The present technology relates to the field of bicycle resistance training, bicycle training equipment and connections of resistance training systems to a two-wheel bicycle. The field of the present technology also relates to detachable resistance training systems for use with cyclists and two-wheeled bicycles.
Conventional methods of bicycle resistance training such as indoor stationary bicycles and indoor bicycle trainers do not allow cyclists to resistance-train outdoors on roads and similar surfaces where they generally ride two-wheel bicycles and compete on two-wheel bicycles. Further, in today's fast-paced world, saving time can be important and the exercise training provided by the present technology allows cyclists to get their routine training regiment done outdoors and in less distance and therefore less time due to the added power output required to overcome the present technology's added rolling resistance.
Numerous systems exist that apply additional rolling resistance to bicycle tires with commercial success, but they are restricted to the bicycle remaining stationary and generally intended for indoor use. These are essentially variations of the stationary indoor exercise bicycle technology where: friction, rolling, air, motor or hydraulic etc. resistance is applied at some point of the stationary indoor exercise bicycle's drive system or to a stationary indoor exercise bicycle's tire but said stationary indoor exercise bicycle does not make a forward motion in the physical world, that is, the resistance is not applied while a cyclist rides the bicycle, propelling the bicycle in the general understanding of the words “riding a bicycle”.
The present technology takes two-wheel bicycle resistance training outdoors onto physical roads and other surfaces, allowing cyclists to (actually) ride/propel their bicycles in the physical world while resistance training. The device can also be used to apply resistance when used on a roller type bicycle training machine, as generally, such bicycle roller type training machines do not add resistance beyond those physical properties of the bicycle, the cyclist and the rollers themselves.
When the device is used in conjunction with a cyclist-handicapping system the device can be used to provide the (actual) physical resistance (i.e. the handicap) on the bicycle to reflect the level of equalization/handicap allocated to a particular cyclist or set of cyclists.
Note: The following related U.S. Patent references are quoted selections from the referenced patents.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,742 describes a training device for a bicycle comprising a frame (22) for supporting the bicycle in an upright position, mounting means (32,34) for securing the frame to the bicycle adjacent the bicycle's rear axle, and wind load simulation means (120). The frame includes a base (24), a pair of spaced-apart side members (26,28) and an upper support (50). The side members extend upwardly from the base on opposite sides of the rear wheel of the bicycle. The upper support is connected to side members, and is adapted to abut the rear brake (14) of the bicycle. The wind load simulation means includes a shaft (126), fan means (122,124) mounted to the shaft, and means (142,140,128) for mounting the shaft such that the shaft is rotatable about a shaft axis parallel to the rear axle. The shaft is movable into a position (172) in which the shaft frictionally engages the rear wheel for rotation therewith. The means for mounting the shaft may comprise spring means (144) for biasing the shaft towards the rear wheel.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,082,264A describes an exercise bicycle comprises a pneumatic pump that includes a rotating member coupled to the pedals of the bicycle. The air pump absorbs the energy of the rotating pedals and thereby offers resistance to pedal rotation. The inlet of the pump is in communication with the atmosphere and the air outlet of the pump includes a valve restricting the flow of air prior to exhaust. The valve may be adjustable so as to selectively vary the resistance to pedal movement.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,505,473A describes an exerciser for simulating bicycling having a collapsible bicycle stand, provided with a flywheel for the storage of energy, rotatably supports an elevated flywheel spindle behind a rear, treadle-powered bicycle wheel such as to be driven through frictional engagement with the rear wheel tire only while a rider is seated on the bicycle. The rear wheel is held in a raised position by the stand such as to fully support the weight of the rider, causing the rear wheel to be freely rotatable, impeded essentially only by the inertia of the flywheel. The stand accommodates wheels of various diameters, and a manual control readily accessible to the seated rider permits selection of tire to spindle force no greater than that required to avoid slippage. The tire is also protected against damage by a flywheel brake which becomes effective in the event the bicycle brake is suddenly applied while there is still negative clearance between the flywheel and the spindle, and therefore, while the flywheel is still spinning.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,798B2 describes an invention as a bicycle trainer to which a standard bicycle temporarily attaches for exercise and simulated rides. A lifting mechanism raises and lowers the front tire, and in preferred embodiments, a frame engages the rear tire to hold the rear tire in an elevated position against a resistance cylinder. The resistance cylinder provides a force against rear tire revolution and varies the resistance to pedaling. The resistance cylinder can vary resistance against back tire revolution by pumping a resistance fluid into and out of the cylinder, by changing the position of the resistance cylinder in relation to the back tire, or by translation of the bicycle back and forth. In other embodiments, the trainer is electronically controlled to simulate real-world geographical courses programmed into a readable format for electronically maneuvering front tire and back tire positions as necessary to provide resistance to pedaling.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,505,473A describes an exerciser for simulating bicycling having a collapsible bicycle stand, provided with a flywheel for the storage of energy, rotatably supports an elevated flywheel spindle behind a rear, treadle-powered bicycle wheel such as to be driven through frictional engagement with the rear wheel tire only while a rider is seated on the bicycle. The rear wheel is held in a raised position by the stand such as to fully support the weight of the rider, causing the rear wheel to be freely rotatable, impeded essentially only by the inertia of the flywheel. The stand accommodates wheels of various diameters, and a manual control readily accessible to the seated rider permits selection of tire to spindle force no greater than that required to avoid slippage. The tire is also protected against damage by a flywheel brake which becomes effective in the event the bicycle brake is suddenly applied while there is still negative clearance between the flywheel and the spindle, and therefore, while the flywheel is still spinning.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,186,540B2 describes a self-adjusting bolt action skewer clamp for a bicycle trainer includes a hollow, outer support member and an inner engagement member located inside the support member. The support member has a helical slot with a pocket at one end. The inner engagement member is attached to a handle via a carrier contained within a passage defined by the inner engagement member, and the handle can slide within the helical slot such that the inner engagement member will extend past the support member as the handle is rotated around the helical slot. Once it reaches the pocket, the handle will remain locked in place. The clamp tightens onto a rear axle of the bicycle. The spring allows the bicycle trainer to accommodate bicycles of various sizes without adjustment.
Other constructions for resistance exercise attachments to bikes include U.S. Pat. No. 10,022,590B2, US20160101313A1, US20120178592A1. An option to provide resistance training and exercise while riding a bicycle outdoors or on stationary “rollers” is practical and desirable.
A light, aerodynamic, mini-resistance trainer used with a two-wheel bicycle outdoors on a road or similar surface and a cyclist. The device has two parts, firstly a vertical connector plate, the connector plate is configured to attach to the front, upright side of a bicycle's seat tube, on a bicycle frame using the bicycle's two standard water bottle cage threaded fastener holes and M3 Allen bolts. The upper portion of the connector plate continues around the bicycle frame's seat tube and overlaps the second part of the device, namely the drive system housing. With the drive system housing positioned within either side of the overlapping portions of the connector plate, the attachment of the drive system housing to the connector plate is made via M3 Allen bolts at either lateral end through the connector plates and screwed into the drive system housing's two vertical sides. When assembled as described the device encircles the upper portion of the bicycle frame's seat tube and provides the drive system's resistance wheel access to the rear bicycle tire. The drive system housing encases the variable resistance drive system assembly. The drive system assembly is comprised of a worm gear on an axle connected to a linear gear rack. By turning either of the two resistance dials located at either distal point of the worm gear's axle, the worm gear's rotational motion moves the linear gear rack either forward (toward the rear bicycle tire) or backward (away from the rear bicycle tire). The distal point of the linear gear rack has an axle with needle bearings upon which a resistance wheel rotates whose function it is to apply rolling resistance to the rear bicycle tire. The drive system assembly applies or retracts incremental amounts of rolling resistance to the rear tire of the bicycle. Regulation of resistance levels is applied or retracted via resistance dials located at either distal point on the worm gear axle. The worm gear axle protrudes from the drive system housing and the overlapping connector plate sufficiently to hold a resistance dial at either end of the worm gear axle, allowing the cyclist to rotate either of these two resistance dials to apply or retract incremental levels of rolling resistance to or from the rear bicycle tire. Immediately above the resistance wheel is a resistance wheel protection plate that protects the resistance wheel from debris. To manage heat created by the frictional contact between the resistance wheel and the rear bicycle tire while maintaining the required stability of the resistance wheel the device may have either or both or similar of: (a) a plurality of openings into and through the resistance wheel. These openings are set along the face (left to right) and around the circumference of the resistance wheel to dissipate heat, and (b) a plurality of angled openings into and through the sides of both, the overlapping sides of the connector plate and the vertical sides of the drive system housing, directing outside airflow directly into the drive system housing and (due to the angle of such openings) focusing such airflow at the drive system assembly.
A light, aerodynamic, mini-resistance trainer used with a two-wheel bicycle outdoors on a road or similar surface and a cyclist. The device has two parts, firstly a vertical connector plate, the connector plate is configured to attach to the front, upright side of a bicycle's seat tube, on a bicycle frame using the bicycle's two standard water bottle cage threaded fastener holes and M3 Allen bolts. The upper portion of the connector plate continues around the bicycle frame's seat tube and overlaps the second part of the device, namely the drive system housing. With the drive system housing positioned within either side of the overlapping portions of the connector plate, the attachment of the drive system housing to the connector plate is made via M3 Allen bolts at either lateral end through the connector plates and screwed into the drive system housing's two vertical sides. When assembled as described the device encircles the upper portion of the bicycle frame's seat tube and provides the drive system's resistance wheel access to the rear bicycle tire. The drive system housing encases the variable resistance drive system assembly. The drive system assembly is comprised of a worm gear on an axle connected to a linear gear rack.
By turning either of the two resistance dials located at either distal point of the worm gear's axle, the worm gear's rotational motion moves the linear gear rack either forward (toward the rear bicycle tire) or backward (away from the rear bicycle tire). The distal point of the linear gear rack has an axle with needle bearings upon which a resistance wheel rotates whose function it is to apply rolling resistance to the rear bicycle tire. The drive system assembly applies or retracts incremental amounts of rolling resistance to the rear tire of the bicycle. Regulation of resistance levels is applied or retracted via resistance dials located at either distal point of the worm gear axle. The worm gear axle protrudes from the drive system housing and the overlapping connector plate sufficiently to hold a resistance dial at either end of the worm gear axle, allowing the cyclist to rotate either of these two resistance dials to apply or retract incremental levels of rolling resistance to or from the rear bicycle tire. Immediately above the resistance wheel is a resistance wheel protection plate that protects the resistance wheel from debris. To manage heat created by the frictional contact between the resistance wheel and the rear bicycle tire while maintaining the required stability of the resistance wheel the device may have either or both or similar of: (a) a plurality of openings into and through the resistance wheel. These openings are set along the face (left to right) and around the circumference of the resistance wheel to dissipate heat, and (b) a plurality of angled openings into and through the sides of both, the overlapping sides of the connector plate and the vertical sides of the drive system housing, directing outside airflow directly into the drive system housing and (due to the angle of such openings) focusing such airflow at the drive system assembly.
One example of a preferred on-the-bicycle, aerodynamic, mini, resistance training device for outdoors cycling and an equitable bicycle competition device according to the present technology can be described as follows: a vertical connector plate and a drive system housing.
The vertical connector plate with aerodynamic winglets attaches to the front, upright side of a bicycle's seat tube, on a bicycle frame via the bicycle's two standard water bottle cage threaded fastener holes using M3 Allen bolts. The connector plate has several attachment holes, allowing the device to fit various bicycle frame sizes. The device can be attached directly to the bicycle frame's water bottle cage fastener holes or if a water bottle cage is used on the bicycle frame's seat tube, the device would be located between the water bottle cage and the bicycle frame's seat tube with the M3 Allen bolts going through the water bottle cage fastener holes and then through the device's fastener holes and screwed into the bicycle frame's water bottle cage threaded fastener holes. The connector plate elements may be comprised of a strong, lightweight composite material (for example carbon fibre) and the like.
The upper portion of the connector plate continues around the bicycle frame's seat tube and overlaps the second part of the device, namely the drive system housing. With the drive system housing positioned within either side of the overlapping portions of the connector plate, the attachment of the drive system housing to the connector plate is made via M3 Allen bolts at either end, through the connector plates and screwed into the drive system housing's two vertical sides. When assembled as described the device encircles the upper portion of the bicycle frame's seat tube at the front via the connector plate and from the rear of the seat tube the drive system housing and assembly provide (with overlapping connector plate outsides) the drive system's resistance wheel access to the rear bicycle tire.
The drive system housing encases the variable resistance drive system assembly. The drive system assembly is comprised of a worm gear on an axle connected to a linear gear rack. By turning either of the two resistance dials located at either distal point of the worm gear's axle, the worm gear's rotational motion moves the linear gear rack either forward (toward the rear bicycle tire) or backward (away from the rear bicycle tire). The distal point of the linear gear rack has an axle with needle bearings upon which a resistance wheel rotates whose function it is to apply rolling resistance to the rear bicycle tire. The drive system assembly applies or retracts incremental amounts of rolling resistance to the rear tire of the bicycle.
Regulation of resistance levels is applied or retracted via resistance dials located at either distal ends of the worm gear axle, allowing the cyclist to apply or retract incremental levels of rolling resistance to and from the rear bicycle tire. The resistance dials are ergonomically shaped so that the cyclist can alter the resistance level while riding the bicycle if desired. The resistance dials have an opposite concave shape left as to right dials, so that it is intuitive by feel in which direction to rotate the resistance dial to add or subtract resistance to the rear bicycle tire, allowing a cyclist to regulate the applied resistance level while riding the bicycle if desired. The left-hand asymmetrical resistance dial houses a removable M3 Hex tool that can be removed and used to tighten, loosen any of the device's M3 Allen bolts for roadside or other maintenance and or removal of the device entirely from the bicycle frame.
The drive system housing has an access panel at the top, fastened in position by tension and an M3 Allen bolt. This access panel allows for roadside or other maintenance of the internal drive system components.
The component that provides the physical rolling resistance, the resistance wheel is protected from debris by a resistance wheel protector plate located immediately above the resistance wheel.
To manage heat created by the frictional contact between the resistance wheel and the rear bicycle tire while maintaining the required stability of the resistance wheel the device may have either or both or similar of: (a) a plurality of openings into and through the resistance wheel. These openings are set along the face (left to right) and around the circumference of the resistance wheel to dissipate heat, and (b) a plurality of angled openings into and through the sides of both, the overlapping sides of the connector plate and the vertical sides of the drive system housing, directing outside airflow directly into the drive system housing and (due to the angle of such openings) focusing such airflow at the drive system assembly.
The components of the drive system may be made from alloy and or composite materials.
The device is removed by reversing the order of attachment, unscrewing the M3 Allen bolts on either side of the overlapping connector plate and drive system housing to detach the drive system housing from the overlapping portion of the connector plate. Then, unscrewing the two water bottle cage M3 Allen bolts and removing the water bottle cage (if present) and then removing the device's connector plate.
When used in conjunction with a cyclist handicapping system the device is used to provide the physical resistance (i.e. the handicap) on the bicycle to reflect the equalization or handicap allocated to each or a set of cyclists. The incremental handicap is applied on the bicycle by the device by setting the resistance level from either of the drive system resistance dials. This facilitates a new category of equalized bicycle competition where cyclists with varying cycling proficiency/racing categories may compete on a level playing field with the application of the device's individual allotted equalizing resistance levels on their bicycles. This can be compared in principle to golf's handicapping equalization scoring and horse racing's weight handicapping equalization systems.
Further, the device may form an integral part of a cyclist's training program. This may be in preparation for a specific event or for general cycling improvement or level of fitness. This would take the form of incrementally increasing device resistance levels while producing the same or similar cycling training route-metrics for speed, pace, power, duration i.e. getting fitter, faster and stronger.
Reference to the Figures will provide an even greater understanding of the technology described and claimed herein.
The device can be made from a variety of components/materials (in a variety of colors) including but not limited to alloys and composites.
The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/015,508 filed Apr. 25, 2020.