SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A STATIONARY BIKE COMPRISING A BALLET BARRE

Abstract

A stationary bicycle having a ballet barre coupled thereto is disclosed herein. While the stationary bicycle can have any suitable feature, in some cases, it includes a seat assembly having a seat post that is configured to be selectively raised and lowered with respect to a pedal axis of the stationary bicycle, a seat slide that is coupled to the seat post so as to selectively slide forward and backward with respect to the seat post, and a bicycle seat that is coupled to the seat slide. In some cases, the ballet barre is coupled, in a horizontal orientation, to at least one of: the seat post, the seat slide, and the bicycle seat such that the ballet barre is configured to be selectively raised and lowered with respect to the pedal axis of the stationary bicycle. Other implementations are described.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/229,961 (Attorney Docket No. 23338.4), which is entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A STATIONARY BIKE COMPRISING A BALLET BARRE, and which was filed on Aug. 5, 2021; the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field

The described systems and methods relate to exercise equipment. More particularly, some implementations of the described systems and methods relate to an exercise bike that has a ballet barre coupled thereto.

Background and Related Art

Exercise, in some form or another, is an important part of maintaining and improving one's health. In this regard, exercise can help: control body weight, increase muscle mass and stamina, reduce the risk of heart disease, manage blood sugar and insulin levels, improve mental health and mood, improve brain function, improve sleep, increase chances of living longer, improve physical appearance, reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, and otherwise enhance life.

While there are myriad types of exercises, including those that are done without equipment, many types of exercises do require at least some equipment. In this regard, a wide variety of different types of exercise equipment is found in many gyms, homes, and offices across the world. Nevertheless, exercise equipment is often specialized for use in only a few specific types of exercise. Thus, in order to exercise a variety of specific muscles, it is often helpful to purchase more than one type of exercise machine. That said, purchasing multiple pieces of exercise equipment can be expensive, can require a relatively large amount of space, can require a person to use and clean multiple pieces of equipment (thereby wasting time moving between and cleaning multiple machines), and otherwise be inconvenient.

Thus, while a wide variety of exercise machines and exercise equipment exist, challenges still exist with such machines and equipment, including those challenges listed above. Accordingly, it would be an improvement in the art to augment or even replace current techniques with other techniques.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The described systems and methods relate to exercise equipment. More particularly, some implementations of the described systems and methods relate to a stationary bicycle (or another exercise bike) that has a ballet barre coupled to it. While the stationary bicycle itself can have any suitable feature, in some cases, it includes a seat assembly that has a seat post that is configured to be selectively raised and lowered with respect to a pedal axis (and/or any other suitable portion) of the stationary bicycle, a seat slide that is coupled to the seat post so as to selectively slide forward and backward with respect to the seat post, and a bicycle seat that is coupled to the seat slide. In some such cases, the ballet barre is coupled, in a horizontal orientation, to at least one of: the seat post, the seat slide, and the bicycle seat such that the ballet barre is configured to be selectively raised and lowered with respect to the pedal axis (or other suitable portion) of the stationary bicycle. In some other cases, however, the ballet barre is coupled to another portion of the stationary bicycle.

In some additional implementations, the described system comprises a stationary bicycle seating assembly that includes a seat post that is configured to couple to both the stationary bicycle and to a bicycle seat such that the seat post is configured to move with respect to a portion of the stationary bicycle (e.g., the pedal axis and/or any other suitable portion) so as to selectively raise and lower the bicycle seat with respect to the portion of the stationary bicycle. In some such implementations, the seating assembly further includes a seat slider that is coupled to the seat post and that includes a coupler that is configured to couple to the bicycle seat such that the coupler and seat are configured to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the seat post. Moreover, in some such implementations, the seat assembly further includes a ballet barre that is coupled to at least one of: the seat slider, the seat post, and the bicycle seat when the bicycle seat is coupled to the coupler of the seat slider. Thus, in some implementations, the ballet barre can either be manufactured and sold with the stationary bicycle, or the described ballet barre can be retrofitted (e.g., with one or more portions of the seat assembly) to any suitable stationary bicycle.

Additionally, in some implementations, the described system comprises a ballet bar that is configured to be coupled to a seat slider coupler (and/or any other suitable portion of the stationary bicycle), which (in turn) is configured to couple to the seat post. Thus, in some implementations, the ballet barre (e.g., a ballet barre with a seat slider coupling) can easily be retrofit to an existing seating assembly (e.g., by being coupled to the seat slider and/or to any other suitable portion of the assembly).

While the described systems and methods may be particularly useful for stationary bikes, in some cases, the described ballet barre is coupled to a bicycle with wheels, a bike trainer stand, a bicycle with wheels that is coupled to a bike trainer stand, a bicycle roller, a mini-cycle, a treadmill, an elliptical machine, an AMT, a row machine, a stair-stepper, a tread-climber, and/or any other suitable exercise device. In such cases, the ballet barre can be disposed in any suitable location, including, without limitation, at a back portion, a front portion, a side portion, a corner portion, a base portion, floor mount, and/or any other suitable portion of the exercise machine. Indeed, in some implementations, the described ballet barre is configured to be disposed at a pack portion of a treadmill when the barre is being used.

These and other features and advantages of the described systems and methods will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the described systems and methods may be learned by the practice of thereof or will be obvious from the description and drawings, as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other features and advantages of the described systems and methods are obtained, a more particular description of such systems and methods will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale or in proper proportion, and that the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the described systems and methods and are not, therefore, to be considered as limiting in scope, the described systems and methods will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a stationary bike comprising a ballet barre that is coupled to a seat slider, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the stationary bike comprising the ballet barre, wherein the ballet barre is coupled to at least one of a stem and a handlebar of the stationary bike, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the stationary bike comprising the ballet barre, wherein the ballet barre is coupled to a front end portion of the stationary bike, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the stationary bike comprising the ballet barre, wherein the ballet barre is coupled to a base portion of the stationary bike, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the stationary bike comprising the ballet barre, wherein the ballet barre is disposed at and/or coupled to a side portion of the stationary bike, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the stationary bike comprising the ballet barre, wherein a portion of the ballet barre is coupled to the seat slider of the stationary bike, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the stationary bike comprising the ballet barre, wherein the ballet barre is coupled to a back end portion of the stationary bike with a digital display (and/or any other suitable display) being disposed at a front end of the stationary bike, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the stationary bike comprising a first and a second ballet barre, wherein the first and second ballet barres are coupled to a back end portion of the stationary bike, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the stationary bike comprising the ballet barre, wherein the ballet barre is coupled to a coupling that is configured to be coupled to one or more portions of the seat slider (and/or any other suitable portion) of the stationary bike, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a representative system that provides a suitable operating environment for use with some embodiments of the described system; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a representative embodiment of a networked system that provides a suitable operating environment for use with some embodiments of the described system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The described systems and methods relate to exercise equipment. More particularly, some embodiments of the described systems and methods relate to a stationary bicycle (or another exercise bike) that has a ballet barre coupled to it. While the stationary bicycle itself can have any suitable feature, in some cases, it includes a seat assembly that has a seat post that is configured to be selectively raised and lowered with respect to a pedal axis (and/or any other suitable portion) of the stationary bicycle, a seat slide that is coupled to the seat post so as to selectively slide forward and backward with respect to the seat post, and a bicycle seat that is coupled to the seat slide. In some such cases, the ballet barre is coupled, in a horizontal orientation, to at least one of: the seat post, the seat slide, and the bicycle seat such that the ballet barre is configured to be selectively raised and lowered with respect to the pedal axis (or other suitable portion) of the stationary bicycle. In some other cases, however, the ballet barre is coupled to another portion of the stationary bicycle.

The following disclosure of the present invention is grouped into two subheadings, namely “Representative Exercise System” and “Representative Operating Environment”. The utilization of the subheadings is for convenience of the reader only and is not to be construed as limiting in any sense.

Representative Exercise System

In accordance with some embodiments, the described system allows a user to exercise on a stationary bike (e.g., for spinning, training, and/or any other suitable purpose) and/or to work out on a ballet barre (e.g., for barre work, stretching, ballet, and/or any other suitable purpose). While the described system can comprise any suitable component, FIG. 1 shows that in some embodiments, the system 10 comprises a stationary bicycle (or simply a bike) 15 that comprises a ballet barre 20.

With respect to the stationary bicycle 15, the bike can comprise any type of stationary bike that is suitable for use with the described ballet barre 20. In this regard, some non-limiting examples of suitable stationary bikes include one or more upright bikes, indoor bikes, recumbent exercise bikes, spin bikes, spinners, gymnasticons, and/or any other suitable type of stationary bike. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the stationary bike 15 comprises an upright, spin bike 25.

Moreover, the stationary bicycle 15 can have any suitable component that allows it to support or otherwise be used with the described ballet barre 20. Indeed, in some embodiments, the bike comprises one or more seat assemblies, pedals, resistance mechanisms (e.g., magnets, fans, friction mechanisms, flywheels, motors, brakes, and/or other mechanisms that are configured to provide resistance as a user actuates the pedals in a forward and/or reverse direction), flywheels, motors, generators, handlebars, monitors, controllers, and/or any other suitable component. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the bike 15 comprises one or more pedals 30 that rotate about a pedal axis 35, seat assemblies 40 (e.g., seats or saddles 45 that are coupled to a seat slider 50 and/or seat post 55 and that optionally comprise any suitable locking mechanism 60 that is configured to selectively lock the seat in a desired position), front end portions 65, back end portions 70, handlebars 75, base members 80, frames 85, floor mounts, and/or any other suitable component.

Where the stationary bicycle 15 comprises a seat assembly 40, the seat assembly can comprise any suitable component and can function in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, for instance, the seat 45 is permanently fixed in position with respect to the bike's frame 85 (and/or any other suitable portion of the bike). In some other embodiments, however, the seat assembly comprises a seat post 55 that is configured to selectively raise and lower the seat 45 with respect to the pedal axis 35. Moreover, in some embodiments, the seat assembly comprises a seat slider 50 that is configured to couple to the seat so as to allow the seat to selectively slide back and forth (and/or in any other suitable direction) with respect to the seat post (and/or any other suitable portion of the bike).

Where the bike 15 comprises the seat post 55 and/or the seat slider 50, the seat post and/or the seat slider can be selectively locked in, and released from, one or more positions via the use of any suitable locking mechanism 60. Some embodiments of such locking mechanisms include, but are not limited to, one or more screw mechanisms, pin mechanisms, frictional engagements, mechanical engagements, clamping mechanisms, pawls, threaded engagements, and/or other suitable mechanisms that are configured to selectively lock the seat post 55 and/or the seat glider in a desired position. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which one or more locking mechanisms 60 comprise a threaded pin that is configured to pass through a portion of the bike's frame 85 and the seat post 55 (e.g., to lock the seat post in a desired location) and/or to pass through one or more portions of the seat slide 50 (e.g., a base element 90 and a sliding element 95 and/or any other suitable element that allows that seat slide to be locked in a desired location).

With reference now to the ballet barre 20 (or the barre), the barre can have any suitable characteristic that allows it to couple to the stationary bike (and/or any other suitable exercise machine) and to function as a ballet barre. For example, the barre can have any suitable shape, including, without limitation, being cylindrical, having an elliptical cross section, having an ovular cross section, having a rounded squared cross-section, having a rounded rectangular cross section, having a polygonal cross section, being straight, comprising an elongated rounded prism, comprising an elongated polygonal prism, and/or having any other suitable shape. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the barre 20 is cylindrical with a circular cross section (e.g., when such cross section (as the others mentioned herein) is taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the barre).

The barre 20 can have any suitable diameter and/or width that allows it to function as a ballet barre. Indeed, in some embodiments, the barre has a maximum outer diameter (or width where the barre is not perfectly cylindrical) that is between about 1.5 cm and about 14 cm (or within any subrange thereof). Indeed, in some embodiments, the barre has an outer diameter that is between about 3.0 cm and about 6.4 cm (e.g., about 4.5 cm±2 cm).

The ballet barre 20 can be any suitable length that allows it to couple to the stationary bicycle 15 and to function as a barre. For instance, in some embodiments, the ballet barre is between about 10 cm and about 2.2 m (or within any subrange thereof). Indeed, in some embodiments, the barre is between about 45 cm and about 92 cm (e.g., about 61 cm±20 cm) in length.

The ballet barre 20 can comprise any suitable material that allows the barre to be used for barre work and/or to otherwise function as described herein. In this regard, some examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, one or more types of wood (e.g., oak, ash, maple, poplar, cedar, pine, fir, spruce, cypress, and/or any other suitable type of wood or woods), metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, steel, chrome, bronze, titanium, liquid-metal alloy, metal alloy, and/or any other suitable type of metal or metals), plastic (e.g., polyvinylchloride (PVC), polycarbonate, and/or any other suitable plastic or plastics), polymer, hardened glass, acrylic material, glass-clad polycarbonate, ceramic, aluminum oxynitride, glass polymer laminate, styrene, fiberglass, graphite, carbon fiber, composite, Composolite, rubber, silicone, monocrystalline silicon, bone, stone, palladium micro-alloy glass, tungsten, UHMWPE fibers, maraging steel, polyester, polystyrene, KEVLAR™ material, synthetic material, natural material, and/or any other suitable material. Indeed, in some embodiments, the barre comprises a piece of wood, plastic (e.g., polyvinylchloride), and/or metal (e.g., aluminum).

Although some embodiments of the ballet barre 20 are uncoated, in some other embodiments, the ballet barre 20 comprises one or more coatings. In this regard, the ballet barre can comprise any suitable type of coating, including, without limitation, one or more coatings comprising paint, lacquer, varnish, stain, powder coating, plastic, polymer, glass, acrylic, enamel, electroplating, anodization, rubber encapsulation, oil, and/or any other suitable coating. Indeed, in some embodiments, the barre comprises a lacquer coating.

The ballet barre 20 can be disposed and/or coupled to any suitable portion of the stationary bicycle 15 that allows the barre to be used for barre work and/or to otherwise function as described herein. Indeed, in some embodiments, one or more barres are disposed at and/or coupled to a front end portion 65, a back end portion 70, a left side portion, a right side portion, a side portion, a portion of the seat assembly 40, the handlebar 75, the base member 80, the frame 85, a fork, a stem, a head tube, a top tube, a down tube, a seat tube, a chain stay, a headset, a flywheel cover, a support portion, a hub, and/or at any other suitable portion of the bike. Indeed, in some embodiments, the ballet barre is coupled to one or more portions of the seat assembly (e.g., to at least one of the bicycle seat 45, the seat slider 50, and the seat post 55).

By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the ballet barre 20 is coupled to a portion of the seat slider 50. In this regard, in some embodiments in which the ballet barre is coupled to a portion of the seat slider, the ballet barre is configured to selectively move horizontally (e.g., along a proverbial X axis) and/or in any other suitable direction, and to be selectively locked in one or more positions (e.g., via one or more locking mechanisms 60). Additionally, in some embodiments, in which the seat slider 50 is coupled to an adjustable seat post 55, the barre is configured to move vertically (e.g., along a proverbial Y axis). Thus, in some embodiments, the barre can be selectively raised and lowered and/or be moved forward and backward with respect to any suitable portion of the stationary bicycle (e.g., the pedal axis 35, the base 80, the frame 85, and/or any other suitable portion). As a result, some embodiments of the described barre can readily be adjusted for users of different sizes, for use in spatial areas of different sizes (e.g., small apartments and/or large gyms), for a variety of different exercises, stretches, flexes, rehabilitation exercises, trainings, dance moves, and/or for any other suitable purpose.

In another non-limiting illustration, FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which the barre 20 is coupled to a front end portion 65 of the stationary bicycle 15 (e.g., via a stem 100, handlebar 75, front base member (or front base portion) 80, fork, and/or any other suitable portion at the front end of the bike). In particular, FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which the barre 20 is coupled (e.g., via one or more supports 105) to an adjustable stem 100 that can be selectively raised, lowered, twisted, and/or otherwise moved with respect to a portion of the stationary bicycle 15 (e.g., via one or more locking mechanisms 60).

In yet another non-limiting illustration, FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which the barre 20 is coupled to the bike's front end portion 65 (e.g., a fork 110 of the bike 15) via one or more supports 105). In this regard, the supports (as well as any of the other supports mentioned herein) can have any suitable characteristic that allows them to support the barre and/or weight that is placed on the barre during barre work. Indeed, in some embodiments, the supports comprise one or more bars, scaffolds, frameworks, telescoping members, extendable members (e.g., to selectively adjust a position of the barre with respect to a portion of the bike), trusses, legs, arms, and/or any other suitable type of supports. For instance, FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which the barre 20 is supported by two elongated bars (or supports 105) that extend from the bike's forks 110.

In still another non-limiting illustration, FIG. 4 shows that, in some embodiments, the barre 20 is disposed at and/or coupled to a back end portion 70 of the stationary bicycle (e.g., a back base portion or member 80, the seat assembly 40, a back portion of the frame 85, and/or any other suitable portion that is disposed at a back end of the bike 15). Specifically, FIG. 4 shows an embodiment in which the barre 20 is coupled to a base member or portion 80 that is disposed at the back end portion 70 of the bike 15 (e.g., via one or more supports 105). In this regard, the supports can again comprise any suitable element that is capable of supporting the barre on the bike for use in barre work. Accordingly, some examples of such suitable supports comprise one or more bars, scaffolds, frameworks, telescoping members, extendable members (e.g., to selectively adjust a position of the barre with respect to a portion of the bike), trusses, legs, arms, and/or any other suitable type of supports. For instance, FIG. 4 shows an embodiment in which the barre 20 is supported by two elongated legs (or supports 105) that are fixed in length and/or that are adjustable in length (e.g., via one or more pin-and-hole mechanisms, pawls, ratchets, pistons, shocks, support struts, slides, threaded pins, and/or any other suitable adjustment mechanism) and that are received in, captured by, fastened to (e.g., via one or more fasteners 82), connected to, and/or otherwise coupled to the back end portion 70 of the bike (e.g., the base member or portion 80).

In still another non-limiting illustration, FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the ballet barre 20 is disposed at and/or coupled to a side of the stationary bicycle 15. In particular, while the barre can couple to any suitable component that allows the barre to be disposed on either side (e.g., a left-hand and/or right-hand side of the bike, a corner of the bike, the base member, and/or another suitable portion of the bike), FIG. 5 shows that, in some embodiments, the barre 20 is coupled to a portion of the seat assembly 40 (e.g., the seat slide 50 and/or any other suitable portion of the assembly) and the head tube 115.

When the ballet barre 20 is coupled to the stationary bicycle 15 and when the barre is in use, the barre can be disposed so as to have its top surface be disposed at any suitable height above the floor (e.g., the surface that supports the bike). Indeed, in some embodiments, the barre has a maximum height in use that is between about 10 cm and about 180 cm above the floor (or within any subrange thereof). Indeed, in some embodiments, the barre has a maximum height when on the bike that is between about 76 cm and about 115 cm (e.g., about 100 cm±15 cm). Additionally, in some cases, the maximum height of the barre during use (e.g., in barre work) is adjustable to within any of the aforementioned ranges (i.e., between about 95 cm and about 110 cm).

When the barre 20 is coupled to the bike 15, the barre can also be disposed in any suitable orientation, including, without limitation, in a vertical orientation (e.g., for storage), in a diagonal orientation (e.g., for storage), in a horizontal orientation (e.g., for use), and/or in any other suitable orientation. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the barre 20 is parallel (or at least substantially parallel (within 10 degrees or less of being parallel)) with the floor (not shown) that supports the bike. In some other embodiments, the barre is readily removable from the bike, such that the barre can be removed from the bike (e.g., for storage, to be replaced with a different barre, etc.) and then be readily reconnected to the bike for use (e.g., via one or more pins, detent mechanisms, clamps, catches, frictional engagements, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, and/or any other suitable connection mechanism).

In addition to, or in place of, comprising one or more of the aforementioned characteristics and components, the described system 10 can be modified in any suitable manner. In this regard, while FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the barre 20 is freestanding (e.g., meaning that it has no legs or other supports, but for its coupling to the bike 15 (e.g., via the seat assembly 40)), in some other embodiments, the barre is coupled to one or more legs. In this regard, the barre can be coupled to or otherwise comprise any suitable number of legs, including, without limitation, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or more. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 4 shows an embodiment in which the barre 20 comprises two legs or other supports 105. Moreover, FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which the barre 20 comprises one leg (e.g., an adjustable leg or other support 105) that is disposed at a first end portion of the barre, while the second end portion of the barre is coupled to and supported by the bike 15 (e.g., a portion of the seat slider 50 and/or any other suitable portion of the bike). Additionally, while the support can have a permanently fixed length, FIG. 6 shows that in some embodiments, a length of the support 105 is selectively adjustable (e.g., via one or more locking mechanisms 60). Moreover, FIG. 6 shows that some embodiments of the leg 105 comprise one or more feet 107 to keep the leg from slipping on a floor.

Moreover, while FIG. 1 shows that some embodiments of the barre 20 are coupled to the bike 15 at a middle portion of the barre 20, any other suitable portion of the barre (e.g., an end, a side, a perimeter, a center, a portion that is offset from a middle of the barre, and/or any other suitable portion of the barre) can be coupled to the bike. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which one end of the barre 20 is coupled to the bike 15. Additionally, while FIG. 1 shows an embodiment which the barre 20 couples to a bottom side of a portion of the seat assembly 40 (e.g., the seat slider 50), in some other embodiments, the barre couples to a back end, a top, a side, and/or any other suitable portion of the seat assembly (e.g., the seat slider 50) or any other portion of the bike. For instance, FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which the barre 20 is configured to couple on top of a portion of the seat slider 50.

Some embodiments of the barre 20 are configured to be coupled to the bike 15 such that the barre has a fixed orientation with regards to the bike (e.g., a horizontal orientation, as shown in FIG. 1). However, as another example of a suitable modification, in some embodiments, the barre is movably attached to the bike, so as to pivot, rotate, articulate, and/or otherwise move with respect to a portion of the bike. In this regard, the barre can be movably coupled to the bike in any suitable manner (in place of and/or in addition to being able to move due to its coupling to the seat slide 50 and/or seat post 55). Indeed, in some embodiments, the barre is coupled to a portion of the bike via one or more pivot joints, joints, hinges, cables, cords, slides, guides, bearings, moveable couplings, and/or any other suitable coupling that allows the barre to move with respect to a portion of the bike. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which the barre 20 is coupled to the bike 15 (e.g., the seat slider 50) via a pivotal coupling 120 (e.g., a hinge).

Although in some embodiments, the barre 20 is permanently attached to the bike 15 (e.g., by being integrally formed as a single piece with one or more other portions of the bike and/or by being welded to, adhered to, and/or otherwise being permanently coupled to the bike), in some other embodiments, the barre is coupled to the bike in a manner (e.g., via one or more screws, bolts, threaded engagements, cotter pins, pins, welds, clamps, adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, ropes, ties, straps, springs, elastics, magnets, catches, frictional engagements, mechanical engagements, and/or any other fastening method) that allows the barre to only be removed via the use of one or more tools. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIGS. 1 and 7 show some embodiments in with the barre 20 is coupled to the bike 15 via one or more screws 125 and corresponding openings 130. In some other embodiments, however, the barre is configured to couple to the bike and to decouple from the bike without the use of any tool, including, without limitation, via one or more clamps, frictional engagements, spring-loaded catches, detent mechanisms, pins, slides, guides, magnets, catches, bungees, tension mechanisms, and/or via any other suitable mechanism that is configured to selectively couple the barre to the bike to allow the barre to be selectively decoupled from the bike without the use of tools.

As yet another example of a suitable modification, in some embodiments, instead of comprising a single barre 20 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1-7), the bike 15 can comprise any suitable number of barres, including, without limitation, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in which the bike 15 comprises two barres 20. Thus, in some embodiments, the barres can be used by users of different sizes (e.g., an adult and a child) without any need to reposition the top barre. Additionally, as some exercises benefit from (or require) different barre positions, some embodiments having two barres at different levels can provide a user with multiple barres at multiple desired positions, without requiring the user to re-set the barre's position between exercises.

Where the bike 15 comprises multiple barres 20, the various barres can be disposed in any suitable location, including, without limitation, at a front end portion 65, back end portion 70, side portion, corner portion, base portion, and/or any other suitable portion of the bike. Indeed, in some embodiments, the bike comprises a barre at both its front end portion 65 and its back end portion 70. In accordance with some other embodiments, however, FIG. 8 shows that a second barre 21 is disposed at the back end portion 70 of the bike 15, below the top barre 22. Additionally, while one barre can be closer to a front end portion 65 of the bike than the other, FIG. 8 shows that, in some embodiments, the lower barre 21 is directly below the upper barre 22, such that both barres are at an equal distance from the front end portion 65 of the bike 15.

Where the bike 15 comprises a lower barre 21 and a top or upper barre 22, the two barres can be separated from each other by any suitable distance. Indeed, in some embodiments, the lower and upper barres are separated by a distance that is between about 2.5 cm and about 40 cm (or within any subrange thereof). For instance, in some embodiments, the two barres are separated by a vertical distance that is about 19 cm±5 cm.

In some embodiments, the stationary bicycle 15 is manufactured and sold with the barre 20. In some other embodiments, however, the barre is configured to be coupled to the bike (e.g., any suitable stationary bike) after the bike has been purchased (e.g., as a retrofit). In such embodiments, the barre can be manufactured and sold in any suitable manner that allows the barre to be retrofit to a stationary bicycle. Indeed, in some embodiments, the barre is coupled to or integrally formed with one or more portions of the seat slider 50, the seat post 55, the handlebars, 75, the stem 100, the base member 80, the frame 85, a floor mount, and/or any other suitable portion of the bike (and/or any suitable adjacent object). In this regard, in some embodiments, the barre comprises one or more clamps, brackets, coupling mechanisms, fasteners, clasps, catches, mechanical engagements, frictional engagements, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, straps, ties, and/or any other suitable couplers that allow the barre to be coupled to the bike (e.g., via the seat 45, the seat slider 50, the seat post 55, the handlebars, 75, and/or any other suitable portion of the bike).

By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which the ballet barre 20 is coupled to a seat slide coupler 135 that is configured to couple to a portion of the seat slide 50. In this regard, the seat slide coupler can couple to the seat slide (and/or any other suitable portion of the bike) in any suitable manner, including, without limitation, via one or more screws, pins, rivets, pawls, and/or other fasteners; catches; clamps; clasps; frictional engagements; mechanical engagements; magnets; straps; ties; elastics; bands; hook and loop fasteners; and/or other suitable mechanisms. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which the seat slide coupler comprises a hole 140 that is configured to receive a seat coupler 145 to help couple be seat slide coupler 135 to the seat slide 50.

In some cases, instead of being coupled to a stationary bicycle 15, the ballet barre 20 is coupled to another type of exercise equipment. In this regard, the barre can be coupled to any suitable piece of exercise equipment, including, without limitation, one or more bicycles with wheels, bike trainer stands, bicycles with wheels coupled to a bike trainer stand, bicycle rollers, mini-cycles, treadmills, running machines, rowing machines, elliptical machines, cross trainers, benches, stair mills, leg press machines, squat machines, leg extension machines, leg curl machines, seated calf machines, standing calf machines, leg abduction machines, leg adduction machines, lat pulldown machines, peck deck machines, cable crossover machines, chest press machines, butt blaster machines, kick back machines, ab cruncher machines, Pilates reformer machines, power racks, dip bars, barbell racks, weight trees, squat racks, smith machines, push-up bars, pull-up bars, aerobic steps, ergometers, friction machines, spring-loaded machines (e.g., BOWFLEX™ machines), resistance machines, fan-loaded exercise machines, fluid-loaded exercise machines, machines having handle bars connected with pedals (e.g., to allow for upper body workout with lower body), home gym machines, functional cross training systems, and/or any other suitable pieces of exercise equipment that is capable of supporting the barre.

In such cases, barre 20 can be coupled to any suitable portion of the exercise equipment, including, without limitation, at one or more back end portions, front end portions, side portions, frames, base portions, seats, seat assemblies, handlebars, supports, and/or any other suitable portion of the equipment. Additionally, in such cases, the barre can have any other feature described herein (e.g., be disposed at any suitable height, be supported by any suitable support 105, be any suitable length, have any suitable orientation, be movable between a use position and a storage position, etc.).

As another example of a suitable modification, in some embodiments, the described system 10 comprises one or more monitors (e.g., digital displays, touchscreens, etc.), cameras, microphones, processors, communications devices, haptic vibrators, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID, heart monitoring systems, and/or other components that allow a user of the system to receive video, audio, data, stimulus, and/or any other suitable output from a remote location (e.g., a trainer, instructor, motivator, friend, competitor, physical therapist, coach, software, server, and/or anyone else and/or from any suitable location); and/or to provide video, audio, data, stimulus, and/or any other suitable input to a remote location (e.g., a trainer, instructor, motivator, friend, competitor, spectator, server, etc.). In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate (e.g., vary a position of the barre 20, change the monitor, change music, control one or more aspects of the system, vary resistance on the pedals, and/or otherwise change operation of one or more aspects of the system) via one or more voice commands. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more aspects of the system are configured to connect and/or otherwise communicate with one or more other devices (e.g., phones, computers, tablets, processors, communications devices, and/or any other suitable devices) in any suitable manner, including, without limitation, via one or more wired connections, wireless connections, BLUETOOTH™ connections, RF connections, Wi-Fi connections, and/or in any other suitable manner.

By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in which the system 10 comprises one or more monitors 150 and/or cameras 155. Thus, in accordance with some embodiments, a user can participate in cycling, barre work, Pilates, stretching, ballet, and/or any other suitable exercise via streaming media.

As another example of a suitable modification, some embodiments of the barre 20 comprise one or more sensors. In this regard the barre can comprise any suitable sensor including, without limitation, one or more heartbeat sensors, ECG sensors, PPG sensors, oxygen sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, bioimpedance sensors, optical heart pulse sensors, blood pressure sensors, glucose sensors, sweat sensors, oximeters, and/or any other suitable sensors. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which the barre 20 comprises one or more heartrate sensors 160. In any case, in some embodiments, a user, a person in a remote location, a server, and/or any other desired person or machine can review, track, record, compare, analyze, and/or otherwise use readings from one or more sensors that gather information during use of the system.

The described system 10 can also be made in any suitable manner. In this regard, some non-limiting examples of methods for making the described ballet barre and its accompanying components that couple it to stationary bicycle include, driving a material through a dowel plate; lathing; cutting; sanding; plaining; shaping; spinning; molding; extruding; bending; connecting various pieces with one or more adhesives, mechanical fasteners (e.g., nails, staples, pegs, clips, clamps, rivets, crimps, pins, brads, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, straps, ties, binding, and/or any other suitable fastener), and/or by melting pieces together; and/or any other suitable method that allows the described ballet barre to couple to the stationary bike 15 and to perform its intended functions.

In addition to the aforementioned features, the described system 10 can comprise any other suitable feature. Indeed, some embodiments of the described system allows its users to perform multiple exercises (e.g., spinning, barre work, stretching, etc.) on a single machine. In some cases, the described system provides a user with multiple forums for performing exercises, competing, receiving coaching, and/or for performing a variety of other functions, without requiring much space (e.g., while requiring significantly less space than a separate ballet barre and stationary bike). Moreover, in some embodiments in which the described ballet barre 20 is adjustable forward and backward and/or up and down (e.g., via the seat assembly 40), the barre can be readily adjusted for users of different heights and/or for different purposes (e.g., different exercises, stretches, and/or activities). Additionally, in some embodiments, the described system allows for: its use in relatively small rooms, adjustment based on room size, and/or compact storage.

Thus, as discussed herein, the described systems and methods relate to exercise equipment. More particularly, some embodiments of the described systems and methods relate to a stationary bicycle (or another exercise bike) that has a ballet barre coupled to it. While the stationary bicycle itself can have any suitable feature, in some cases, it includes a seat assembly that has a seat post that is configured to be selectively raised and lowered with respect to a pedal axis (and/or any other suitable portion) of the stationary bicycle, a seat slide that is coupled to the seat post so as to selectively slide forward and backward with respect to the seat post, and a bicycle seat that is coupled to the seat slide. In some such cases, the ballet barre is coupled, in a horizontal orientation, to at least one of: the seat post, the seat slide, and the bicycle seat such that the ballet barre is configured to be selectively raised and lowered with respect to the pedal axis (or other suitable portion) of the stationary bicycle. In some other cases, however, the ballet barre is coupled to another portion of the stationary bicycle.

Representative Operating Environment

As mentioned previously, some embodiments of the described system 10 are configured to be controlled via one or more processors. In this regard, the described system 10 can be used with, or in, any suitable operating environment and/or software. In this regard, FIG. 10 and the corresponding discussion are intended to provide a general description of a suitable operating environment in accordance with some embodiments of the described systems and methods. As will be further discussed below, some embodiments embrace the use of one or more processing (including, without limitation, micro-processing) units in a variety of customizable enterprise configurations, including in a networked configuration, which may also include any suitable cloud-based service, such as a platform as a service or software as a service.

Some embodiments of the described systems and methods embrace one or more computer readable media, wherein each medium may be configured to include or includes thereon data or computer executable instructions for manipulating data. The computer executable instructions include data structures, objects, programs, routines, or other program modules that may be accessed by one or more processors, such as one associated with a general-purpose processing unit capable of performing various different functions or one associated with a special-purpose processing unit capable of performing a limited number of functions. In this regard, in some embodiments, the processing unit (e.g., as mentioned above) comprises a specialized processing unit that is configured for use with the described system 10.

Computer executable instructions cause the one or more processors of the enterprise to perform a particular function or group of functions and are examples of program code means for implementing steps for methods of processing. Furthermore, a particular sequence of the executable instructions provides an example of corresponding acts that may be used to implement such steps.

Examples of computer readable media (including non-transitory computer readable media) include random-access memory (“RAM”), read-only memory (“ROM”), programmable read-only memory (“PROM”), erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM”), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), compact disk read-only memory (“CD-ROM”), or any other device or component that is capable of providing data or executable instructions that may be accessed by a processing unit.

With reference to FIG. 10, a representative system includes computer device 400 (e.g., one or more processors), which may be a general-purpose or special-purpose computer (or processing unit). For example, computer device 400 may be one or more processors, personal computers, notebook computers, PDAs or other hand-held devices, workstations, minicomputers, mainframes, supercomputers, multi-processor systems, network computers, processor-based consumer devices, cellular phones, tablet computers, smart phones, feature phones, smart appliances or devices, control systems, or the like.

Computer device 400 includes system bus 405, which may be configured to connect various components thereof and enables data to be exchanged between two or more components. System bus 405 may include one of a variety of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, or a local bus that uses any of a variety of bus architectures. Typical components connected by system bus 405 include processing system 410 and memory 420. Other components may include one or more mass storage device interfaces 430, input interfaces 440, output interfaces 450, and/or network interfaces 460, each of which will be discussed below.

Processing system 410 includes one or more processors, such as a central processor and optionally one or more other processors designed to perform a particular function or task. It is typically processing system 410 that executes the instructions provided on computer readable media, such as on the memory 420, a magnetic hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a magnetic cassette, an optical disk, or from a communication connection, which may also be viewed as a computer readable medium.

Memory 420 includes one or more computer readable media (including, without limitation, non-transitory computer readable media) that may be configured to include or includes thereon data or instructions for manipulating data, and may be accessed by processing system 410 through system bus 405. Memory 420 may include, for example, ROM 422, used to permanently store information, and/or RAM 424, used to temporarily store information. ROM 422 may include a basic input/output system (“BIOS”) having one or more routines that are used to establish communication, such as during start-up of computer device 400. RAM 424 may include one or more program modules, such as one or more operating systems, application programs, and/or program data.

One or more mass storage device interfaces 430 may be used to connect one or more mass storage devices 432 to the system bus 405. The mass storage devices 432 may be incorporated into or may be peripheral to the computer device 400 and allow the computer device 400 to retain large amounts of data. Optionally, one or more of the mass storage devices 432 may be removable from computer device 400. Examples of mass storage devices include hard disk drives, magnetic disk drives, tape drives, solid state mass storage, and optical disk drives.

Examples of solid-state mass storage include flash cards and memory sticks. A mass storage device 432 may read from and/or write to a magnetic hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a magnetic cassette, an optical disk, or another computer readable medium. Mass storage devices 432 and their corresponding computer readable media provide nonvolatile storage of data and/or executable instructions that may include one or more program modules, such as an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, or program data. Such executable instructions are examples of program code means for implementing steps for methods disclosed herein.

One or more input interfaces 440 may be employed to enable a user to enter data (e.g., initial information) and/or instructions to computer device 400 through one or more corresponding input devices 442. Examples of such input devices include a keyboard and/or alternate input devices, such as one or more switches, buttons, dials, sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, G-force sensors, RPM sensors, color sensors, heart rate sensors, blood pressure sensors, conductivity sensors, sweat sensors, and/or any other suitable type of sensors, including, without limitation, those discussed elsewhere herein), digital cameras, pin pads, touch screens, mice, trackballs, light pens, styluses, or other pointing devices, microphones, joysticks, game pads, scanners, camcorders, and/or other input devices. Similarly, examples of input interfaces 440 that may be used to connect the input devices 442 to the system bus 405 include a serial port, a parallel port, a game port, a universal serial bus (“USB”), a firewire (IEEE 1394), a wireless receiver, a video adapter, an audio adapter, a parallel port, a wireless transmitter, or another interface.

One or more output interfaces 450 may be employed to connect one or more corresponding output devices 452 to system bus 405. Examples of output devices include a monitor or display screen, a speaker, a wireless transmitter, a printer, and the like. A particular output device 452 may be integrated with or peripheral to computer device 400. Examples of output interfaces include a video adapter, an audio adapter, a parallel port, and the like.

One or more network interfaces 460 enable computer device 400 to exchange information with one or more local or remote computer devices, illustrated as computer devices 462, via a network 464 that may include one or more hardwired and/or wireless links. Examples of the network interfaces include a network adapter for connection to a local area network (“LAN”) or a modem, BLUETOOTH™, Wi-Fi, a cellular connection, a wireless link, or another adapter for connection to a wide area network (“WAN”), such as the Internet. The network interface 460 may be incorporated with or be peripheral to computer device 400.

In a networked system, accessible program modules or portions thereof may be stored in a remote memory storage device. Furthermore, in a networked system computer device 400 may participate in a distributed computing environment, where functions or tasks are performed by a plurality networked computer devices. While those skilled in the art will appreciate that the described systems and methods may be practiced in networked computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, FIG. 11 represents an embodiment of a portion of the described systems in a networked environment that includes clients (465, 470, 475, etc.) connected to a server 485 via a network 460. While FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment that includes 3 clients (e.g., the described system 10) connected to the network, alternative embodiments include at least one client connected to a network or many clients connected to a network. Moreover, embodiments in accordance with the described systems and methods also include a multitude of clients throughout the world connected to a network, where the network is a wide area network, such as the Internet. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the described systems and methods can allow for remote: monitoring, training, communication, observation, control, adjustment, troubleshooting, data collecting, system optimization, user interaction, and/or other controlling of the described system 10 from one or more places throughout the world.

The described systems and methods may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from their spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments, examples, and illustrations are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the described systems and methods is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Moreover, any component and characteristic from any embodiments, examples, and illustrations set forth herein can be combined in any suitable manner with any other components or characteristics from one or more other embodiments, examples, and illustrations described herein.

In addition, as the terms on, disposed on, attached to, connected to, coupled to, etc. are used herein, one object (e.g., a material, element, structure, member, etc.) can be on, disposed on, attached to, connected to, or coupled to another object—regardless of whether the one object is directly on, attached, connected, or coupled to the other object, or whether there are one or more intervening objects between the one object and the other object. Also, directions (e.g., front back, on top of, below, above, top, bottom, side, up, down, under, over, upper, lower, lateral, right-side, left-side, base, etc.), if provided, are relative and provided solely by way of example and for ease of illustration and discussion and not by way of limitation. Where reference is made to a list of elements (e.g., elements a, b, c), such reference is intended to include any one of the listed elements by itself, any combination of less than all of the listed elements, and/or a combination of all of the listed elements. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms a, an, and one may each be interchangeable with the terms at least one and one or more.

Claims

1. A stationary bicycle, comprising:

the stationary bicycle; and

a ballet barre that is coupled to the stationary bicycle,

wherein the ballet barre is coupled to the stationary bicycle such that the ballet barre is configured to be selectively raised and lowered with respect to a pedal axis of the stationary bicycle.

2. The stationary bicycle of claim 1, wherein the ballet barre is configured to be selectively moved forward and backward with respect to the pedal axis of the stationary bicycle.

3. The stationary bicycle of claim 1, further comprising a digital display, wherein the digital display is disposed at a front end portion of the stationary bicycle, and wherein the ballet barre is disposed at a back end portion of the stationary bicycle, opposite to the digital display.

4. The stationary bicycle of claim 1, wherein the ballet barre is coupled to at least one of a seat, a seat post, and a seat slider of the stationary bicycle.

5. The stationary bicycle of claim 4, wherein the ballet barre is coupled to the seat slider, which in turn is coupled to the seat post and the seat.

6. The stationary bicycle of claim 1, wherein the ballet barre extends from, and runs along a length of, a side of the stationary bicycle.

7. The stationary bicycle of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the ballet barre is coupled to and supported by a portion of the stationary bicycle, and wherein a second portion of the ballet barre comprises a leg that is configured to support the second portion of the ballet barre.

8. The stationary bicycle of claim 1, wherein the ballet barre is disposed at a front end portion of the stationary bicycle so as to run substantially parallel with a flooring surface on which the stationary bicycle rests.

9. The stationary bicycle of claim 1, wherein the ballet barre comprises a leg that is coupled to, and extends between, both the ballet barre and a base portion of the stationary bicycle.

10. The stationary bicycle of claim 1, wherein the ballet barre is shorter than 0.8 m in length.

11. A seating assembly for a stationary bicycle, the seating assembly comprising:

a seat post that is configured to couple to both the stationary bicycle and to a bicycle seat such that the seat post is configured to move with respect to a portion of the stationary bicycle so as to selectively raise and lower the bicycle seat with respect to a pedal axis of the stationary bicycle;

a seat slider that is coupled to the seat post and that comprises a coupling that is configured to couple to the bicycle seat, wherein the coupling is configured to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the seat post; and

a ballet barre that is coupled to at least one of: (i) the seat slider, (ii) the seat post, and (ii) the bicycle seat when the bicycle seat is coupled to the coupling of the seat slider.

12. The stationary bicycle of claim 11, wherein the ballet barre is coupled to the seat slider.

13. The stationary bicycle of claim 11, wherein the ballet barre is coupled to the bicycle seat.

14. The stationary bicycle of claim 11, wherein the ballet barre is coupled to at least one of (i) the seat slider and (ii) the bicycle seat, wherein the ballet barre has a diameter that is between 4 cm and 9 cm, and wherein the ballet barre has a length that is less than 76 cm.

15. A stationary bicycle, comprising:

the stationary bicycle having a seat assembly comprising: a seat post that is configured to be selectively raised and lowered with respect to a pedal axis of the stationary bicycle; a seat slide that is coupled to the seat post so as to selectively slide forward and backward with respect to the seat post; and a bicycle seat that is coupled to the seat slide; and

a ballet barre that is coupled, in a horizontal orientation, to at least one of: (i) the seat post, (ii) the seat slide, and (iii) the bicycle seat such that the ballet barre is configured to be selectively raised and lowered with respect to the pedal axis of the stationary bicycle.

16. The stationary bicycle of claim 15, wherein the ballet barre is coupled to at least one of (i) the seat slide and (ii) the bicycle seat, wherein the ballet barre has a diameter that is between 4 cm and 9 cm, and wherein the ballet barre has a length that is less than 76 cm.

17. The stationary bicycle of claim 15, wherein the ballet barre is configured to be selectively moved forward and backward with respect to the pedal axis of the stationary bicycle.

18. The stationary bicycle of claim 15, wherein, but for the ballet barre being coupled to the stationary bicycle, the ballet barre is free-standing.

19. The stationary bicycle of claim 15, wherein a first portion of the ballet barre is coupled to and supported by the seat slide of the stationary bicycle, and wherein a second portion of the ballet barre comprises a leg that is configured to support the second portion of the ballet barre.

20. The stationary bicycle of claim 15, wherein the ballet bar is configured to selectively move between a use position and a storage position.