capturing structure of the base, wherein the knob receiving wall of the housing is configured to connect to the knob and depress the knob to engage the emergency brake when the housing is connected to the base; positioning the base of the locking device between the stationary bicycle and the fastener, wherein positioning the aperture of the base of the locking device around at least a portion of the rod; aligning the first latch of the housing with the capturing structure of the base; inserting the knob and at least a portion of the rod into the chamber of the housing of the locking device; and applying a force to the housing so that the knob receiving wall of the housing is depressing the knob and rod to engage the emergency brake of the stationary bicycle, wherein a length of the knob and the rod retained within the chamber of the housing is greater in size than a length of the chamber of the housing.
Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
Reference is made in the following detailed description to accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, wherein like numerals may designate like parts throughout that are corresponding and/or analogous. It will be appreciated that the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale, such as for simplicity and/or clarity of illustration. For example, dimensions of some aspects may be exaggerated relative to others. Further, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized. Furthermore, structural and/or other changes may be made without departing from claimed subject matter. References throughout this specification to “claimed subject matter” refer to subject matter intended to be covered by one or more claims, or any portion thereof, and are not necessarily intended to refer to a complete claim set, to a particular combination of claim sets (e.g., method claims, apparatus claims, etc.), or to a particular claim. It should also be noted that directions and/or references, for example, such as up, down, top, bottom, and so on, may be used to facilitate discussion of drawings and are not intended to restrict application of claimed subject matter. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken to limit claimed subject matter and/or equivalents.
The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention and the examples included therein.
Before the present articles, systems, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific manufacturing methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular materials unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, example methods and materials are now described.
All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.
In some embodiments, at 112, the method may include aligning the first latch of the housing with the capturing structure of the base. At 114, the method may include inserting the knob and at least a portion of the rod of the stationary bicycle into the chamber of the housing of the locking device. At 116, the method may include applying a force to the housing so that the knob receiving wall of the housing may depress the knob and rod to engage the emergency brake of the stationary bicycle when housing 202 is installed on capturing structure 214 (
It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” can include the aspects “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined herein.
As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an opening” can include two or more openings.
Ranges can be expressed herein as from one particular value, and/or to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent ‘about,’ it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.
As used herein, the terms “about” and “at or about” mean that the amount or value in question can be the value designated by some other value approximately or about the same. It is generally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.
The terms “first,” “second,” “first part,” “second part,” and the like, where used herein, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, and are used to distinguish one element from another, unless specifically stated otherwise.
As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase “optionally affixed to the surface” means that it can or cannot be fixed to a surface.
Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.
Disclosed are the components to be used to manufacture the disclosed devices, systems, and articles of the invention as well as the devices themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these materials cannot be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular material is disclosed and discussed and a number of modifications that can be made to the materials are discussed, specifically contemplated is each and every combination and permutation of the material and the modifications that are possible unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, if a class of materials A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of materials D, E, and F and an example of a combination material, A-D is disclosed, then even if each is not individually recited each is individually and collectively contemplated meaning combinations, A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C-F are considered disclosed. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E would be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of making and using the articles and devices of the invention. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the methods of the invention.
It is understood that the devices and systems disclosed herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions, and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result.
As described above, the present disclosure relates, in various aspects, to a lock device for a stationary bicycle. This invention is a device currently compatible with Peloton spin bikes, activates the emergency brake on the spin bike, immobilizes the function of the resistance knob and pedals and requires a specific sequence to unlock the mechanism and release the emergency brake. The issues this invention addresses is the potential risk of unattended toddlers or children sustaining injuries from fiddling with a functioning spin bike within the home.
A child proof/safety lock covering the spin knobs on an exercise bike/device. For this assessment, the search focused on finding the following elements: E1: A child safety lock comprises a top housing portion for covering a knob on a device. E2: A lower housing portion comprises i) first half and ii) second half for engaging with the device and latching the child safety lock onto the device when the two halves are coupled together. E3: A sequence (movements/rotations/activations etc.) resulting in unlocking the top housing portion from the lower housing portion.
In an embodiment, a lock mechanism for a stationary bicycle has a top housing, a bottom or base housing with two halves, and requires a user to perform the action of turning/actuating/pressing etc. to open the top housing. It is within the scope of this invention for the base bottom of the housing to be made of one solid piece or 2 portions. The benefit of the base bottom being made of two portions is that a user only is required to loosen the fastener connected to the bicycle and traverse the fastener along the rod during installation of the base bottom. With the use of a two-piece base bottom, the user is not required to completely remove the resistance/emergency brake knob from the rod, which requires an additional step of removing a cap and removing a fastener connecting the knob to the rod, during installation of the base bottom onto the rod.
While aspects of the present invention can be described and claimed in a particular statutory class, such as the system statutory class, this is for convenience only and one of skill in the art will understand that each aspect of the present invention can be described and claimed in any statutory class. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method or aspect set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not specifically state in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way appreciably intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow, plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number or type of aspects described in the specification.
Throughout this application, various publications can be referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entirety are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this pertains. The references disclosed are also individually and specifically incorporated by reference herein for the material contained in them that is discussed in the sentence in which the reference is relied upon. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided herein can be different from the actual publication dates, which can require independent confirmation.
The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
While the specification includes examples, the disclosure's scope is indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the specification has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples for embodiments of the disclosure.
Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the disclosures are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claims such additional disclosures is reserved.
Although very narrow claims are presented herein, it should be recognized the scope of this disclosure is much broader than presented by the claims. It is intended that broader claims will be submitted in an application that claims the benefit of priority from this application.
