SPRING-BASED EXERCISE CYCLE

Abstract

The invention includes an exercise cycle having an upright frame and a spring assembly capable of permitting at least a portion of the upright frame to move or shift in a lateral side-to-side direction or a front-to-back direction. The exercise cycle includes a pair of front legs depending from a forward portion of the exercise cycle and a pair of rear legs depending from a rear portion of the exercise cycle. Each of the front legs and rear legs have a proximal section adjacent to the upright frame that is spaced a distance from a distal section by a spring.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/765,192 filed on Aug. 20, 2018 which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to exercise equipment, and in particular, a spring-based exercise cycle permitting side-to-side and front-to-back movement.

BACKGROUND

Exercise equipment such as treadmills, elliptical trainers, stair climbers, rowing machines, and stationary bikes have become increasingly popular. In particular, stationary exercise bikes are used in many different locations including in health clubs, gyms, or at home. Different types of exercise bikes have been designed for different uses.

Generally, the frame of the conventional stationary exercise bicycle is rigidly mounted at a fixed position. This makes it difficult to simulate the actual riding of a bicycle and the health effects associated therewith. For example, one important component is for a rider is to engage his or her core and abdominals while bicycle riding. Oftentimes, core engagement is required when a bicycle rider “corners” a turn or leans with the bike laterally. Accordingly, some exercise equipment has been developed which allows the user to sway laterally side-to-side in an attempt to better simulate the actual realistic experience of riding a bicycle. This conventional equipment, however, uses hydraulics or a movable platform base which does not adequately simulate the actual effects of “cornering” or leaning and do not provide the same health benefits or core engagement of actual riding.

Accordingly, an invention is needed which overcomes these drawbacks and provides improved exercise equipment which permits leaning side-to-side or front-to-back movement and promotes core engagement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to exercise equipment, such as an exercise cycle, that permits a rider to move or shift the equipment laterally side-to-side or front-to-back so as to more realistically simulate bicycle riding and promote core engagement. The exercise cycle can include an upright frame which has a forward section and a rear section. A longitudinal axis can extend from the rear section to the forward section along a path that is generally parallel to the ground. Additionally, the exercise cycle can also include other cycle components such as handlebars, pedals, wheels or other components as are generally known in the art.

The upright frame includes depending legs which extend downwardly to form a base in contact with the ground. Generally, the upright frame can have at least two pairs of depending legs which are operatively connected with a spring configuration for permitting the upright frame to move laterally side-to-side with respect to the longitudinal axis or front-to-back in response to movement by a user.

The spring configuration can include a spring, coil, or other bias element that is arranged and secured to each leg of the two pairs of depending legs. In particular, each of the depending legs can include a proximal portion adjacent to and secured or integrally attached to the upright frame. The proximal portion includes a fastener assembly which is adapted for securing an upper portion of the spring, coil, or other bias element. Each of the depending legs also includes a foot distal from the upright frame and spaced a distance from the frame by the spring, coil, or other bias element. In particular, the foot includes an assembly that is adapted for securing a lower portion of the spring, coil, or other bias element. Accordingly, the spring configuration, which in this example includes four separate springs, permits the upright frame to move laterally side-to-side or front-to-back in response to movement by a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise cycle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the exercise cycle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides for an apparatus and method of using a stationary exercise cycle that has a spring-based system to permit a cycle rider to move or shift the exercise cycle in a lateral side-to-side or front-to-back motion while pedaling or riding.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exercise cycle 100 includes an upright frame 102 and a spring configuration 200 which permits movement of at least a portion of the upright frame 102 in response to a rider's movement or weight distribution.

The upright frame 102 of the exercise cycle 100 has a forward portion 104 and a rear portion 106. In general, convention exercise cycle components such as handlebars, a monitor screen, resistance knob, or other components may be attached to the forward portion 104 as is known in the art. The rear portion 106 may include a cycle seat for the rider or other components as are generally known. As shown in FIG. 2, a longitudinal axis extends along from the rear portion 106 to the forward portion 104 along a path generally parallel to the ground. Accordingly, the rider can cause the upright frame 102 of the exercise bike to move or shift side-to-side in a direction away from the longitudinal axis 216 as desired. This movement helps simulate “cornering” or leaning around or into a turn so as to simulate a more realistic cycle riding experience including having a rider better engage his or her core or abdomen muscles.

The spring configuration 200 is secured to legs depending from the upright frame 102. In one example, and referring to FIGS. 1-2, the spring configuration 200 is composed of a total of four springs 118 where each one is fastened to a depending leg. As is known in the art, the spring configuration can include any spring, a coil, bias element, or any device or element providing a compression or torsional force that can be arranged and secured to the depending legs. Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the exercise cycle 100 includes two pairs of depending legs. A pair of forward legs 108 depends from the forward portion 104 and extend downwardly. Another pair of rear legs 110 depends downwardly from the rear portion 106. Each of the forward legs 108 and rear legs 110 terminate in a respective foot 112 forming the base of the exercise cycle 100 such that the foot 112 sits securely against the ground so as to provide a stable platform for the exercise cycle 100.

Each of the legs 108, 110 include a proximal leg portion 114 and a distal leg portion 116 that are spaced a distance from one another by a spring 118. The proximal leg portion 114 is adjacent to and secured or integrally attached with the upright frame 102. It may be integrally attached or secured through welding, fastening or other ways known in the art.

The forward depending legs 108 and rear depending legs 110 may have various configurations as is known in the art. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, forward depending legs 108 include a forward cross-member 218 disposed between and integrally attached with the pair of forward depending legs 108. In this example, rear depending legs 110 include a rear cross-member 220 disposed between and integrally attached with the pair or rear depending legs 110. Both the forward cross-member 218 and rear cross-member 220 can include different sizes and shapes including having an oval, circular, rectangular, or other cross-section.

The spring 118 may be secured or fastened to legs 108, 110 using various assemblies. For example, a fastener assembly 202 may be used to secure an upper portion of the spring 118 to the proximal leg portion 114. A foot fastener assembly 204 may be used to secure a lower portion of the spring 118 to the distal leg portion 116.

Referring to FIG. 4-5, the fastener assembly 202 may include a generally cylindrical post piece 120 and a clamp 126. The post piece 120 may have a circular section 122 an inner post 124 extending therefrom. In one embodiment, the post piece 120 may be approximately 3 inches in height but it can also be sized and shaped as needed to set forth the particular exercise cycle 100 specifications as desired. In one example, the post piece 120 is arranged to be secured with the proximal leg portion 114. It can be integrally secured or welded thereon or secured in other ways that are generally known in the art.

The post piece 120 can be used to secure the spring 118 as shown in FIG. 5. In this example, the spring 118 can be circumferentially wrapped around the inner post 124. In addition, sections of rubber or other material can be placed in areas between the inner post 124 and the spring 118 so as to dampen vibrations and unwanted sound while the exercise bike 100 is being used. Other configurations for securing the spring 118 to the post piece 120, however, can be used as are known in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, a clamp 126 can also be used for securing the post piece 120 and the spring 118. In this example, the clamp 126 includes an opening 132 which is arranged to encircle the post piece 120 and the spring 118 that is circumferentially wrapped around the inner post 124. The clamp 126 also that includes a flange 130 having a screw hole 134 that is capable of receiving a screw for securing the spring 118 and the post piece 120. The screw may be adjustable such that the clamp 126 can be tightened or loosened in securing the spring 118 as desired. As is known in the art, the clamp 126 can be sized and shaped in different configuration depending on the specifications for the exercise cycle 100 as desired.

The clamp 126 also includes a support frame 128 for engaging the proximal leg portion 114 or cross-members 218, 220 and providing additional stability to the exercise cycle 100.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the distal leg portion 116 is disposed adjacent the foot 112 and spaced a distance from the proximal leg portion 114 by the spring 118. The foot 112 includes a foot assembly 204 for securing the lower section of the spring 118. The foot assembly 204 can include a post piece 210 and a foot clamp 222. The post piece 210 may have a circular section 224 an inner post 226 extending therefrom. In one example, the post piece 210 can be integrally secured or welded to the distal leg portion 116 or secured in other ways that are generally known in the art.

The post piece 210 can be used to secure the spring 118 as shown in FIG. 5. In this example, the spring 118 can be circumferentially wrapped around the inner post 226. In addition, sections of rubber or other material can be placed in areas between the inner post 226 and the spring 118 so as to dampen vibrations and unwanted sound while the exercise bike 100 is being used. Other configurations for securing the spring 118 to the post piece 210, however, can be used as are known in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, the foot clamp 222 can also be used for securing the post piece 210 and the spring 118. Similar to the clamp 126 above, the foot clamp 222 includes an opening which is arranged to encircle the post piece 210 and the spring 118 that is circumferentially wrapped around the inner post 226. The foot clamp 222 also includes a flange 230 having a screw hole 232 that is capable of receiving a screw for securing the spring 118 and the post piece 210. The screw may be adjustable such that the foot clamp 222 can be tightened or loosened in securing the spring 118 as desired. As is known in the art, the clamp 222 can be sized and shaped in different configuration depending on the specifications for the exercise cycle 100 as desired. The foot clamp 222 also includes a support frame 234 for engaging the distal leg portion 116 and providing additional stability to the exercise cycle 100.

As described herein, the spring configuration 200 includes a spring 118 arrange on each of the four legs 108, 110 thereby permitting a rider to lean and shift or move the upright frame 102 in a generally lateral side-to-side direction or front-to-back direction. Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a rider can simulate “cornering,” turning, or other lateral movement by leaning in a desired direction. In this example, a rider can lean in a desired direction relative to the longitudinal axis 216. As shown in FIG. 1, this causes a spring 236 on the forward leg 108 and a spring 238 on the rear leg 110 to compress while a spring 240 on the forward leg 108 and a spring 242 on the rear leg extend. When a rider leans in the opposite direction, the spring 240 on the forward leg 108 and spring 242 on the rear leg 110 compress while the spring 236 on the forward leg 108 and spring 238 on the rear leg 110 extend.

A rider can shift his or her weight in the forward direction. In this example, the springs 236, 240 on each of the forward legs 108 are compressed, at least in part, by the weight of the rider while the springs 238, 242 on each of the rear legs 110 extend. This configuration causes the forward portion 104 to tilt downward while the rear portion 106 shifts upward so as to simulate a downhill ride. Similarly, when a rider shifts his or her weight in the rear direction, the springs 236, 240 on the forward legs 108 extend and the springs 238, 242 on the rear legs 110 are compressed. This configuration causes the rear portion 106 to tilt downward while the forward portion 104 shifts upward so as to simulate an uphill climb.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context of particular implementations. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

1. An exercise cycle, comprising:

an upright frame having a forward portion, a rear portion, and a base;

a pair of front legs depending from the forward portion, each of the front legs having a proximal section adjacent to the upright frame and a distal section spaced a distance from the proximal section by a spring; and

a pair of rear legs depending from the rear portion, each of the rear legs having a proximal section adjacent to the upright frame and a distal section spaced a distance by a spring;

wherein the upright frame is adapted to shift in a lateral direction.

2. The exercise cycle of claim 1 further comprising a longitudinal axis extending along a path from the rear portion to the forward portion, wherein the exercise cycle is adapted to move in a direction away from the longitudinal axis.

3. The exercise cycle of claim 1 wherein the proximal sections include a fastener assembly for securing at least a portion of the spring.

4. The exercise cycle of claim 3 wherein the fastener assembly further comprises a pole piece for securing the spring to the proximal section.

5. The exercise cycle of claim 1 wherein the base includes a foot assembly for securing the spring to the distal section.

6. The exercise cycle of claim 1 wherein at least one of the springs permits the upright frame to move in a front-to-back direction.

7. An exercise cycle, comprising:

an upright frame having a forward portion, a rear portion, and a base;

a pair of front legs depending from the forward portion, each of the front legs having a proximal section adjacent to the upright frame and a distal section adjacent to the base;

a pair of rear legs depending from the rear portion, each of the rear legs having a proximal section adjacent to the upright frame and a distal section adjacent to the base; and

a spring assembly secured to the pair of front legs and the pair of rear legs for permitting lateral movement of at least a portion of the upright frame; and

a fastener assembly for securing the pair of front legs with at least a portion of the spring assembly.

8. The exercise cycle of claim 7 wherein the spring assembly includes a coil secured between the proximal section and distal section of each of each of the pair of front legs and rear legs.

9. The exercise cycle of claim 7 further comprising a forward cross-member disposed between the pair of front legs.

10. The exercise cycle of claim 7 wherein the fastener assembly includes an inner post for securing at least a portion of the spring assembly.

11. The exercise cycle of claim 10 wherein the fastener assembly further comprises an adjustable clamp covering the inner post.

12. The exercise cycle of claim 7 wherein at least one of the proximal sections comprises a generally hollow opening for receiving a pole piece.

13. The exercise cycle of claim 12 wherein the pole piece is welded at least partially within the generally hollow opening.

14. The exercise cycle of claim 7 wherein at least one of the distal sections includes a foot.

15. The exercise cycle of claim 7 wherein the spring assembly includes a plurality of coils.

16. An exercise machine, comprising:

an upright frame having a forward portion and a rear portion;

a longitudinal axis extending along a path from the rear portion to the forward portion;

at least two pairs of legs depending from the upright frame to form a base; and

a spring assembly secured to the at least two pairs of legs for permitting at least a portion of the upright frame to shift relative to the longitudinal axis.

17. The exercise machine of claim 16 wherein the at least two pairs of legs includes a first pair of legs depending from the forward portion and a second pair of legs depending from the rear portion.

18. The exercise machine of claim 17 wherein the spring assembly further comprises a forward pair of coils secured to the first pair of legs and a rear pair of coils secured to the second pair of legs.

19. The exercise machine of claim 17 wherein the spring assembly permits the forward portion to tilt in a downward direction in response to a rider.

20. The exercise machine of claim 17 wherein the spring assembly permits the forward portion to shift in an upward direction in response to a rider.