Patent Application
20240245951
The present disclosure relates generally to a stationary exercise machine and more specifically to a stationary bike which is selectively reconfigurable between a tilt-enabled stationary bike to a non-tiltable (or fixed) stationary bike.
A stationary exercise machine designed to simulate cycling is often referred to as stationary bike or spin bike. Such stationary bikes typically have a driven assembly including a crank wheel, a pair of cranks fixed to the crank wheel to drive rotation of the crank wheel and each terminating in respective pedal. The crank wheel is typically connected, via any suitable transmission member such as a belt or a chain, to a resistance mechanism, for example a magnetically or frictionally resisted flywheel. As such a stationary bike is able to simulate much of the physical exertion applied when a riding a bike, and thus provides a reasonably good cardiovascular exercise. However, because a stationary bike is more stable when used (due in part to being fixed to one or more non-moving frame(s)) than a real bicycle, a stationary bike may not be able to allow the user to engage certain muscle groups (e.g., the user's abdominal core and/or upper body) at all or to a same or similar extent as when riding a real bicycle. Therefore designers and manufacturers of exercise equipment continue to seek improvements in the field of stationary bikes.
In various embodiments, a stationary bike is disclosed, which is selectively reconfigurable between a tilt-enabled stationary bike to a non-tiltable (or fixed) stationary bike.
Embodiments of a tilt-enabled exercise bike with a tilt-disabling mechanism are described. In some embodiments, the exercise bike includes a first frame that remains substantially stationary with respect to a support surface, a second frame pivotally joined to the first frame and configured to support a user, the second frame pivoting relative to the first frame about a pivot axis in response to a force applied to the second frame by the user. The exercise bike further includes a locking mechanism operatively associated with the first and second frames and actuatable to an engaged state that prevents pivotal movement of the second frame relative to the first frame. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises a pin coupled to one of the first and second frames and a corresponding hole that receives the pin, the hole being coupled to the other one of the first and second frames. In some embodiments, the pin may be coupled to the first or second frames such that it extends in a direction that intersects with the pivot axis and is selectively movable toward and away from the pivot axis. In some embodiments, the second frame is pivotally supported on the fixed frame by at least one pivot shaft that defines the pivot axis. In some embodiments, the pivot axis extends in substantially the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the exercise bike. In some embodiments, the second frame is pivotally supported on the fixed frame via a front pivot shaft and a rear pivot shaft axially aligned to define the pivot axis. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism selectively engages at least one of the one or more pivot shafts that pivotally couple the moving frame to the fixed frame (e.g. the front pivot shaft and/or the rear pivot shaft) to resist the rotation of the front pivot shaft or the rear pivot shaft. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a friction brake operatively associated with the front pivot shaft or the rear pivot shaft. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a magnetic brake operatively associated with the front pivot shaft or the rear pivot shaft. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a block coupled to one of the first frame and the second frame and a wedge coupled to the other one of the first frame and the second frame, at least one of the block and the wedge being movably coupled to the respective frame to cause the at least a portion of the wedge to be received in a groove of the block when the block and the wedge are brought closer together for at least one position of the second frame relative to the first frame. In some embodiments, the block pivotally is coupled to the second frame and the wedge fixed to the first frame. In some embodiments, the block is pivotally coupled to one of the first frame and the second frame and the wedge is fixed to the other one of the first frame and the second frame, the locking mechanism being operatively associated with an actuator configured to pivot or slide the block toward and away from the wedge. In some embodiments, the actuator includes a spring connecting the actuator to the block for transmitting actuation force to the block. In some embodiments, the actuator is positioned on the bike such that it is accessible to the user while riding the bike. In some embodiments, the exercise bike further comprises a drive assembly including a crankshaft operatively associated with a pair of pedals configured to be driven by the user, the second frame being pivotally coupled to the first frame at a first pivot joint located forward of the crankshaft and a second pivot joint located aft of the crankshaft. In some embodiments, the first frame includes a base having a front and rear stabilizers. In some embodiments, the pivot axis of the bike is inclined at an angle no greater than 45 degrees relative to a base plane passing through the front and rear stabilizers. In some embodiments, the exercise bike further include a damper that resists the pivotal movement of the second frame relative to the first frame. In some embodiments, the damper includes at least one spring operatively positioned to resist the pivotal movement of the second frame relative to the first frame. In some embodiments, the damper includes a first spring positioned vertically above the pivot axis and a second spring positioned vertically below the pivot axis. In some embodiments, each of the first and second springs are fixed to the second frame. In some embodiments, the bike further includes a display that remains stationary with respect to the first frame while the second frame pivots relative to the first frame. In some embodiments, the display is mounted on a mast fixed to and extends from the first frame. In some embodiments, the display is pivotally mounted to the mast, whereby pivoting of the display adjusts a viewing angle of the display. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is operatively associated with an actuator configured for remote actuation.
An exercise bike according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes a first frame that remains substantially stationary with respect to a support surface, a second frame pivotally joined to the first frame and configured to support a user, the second frame pivoting relative to the first frame about a pivot axis in response to a force applied to the second frame by the user, and a display mounted on a structural member fixed to and extending from the first frame. In some embodiments, the display is pivotally mounted on the structural member. In some embodiments, the exercise bike further includes an arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the mast and wherein the display is coupled to a second end of the arm opposite the first end. In some embodiments, the arm is curved along at least a portion of the arm between the first end and the second end, and the arm may be slidably or pivotally coupled to the structural member. In some embodiments, the structural member may be a mast. In some embodiments, the exercise bike may further include a locking mechanism operatively associated with the first and second frames and actuatable to an engaged state that prevents pivotal movement of the second frame relative to the first frame. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a pin coupled to one of the first and second frames and a corresponding hole that receives the pin, the hole being provided by a structure coupled to the other one of the first and second frames. In some embodiments, the second frame is pivotally supported on the fixed frame by at least one pivot shaft that defines the pivot axis. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is operatively associated with the at least one pivot shaft to substantially prevent rotation about the pivot axis in at least one state of the locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a block coupled to one of the first and second frames and a wedge coupled to the other one of the first and second frames, at least one of the block and the wedge being movable toward the other one of the block and the wedge to provide the locking mechanism in an engaged position in which the block interferes with the wedge.
An exercise bike system according to some embodiments includes a first bike frame that remains substantially stationary with respect to a support surface, a second bike frame pivotally joined to the first frame and configured to support a user, the second frame pivoting relative to the first frame about a pivot axis in response to a force applied to the second frame by the user, and at least one sensor attached to either the first or second bike frame. The exercise bike system further includes a transceiver attached to either the first or second bike frame and in communication with the sensor, a stand unattached to either of the first and second bike frames, and a display supported by the stand and in communication with the transceiver, the display remaining stationary with respect to the first bike frame while the second bike frame pivots relative to the first bike frame. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes a cadence sensor, a power sensor, a position sensor, or a tilt sensor. In some embodiment, the sensor is operatively associated with pivot axis to measure an amount of rotation of the second bike frame relative to the first bike frame. In some embodiment, the exercise bike system further includes a locking mechanism operatively associated with the first and second bike frames and actuatable to an engaged state that prevents pivotal movement of the second bike frame relative to the first bike frame.
An exercise bike according to some embodiments includes a first frame that remains substantially stationary with respect to a support surface, a second frame pivotally joined to the first frame and configured to support a user, wherein the second frame pivots relative to the first frame about a pivot axis in response to a force applied to the second frame by the user, and a display mounted on a structural member fixed to and extending from the first frame. In some embodiments, the display is pivotally mounted on the structural member. In some embodiments, the structural member comprises a mast. In some embodiments, the exercise bike further comprises an arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the structural member and wherein the display is coupled to a second end of the arm opposite the first end. In some embodiments, the arm is curved along at least a portion of the arm between the first end and the second end, and wherein the arm is slidably or pivotally coupled to the structural member. In some embodiments, the exercise bike further comprises a locking mechanism operatively associated with the first and second frames and actuatable to an engaged state that prevents pivotal movement of the second frame relative to the first frame. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises a pin coupled to one of the first and second frames and a corresponding hole that receives the pin, wherein the hole is coupled to the other one of the first and second frames. In some embodiments, the second frame is pivotally supported on the first frame by at least one pivot shaft that defines the pivot axis. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is operatively associated with the at least one pivot shaft to substantially prevent rotation about the pivot axis in at least one state of the locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises a block coupled to one of the first and second frames and a wedge coupled to the other one of the first and second frames, wherein at least one of the block and the wedge is movable toward the other one of the block and the wedge to provide the locking mechanism in an engaged position in which the block interferes with the wedge
A tilt-enabled exercise bike according to further embodiments includes a drive assembly including a crankshaft and a pair of pedals, each coupled to an opposite side of the crankshaft, for rotation of the crankshaft by a user, and a frame rotatably supporting the crankshaft. The frame includes a base that supports the exercise bike on a support surface, the base having first and second lateral ends disposed on opposite sides of the frame that move relative to the supports surface when the user is rotating the crankshaft, and the tilt-enabled exercise bike further includes a tilt-disabling mechanism operatively associated with the base to disable the movement of the first and second lateral ends relative to the support surface. In some embodiments, the base includes at least one curved member having a convex side that contacts the support surface whereby the opposite lateral ends of the curved member are spaced from the support surface, and the tilt-disabling mechanism includes at least one adjustable member movably coupled to each of the opposite lateral ends and adjustable to contact the support surface. In some embodiments, the at least one adjustable member comprises a spring element fixedly coupled to a midpoint of the curved member and extending lengthwise along the curved member to at least one of the lateral ends of the curved member, the spring element being movable relative to the lateral end for adjusting a distance between the spring element and the lateral end. In some embodiments, the at least one adjustable member includes an adjustable foot coupled to one of the lateral ends of the curved member. In some embodiments, the adjustable foot is movable along a length of the curved member. In some embodiment, the tilt-disabling mechanism includes at least one compressible foot coupled to each of the first and second lateral ends. In some embodiments, the one or more compressible feet may be implemented using a reversibly compressible (e.g., compliant or resilient) element such as a spring.
An exercise bike according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes a first frame configured to remain substantially stationary with respect to a support surface; a second frame pivotably mounted on the first frame by a pivot joint, the pivot joint including a pivot shaft that defines a pivot axis at an incline to the support surface, wherein the second frame is configured to pivot relative to the first frame about the pivot axis in response to a force applied to the second frame by the user during exercise; and a locking mechanism at the pivot joint, the locking mechanism configured to selectively engage the pivot shaft or one of the first frame or the second frame to selectively lock out the pivotable movement of the second frame relative to the first frame. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a pin coupled to the other one of the first frame or the second frame, and a corresponding hole that receives the pin, wherein the hole is provided on the one of the first frame or the second frame. In some embodiments, the pin extends in a direction that intersects with the pivot axis and is selectively movable towards and away from the pivot axis. In some embodiments, the pin extends in a direction parallel to the pivot axis. In some embodiments, the first frame defines a first plane and the second frame defines a second plane, the first plane is vertical, and the hole is aligned to receive the pin when the second plane is aligned with the first plane. In some embodiments, the pin lies in the first plane, and wherein the hole lies in the second plane. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism selectively engages the pivot shaft to resist rotation of the pivot shaft. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a locking member movable between an engaged position in which the locking member interferes with rotation of the pivot shaft, and a disengaged position in which the locking member does not interfere with rotation of the pivot shaft. In some embodiments, the pivot shaft is received within a housing, a cavity is defined between the shaft and the housing, and the locking member is a wedge that is selectively positioned within the cavity to limit rotation of the pivot shaft within the housing. In some embodiments, the pivot shaft is a non-circular pivot shaft. In some embodiments, the locking member includes a cam that selectively engages the pivot shaft to limit rotation of the pivot shaft. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a brake operatively associated with the pivot shaft. In some embodiments, the brake includes a friction brake or a magnetic brake.
An exercise bike according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes a first frame configured to remain substantially stationary with respect to a support surface; a second frame pivotably suspended from the first frame by a pair of pivot joints that define a pivot axis, wherein one pivot joint of the pair of pivot joints includes a pivot shaft, wherein the second frame is configured to pivot relative to the first frame about the pivot axis in response to a force applied to the second frame by the user during exercise; and a locking mechanism at the one pivot joint, the locking mechanism configured to selectively engage the pivot shaft or one of the first frame or the second frame to selectively lock out the pivotable movement of the second frame relative to the first frame. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a pin slidably coupled to a slot in the other one of the first frame or the second frame, and a corresponding hole that receives the pin, wherein the hole is provided on the one of the first frame or the second frame. In some embodiments, the pin extends in a direction parallel to the pivot axis. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism selectively engages the pivot shaft to resist rotation of the pivot shaft. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a locking member that is selectively positioned within a cavity to engage and limit rotation of the pivot shaft. In some embodiments, the pivot shaft includes a non-circular cross section to define the cavity. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a brake coupled to the pivot shaft.
This summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in this application and no limitation as to the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, or the like in this summary.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate examples of the disclosure and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of these examples.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details unnecessary for understanding the disclosure or rendering other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. In the appended drawings, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label. The claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the particular examples or arrangements illustrated herein.
The present disclosure pertains to a stationary bike which is adapted to operate in a tilt-enabled (or tilting) mode in which a portion of the bike frame moves (e.g., tilts) relative to another, fixed portion of the frame. As such, a bike according to the present disclosure may be referred to as a tilt-enabled bike or simply tilting bike. The tilt-enabled bike is equipped with a locking mechanism that re-configures the tilt-enabled stationary bike to a non-tilting (or fixed) bike. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a movable locking member supported on either the moving frame or the fixed frame(s) and selectively operable (e.g., movable) to a position in which the movable locking member engages a cooperating structure on the other one of the moving frame or the fixed frame(s) to interfere with the pivoting (or tilting) of the moving frame thus reconfiguring the bike into a fixed stationary bike.
With reference to
The stationary frame 110 may define two mounting locations, a front mounting location 103-1 and a rear mounting location 103-2, at which the moving frame 120 is movably mounted (or suspended) on the stationary frame 110. The mounting locations may define the tilt axis A. In other embodiments, the moving frame 120 may be pivotally mounted on the stationary frame 110 using a different number of mounting locations, for example a single mounting location (e.g., on a single pivot axis), which may define the pivot axis A of the bike. Any suitable pivotal joint that allows the moving frame 120 to pivot, with or without resistance, relative to the fixed frame 110 may be used to pivotally mount the moving frame 120 to the stationary frame 110, e.g., at the mounting locations 103-1 and 103-2.
The stationary frame 110 may include a front stabilizer 112-1 and rear stabilizer 112-2, such as a pair of spaced apart transverse beams. The front and rear stabilizers may be implemented using a generally straight transversely extending beams or may any have other suitable geometry that provides a stable base for the bike 10. The front stabilizer 112-1 and the rear stabilizer 112-2 support upwardly extending frame members (e.g., a front frame section 104 and a rear frame section 106) that pivotally support the moving frame 120 at respective front and rear mounting locations 103-1 and 103-2. The front frame section 104 may define the front mounting location 103-1 at a vertical position below the rear mounting location 103-2 defined by the rear frame section 106, such that the tilt axis A is inclined to the horizontal (e.g., ground 7) with the front end of the tilt axis A located closer to the ground 7. In other examples, the front and rear frame sections may be differently configured, for example to define a tilt axis that is substantially parallel to the horizontal or inclined in the opposite direction (i.e., with the rear end of the tilt axis closer to the ground). In yet other examples, the fixed frame 110 may include a plurality of fixed frame portions, such as a front fixed frame and a rear fixed frame that may not be connected to one another. In some embodiments, the fixed frame 110 may be arranged at the front or the rear end of the bike and be configured to support and suspend the moving frame 120 via only a single pivot (e.g., a front pivot or a rear pivot). Other arrangements may be used in other embodiments.
Referring to the example in
To enable a user to perform exercise which simulates cycling, the bike 10 may include a seat 12 to support the user in a seated position, a handlebar to support a portion of the user's upper body (e.g., the user's hands and/or forearms), and a drive assembly 20 including a pair of pedals 32 configured to support and guide the user's feet in a cyclical motion. The moving frame 120 may include a front post or tube 44 that supports the handlebar 42. In some examples, the handlebar 42 may be adjustably coupled to the front post or tube 44. For example, the handlebar 42 may be coupled to a handlebar post 46 selectively movably received in the front tube 44 for adjusting the vertical position of the handlebar 42. In other examples, the handlebar 42 may alternatively or additionally, be adjustable in a different direction (e.g., horizontally). In yet other examples, the position of the handlebar 42 on the moving frame 120 may be fixed, such as by being rigidly coupled to the front post or tube 44. Regardless of whether the handlebar 42 is fixed or adjustably coupled to the front tube 44, the handlebar 42 may remain stationary with respect to the moving frame 120 when the moving frame 120 pivots in relation to the fixed frame 110. In some embodiments, the handlebar 42 may be coupled to the moving frame 120 such that it is movable (e.g., pivotable about the axial direction of the tube 44) independently of or dependently upon movement of the moving frame 120).
The moving frame 120 may also include a rear post or tube 64, which supports the seat 12 and may thus also be referred to as seat tube 64. In some embodiments, the seat 12 is adjustable relative to the rear post or tube 64. For example, the seat 12 may be coupled, in some cases adjustably, to a seat post 14, which is coupled, in some cases also adjustably, to the rear post or tube 64. The front post 44 and the rear post 64 may be suitably spaced apart (e.g., by center or top tube 48) to accommodate a human user in a seated position. In the illustrated example, the center tube 48 extends between the front tube 44 and the rear tube 64, with the front and rear tubes 44 and 64, respectively, being fixed to opposite ends of the center tube 48. The handlebar 42 and/or the seat 12 may be adjustable relative to other components of the moving frame 120 (e.g., relative to the center tube 48) so as to further tailor the seated position provided on the moving frame to a particular user.
The drive assembly 20 may include a crankshaft 24 rotatably supported on the moving frame 120. Left and right crank arms 26 may be fixed to opposite ends of the crankshaft 24. The crank arms 26 may extending generally transverse to, and in radially opposite directions from, the crankshaft 24. A pedal 32 is pivotally coupled at the terminal end of each crank arm 26 and configured for engagement by a user's foot. In some embodiments, the crank wheel 22 may be fixed to the crankshaft 24 such that the crank wheel 22 rotates synchronously with the crankshaft 24. The rotation of the crankshaft 24 may be resisted by a resistance mechanism 30, such as a frictionally-resisted or magnetically-resisted flywheel 29. The resistance mechanism 30 may be operatively associated with the crankshaft 24, for example by one or more transmission elements 28 (e.g., a belt or chain), operatively connecting the crank wheel 22 to the rotation axis of the flywheel 29 such that the resistance to rotation of the flywheel is transmitted to the crank wheel 22 and thus to the crankshaft 34 and pedals 32. Like other stationary bikes, the resistance to rotation of the pedals 32 may be adjustable, for example via resistance knob 25 operatively engaged with the brake mechanism (e.g., a magnetic brake, such as an eddy current brake, or a friction brake) associated with the flywheel 29 to enable the user to increase or decrease the resistance to rotation applied to the flywheel 29.
The moving frame 120 may be implemented using any suitable combination of structural members that can carry the loads applied thereto, such as by the user and the movable components of the bike 10. For example as shown in
The tilting portion of the bike (e.g., moving frame 120 and components carried on the moving frame 120), may be mounted on the fixed frame 110 via a pair of spaced-apart pivot joints. Focusing on
With reference to
In the specific illustrated example, the tubular housing 134 associated with the front pivot joint 130 is fixed to an upward extension 109 of the longitudinal beam 108 that connects the front and rear frame sections 104, 106, respectively. The upward extension 109 is inclined to horizontal (e.g., to the horizontal plane defined by the front and rear stabilizers) at an angle that substantially matches the incline of the front fork 124 such that the upward extension 109 and the front portion of the front fork 124 are substantially parallel to one another. The front pivot shaft 132 may be joined to and extend from (e.g., substantially perpendicularly to) the front fork 124 toward the upward extension 109. In other examples, this may be reversed and the front pivot shaft 134 may instead be fixed to the fixed frame 110 and rotatably coupled to a component on the moving frame 120.
In some embodiments, the bike 10 may include a tilt measurement apparatus 400. The tilt measurement apparatus 400 may include a sensor 410 operatively engaged with the moving frame 120 to measure the amount of tilt (e.g., a tilt angle, which corresponds to the angle between the plane M of the moving frame (also referred to as moving plane M) when the moving frame is in any given tilted position and the plane S of the fixed frame (also referred to a fixed plane)). In some examples, the sensor 410 may be a magnetic rotary position sensor, which may be fixed to the fixed frame 110 (e.g., carried on a sensor board mounted to the fixed frame 110). A magnet (not shown) may be fixed to the moving frame 120, for example to the front pivot shaft 132, e.g., at a location in front of the upward extension 109 such as at a forward most end of the front pivot shaft 132. The magnet, which is fixed in a predetermined orientation with respect to the moving frame, for example in an orientation that aligns its N-S direction to lie within or perpendicular to the moving plane M, would thereby rotate in synchrony with the shaft 132. As the moving frame 120 tilts out of the fixed plane S, the change in the magnetic field orientation generated by the magnet is measured by the sensor 410 to determine the tilt angle, i.e. the angle between the moving plane M and the fixed plane S. Other types of sensors may be used in other examples, such as, and without limitation, a coded wheel, an optical interrupt sensor, a rotary potentiometer (non-magnetic), accelerometer, gyro, a linear potentiometer, or combinations thereof.
In other embodiments, the tilt sensor 410 may be implemented using a coded wheel sensor arrangement, as shown for example in
The wheel 510 defines a plurality of coded positions 512 arranged at different radial locations along the wheel, each of the coded positions operable to activate or deactivate a switch when aligned therewith. The wheel 510 is shown here as relatively rigid plate that spans only that portion of a full wheel or circle that encompasses the tilt range of the bike. In other embodiments, the wheel 510 may be differently configured (e.g., having a different shape and/or positioning with respect to the pivot shaft 132 such as by extending in a different radial direction therefrom. The sensor board 520 includes a plurality of switches 522 which can interact with the coded positions on the wheel 510 to be switched between an
ON state and an OFF state. In some examples, the switches 522 may be contact switches, which turn ON or OFF upon contact with a respective one of the coded positions 512. In other examples, the coded wheel 510 may define a plurality of windows which activate or deactivate photo interrupt switches. Various other types of switches may be used. The plurality of switches 522 may be arranged in a line that extends radially from the pivot axis A. For example, the switches 522 may be arranged to lie in the plane with respect to which rotational displacement (or tilt) is being measured, in this case the switches lie in the fixed plane S. The coded positions 512 on the wheel 510 may be arranged along the surface of the wheel 510 that faces the switches 522 in an array that results in an unique combination of switches 522 being activated at any given rotational position, and thus at any given tilt angle, of the front pivot shaft 132 with respect to the fixed frame. As such, the wheel 510 is configured to a unique angular position switch code at any given angular position of the wheel 510 with respect to the line of switches 522.
As an example, and referring also to
In another embodiment, the tilt sensor 410 may be implemented using a linear potentiometer type sensor, an example of which is shown in
Referring back to
The maximum tilt or lean angle of the bike 10 may be limited by any suitable mechanism, such as a hard-stop and/or a damper. The damper may be implemented using any suitable mechanism that can provide resistance, and in some cases providing variable resistance, to the rotation of the moving frame relative to the fixed frame. In some examples, the damper may be implemented using one or more springs or other suitable resistance mechanisms (e.g., a shock tube) that can resist the movement of the moving frame.
When the locking mechanism 200 is engaged, pivoting of the moving frame 120 relative to the fixed frame 110 may be substantially prevented, allowing the user to operate the bike in a more conventional manner (without lean). Conventional, non-leaning/tilting bikes, may experience some nominal amount of lateral (side to side) movement of the frame, which naturally occurs due to the forces applied by the user on the frame when performing strenuous exercise. In such conventional stationary bikes, however, there isn't a distinct portion of the frame that is intended to move relative to other portions of the frame but instead the frame members are intended to remain generally fixed in relation to one another during use of the bike. As such, nominal side to side movement of a conventional bike frame is not what is being described here as the tilting or relative movement of a moving frame 120 to a fixed frame 110 of a tilt-enabled bike 10. When operated in the tilt-disabled or fixed mode, the bike 10 is essentially locked into the nominal (or substantially vertical) position shown in
In some embodiments, the pivoting (or tilting) movement of the bike 10 about the tilt axis A may be resisted by a damper 190 operatively engaged with the front pivot, the rear pivot or both. The damper 190 may include one or more resilient members arranged to be increasingly loaded as the tilt angle of the bike increases. In the present example, and referring also to
In an arrangement of two springs on opposite sides of the pivot shaft, each spring acts to resist the rotation of the front pivot shaft 132 in one of the two rotational directions (i.e., clockwise as shown by arrow C or counterclockwise as shown by arrow CC). In other examples, two springs may be positioned on substantially the same side of the shaft, one of the springs acting in compression to resist rotation about one of the two rotational directions and the other spring acting in tension to resist rotation about the other one of the two rotational directions. In some examples a single spring may be configured to provide the resistance to rotation in both directions. Other suitable arrangements may be used for the damper. For example, in some embodiments, the resistance to tilt or lean of the bike may be provided by the locking mechanism 200, which may be selectively operable to provide variable resistance to pivoting of the moving frame when not in a fully locked-out state and which may substantially prevent any tilt or lean when in the fully locked-out (or max resistance) state. In some embodiments, resistance to rotation of the pivot shaft may be applied by one or more resilient members positioned between the pivot shaft and the housing that rotatably received the shaft. The one or more resilient members may be positioned in one or more cavities or pockets between the pivot shaft and the housing such that the one or more resilient members are compressed during the rotation of the pivot shaft thereby resisting the rotation of the pivot shaft.
With continued reference to
In other examples, a different arrangement and/or operation of the springs may be used. For example one of the springs may be fixed to the fixed plate, while the other may be fixed to the moving plate. In some examples, such as the one illustrated in
In some embodiments, the resistance to pivoting may be adjustable, for example by varying the stiffness of the spring, which can be achieved by increasing a pre-load on the spring in the nominal (un-tilted) position. In some embodiments the resistance to pivoting may be adjusted by engaging a select number of a plurality of different resistance elements (e.g., springs). In the example illustrated in
Other variations and combinations of elements may be used to effectively implement a damper that resists the rotation of the pivot shaft 132. Also, while described here with reference to the front pivot, a similar or other suitable damper may be provided at the rear pivot instead or in combination with resistance at the front pivot.
Returning back to
Any suitable locking mechanism that disables the tilting function of the bike 10 may be used. The various locking mechanisms may generally be characterized as falling in one of two categories, e.g., mechanisms that act on and interfere with the rotation of the pivot shaft of the at least one pivot joint that pivotally couples the moving frame 120 to the fixed frame 110, and mechanisms that mechanically interfere with the relative movement between the moving and the fixed frames. In the former category, exemplary tilt-disabling mechanisms may include various types of friction brakes that engage the pivot shaft to resist and/or prevent its rotation. Some of these mechanisms may provide variable resistance, which may be used to resist the pivoting movement of the moving frame (e.g., in place of a damper) and the resistance may be increasable up to a setting in which the rotation of the pivot shaft is substantially fully constrained, thus locking out the tilt function of the bike. The latter category of mechanisms may include various arrangements of pins or blocks that are movable between two positions including a position, in which the pin or block does not interfere with the movement of the moving frame, and another position, in which the pin or block interferes with the movement of the moving frame.
Examples of a locking mechanism 200 are illustrated in
Referring to
The engagement groove 212 is configured to receive at least a portion of the lock feature 225, such as a protrusion 230 or the like, that is rigidly mounted on the fixed frame 110. The groove 212 may be tapered such that its width reduces farther away from the protrusion. The protrusion 230 may be correspondingly tapered. For example, the upper portion of the protrusion 230, which is closer to the block 210 and thus to the groove 212, may be narrower than portions of the protrusion 230 farther away from the block 210 and thus the groove 212. Stated differently, the opening of the groove 212. which is the part of the groove 212 that is closest to the protrusion 230, has a generally larger size (e.g., is wider) than the size of the groove 212 farther away from the protrusion 230. Similarly, the protrusion 230 is narrower at its free end than at its base. Referring also to
In some embodiments, the groove 212 and the wedge 230 may be sized for a transition fit, implying only negligible, if any, clearance between the interfacing surfaces of the groove 212 and wedge 230 so as to provide a tight fit without substantially any free play. In some embodiments, the lock block 210 or at least the engagement portion 213 thereof, may be made from a durable rubber material (e.g., rubber having Shore A hardness of 80, 85, 90 or greater), while the wedge 230 may be made from a substantially rigid material, such as metal, plastic, or rigid composite, which in combination with the taper of the two components may facilitate a tightly fitting mechanical engagement between the two. In other embodiments, the wedge 230 (e.g., at least the portion thereof that engages the lock block) may instead be made from durable rubber, while the lock block 210, or at least the engagement portion thereof, is substantially rigid (e.g., metal, plastic, or a rigid composite). In some examples, the groove 212 and protrusion 230 may be differently shaped, e.g. non-tapered or tapered to a higher degree, such as up to a taper angle of about 140 degrees (see e.g.,
The length L of the lock block 210 may be sufficiently large to ensure that as the bike leans from side to side, at least a portion of the block 210 remains over the protrusion 230, as shown for example in
The tilt-lock assembly 600 may include an actuator 300 to pivot the lock block 210, some examples of which are illustrated in
The rod assembly 302 includes a housing 310 and a plunger 314 at least partially and movably received in the housing 310. In some embodiments, for the ease of assembly/installation of internal components of the rod assembly 302, the housing 310 may be manufactured as a multi-part component including a first (or main) housing portion 310-1, a second (or intermediate) housing portion 310-2 and a third (or top) housing portion 310-3, which are assembled together to provide the housing 310 of the rod assembly 302. For example, the lower portion of the housing 310 may be manufactured in two parts to enable installation of one or more latching balls 318. The upper portion of the housing 310 may be manufactured as yet another separate part (e.g., the top housing portion 310-3) to enable installation of the plunger 314, within the passage 309 defined by the housing 310. The plunger 314 may be sized to be received within the passage 309 and may be biasingly connected (e.g., via a spring 316) to the housing 310. In some embodiments, the rod assembly 302 may be compliantly coupled to the lock block 210 to facilitate locking of the actuator in the engaged position even when the bike is off-center. In the illustrated example, the rod assembly 302 is compliantly coupled to the lock block 210 via a spring 312, which connects the housing 310 of the rod assembly 302 to the lever 217 of the lock block 210. The spring 312 may be a coil spring, a resilient member (e.g., a rubber rod or other suitable elastic elongate member) or any other suitable elastically deformable body.
To operate the tilt-lock assembly 600, the user pulls the manipulation end 304 of the rod assembly 302, and more specifically the plunger 314, upward in the direction 602 in
To deactivate or disengage the locking mechanism, the user simply pushes down on the rod assembly 302, which causes the rod assembly 302 to move in the opposite, downward direction, as indicated by arrow 604 in
The rod assembly 322 includes a housing 330 and a plunger 334. The plunger 334 may be sized to be received within a passage 329 in the housing 330. The plunger 334 interacts with a spring 336 and includes a widened lower portion 335 that interacts with latching balls 338 in a similar manner to rod assembly 302. The rod assembly 322 may interact with a sleeve 326, recess 327, shroud 328, and detent holes 339 in the sleeve 326. Elements of the rod assembly 322 such as the manipulation end 324, sleeve 326, recess 327, shroud 328, passage 329, housing 330, plunger 334, widened lower portion 335 of the plunger 334, spring 336, and latching balls 338 may be similar in features, manufacture, operation, and arrangement to analogous components of the actuator 301, and their description, therefore, will not be repeated here.
Like the rod assembly 302, the rod assembly 322 includes a spring 332, which may be a coil spring or other elastically deformable member. In the rod assembly 322, the spring 332 is configured as a compression spring, in that the spring 322 is compressed when the actuator 321 is in the engaged position. The spring 332 may be operatively associated with the housing 330 such that the spring 332 is loaded in compression when the actuator 321 is in the engaged position. For example, the rod assembly 322 may include a first elongated element 340 and a second elongated element 342 each of which engage an opposite side of the spring 332 to compress the spring 332 when the actuator 321 is in the engaged position. The first elongated element 340 is coupled to the housing using any suitable first coupling feature 344-1 (e.g., one or more hooks or loops). The first coupling feature 344-1 is provided at one end of an elongated body section 346 of the elongate element 340, and a second coupling feature 344-2 (e.g., one or more hooks or loops) is provided at the opposite end of the elongated body section 346. The housing 330 may include an axle or post 356 that couples the first coupling feature 344-1 to the housing, such as by being received in the hook or loop. The first coupling feature 344-1 may be configured to allow the elongated body section 346 to pivot about the axle 356. The second coupling feature 344-2 are configured to engage a lower end 358 of the spring 332. For example, hooks 348-1 and 348-2 may wrap under the lower end 358 of the spring 332.
The second elongated element 342 is coupled to the lever 217. For example, the second elongated element 342 may have a suitable coupling features 350-1 (e.g. a hook or loop) at one end of an elongated body section 352 of the elongate element 342. Another coupling feature 350-2 (e.g., one or more hooks or loops) are provided on the opposite end of the elongated body section 352. The coupling feature 350-1, in the illustrated examples includes a loop, engaged with the lever to move the lock block 210 between the engaged and disengaged positions, in a manner similar to that of the operation of spring 312. The coupling feature 350-2 on the opposite end of the elongate element 342 is configured to engage an upper end 360 of the spring 332 to apply compressive force to the spring when the actuator 321 is provided to the engaged position. For example, one or more hooks 354-1 and 354-2 may wrap over the upper end 360 of the spring 332. The spring 332 is held between the first elongated element 340 and the second elongated element 342.
The first and second elongated elements 340, 342 may be formed from any suitable material, for example suitably shaped wire(s), cable(s) (single or multi-strand), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second elongated elements 340, 342 may be rigid links. In other embodiments, the first and second elongate elements 340 may be implemented using non-rigid members that can carry a load in tension, such as chain(s), strap(s), cords, or combinations thereof, which are operatively coupled to engage the spring loading it in compression. The first and second elongated elements 340, 342 may be made of any material of sufficient strength to compress the spring 332. For example, the first and second elongated elements 340, 342 may be made of steel, plastics, or reinforced composites. The first and second elongated elements 340, 342 may be formed by extrusion (such as in the example of wires, that may be subsequently shaped to the desired final shape), they may be stamped, molded (such as in the example of a rigid link), or additively manufactured.
To engage the locking mechanism, via the rod assembly 322, the user pulls up on the manipulation end 324 in the direction 602 as shown in
By loading the spring 332 of the rod assembly 322 in compression in the engaged position, a more sturdy engagement of the lock block 210 with the opposing fixed feature of the bike frame may be achieved, which may reduce the risk of inadvertently (i.e., unintentionally) disengaging the locking mechanism while a user is riding the bike. Other solutions that may reduce the risk of accidentally disengaging the locking mechanism, such as when using a spring loaded in tension, may including using a spring of sufficient stiffness to substantially resist the torque that may be caused on the lock block due to side to side (or leaning) movement of the bike when the locking mechanism is engaged. Other suitable variations may be used.
The tilt-lock assemblies 600, 600′ may provide certain technical advantages. For example, when a user rides the bike 10, a torque may be imparted on the lock block 210 in the direction 608 shown in
The locking mechanism may be configured to be provided in a partially engaged state, as shown in
Features of the lock block 210 and cooperating protrusion 230 may be differently configured in other embodiments. For example, the taper of the lock block 210 may be greater than (e.g., up to a taper angle of about 140 degrees) or smaller (e.g., up to a taper of 0 degrees, or no taper, in which case the walls of the groove would be substantially parallel). When a narrower groove 212, and especially when the groove 212 is substantially untapered, a more precise centering of the bike 10 may be needed by the user prior to engaging the locking mechanism. In contrast, the taper of the groove 212 may provide a centering function obviating the need for the user to precisely align the bike to center before engaging the tilt-lock assembly. The coupling between the actuator 300 and the lock block may provide lateral compliance or flexibility to allow locking of the actuator without centering of the bike, while reducing compliance or flexibility in the longitudinal direction while in the engaged position (e.g., by compression loading of the spring) to reduce unintentional disengaged of the locking mechanism. In other embodiments, the actuator 300 may not be compliantly coupled and may instead have a rigid link for its lower portion that is pivotally connected to the lever 217 of the lock block.
In some embodiments, the operation of the tilt-lock assembly may be reversed. For example,
In other embodiments, the tilt-disabling mechanism may be implemented using any suitable brake mechanism, such as a friction brake, that is operatively associated with at least one of the pivot shafts of the bike 10.
One embodiment of the brake 700 is shown in the illustration in
In some embodiments, at least one or both of the pivot shafts (e.g. front pivot shaft 132 and/or rear pivot shaft 162) or a portion thereof, may not be cylindrical. For example, a portion of the shaft (e.g. front pivot shaft 132 and/or rear pivot shaft 162) may have a different cross-sectional geometry (e.g., square as shown in
The tilt-disabling mechanism 570 includes one or more locking members 579, shown here as first and second pivoting levers 581-1 and 581-2, respectively. Each locking member 579 (e.g., each of the levers 581-1 and 581-2) is movable between an engaged position in which a locking member 579 interferes with rotation of the pivot shaft 576 (as shown in
In other embodiments, the tilt-disabling mechanism (e.g., locking mechanism 200) may be implemented using a pin-and-hole locking mechanism. A protruding structure or pin may be coupled to one of the fixed frame and the moving frame, and a receiving feature or hole may be provided on the other one of the fixed frame or the moving frame. The pin and hole may be operatively associated with the respective frame to enable insertion of the pin into the hole, such that when so engaged, relative movement between the moving and fixed frames is substantially prevented. The pin and hole may be arranged such that insertion of the pin into the hole occurs in a direction that lies in a plane parallel to the fixed plane S, which includes the fixed plane itself. Thus, when so inserted into the hole, the pin may in effect create a rigid link between the moving frame and the fixed frame which lies in a plane parallel to the fixed plane S.
As shown, for example in
Another example of a pin-and-hole locking mechanism is show in
Referring to the example in
The pin 820 is actuatable towards and away from the hole 830 by a linkage 840. In the illustrated example in
Other arrangements of locking mechanisms including one or more pawls may be used in other examples.
With continued reference to
Other examples of interlocking shaft type locking mechanisms are shown in
The rocking base 1022 may be implemented using one or more curved members 1024. In some examples, the rocking base 1022 may include a first or front curved beam (not shown in this view) that supports a front portion of the upright bike frame, and a second or rear curved beam 1024-2. Each of the curved beams may define an arc (or portion of the circumference of a circle), the radius of which may be selected to position the pivot axis A′ at a desired elevational location. In some embodiments, the front and rear curved beams may define arcs having slightly different radii so as to tailor the incline angle of the pivot axis A′ with respect to the ground. At least a portion of the one or more curved members 1024 (e.g., a mid-portion of curved member 1024′ in
The bike 1010 may be equipped with tilt-disabling mechanism 1040 operatively associated with the rocking base 1022 (e.g., with the one or more curved members 1024). The tilt-disabling mechanism 1040 may include at least one adjustable member (e.g., an adjustable or leveling foot, a spring member, or combinations thereof) configured to selective reduce or disable the movement of the opposite lateral ends of the base relative to the support surface. For example, the tilt-disabling mechanism 1040 may include a first leveling foot 1042-1 coupled to the curved member 1024 (e.g., rear curved beam 1024-2) on one side of the longitudinal mid-plane of the bike 1010 and a second leveling foot 1042-2 fixed to the curved member 1024 (e.g., rear curved beam 1024-2) on the opposite side of the longitudinal mid-plane of the bike 1010. The leveling feet 1042-1 and 1042-2 may be spaced an equal distance from the longitudinal mid-plane of the bike 1010. In some embodiments, that distance may be adjustable (e.g., by coupling the leveling feet 1042-1 and 1042-2 to the curved member 1024 such that they are movable along the length of the curved member 1024), which may facilitate adjusting (e.g., increasing or decreasing) the maximum tilt angle of the bike and thus a difficulty level of the exercise.
The leveling feet 1042-1 and 1042-2 may be adjustable to a first configuration or length, in which the rocking base is able to rock, and thereby lean the bike, substantially unimpeded. This configuration may be referred to as the tilt-enabled configuration, in which the tilt-disabling mechanism 1040 is substantially disengaged. In this configuration, the leveling feet may be substantially retracted above the elevational level of the bottom surface of the curved member 1024. The leveling feet 1042-1 and 1042-2 may be adjustable to a second configuration or length, substantially equal to the distance between the ground 7 and the bottom surface of the curved member 1024 at the locations where the leveling feet 1042-1 and 1042-2 are attached to the curved member 1024. As such, in this configuration, the left and right upwardly curved portions of the rocking base 1022 may be supported into a fixed position by the leveling feet, which constrains the rocking or tilting movement of the frame 1020. In some embodiments, the leveling feet, alternatively or additionally to being length-adjustable, may be reversibly compressible (e.g., resilient or compliant). For example, each of the leveling feet may be implemented by or in combination with a resilient member, such as a spring (e.g., an elastomeric member or coil spring), which is able to reversibly and temporarily deform when the bike leans. In some such embodiments, the tilt lock-out may be achieved by increasing the stiffness of the spring to a level that would effectively render the spring substantially incompressible under normal user forces and/or by adjusting the location of the spring (e.g., by sliding the springs closer to the longitudinal mid-plane (e.g., to the center of the curved member 1024. In some embodiments a combination of a spring and a retractable member may be used, such that the spring may act as a damper to the tilting or leaning of the bike, while the retractable rigid member may be used to fully disable or lock out the tilting movement of the bike. In various embodiments, a fixed height foot, a wedge, or a spring element may be movably associated with the rocking base 1022 and positionable between the elevated end of the rocking base and the ground to substantially fill the space between the elevated end of the rocking base and the ground thereby interfere with the movement of the rocking base.
In some embodiments, the rocking base may have an interface side (e.g., the side facing the ground) which has adjustable curvature (see
An adjustment mechanism 1044 (e.g., a pop-pin, a rotating cam, or a threaded or sliding rod) may be operatively arranged to deflect each of the opposite ends 1031-1 and 1031-2 of the spring element 1030 away from the curved member 1024′ (in this illustration downward toward the ground 7) to vary the curvature of the spring element 1030. For example, a first adjustment mechanism 1044-1, for example a first threaded rod, is fixed to one end 1031-1 of the spring element 1030 and threadedly engaged with the curved member 1024′ to selectively push or pull the end 1031-1 of the spring element 1030 away from and toward the respective end of the curved member 1024′. Similarly, a second adjustment mechanism 1044-2, for example a second threaded rod, is fixed to the other end 1031-2 of the spring element 1030 and threadedly engaged with the curved member 1024′ to push and pull the end 1031-2 of the spring element 1030 away from and toward the other end of the curved member 1024′. As the two ends 1031-1 and 1031-2 of the spring are deflected away from the curved member 1024′ the curvature of the spring 1030 is reduced. As the curvature of the spring element 1030 is reduced (i.e., the curved spring is flattened by operation of an adjustment mechanism), the amount by which the rocking base 1022 is able to tilt or rock from side to side is reduced, the spring element 1030 and one or more actuators (e.g., the adjustment mechanism 1044-1 and 1044-2) operate to disable the tilt-or lean-capability of the bike 1010.
The spring element 1030 may be adjustable up to a state in which the spring is substantially flat and thus resting against the ground 7, thereby substantially preventing any rocking motion of the base 1022′. In some examples, the adjustability of the underside curvature of the rocking base 1022 may be binary (e.g., between a curved and thus rocking state and a generally flat and thus rocking or tilt-disabled state). In other examples, the curvature of the underside of the rocking base may variably adjustable such as to enable adjustments to curvatures between the unloaded (nominal curvature) and flattened (minimum curvature) of the spring 1030. In some such examples, the one or more adjustment mechanisms 1044 may be compliant (e.g., compressible) along the adjustment direction, indicated by arrow 1045. The compliance of the one or more adjustment mechanisms 1044 may provide resistance to the tilting or leaning of the bike 1010 when the bike is in an intermediate tilt-enabled configuration (see, e.g.,
With reference to
An exercise bike system that allows the user to perform exercise simulation cycling is described. The exercise bike system may include a stationary bike (e.g., bike 10) which is capable of tilting from side to side, e.g., responsive to user forces, when the user is riding the stationary bike. In some embodiments, the exercise bike system includes a first bike frame that remains substantially stationary with respect to a support surface (e.g., fixed frame 110 of bike 10) and a second bike frame which is configured to support a user and which pivots relative to the first frame about a pivot axis in response to a force applied to the second frame by the user (e.g., moving frame 120 of bike 10). In some embodiments, the exercise bike system may include one or more electronic components, such as one or more sensors, a transceiver, one or more electronically controller actuators, or any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the exercise bike system includes a display which is isolated from the pivoting movement of the bike. Movement of the display as the bike tilts (or leans) from side to side can be disorienting to the user. Thus, in some embodiments, a display of the exercise bike system, which is communicatively coupled to an electronic component on the bike, remains stationary while the second frame of the bike pivots relative to the first frame of the bike.
For example, referring to
In other embodiments, the display 180 may be coupled to the fixed frame 110 of the bike 10 (see, e.g.,
In some embodiments, the display 180 may be pivotally mounted to the mast 182 using a swing arm 184. The swing arm 184 may be a substantially rigid link, such as a curved tubular member, having a first end 183-1 pivotally connected to the mast 182 and a second end 183-2 supporting the display 180. In some embodiments, the connection between the swing arm 184 and the display 180 may be rigid such that adjustments to the viewing angle may be obtained via pivoting of the swing arm 184 about the pivot interface 187. In other embodiments, the display 180, which may have a rigid mount provided on the rear side of the display housing 181, may be pivotally coupled to the swing arm 184, which may provide a second location for adjustments to the viewing angle of the display 180. In some embodiments, a tray 185 may be provided near the display, shown here as coupled to the display assembly 50 at the location of the interface 187. The tray 185 may be configured to hold various item(s) such as a smart phone, tablet, book, or other media, within reach while using the bike 10.
In some embodiments, the pivot interface 187 may be configured as a sliding interface, which pivotally adjusts the viewing angle of the display 180 by moving the first end 183-1 of the swing arm 184 in the direction 189. Such sliding interface may be implemented using one or more transverse pins at the upper end of the mast 182 and which are operatively engaged with a slot located at the end 183-1 and extending lengthwise along a portion of the swing arm 184. By virtue of the curvature in the swing arm 184, as the first end 183-1 of the swing arm 184 is pulled in a first direction toward the bike, the display 180 pivots in a first direction (clockwise in the view in
In some embodiments, the display 180 may be a touch display. The display 180 may be in communication (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection) with one or more electronic components on the bike, e.g., any one of at least one bike sensor, which may include but are not limited to a tilt sensor and one or more sensors arranged to measure cadence, heart rate, speed, temperature, power, or other performance metrics or biometrics. In some embodiments, at least one sensor may be a cadence sensor attached to the bike, which is operatively associated with the crankshaft, cranks, or crank wheel to measure their RPM and thus determine a cadence. In some embodiments, a sensor may be operatively associated with the resistance assembly to determine an amount of resistance applied, which may be used in combination with the RPM or cadence to determine power. Various types of sensors such as an infrared or other optical sensor, an accelerometer, a barometer, a gyroscope or gyrometer, a magnetometer, an EMF sensor, a potentiometer, a camera-based sensor, a fingerprint or other type of biometric sensor, or a force sensor may be used to record and/or compute exercise date (e.g., cadence or RPM, heart rate, power, calories, distance travelled, etc.) and other information about the operation of the bike (e.g., tilt angle, tilt-function status such as enabled or disabled, resistance level, etc.), which may be provided to the user, such as via the display 180.
The display 180 may further include, in its housing 281, a display processor 286, which may be implemented using a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a single board computer, or any other suitable processing unit. The processor 286 is in communication with the display transceiver 282 and a display screen 284. The processor 286 may receive signals from the display transceiver 282 and convert them into signals to be sent to the display screen 284 for displaying information on the display screen 284 related to the sensor 90, such as information obtained from measurements by the sensor (e.g., heart rate, cadence, speed, resistance, tilt angle, etc.). In other embodiments, the display 180 may not have a processing unit, which may instead be located on the bike 10 or be part of an external electronic device 72, such as the user's smart phone. In some such embodiments, the display 180 may receive signals (e.g., audio/video data and/or other information, such as sensor data) via the display transceiver 282 in a form ready for display by the display screen 284. The display screen 284 may be implemented using any suitable display technology such as LED, LCD, OLED, QLED. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the display screen 284 may be touch sensitive, implemented using any suitable touch screen technologies such as resistive, capacitive, surface acoustical wave, infrared grid or other.
In some embodiments, the tilt-disabling mechanism may be electronically controlled, for example responsive to sensor signals and/or sensor measurements. In some embodiments, the tilt-disabling mechanism may be controlled (e.g., actuated) locally, for example by a mechanical actuator as the one described above with reference to
An exercise bike according to any embodiments of the present disclosure may include a console 850 for controlling one or more operations of the exercise bike. In some embodiments, the console 850 may be operable to display content and/or facilitate interaction with the user while the user is exercising. The console 850 may be supported by the frame (e.g., the fixed frame or the moving frame), or it may be supported on a stanchion separate from the bike frame. The support structure supporting the console 850 may position the console 850 in a convenient location, such as at a location whereby controls of the console are accessible to the user while exercising with the exercise bike and/or the display is visible to the user during use of the exercise bike. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the console 850, such as the display 180, may be removably mounted to its support structure (e.g., the bike frame or stanchion). In some embodiments, the console 850 and/or the console support structure may be configured to adjusting the vertical position, the horizontal position, and/or orientation of the console or a component thereof (e.g., the display) with respect to the rest of the frame (e.g., relative to the moving frame).
The processor(s) 852 may be implemented by any suitable combination of one or more electronic devices (e.g., one or more CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs, etc., or combinations thereof) capable of processing, receiving, and/or transmitting instructions. For example, the processor(s) 852 may be implemented by a microprocessor, microcomputer, graphics processing unit, or the like. The processor(s) 852 may include one or more processing elements or modules that may or may not be in communication with one another. For example, a first processing element may control a first set of components of the console 850 and a second processing element may control a second set of components of the console 850 where the first and second processing elements may or may not be in communication with each other. The processor(s) 852 may be configured to execute one or more instructions in parallel locally, and/or across a network, such as through cloud computing resources or other networked electronic devices. The processor 852 may control various elements of the exercise bike, including but not limited to the display (e.g., display(s) 862 and/or 180).
The display 862 provides an output mechanism for the console 850, such as to display visual information (e.g., images, videos and other multi-media, graphical user interfaces, notifications, exercise performance data, exercise programs and instructions, and the like) to a user, and in certain instances may also act to receive user input (e.g., via a touch screen or the like), thus also functioning as an input device of the console. The display 862 may be an LCD screen, plasma screen, LED screen, an organic LED screen, or the like. In some examples, more than one display screens may be used. The display 862 may include or be otherwise associated with an audio playback device (e.g., a speaker or an audio output connector) for providing audio data associated with any visual information provided on the display 862. In some embodiments, the audio data may instead be output via a Bluetooth or other suitable wireless connection.
The memory 854 stores electronic data that may be utilized by the console 850, such as audio files, video files, document files, programming instructions, media, buffered data such as for executing programs and/or streaming content, and the like. The memory 854 may be, for example, non-volatile storage, a magnetic storage medium (e.g., a hard disk), optical storage medium, magneto-optical storage medium, read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable memory, flash memory, or a combination of one or more types of memory components. In some embodiments, memory 854 may store one or more programs, modules and data structures, or a subset or superset thereof. The program and modules of the memory 854 may include firmware and/or software, such as, but are not limited to, an operating system, a network communication module, a system initialization module, and/or a media player. The operating system may include procedures for handling various basic system services and for performing hardware dependent tasks. Further, a system initialization module may initialize other modules and data structures stored in the memory 854 for the appropriate operation of the console. In some embodiments, the memory 854 may store, responsive to the processor 852, exercise performance data (e.g., resistance level, bike tilt data, cadence, power, user heart rate, etc.) obtained or derived from measurements by one or more sensors on the exercise bike. The memory 854 may store one or more exercise programs and instructions, which cause the processor 852 to adapt one or more of the exercise programs based on the exercise performance data. The memory 854 may store the adapted exercise program(s) and may subsequently cause the processor 852 to control an operation of the exercise bike in accordance with the adapted exercise program(s). For example, the processor 852 may provide instructions the user, e.g., via the display or other component of the console, for adjusting the configuration of the bike (e.g., the resistance level, enabling or disabling tilt, etc.) or the user's performance (e.g., increasing or decreasing cadence) in accordance with the adapted exercise program. In some embodiments, the processor 852 may automatically, concurrently with or alternatively to providing instructions, adjust the configuration of the bike in accordance with the adapted exercise program.
The network/communication interface 856, when provided, enables the console 850 to transmit and receive data, to other electronic devices directly and/or via a network. The network/communication interface 856 may include one or more wireless communication devices (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other wireless transmitters/receivers, also referred to as transceivers). In some embodiments, the network/communication interface may include a network communication module stored in the memory 854, such as an application program interface (API) that interfaces and translates requests across the network between the network interface 856 and other devices on the network. The network communication module may be used for connecting the console 850, via the network interface 856, to other devices (such as personal computers, laptops, smartphones, and the like) in communication with one or more communication networks (wired or wireless), such as the Internet, other wide area networks, local area networks, metropolitan area networks, personal area networks, and so on.
The console 850 may also include and/or be operatively associated a power supply 858. The power supply 858 provides power to the console 850. The power supply 858 may include one or more rechargeable batteries, power management circuit(s) and/or other circuitry (e.g., AC/DC inverter, DC/DC converter, or the like) for connecting the console 850 to an external power source. Additionally, the power supply 858 may include one or more types of connectors or components that provide different types of power to the console 850. In some embodiments, the power supply 858 may include a connector (such as a universal serial bus) that provides power to the an external device such as a smart phone, tablet or other user device.
The one or more input/output (I/O) devices 860 allow the console 850 to receive input and provide output (e.g., from and to the user). For example, the input/output devices 860 may include a capacitive touch screen (e.g., a touch screen associated with display 862), various buttons, knobs, dials, keyboard, stylus, or any other suitable user controls. In some embodiments, inputs may be provided to the console (e.g., to processor 852) also via one or more biometric sensors (e.g., a heart rate sensor, a fingerprint sensor), which may be suitably arranged on the exercise bike, such as by placing them at one or more locations likely to be touched by the user during exercise (e.g., on a handlebar of the bike). The input/output devices 860 may include an audio input (e.g., a microphone or a microphone jack). In some embodiments, the processor 858 may be configured to receive user inputs (e.g., a voice commend) via the audio input. One or more of the input/output devices 860 may be integrated with or otherwise co-located on the console. For example, certain buttons, knobs and/or dials, may be co-located with the display 862, which may be a passive or touch sensitive display, and enclosed by a console housing. In some examples, one or more of the input devices (e.g., button for controlling volume or other functions of the console) may be located elsewhere on the exercise machine, e.g., separately from the display 862. For example, one or more buttons may be located on the handlebar and/or a portion of the frame. One or more input devices (e.g., a button, knob, dial, etc.) may be configured for directly controlling a setting of the exercise bike such as the resistance (or braking) setting, damper level or an adjustable tilt damper, etc. In some embodiments, one or more of the input devices may indirectly control bike settings, such as via the processor. For example, an input device 860 may be in communication, directly or via the processor 852, with a controller that actuates the resistance mechanism or other mechanism on the bike.
In some embodiments, one or more settings of the bike may be adjusted by the processing element 852 based on an exercise sequence or program stored in memory 854. In some examples, the exercise program may define a sequence of time intervals at various resistance levels and/or with or without the tilting function of the bike engaged. In some embodiments, the console 850 may additionally or alternatively communicate the exercise sequence to the user, such as in the form of instructions (e.g. audio and/or visual) on the timing of and settings to which a user should adjust the configuration of the bike to correspond to the exercise program. In some embodiments the exercise program may be adapted (e.g., by processor 852) over time based on the user's prior performance of an exercise program or portion(s) thereof. The console 850 may be configured to enable the user to interact with the exercise program, such as to manually adjust it and/or override it (e.g., for exercising in manual mode).
In some embodiments, the console may be configured to present, independent of or concurrently with an exercise program, stored or streaming video content (e.g., scenery which may be recorded and/or computer generated), the playback of which may be dynamically adapted, in some embodiments, based on the user's driving of the moveable components of the exercise bike. For example, when the user's rotating the crank shaft faster the playback may speed up so as to give the impression of the user advancing through the scenery, and conversely, when the user's cadence decreases, the playback may slow down correspondingly to mimic the slower pace or cadence of the user. The scenery may be presented from the vantage point of the user or from a different vantage point, such as a vantage point behind or above (i.e., a bird's-eye view) an avatar of the user. In some embodiments, an exercise program and/or automatic control of the bike may be effected in synchrony with displayed video. For example, a video may display scenery that includes flat and hilled terrain, and the resistance level of the bike may be automatically adjusted, or instructed to be adjusted by the user, to mimic the user's perception that they are navigating similar terrain as that displayed in the video. The display may enable providing an interactive experience for the user, such as by providing an interactive environment according to any of the examples herein. In some embodiments, the interactive environment may be implemented in accordance with any of the examples described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,810,798, titled “Systems and Methods For Generating 360 Degree Mixed Reality Environments,” which is incorporated herein by reference for any purpose.
The foregoing description has broad application. The discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be explanatory and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples. In other words, while illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail herein, the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art.
The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, various features of the certain aspects, embodiments, or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, or configurations. Moreover, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure.
All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. Identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another. The drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.
This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 17,709,248, filed Mar. 30, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/122,861, filed Dec. 15, 2020, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,291,883, on Apr. 5, 2022, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/953,688, filed Dec. 26, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/038,482, filed Jun. 12, 2020, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties for any purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63038482 | Jun 2020 | US | |
| 62953688 | Dec 2019 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17709248 | Mar 2022 | US |
| Child | 18623774 | US | |
| Parent | 17122861 | Dec 2020 | US |
| Child | 17709248 | US |
