Stand For Converting Bicycle Patents (Class 482/61)
  • Patent number: 11964182
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an indoor stand with degrees of movement side gear for use with bicycles comprising two main components assembled in an integrated manner: 1) a rear roller and 2) a front stand that attaches to the fork, instead of the front wheel, in which springs or cushions below the front fork allow degree of lateral movement to the left and right, in which a main bar is coupled to the base by an axis that allows the lateral movement degrees with stability. The presence of these components makes the present invention well simulate the experience of pedaling outdoors and working on the user's shoulders, arms and abdomen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: AruanĂ£ Energia S.A.
    Inventors: Brian Ray Brewer, Robert James McKinnon
  • Patent number: 11872460
    Abstract: An electromagnetic resistance feedback bicycle training device includes a bicycle trainer frame, an electricity generator, and a resistance feedback system. The electricity generator and the resistance feedback system are mounted on the bicycle trainer frame. The resistance feedback system includes a transmission system connectable to an external electronic device, an electromagnetic resistance generation unit operable to induce an electromagnetic resistance force to a rotating object, a feedback circuit, and a control unit. The control unit detects, by means of an electromagnetic detection element of the feedback circuit, a strength of an electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic resistance generation unit, and, in response to the strength of the electromagnetic field, adjusts a level of the electromagnetic resistance force generated by the electromagnetic resistance generation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: BION Inc.
    Inventor: Shui Jung Chen
  • Patent number: 11534656
    Abstract: A direct-drive bicycle training system and methods of using the same are provided. The system includes a bicycle trainer that rests on a support surface and supports a bicycle frame in an upright manner with respect to the support surface. The bicycle trainer includes a stator, a rotor that rotates with respect to the stator, a cassette affixed to the rotor, a support frame supporting the stator, rotor, and cassette, and a resistance applying mechanism that operatively couples to a portion of a drivetrain of the bicycle frame and applies varying levels of resistance to the portion of the drivetrain. The support frame moves with respect to the support surface in response to a force applied to the drivetrain of the bicycle frame during use of the bicycle training system, generating a more natural movement of the bicycle and simulating on-road use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Tacx B.V.
    Inventor: Martin Smits
  • Patent number: 11466744
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an electromagnetic multistage adjustable variable inertance and variable damping device. Iron cores are magnetized by winding electromagnetic coil windings outside the iron cores and applying an electric current action to the electromagnetic coil windings, and air gap magnetic fields are generated by the magnetized iron cores and permanent magnets in air gaps to cause the variation of shear damping forces between a driving shear plate and magnet yokes and between driven shear plates and magnet yokes, which avoids that the mechanical properties of an inerter cannot be fully utilized due to the friction caused by mutual contact among parts, thereby realizing multistage real-time adjustability of an instance coefficient and a damping coefficient of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: East China Jiaotong University
    Inventors: Yonghu Huang, Hongli Zhang, Mengyuan Lv, Wenjun Luo, Yongsheng Liu
  • Patent number: 11400339
    Abstract: An item of exercise equipment with a movable support that is movable in a fore-aft direction and simultaneously movable laterally, e.g. about a tilt axis. The exercise equipment may be a cycle mounted to a base. A roller and track arrangement may be provided between the cycle and base, to provide movement of the cycle in the axial direction and in a tilt direction relative to the base. The roller and track arrangement may be one or more curved roller and track engagement surfaces that extend in the axial direction and provide a gravity bias of the platform toward an axial neutral position. The cycle and base include a tilt biasing arrangement for biasing the cycle toward a tilt neutral position relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Raymond Bass, Dustin Lee Kohl, Andrew Haala, Ryan Lutzen
  • Patent number: 11363794
    Abstract: A pet waste disposal apparatus having an open top container, a sloping floor surface, an outlet drain, a pair of spaced apart support bars located within and connecting the side walls of the container, a walking board supported on the support bars, a first roller located between the first end of the walking board and a second roller located between the second end of the walking board, a waste inlet located between the first roller and the first end of the container, a rotating belt having an artificial turf exterior surface and tensioned mounted to the rollers, an electrically driven cover plate moveable between a closed and opened position, a spray cleaning system located within the container for cleaning the rotating belt of wastes and directing pet wastes out of the container and a motor for powering rollers, the cover plate, and the spray cleaning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: Colette Green
  • Patent number: 11110317
    Abstract: An exercise machine comprises a tension generating device, a translatable arm mount coupled to the tension generating device, an arm coupled to the translatable arm mount, and a cable coupled to the tension generating device via the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Tonal Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Valente, Aly E. Orady
  • Patent number: 10974118
    Abstract: An exercise arrangement includes a movable support that is movable in a fore-aft direction and simultaneously movable laterally, e.g. about a tilt axis. The support may be a platform movably mounted to a base. A roller and track arrangement may be provided between the platform and the base, to provide movement of the platform in the axial direction relative to the base as well as an axially neutral position of the platform relative to the base. The roller and track arrangement may be in the form of one or more curved roller and track engagement surfaces that extend in the axial direction and that provide a gravity bias of the platform toward the neutral position. The roller and track arrangement may provide tilting movement of the movable platform about the tilt axis. A tilt biasing arrangement biases the platform toward a neutral tilt position relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Raymond Bass, Dustin Lee Kohl
  • Patent number: 10933291
    Abstract: A bicycle rollers assembly (10) having a rear and a front and further having a rear pair of parallel rollers (12) each having an axis of rotation, and adapted to support a rear bicycle wheel having an axle parallel to the axes of rotation. The rollers (12) are spaced so as to support the rear bicycle wheel with the lowest part of the bicycle wheel positioned between the rollers. Also, a front support structure (18) supports a front bicycle fork support element (24) so as to permit horizontal rotation, and this support element includes a support (26) for each arm of a bicycle fork (29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventor: Larry C. Papadopoulos
  • Patent number: 10881897
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting a cycle-type exercise machine into another type of exercise machine includes a stationary frame structure that attaches to a frame of the cycle-type exercise machine, a pair of swing arms pivotally coupled with the stationary frame structure, and a pair of coupler bars pivotally coupled with the pair of swing arms on one end and rotationally attached to a crank bar of the cycle-type exercise machine on an opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: PROSNITZ SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventor: Joseph H. Prosnitz
  • Patent number: 10737164
    Abstract: A bicycle trainer fastening device, disposed on a bicycle trainer, includes a hollow tube, a first fastening member and a second fastening member. The hollow tube includes a first assembly portion and a second assembly portion at two opposite ends thereof. The first fastening member is disposed correspondingly to the first assembly portion, and includes a first through opening correspondingly in communication with the hollow tube and having an aperture corresponding to an inserting shaft of a bicycle. The second fastening member is disposed correspondingly to the second assembly portion, and includes a second through opening correspondingly in communication with the hollow tube and an aperture corresponding to the inserting shaft. By selecting the first through opening and the second through opening corresponding to the shaft diameter of the inserting shaft and replacing the first fastening member and the second fastening member, the scope of applicability can be maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: GIANT MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wen-Hai Lo
  • Patent number: 10610759
    Abstract: A bicycle trainer is adapted to be arranged with a bicycle to simulate riding a bicycle on an outdoor road. The bicycle includes a stand, a roller and a resistance source. The stand is adapted to support the bicycle. The roller is pivoted to the stand and adapted to contact a bicycle wheel of the bicycle. The resistance source is coupled to the roller and provides resistance to the bicycle wheel via the roller. The resistance source varies the magnitude of the provided resistance according to the rotation speed of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsaio-Wen Hsu
  • Patent number: 10471297
    Abstract: Among other things, a rowing technology includes a first rowing machine having an electromagnetic brake providing a resistance to a rower of the machine in each rowing stroke of a series of rowing strokes of the rower An electronic controller causes the resistance of the electromagnetic brake to vary over each rowing stroke in a profile that emulates resistance to which another rower in a shell on water or on a second rowing machine is subjected in each rowing stroke of a corresponding series of rowing strokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Hydrow, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Smith, Chris Paul, Christopher Evans, Gerhard Pawelka, William Burke, Harald Quintus-Bosz, Klaus Renner
  • Patent number: 10434364
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a support frame for a gymnastic apparatus, particularly for a cycling simulation device, comprising a base, and a first arm hinged with said base and a second arm hinged with said base, so that said first and second arm can assume a closed position and an open position, rotating with respect to said base, characterized in that said support frame comprises an articulation member articulated with said base and said first and second arm such that the rotation of one of said first or second arm relatively to said base causes a rotational translation of said articulation member and the rotation of the other arm with respect to said base, causing the passage from said closed position to said open position or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: TECHNOGYM S.P.A.
    Inventors: Claudio Cristofori, Marco Lorusso, Roberto Gorza
  • Patent number: 10130864
    Abstract: A cycling training apparatus including a structure that is supported on the floor and a belt that is movable with respect to the structure and forms a closed longitudinal loop on which a bicycle can be supported and ridden. The apparatus includes a securing element with two opposite ends. One end has a first connector configured to be attached to a bicycle. The opposite end includes a second connector configured to be attached to a fixed point. The securing element is flexible so that the straight line distance between these ends is variable, enabling the bicycle to move longitudinally over the belt. The connectors also allow for transversal movement and lateral tilting of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: OREKA TRAINING, S.L.
    Inventor: Garikoitz Zapirain Elosegui
  • Patent number: 10124226
    Abstract: To provide a bicycle trainer with which a wheel is less likely to come off even during low-speed running. A bicycle trainer 100 includes a pair of front wheel rollers 10 and 12 to support a front wheel of a bicycle, a pair of rear wheel rollers 20 and 22 to support a rear wheel of the bicycle, and a belt 66 to transmit a rotation of the rear wheel roller 20 to the front wheel rollers 10 and 12. The front wheel rollers 10 and 12 support the front wheel of the bicycle such that a trail when the front wheel of the bicycle is put on the front wheel rollers 10 and 12 becomes equivalent to a trail when the bicycle actually runs on a road surface. The bicycle trainer 100 further includes front wheel roller adjusters 14 and 16 and rear wheel roller adjusters 24 and 26. The front wheel roller adjusters 14 and 16 adjust postures of the front wheel rollers 10 and 12 such that contact positions where the front wheel of the bicycle contacts the front wheel rollers 10 and 12 become constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GROWTAC, Inc.
    Inventor: Masayuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 10046222
    Abstract: The system includes memory having computer-executable instructions and at least one processor to execute the computer-executable instructions to wireless connect the exercise device, receive a training mode, receive at least one variable for determining a power set point, determine the power set point responsive to the training mode and the at least one variable and control a magnetic brake assembly in the exercise device responsive to the power set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Wahoo Fitness, LLC
    Inventors: Harold M. Hawkins, III, Michael A. Lyle, Bradley Jaymes Collins
  • Patent number: 9993711
    Abstract: A folding structure (2), is provided to which one or more rollers (3) are coupled, which is constituted by an articulated one-piece construction, formed of straight sections (2a, 2b) joined together with articulated joints that rotate around a vertical axis (4) and movement of the sections on the horizontal plane, and hinged joints that rotate around a horizontal axis (5) and movement of the sections on the vertical plane. In a use position, it has a rectangular frame shape, while in a folded position it forms an elongated and flat compact block. The upper part of the structure (2) has recesses (8) with protruding nipples (9), suitable for being inserted into holes (10) made on the ends (3a) of the roller (3) axis; while dampers (11) are disposed in the lower part. There is a joint that rotates around a vertical axis (4), and another hinged joint that rotates around a horizontal axis (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventors: Juan Moya Saez, Jordi Moya Saez
  • Patent number: 9868021
    Abstract: A bicycle trainer, the bicycle trainer including a biased, pivot mounted belt for contact with the rear wheel of a bicycle, such that the belt moves in response to rotation of the wheel and applies predetermined tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: THE BICYCLE CORPORATION PTY LTD
    Inventor: David Lugton
  • Patent number: 9855480
    Abstract: A bicycle trainer includes a support for supporting a bicycle having a frame and a rear wheel attached to a rear axle, the support biasing the bicycle into an upright orientation, and a roller for engaging with the rear wheel of the bicycle, wherein, when the bicycle is supported by the support, the roller is adapted to provide resistance against turning the rear wheel and the rear axle of the bicycle is not connected to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SBI Media Holding SA
    Inventors: James Kalogiros, Fadi Yassmin, Peter Berlowitz
  • Patent number: 9669279
    Abstract: A bicycle trainer includes a base frame, a damper unit pivotally connected to the base frame and including a rotating wheel set, a swivel frame pivoted to the base frame and biasable between an inclined position where the swivel frame and the damper unit are capable of supporting a bicycle wheel and a collapsed position where the swivel frame is received in the base frame and the rotating wheel set of the damper unit is disposed adjacent to the swivel frame, and a locking device for locking the damper unit to the base frame or allowing the damper unit to be biased relative to the base frame. Thus, the composition of the invention allows the bicycle trainer to be folded up and received in a compact condition to minimize the dimension convenient for carrying with less effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Kai Wang, Wen-Hai Lo
  • Patent number: 9623283
    Abstract: An massage device, includes a hollow cylindrical foam roller, two end plates fixable at the opposite ends of the roller, the inner envelope of the roller and the end plates essentially defining a cavity, and each of the end plates further including centrally situated bearing arrangement, two supporting feet each having a first and a second support, the first and the second support of the supporting feet are alignable at the end plates to set the supports at an angle relative to each other, and each of the supporting feet being fixable at the end plates of the roller by a fastening arrangement so that the supporting feet are at least functionally connected to the bearing arrangements of the associated end plates and the roller is rotatably fixed to the supporting feet, and the supporting feet may be stored inside the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: OMAVALMENTAJA KAJAANI OY
    Inventors: Pekka Vallo, Atte Haataja
  • Patent number: 9593992
    Abstract: A torque detecting system is adapted to detect a setting torque of a torque providing apparatus. A torque driving apparatus is mounted on a stationary base to exert a resisting force on the torque providing apparatus. The setting torque of the torque providing apparatus corresponds to the resisting force. The torque detecting system comprises an angle detecting module and an operation device. The angle detecting module is mounted on the torque driving apparatus and outputs a detecting voltage. The operation device obtains a torque value via table-searching based on the detecting voltage. The torque value corresponds to the setting torque of the torque providing apparatus. The torque detecting system performs the torque detection through a non-contact detecting technique, such that detecting accuracy would not be affected after long term use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Mu-Chuan Wu
  • Patent number: 9358418
    Abstract: An indoor cycling device including a unique frame arrangement with fore and aft adjustable seat and handlebar assemblies. The assemblies support a seat and handlebars for fore and aft movement. The assemblies may include a receiver with an elongate aperture with a slider positioned therein. The slider defines a first channel receiving a moveable member. A handle is operably coupled with the member to move the member within the channel in a first direction or a second direction such that a frictionally coupling is caused between the slider and the receiver when the slider is moved in the first direction and releases the coupling when the slider is moved in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Foundation Fitness, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Golesh, Andrew P. Lull
  • Patent number: 9295894
    Abstract: A bicycle rollers device, having a frame that includes a rear mounting assembly for two rear rollers; a front mounting assembly for a front roller; support elements, for supporting the frame above a surface, upon which the support elements are set to rest; and a central bridge connecting the front mounting assembly to the rear mounting gear. Also, two rear rollers are mounted in the rear mounting assembly and a front roller is mounted in the front mounting assembly and defines a roller width. Finally, the central bridge is more narrow than the roller width, thereby permitting a bicycle rider to mount and dismount a bicycle set on the rollers without encountering the central bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Larry C. Papadopolous
  • Patent number: 9259633
    Abstract: The application discloses a roller assembly that utilizes internal resistance components to increase resistance to enhance training intensity. The internal resistance components include a rotatable resistance component or impeller coupled to an outer tubular body of the roller. Embodiments disclosed also include a second resistance component to restrict rotation of the rotatable resistance component increasing the torque required to rotate the outer tubular body. In an illustrative embodiment, the rotatable resistance component forms an impeller which is disposed in a fluid chamber within the tubular body and the second resistance component is disposed in the fluid chamber and maintained in a stationary position to impart resistance to rotation, thus increasing the torque required to rotate the outer tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Kurt Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradd R. Meyers
  • Patent number: 9242162
    Abstract: A bicycle roller assembly, comprising a frame having a length and including two parallel rods running in the lengthwise dimension of said frame and having a front roller and a pair of rear rollers mounted between said parallel rods. In addition, a base assembly including a set of feet is adapted to rest on a surface. Finally, a support assembly is supported by said base assembly, and includes a set of linear bearings, into which said parallel rods are mounted, so as to permit movement in said lengthwise dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Larry Papadopoulos
  • Patent number: 9227102
    Abstract: Provided are a bike trainer, and an exercise apparatus with a bike trainer for supporting a bike on a treadmill. A mounting bracket is adapted to be non-invasively installed on a frame of the treadmill utilizing a releasable fastener that is adjustable to secure an installation of the mounting bracket and allow the mounting bracket to be removed from the frame. A plurality of arms are coupled to the mounting bracket and each include a distal end to be positioned at an elevation vertically above an elevation of the belt of the treadmill. A bike coupler is provided adjacent to the distal end of at least one of the arms, and is adapted to cooperate with a portion of the bike to couple the bike to the bike trainer apparatus and maintain the bike over the belt of the treadmill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy F. Haddon, Mary E. Sharoff, Arthur D. Coberly
  • Patent number: 9227680
    Abstract: A bicycle and bicycle parking and lock system wherein a hub locking device that is secured to a bicycle cooperates with a parking rack. The bicycle includes an engagement member that is secured to an axle of the bicycle. The engagement member selectively removably cooperates with a recess formed in the parking and lock system. The parking and lock system includes a number of upstanding members that are positioned to generally flank the front wheel of a bicycle to maintain the bicycle in a generally upright orientation. Each or select number of the upstanding members include a lock system that cooperates with the locking engagement member so as to secure the respective bicycle with respect to the parking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: B-CYCLE, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Kritzer, Alex Bogusky
  • Patent number: 9180922
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods involve a motorcycle stand for adjustably securing a motorcycle, such as for storing or transporting a motorcycle in an immobilized, upright position. A motorcycle stand in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention may include a stand base connected to an axle support post. At a top end of the axle support post, the axle support post includes an axle bar slot having a self-engaging latch. An axle bar may be inserted into the axle bar slot and engage the self-engaging latch. The self-engaging latch may include a release mechanism to disengage the latch, to release the axle bar from the axle bar slot, and to reset the self-engaging latch. A stand may include two axle support posts for engagement on either side of a wheel axle. A motorcycle stand system may include one or more stands and an axle bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventor: Woodrow Loyd Glover
  • Patent number: 9108077
    Abstract: A bicycle trainer includes a reverse resistance unit mounting arrangement that is configured to increase traction between a bicycle wheel and a resistance unit upon an increase in the speed of rotation of the wheel. The reverse resistance unit mounting arrangement is configured to mount the resistance unit in a suspension-type manner and has an actuator that initially positions the resistance unit against the bicycle wheel. The reverse resistance unit mounting arrangement tends to pivot the resistance unit against the bicycle wheel during use, to automatically bias the wheel toward the resistance unit to prevent slippage between the bicycle tire and the roller of the resistance unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Bass, Mark A. Dahl
  • Patent number: 9101814
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for facilitating single-leg cycling training. The apparatus comprises a pair of legs connected to form a self-supporting structure that can be variably positioned relative to the rotational path of the pedals of a cycling device. One of the legs comprises a foot support configured to cooperate with a binding of a cycling shoe to support the foot while the other foot of the user is engaged with a pedal to perform single-leg training. The foot support comprises a pair of spaced apart rows of sockets configured to support the ends of a support rod. During use, the user places a foot on the support rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventor: Alfred C. Beatty
  • Patent number: 9067099
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus with a generator. The exercise apparatus includes a frame, a rotating component, a generator, and a battery. The rotating component is rotatably connected to the frame and the rotating component rotates in response to operation of the exercise apparatus. The generator is connected to the rotating component and the frame. The generator includes a rotor connected to the rotating component and a stator. The rotor rotates in response to rotation of the rotating component. The stator is connected to the frame. The stator interacts with the rotor to produce electric current at an output. In one embodiment, the battery is connected to the output wherein the battery is charged by electric current from the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventors: David Beard, Si-Hyung Lee, Kevin Corbalis, Victor Cornejo, Deo Magakat, Shatish Mistry
  • Patent number: 9039582
    Abstract: A bicycle trainer with a hill training apparatus is described. The hill training apparatus enables bicyclists to simulate uphill riding (incline), downhill riding (decline), and hill resistance or lack thereof. The hill training apparatus also provides for correct body positioning while riding uphill or downhill, and with or without resistance. Riding on a trainer with correct body positioning provides for improved training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Pro-Climb, LLC
    Inventor: Emily L. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20150133272
    Abstract: A bicycle rollers device, having a frame that includes a rear mounting assembly for two rear rollers; a front mounting assembly for a front roller; support elements, for supporting the frame above a surface, upon which the support elements are set to rest; and a central bridge connecting the front mounting assembly to the rear mounting gear. Also, two rear rollers are mounted in the rear mounting assembly and a front roller is mounted in the front mounting assembly and defines a roller width. Finally, the central bridge is more narrow than the roller width, thereby permitting a bicycle rider to mount and dismount a bicycle set on the rollers without encountering the central bridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Larry C. Papadopolous
  • Patent number: 8992391
    Abstract: A modular sizing fit cycle, having an enclosed, acoustically dampened transmission, and calibrated height and angle adjusters, each designed to fit an individual to a bicycle according to specific measurements attained during a controlled ride. The sizing fit cycle is highly portable, having distinct pieces that facilitate portability. Additionally, the sizing fit cycle is preferably equipped with a quiet, chain and bell-driven transmission at the rear, facilitating accurate measurements via a load generator and providing a realistic simulation of a stable cycling session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Seastrom Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Seastrom, Ryan Capell
  • Patent number: 8979715
    Abstract: The invention encompasses a removable attachment for installing on a bicycle with the goal of altering the resistance to either front tire or back tire revolution. In this way, the bicycle includes enhanced physical training capabilities allowing the rider to use a bicycle on a standard trainer frame or as a regular bicycle for riding in the usual manner. In one embodiment, the attachment includes a resistance support connected to a bicycle and supporting a resistance device that engages a bicycle wheel or bicycle tire for altering the resistance to tire revolution. In this exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a resistance support attached to the bicycle proximate a bicycle tire along with a resistance device removably attached to the resistance support. In one embodiment, the resistance device defines a slot, and the resistance support projects through the slot to position the resistance device against the bicycle wheel or the bicycle tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Brian H. Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20150065309
    Abstract: The present invention is a bicycle trainer that allows a person to utilize their own bicycle and simulates real and varied road conditions. The device includes the front forks of a bicycle mounted to a stand; the stand including a flexible support arm allowing the bicycle to rock back and forth along a rocking arc; and the rear tire of the bicycle making contact with a roller face of a roller such that the roller is free to rotate in proportion to the rotation of the rear tire. Further, the roller is rotationally connected to a motor for selectively applying resistance and assistance to the rear tire rotation, for simulating real course conditions. Preferably it further includes a motor assembly which includes a frame for housing the roller and motor and rigidly connecting the motor assembly to the stand, the motor is pivotally mounted to the frame about its shaft, such that the motor and roller rotate in proportional unison with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Velo Reality Corp.
    Inventors: Gary Bauer, Konstantine Poukhov, Nikolay Bakunin
  • Patent number: 8932184
    Abstract: Cassette based systems and methods of hydrogen storage, distribution, and recovery are disclosed. A cassette or other container may contain a hydrogen storage or storing material. Information may be stored in the material and subsequently read or accessed. A probe may be used to interrogate the material. The hydrogen content or other characteristics of the material may be determined based on the interrogation. A hydrogen dispensing unit may contain a depleted cassette acceptor to accept depleted cassettes and a charged cassette dispenser to dispense charged cassettes. The dispensing unit may be implemented in a hydrogen retail store or as a standalone unit. The retail store or the unit may connect to a hydrogen network and implement various business methods, as disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Scott D. Redmond
  • Patent number: 8926478
    Abstract: An elliptical trainer includes a base, a pair of foot-oriented elliptical mechanisms, and a pair of hand-oriented elliptical mechanisms. The base is anteriorly provided with a frame having a first axle and a second axle. The first and second axles are parallel and spaced apart by a distance. The foot-oriented elliptical mechanisms flank the frame and include a revolving assembly pivotally disposed at the first axle and adapted to enable the foot-oriented elliptical mechanisms to revolve relative to the first axle. The hand-oriented elliptical mechanisms flank the frame and include a reversing assembly pivotally disposed at the second axle. The revolving assembly and the reversing assembly revolve in opposite directions. The hand-oriented and foot-oriented elliptical mechanisms enable a user's hands and feet to revolve in the same direction and follow closed paths, respectively. Hence, the user can exercise ergonomically and work different muscle groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventors: Hsuan-Fu Huang, Shih-Wei Liu
  • Publication number: 20140378280
    Abstract: An optimal bicycle frame size and configuration is determined based on operational characteristics provided by a rider when riding an adjustable stationary bicycle. An optimal motorcycle and motorcycle configuration is determined based on characteristics of the rider when riding an adjustable stationary motorcycle. A camera system can be used to collect anthropomorphic data about the rider to establish an initial positioning of the components of the adjustable vehicle. The camera system can also be used to collect real-time information about the rider's body positioning so as to cause adjustment of the positioning of the components of the adjustable vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Cycling Sports Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Morten Kristiansen, Daniel L. Connors, Christopher Kautz, Scott Alan Rice
  • Patent number: 8876669
    Abstract: A planetary gear system in an exercise machine featuring a flywheel; an axle shaft positioned through the center of the flywheel, a sun gear disposed on the axle shaft and fixedly attached to the flywheel, a housing disposed on the axle shaft, a planet carrier fixedly attached to the axle shaft and disposed in the housing, and a ring gear fixedly attached in the housing. One or more planet gear wheels are rotatably attached to the planet carrier. The planet gear wheels can rotate independently of the planet carrier. Rotation of the axle shaft in a first direction rotates the planet carrier in the first direction, thereby causing the planet gear wheel to rotate in a second direction within the ring gear. Rotation of the planet gear wheel in the second direction causes the sun gear and the flywheel to together rotate in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Shinn Fu Corporation
    Inventor: Marko Vujicic
  • Publication number: 20140296038
    Abstract: A progressive resistance device is provided having a cylinder having an outer wall which defines an inner chamber. The cylinder is carried on an axle and is rotatable thereabout. An eccentric axle surrounds the axle and is rotatable relative the axle. A magnet carrier partially encircles the eccentric axle and carries a magnet. A bearing is nested between the magnet carrier and the eccentric axle. The magnet carrier is rotatable about the eccentric axle on an axis which is eccentric to the axle's axis, whereby the distance between the magnet and the outer wall is variable as defined by the rotative position of said housing relative said outer wall, which rotative position is governed by the speed of rotation of the cylinder. The progressive resistance device described herein is adapted for use as a roller on a bicycle trainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: SportCrafters, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Colan
  • Publication number: 20140274583
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a hill training apparatus for a bicycle trainer. The systems and methods disclosed herein enable cyclists to simulate hill resistance, incline, decline, and body positioning while riding on a bicycle trainer for improved training purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Pro-Climb, LLC
    Inventor: Emily L. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8827871
    Abstract: An indoor cycling device including a unique frame arrangement with fore and aft adjustable seat and handlebar assemblies. The assemblies support a seat and handlebars for fore and aft movement. The assemblies may include a receiver with an elongate aperture with a slider positioned therein. The slider defines a first channel receiving a moveable member. A handle is operably coupled with the member to move the member within the channel in a first direction or a second direction such that a frictionally coupling is caused between the slider and the receiver when the slider is moved in the first direction and releases the coupling when the slider is moved in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Foundation Fitness, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Golesh, Andrew P. Lull
  • Patent number: 8764616
    Abstract: Described is a bicycle trainer with a hill training apparatus that enables bicyclists to simulate uphill riding (incline), downhill riding (decline), and hill resistance, or lack thereof. The hill training apparatus also provides for correct body positioning while riding uphill or downhill and with or without resistance. Riding on a trainer with correct body positioning provides for improved training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Pro-Climb, LLC
    Inventor: Emily L. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20140171272
    Abstract: A bicycle trainer including folding legs and a vertically adjustable frame member supporting an axle and cassette where a rider mounts the rear frame, such as dropouts, of a conventional bicycle with the rear wheel removed. The trainer includes a flywheel with a magnetic brake assembly controlled through an open protocol and configured to receive wireless transmitted signals from an app running on a smart phone or other such applications. The flywheel assembly also includes a bracket coupling the magnetic brake with a frame. A strain gauge is mounted on the bracket to detect torque, which is used to calculate a rider's power while using the trainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Wahoo Fitness LLC
    Inventors: Harold M. Hawkins, III, Andrew P. Lull
  • Publication number: 20140094348
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Bass, Mark A. Dahl
  • Publication number: 20140087924
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for facilitating single-leg cycling training. The apparatus comprises a pair of legs connected to form a self-supporting structure that can be variably positioned relative to the rotational path of the pedals of a cycling device. One of the legs comprises a foot support configured to cooperate with a binding of a cycling shoe to support the foot while the other foot of the user is engaged with a pedal to perform single-leg training. The foot support comprises a pair of spaced apart rows of sockets configured to support the ends of a support rod. During use, the user places a foot on the support rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Alfred C. Beatty
  • Publication number: 20140066264
    Abstract: Provided are a bike trainer, and an exercise apparatus with a bike trainer for supporting a bike on a treadmill. A mounting bracket is adapted to be non-invasively installed on a frame of the treadmill utilizing a releasable fastener that is adjustable to secure an installation of the mounting bracket and allow the mounting bracket to be removed from the frame. A plurality of arms are coupled to the mounting bracket and each include a distal end to be positioned at an elevation vertically above an elevation of the belt of the treadmill. A bike coupler is provided adjacent to the distal end of at least one of the arms, and is adapted to cooperate with a portion of the bike to couple the bike to the bike trainer apparatus and maintain the bike over the belt of the treadmill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy F. Haddon, Mary E. Sharoff, Arthur D. Coberly