U.S. patent application number 11/323443 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-28 for exercise apparatus.
Invention is credited to Ross J. Belloni, Jeffrey F. Rhodes.
Application Number | 20060217237 11/323443 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37035930 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060217237 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rhodes; Jeffrey F. ; et
al. |
September 28, 2006 |
Exercise apparatus
Abstract
A bicycle exercise roller system including a roller with an
internal flywheel. The internal flywheel is driven at a speed
higher than the speed of the roller that the flywheel is located
within. A platform extends between a pair of spaced frame rails and
includes a channel for the passage of a drive belt for the roller
engaging the front wheel of the bicycle.
Inventors: |
Rhodes; Jeffrey F.;
(Zionsville, IN) ; Belloni; Ross J.; (Brownsburg,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KRIEG DEVAULT LLP
ONE INDIANA SQUARE
SUITE 2800
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204-2079
US
|
Family ID: |
37035930 |
Appl. No.: |
11/323443 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60640760 |
Dec 30, 2004 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/61 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2069/167 20130101;
A63B 21/225 20130101; A63B 69/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/061 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/16 20060101
A63B069/16 |
Claims
1. An exercise training apparatus, comprising: a mechanical frame;
a roller coupled to and rotatable relative to said frame; and a
flywheel located within said roller.
2. The exercise training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said
flywheel and said roller are positioned co-axially.
3. The exercise training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said roller
and said flywheel are tubular.
4. The exercise training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said roller
has a circular cross section and said flywheel is balanced.
5. The exercise training apparatus of claim 1, which further
includes a shaft fixedly coupled between a first portion of said
mechanical frame and a second portion of said mechanical frame; and
wherein said roller and said flywheel are positioned coaxial with
said shaft and rotatably mounted on said shaft.
6. The exercise training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said
mechanical frame includes a first frame member and a second frame
member spaced therefrom; wherein said roller includes a shaft
fixedly coupled to said first frame member and said second frame
member; wherein said roller is located between said frame members
and rotates about said shaft; and wherein said flywheel rotates
about said shaft.
7. The exercise training apparatus of claim 6, wherein said shaft
and said roller and said flywheel are coaxial; wherein said
flywheel includes an outer surface; wherein said roller includes an
inner surface; wherein said outer surface is spaced about 0.050 to
0.200 inches from said inner surface; and wherein said roller and
said flywheel are substantially tubular.
8. The exercise training apparatus of claim 1, which further
includes a supplemental load device located within said roller and
disposed co-axially with said roller and said flywheel.
9. The exercise training apparatus of claim 1, which further
includes a second roller coupled to and rotatable relative to said
frame; and which further includes a second flywheel located within
said second roller.
10. The exercise training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said
mechanical frame includes a first frame member and a second frame
member spaced therefrom; wherein said roller includes a shaft
fixedly coupled between said first frame member and said second
frame member; which further includes a pair of first bearings
located between said shaft and said flywheel to enable said
flywheel to rotate relative to said shaft; which further includes a
second bearing located between said flywheel and said roller to
enable said roller to rotate relative to said flywheel; which
further includes a third bearing located between said shaft and
said roller to enable said roller to rotate relative to said shaft;
wherein said flywheel includes an outer cylindrical surface;
wherein said roller includes an inner cylindrical surface; wherein
said outer surface is spaced about 0.050 to 0.200 inches from said
inner surface.
11. The exercise training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said
mechanical frame includes a pair of frame rails, each of said frame
rails being foldable about a hinge point.
12. The exercise training apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of
said frame rails includes a first portion and a second portion
adjacent said hinge point; and which further includes means for
locking said portions in at least one of an open or closed
position.
13. A bicycle exercise roller system for riding a bicycle having a
front and a rear wheel thereon, comprising: a mechanical frame
including a pair of spaced frame rails; a rotatable front roller
disposed between said pair of frame rails and adapted for receiving
the front wheel of the bicycle thereagainst; a rotatable
intermediate roller disposed between said pair of frame rails and
adapted for receiving the rear wheel of the bicycle thereagainst,
and upon rotation of the rear wheel the intermediate roller is
rotated; a rotatable rear roller disposed between said pair of
frame rails and adapted for receiving the rear wheel of the bicycle
thereagainst, and upon rotation of the rear wheel the rear roller
is rotated; a flywheel located within one of said rotatable
intermediate roller and said rotatable rear roller; and a
mechanical drive coupled between said flywheel and one of said
rotatable intermediate roller and said rotatable rear roller and
upon rotation of the rear wheel said mechanical drive causes
rotation of said flywheel at a rotational speed greater than the
rotational speed of the roller that said flywheel is located
within.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein said flywheel rotates at speeds
about three to five times greater than the speed of the roller that
it is located within.
15. The system of claim 13, which further includes a drive
engagement system operable with said mechanical drive, said drive
engagement system having a first mode wherein said mechanical drive
is engaged and causes rotation of the flywheel upon rotation of the
rear wheel and a second mode wherein said mechanical drive is
freewheeling and does not cause rotation of the flywheel upon
rotation of the rear wheel.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein said mechanical drive includes
a ring gear coupled with one of said rotatable intermediate roller
and said rotatable rear roller, and said mechanical drive further
includes a sun gear connected with said flywheel, and said
mechanical drive includes a plurality of planet gears disposed
between said ring gear and said sun gear.
17. The system of claim 13, wherein said flywheel and the roller
said flywheel is located within are co-axial; and wherein said
flywheel and said roller said flywheel is located within are
substantially tube shaped.
18. The system of claim 13, wherein said flywheel includes a first
pulley, and the other of said intermediate roller and said rear
roller that the flywheel is not located within includes a second
pulley, said first pulley having a smaller diameter than said
second pulley; and which further includes a belt coupling said
first pulley and said second pulley.
19. The system of claim 18, which further includes a lock for
selectively coupling said first pulley with said rotatable
intermediate roller.
20. The system of claim 13, which includes a belt coupled between
said rotatable intermediate roller and said rotatable front roller,
and upon rotation of said intermediate roller said front roller is
rotated; which further includes a platform extending between said
pair of spaced frame rails and located between said rotatable front
roller and said rotatable intermediate roller, said platform having
an upper deck surface adapted to receive the bicyclist thereon; and
said platform including a channel formed therein for the passage of
the belt below the upper deck surface.
21. A bicycle exercise roller system for riding a bicycle having a
front and a rear wheel thereon, comprising: a mechanical frame
including a pair of spaced frame rails; a rotatable front roller
disposed between said pair of frame rails and adapted for receiving
the front wheel of the bicycle thereagainst; a rotatable
intermediate roller disposed between said pair of frame rails and
adapted for receiving the rear wheel of the bicycle thereagainst,
and upon rotation of the rear wheel the intermediate roller is
rotated; a rotatable rear roller disposed between said pair of
frame rails and adapted for receiving the rear wheel of the bicycle
thereagainst, and upon rotation of the rear wheel the rear roller
is rotated; a belt coupling said front roller with one of said
intermediate roller and said rear roller; and a platform extending
between said pair of frame rails and between said front roller and
said intermediate roller, said platform having an outer surface for
receiving the bicyclist thereon and a channel formed in the
platform for the passage of the belt below the outer surface.
22. A bicycle exercise roller system for riding a bicycle having a
front and a rear wheel thereon, comprising: a mechanical frame
including a pair of spaced frame rails; a rotatable front roller
disposed between said pair of frame rails and adapted for receiving
the front wheel of the bicycle thereagainst; a rotatable
intermediate roller disposed between said pair of frame rails and
adapted for receiving the rear wheel of the bicycle thereagainst,
and upon rotation of the rear wheel the intermediate roller is
rotated at a first speed; a rotatable rear roller disposed between
said pair of frame rails and adapted for receiving the rear wheel
of the bicycle thereagainst, and upon rotation of the rear wheel
the rear roller is rotated at a first speed; a flywheel located
within one of said intermediate rotatable roller and said rotatable
rear roller; and means for driving said flywheel at speeds greater
than said first speed.
Description
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/640,760 filed Dec. 30, 2004
which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
exercise training apparatus. More specifically, one form of the
present invention relates to roller system bicycle trainers. While,
the present inventions were developed for roller system bicycle
trainers they may have application in other types of exercise
equipment, such as but not limited to treadmills.
[0003] With reference to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a
conventional bicycle exercise roller system 10 for supporting a
bicycle and rider during an exercise routine. The bicycle exercise
roller system 10 is comprised of three rotating rollers 11, 12 and
13 supported between two rails 14 and 15. The rollers 11, 12 and 13
are positioned with their axis of rotation parallel to each other
and parallel to the ground. Two of the rollers 12 and 13, cradle
the rear wheel of the bicycle and the third roller 11, spaced
further forward, supports the front wheel of the bicycle. As the
rider pedals the bicycle, the rear wheel of the bicycle causes the
rear roller 13 and middle roller 12 to rotate. The middle roller 12
is connected to the front roller 11 via a drive belt 16, which
causes the front roller 11 to rotate which in turn causes the front
wheel of the bicycle to rotate. The rotating wheels generate enough
gyroscopic effect to allow a practiced rider to maintain
balance.
[0004] The prior bicycle exercise roller systems have been utilized
by bicyclists for many years in training regiments. However, the
design of the conventional bicycle exercise roller system may limit
the conditioning benefit that the bicyclist receives. The present
inventions overcome the limitations associated with the prior
bicycle exercise roller systems in a novel and non-obvious way.
SUMMARY
[0005] One form of the present invention contemplates an exercise
training apparatus, comprising: a mechanical frame; a roller
coupled to and rotatable relative to the frame; and, a flywheel
located within the roller.
[0006] Another form of the present invention contemplates a bicycle
exercise roller system for riding a bicycle having a front and a
rear wheel thereon, comprising: a mechanical frame including a pair
of spaced frame rails; a rotatable front roller disposed between
the pair of frame rails and adapted for receiving the front wheel
of the bicycle thereagainst; a rotatable intermediate roller
disposed between the pair of frame rails and adapted for receiving
the rear wheel of the bicycle thereagainst, and upon rotation of
the rear wheel the intermediate roller is rotated; a rotatable rear
roller disposed between the pair of frame rails and adapted for
receiving the rear wheel of the bicycle thereagainst, and upon
rotation of the rear wheel the rear roller is rotated; a flywheel
located within one of the rotatable intermediate roller and the
rotatable rear roller; and, a mechanical drive coupled between the
flywheel and one of the rotatable intermediate roller and the
rotatable rear roller and upon rotation of the rear wheel the
mechanical drive causes rotation of the flywheel at a rotational
speed greater than the rotational speed of the roller that the
flywheel is located within.
[0007] Yet another form of the present invention contemplates a
bicycle exercise roller system for riding a bicycle having a front
and a rear wheel thereon, comprising: a mechanical frame including
a pair of spaced frame rails; a rotatable front roller disposed
between the pair of frame rails and adapted for receiving the front
wheel of the bicycle thereagainst; a rotatable intermediate roller
disposed between the pair of frame rails and adapted for receiving
the rear wheel of the bicycle thereagainst, and upon rotation of
the rear wheel the intermediate roller is rotated; a rotatable rear
roller disposed between the pair of frame rails and adapted for
receiving the rear wheel of the bicycle thereagainst, and upon
rotation of the rear wheel the rear roller is rotated; a belt
coupling the front roller with one of the intermediate roller and
the rear roller; and, a platform extending between the pair of
frame rails and between the front roller and the intermediate
roller, the platform having an outer surface for receiving the
bicyclist thereon and a channel formed in the platform for the
passage of the belt below the outer surface.
[0008] In yet another form the present invention contemplates a
bicycle exercise roller system for riding a bicycle having a front
and a rear wheel thereon, comprising: a mechanical frame including
a pair of spaced frame rails; a rotatable front roller disposed
between the pair of frame rails and adapted for receiving the front
wheel of the bicycle thereagainst; a rotatable intermediate roller
disposed between the pair of frame rails and adapted for receiving
the rear wheel of the bicycle thereagainst, and upon rotation of
the rear wheel the intermediate roller is rotated at a first speed;
a rotatable rear roller disposed between the pair of frame rails
and adapted for receiving the rear wheel of the bicycle
thereagainst, and upon rotation of the rear wheel the rear roller
is rotated at a first speed; a flywheel located within one of the
rotatable intermediate roller and the rotatable rear roller; and,
means for driving the flywheel at speeds greater than the first
speed.
[0009] Objects and advantages of the present invention will be
apparent from the following description of the preferred
embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an illustrative perspective view of a conventional
bicycle exercise roller system.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
bicycle exercise roller system of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2A is an illustrative view of a bicyclist utilizing one
embodiment of the bicycle exercise roller system of present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the bicycle exercise roller
system of FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 3A is an illustrative perspective view of the bicycle
exercise roller system of FIG. 2 with the front roller removed.
[0015] FIG. 3B is an illustrative perspective view of one
embodiment of the platform comprising a portion of the bicycle
exercise roller system of FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 4 is an illustrative partial sectional view of one
embodiment of the bicycle exercise roller system of FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial view of the bicycle exercise
roller system of FIG. 4.
[0018] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the drive roller
including a flywheel therein of FIG. 5.
[0019] FIG. 7 is an illustrative sectional view of one embodiment
of a drive roller comprising a portion of the bicycle exercise
roller system of FIG. 2.
[0020] FIG. 8 is an illustrative sectional view of one embodiment
of a drive roller including a flywheel therein which comprises a
portion of the bicycle exercise roller system of FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 9 is an illustrative sectional view of another
embodiment of a drive roller including a flywheel therein which
comprises a portion of the bicycle exercise roller system of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 9A is an illustrative sectional view of another
embodiment of a drive roller including a flywheel therein and a
supplemental resistance device comprising a portion of the bicycle
exercise roller system of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the drive roller
including a locking mechanism of FIG. 5.
[0024] FIG. 11 is an illustrative sectional view of the locking
mechanism comprising a portion of FIG. 5.
[0025] FIG. 12A is an illustrative sectional view of another
embodiment of a drive roller including a flywheel therein
comprising a portion of the bicycle exercise roller system of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 12B is an illustrative sectional view illustrating an
alternative drive mechanism for driving a flywheel with a
roller.
[0027] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of one mounting mechanism for
selectively locating a roller within a bicycle exercise roller
system of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the mounting mechanism of
FIG. 13A in a state of being moved.
[0029] FIG. 14A is a sectional view illustrating the mounting
mechanism of FIG. 13A in a locking position.
[0030] FIG. 14B is a side view of FIG. 14A.
[0031] FIG. 15A is a sectional view illustrating the mounting
mechanism of FIG. 13B in a loosened mode.
[0032] FIG. 15B is a side view of FIG. 15A.
[0033] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
bicycle exercise system of the present invention including a
lockable folding frame.
[0034] FIG. 17 is partially fragmented view illustrating one
embodiment of the locking mechanism for locking the frame rails in
an open state.
[0035] FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating the folding frame
folded and a carrying handle holding the drive belt for the front
roller.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0036] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the
embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will
be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended, such alterations and further modifications in the
illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles
of the invention is illustrated therein being contemplated as would
normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention
relates.
[0037] With reference to FIGS. 2-3, there is illustrated one form
of the exercise training apparatus/bicycle exercise roller system
20. The exercise training apparatus/bicycle exercise roller system
will be referred to in the rest of the specification as a roller
system. While the present inventions will be described with
reference to bicycle exercise roller systems it is fully
contemplated herein that many of the present inventions have
application in other exercise/conditioning equipment such as but
not limited to treadmills, unless specifically provided to the
contrary. Referring to FIG. 2A, there is illustrated a bicyclist
101 riding a bicycle 102 on one embodiment of the roller system 20.
The bicycle includes a front wheel 103 engaging a front roller 29
and a rear wheel 104 engaging an intermediate roller 28 and a rear
roller 27. The term front wheel 103 and rear wheel 104 as used
herein include a bicycle tire unless specifically stated to the
contrary.
[0038] The present application contemplates alternate embodiments
where the bicycle may also be ridden on the roller system without
utilization of the front roller and/or the front wheel 103. In one
form the bicycle may be supported by an external mechanical
supporting structure. In one form the front wheel 103 is removed
and a mechanical support engages the bicycle to support the front
of the bicycle while the bicycle is ridden on the roller system 20.
The rotation of rear wheel 104 causes the rotation of rollers 27
and 28. The present application contemplates that one of ordinary
skill in the art can utilize other known techniques for supporting
the bicycle.
[0039] Roller system 20 includes a mechanical frame 21 that
supports the components of the system. The mechanical frame 21
includes a frame rail 22 that is spaced apart from frame rail 23.
The frame rails 22 and 23 may include legs 21a to elevate the frame
rails off of the floor/ground. In one form the frame rails 22 and
23 are continuous members and in another form the frame rails are
formed of multiple portions connected at a hinge point 24. In one
embodiment including a hinged frame rail 22, the hinged frame rail
22 includes a rear portion 22a and a front portion 22b that are
coupled by a fastener, such as hinge bolt 25, washer 26a and nut
26. The hinged frame rail 23 includes a rear portion 23a and a
front portion 23b that are coupled by a fastener, such as hinge
bolt 25, washer 26a and nut 26. In one form the frame is made of
extruded metal tubing, however other types of materials are
contemplated herein. The present application contemplates a variety
of other frame configurations including, but not limited to
tri-fold, snap, interference, welded and other techniques as are
believed generally known to those of ordinary skill in the art
[0040] Rollers 27, 28 and 29 are coupled to the mechanical frame
21. Each of the rollers 27, 28 and 29 are rotatable relative to the
mechanical frame 21. The rollers will be referred to in the
following manner: rear roller 27; intermediate roller 28; and front
roller 29. Corresponding with each of the rollers 27, 28 and 29 is
a respective axis of rotation X, Y, Z. In a preferred form of the
present invention the rollers 27, 28 and 29 are generally
positioned perpendicular to the frame rails 22 and 23. Each of the
rollers 27, 28 and 29 is rotatably mounted to a respective shaft
41, 45 and 29a. The shafts 41, 45 and 29a are in turn fixedly
mounted to the frame rails 22 and 23 by mechanical fasteners. In
one form the ends of the shafts 41, 45 and 29a are threaded and
passed through a portion of the frame rails and captured by a
threaded fastener. Therefore, the rollers 27, 28 and 29 are
rotatable about the shafts 41, 45 and 29a. In one form of the
present invention the axis of rotation X, Y and Z are parallel to
one another and to the surface that the roller system 20 is located
upon. Further, the present application also contemplates
embodiments wherein the shaft and roller may rotate together
relative to the frame.
[0041] In one form of the present invention a platform 35 extends
between the frame rails 22 and 23 and between the front roller 29
and the intermediate roller 28. The platform 35 has an outer
surface 35a adapted for the bicyclist to place their feet on while
mounting and dismounting the bicycle. In one form the location of
the surface 35a allows the bicyclist to reach the platform with a
portion of their feet while still sitting on the bicycle but does
not interfere with the bicycle pedals during operation. In one form
of the present invention a drive belt receiving channel 36 is
formed in the platform 35. The drive belt receiving channel 36
allows a front roller drive belt 33 to pass to the front roller 29
beneath the outer surface 35a thereby preventing the front roller
drive belt 33 from being stepped on during use of the roller system
20. Further, the platform 35 has sufficient strength to support the
weight of the cyclist. The present application also contemplates a
roller system 20 without any platform, and with platforms having
alternative configurations to maintain the front roller drive belt
below the outer surface of the platform. The present application
contemplates that the platform 35 may be fixedly coupled to the
frame rails 22 and 23 by mechanical fasteners, or may be moveable
along the frame rails 22 and 23. In one form the platform 35 is
positioned by the bicyclist at a desired location and is retained
in that location by its own weight bearing against the frame rails
22 and 23.
[0042] With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B there is illustrated one
embodiment of the platform 35. In order to facilitate the viewing
of platform 35 the front roller 29 has been removed. In one form
the platform 35 includes a plurality of legs/bumpers 410 that
extend from the bottom surface 35b of the platform 35. The
legs/bumpers 410 are spaced apart and engage the inside surface of
the frame rails 22 and 23 and locate the lateral position of the
platform 35. Further, in one form the plurality of legs/bumpers 410
have an outer surface that is adapted to minimize slipping/movement
of the legs/bumpers 410 relative to the inside surface of the frame
rails 22 and 23. In one preferred form the plurality of
legs/bumpers 410 have a rubberized/coated outer surface and in
another preferred form the legs/bumpers 410 are formed of a
rubber/elastomeric material. The rubber/elastomeric material may be
natural or synthetic. Platforms with no legs/bumper and other
styles/configurations of legs/bumpers are fully contemplated
herein.
[0043] The roller system 20 receives the rear wheel 104 of bicycle
102 onto the rear roller 27 and the intermediate roller 28 and
receives the front wheel 103 of the bicycle 102 onto the front
roller 29. As discussed above, the present application also
contemplates a roller system where the front portion of the bicycle
is supported by an independent mechanical structure and the front
wheel may or may not engage a roller. The rotation of the rear
wheel 104 causes the rear roller 27 and the intermediate roller 28
to rotate. In one form the front roller drive belt 33 is coupled
between the front roller 29 and the intermediate roller 28. The
front roller drive belt 33 runs in a groove 29g formed in the front
roller 29 and in a groove 28g formed in the intermediate roller 28.
The front roller drive belt 33 is in tension and functions to
transmit work to drive the front roller at substantially the same
rotational speed as the intermediate roller 28 and the rear roller
27.
[0044] In one form of the present invention a drive belt 32 is
coupled between a drive pulley 31 on the intermediate roller 28 and
a pulley 30 associated with the rear roller 27. Pulley 30 is
coupled to a flywheel 40 that will be described in detail below.
Pulley 31 is rotatable with the intermediate roller 28 and provides
the work necessary through the drive belt 32 to turn the pulley 30.
The present application also contemplates an alternative embodiment
wherein the drive pulley 31 can be attached to the rear roller 27
and the pulley 30 is associated with the intermediate roller 28. In
either embodiment the rotation of the respective roller by the
turning of the rear wheel 104 causes the drive pulley 31 to revolve
and transfer work through drive belt 32 to turn pulley 30 and the
flywheel 40.
[0045] With reference to FIGS. 4-9, there are illustrated sectional
views of the rear roller 27 and intermediate roller 28. In one form
of the present invention the rear roller 27 has a flywheel 40
located therein. The flywheel 40 is designed to absorb and release
energy during the riding of bicycle 102 on the roller system 20 by
the bicyclist. Further, the present invention contemplates that a
flywheel may be located within the intermediate roller 28 and/or in
both of the intermediate roller 28 and the rear roller 27. While
the text of this application will generally describe the flywheel
in terms of being located within the rear roller there is no
intention to limit the placement of the flywheel within a specific
roller unless specifically stated to the contrary.
[0046] In one form the rear roller 27 has a substantially
cylindrical outer surface 27c that is adapted for engagement by a
rear wheel 104. However, the present application contemplates that
the outer surface may be, but is not limited to, convex, concave,
crowned, parabolic. The roller has a circular cross section. In a
preferred form the rear roller 27 is defined by a tube having
substantially cylindrical outer surface 27c and a substantially
cylindrical inner surface 27d. The present application also
contemplates that the rear roller 27 may have portions that are of
a non cylindrical shape, such as, but not limited to flared ends.
In one form the roller 27 has an outside diameter within the range
of about 3 to 5 inches and a wall thickness within the range of
about 1/16 to 1/4 inches. Materials appropriate for the roller 27
include plastics and metals, and a preferred material is an
aluminum alloy. In a more preferred form the rollers are tubular
and formed of an aluminum alloy with an outside diameter of 4.5
inches, an inside diameter of 4.25 inches.
[0047] The rear roller 27 is designed and constructed to withstand
the loads associated with the bicyclist 101 riding the bicycle 102
thereon. With reference to FIG. 8, there is illustrated one
embodiment of the roller 27 which includes end caps 27x and 27y
that are attached to the roller 27 after the flywheel 40 has been
installed within the roller 27. The end caps 27x and 27y are
attached to the roller 27 by a press fit. However, other techniques
of attaching the end caps 27x and 27y as would be known to one of
ordinary skill in the art are contemplated herein.
[0048] Roller 27 is rotatably supported at each of its ends 200 and
201 by a bearing. In one embodiment of the present invention a
bearing 100 mounts one end 200 of the roller 27 on shaft 41 and a
bearing 43 mounts the other end 201 of the roller 27 relative to
flywheel 40 on the shaft 41. Flywheel 40 located within rear roller
27 is supported on shaft 41 a bearing 42 at one end and another
bearing 42 at the other end. In one form an outer pilot structure
110 of the flywheel 40 is mounted on bearing 42. The flywheel 40
rotates on bearings 42 about the shaft 41. Bearing 43 is mounted on
the outer pilot structure 110 at end 201 and the roller 27 rotates
about shaft 41 on bearing 43 and bearing 100 at end 200.
[0049] Shaft 41 is fixedly mounted at each of its ends to the
respective frame rail 22 or 23. Each end of the shaft 41 includes a
threaded portion 46 that is configured to receive a threaded
fastener 50. A washer 52 is located on either side of a wall 120 of
the frame rail 22 or 23. The shaft 41 includes a key feature 51
that has a geometric shape to match a portion of the opening
through the wall 120 of the frame rail 22 or 23. In one form the
key feature is of a square configuration so that the flats in the
square match with corresponding surfaces in the opening and prevent
rotation of the shaft. The threaded fastener 50 engages the
threaded portion 46 and fixes the shaft 41 in place relative to the
frame 21. The present application contemplates other techniques for
fixedly connecting the shaft 41 with the frame rails 22 and 23.
[0050] Flywheel 40 may extend the substantial length within the
roller 27 or may only extend a portion of the length of the roller
27. The flywheel 40 must be balanceable about the rotational
centerline. In one form the flywheel is symmetrical about the
rotational centerline. However, non-symmetrical structures are also
contemplated, provided they are balanced about the rotational
centerline.
[0051] In one form the flywheel 40 is of a cylindrical shape and
more preferably is of a tubular configuration. The flywheel 40 has
an outer surface 150 that may include details such as, but not
limited to paddles, knurling and/or spiral threads, however in a
preferred form the outer surface is a machined substantially smooth
surface. In one embodiment the outer surface is a lathe turned
surface, and in a preferred embodiment has a surface finish of
about 125 micro-inches.
[0052] The outer surface of the flywheel is spaced from the inner
surface of the roller. In one form the outer surface 150 is located
within a range of about 0.050 to 0.200 inches from the inner
surface 27d of the rear roller 27. In one form the inner surface
27d is substantially cylindrical. In another form the outer surface
150 is located within a range of about 0.010 to 0.050 inches form
the inner surface 27d of the rear roller 27. However, other spacing
between the flywheel and the roller are contemplated herein
[0053] In one form the flywheel 40, rear roller 27 and shaft 41 are
all coaxial. The flywheel is preferably formed of steel, but other
materials for the flywheel 40 are contemplated herein. In one form
of the present invention the flywheel 40 and the rear roller 27 are
formed of dissimilar materials. However, flywheels and rollers made
of the same material are contemplated herein. One form of the
present invention contemplates a flywheel having an outside
diameter of 4.0 inches, an inside diameter of 3.5 inches and is
formed of steel.
[0054] During rotation of the rear wheel 104 the flywheel 40 is
rotated at speeds greater than the rotational speed of the rear
roller 27 that the flywheel is contained within. The ability to
drive the flywheel 40 at rotational speed greater than the rear
roller 27 it is contained within is accomplished through a drive
mechanism. In one form the drive mechanism includes: a pulley 31
connected to and driven by the intermediate roller 28 which is
adjacent the rear roller 27; a pulley 30 connected with the
flywheel 40 that is located within rear roller 27; and, a drive
belt 32. The diameter of pulley 30 is selected to be smaller than
pulley 31 and preferably the diameter of pulley 30 is within a
range of about 0.8 to 1.5 inches and the diameter of pulley 31 is
within a range of about 3 to 5 inches. In one form the of the
present invention pulley 31 has a pitch diameter of 4.38 inches and
pulley 30 has a pitch diameter of 1.18 inches, with a resulting
speed ratio of 3.7:1. However, pulleys having other pitch diameters
are contemplated herein thereby allowing for a variety of speed
ratios. In one embodiment the flywheel is driven at rotational
speeds within a range of about 3 to 5 times the rotational speed of
the rear roller that contains the flywheel. The present application
contemplates a wide variety of speed ratios and is not limited to
the above ratios unless specifically provided to the contrary. The
present application contemplates changing the pulleys and speed
ratios.
[0055] With reference to FIG. 7, there is illustrated intermediate
roller 28. The intermediate roller 28 includes an outer surface 28c
that is contacted by rear wheel 104. Shaft 45 is fixedly mounted to
frame rails 22 and 23 and the roller 28 revolves on bearings 48
about axis of rotation Y.
[0056] With reference to FIGS. 5, 10 and 11, there is illustrated
one embodiment of a selectable attachment system 49 for
coupling/decoupling the pulley 31 with the intermediate roller 28.
The pulley 31 is mounted on bearing 47 and rotates about shaft 45
when coupled with the intermediate roller 28. In one form the
selectable attachment system 49 includes a pair of threaded
fasteners 300 that are selectively engaged with a threaded opening
301. Upon the threaded fasteners 300 being secured within the
threaded openings 301 the pulley 31 rotates with the intermediate
roller 28. Upon the threaded fasteners 300 being removed from the
threaded openings 301 the pulley 31 is no longer driven by the
intermediate roller 28 and is placed in a freewheeling mode.
Therefore, work is not transmitted through belt 32 to pulley 30 and
ultimately the flywheel 40 is not driven.
[0057] With reference to FIG. 10, there is illustrated one of the
threaded fasteners 300 engaged with and coupled to the threaded
opening 301. The other threaded fastener 300 is depicted in a
disengaged state. Spring 310 located within housing 311 biases the
threaded fastener 300 away from the threaded opening 301 to prevent
interference when the pulley 31 is placed in a freewheeling state.
With reference to FIG. 11, there is illustrated one of the threaded
fasteners 300 engaged and the other threaded fastener disengaged
from the roller 28. Upon both of the threaded fasteners 300 being
disengaged the springs 310 bias the threaded fasteners from the
threaded opening 301. Further, spring 315 biases the pulley 31 from
the intermediate roller 28. The reader should appreciate that in
the engaged mode the spring 315 is compressed and in the disengaged
mode the spring 315 is extended.
[0058] In an alternate embodiment there is only one fastener for
locking the pulley 31 and the intermediate roller 28 together. If a
single fastener is utilized, a balance weight may be utilized to
account for the mass imbalance in the system.
[0059] With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B there is illustrated an
alternative drive mechanism 600 for driving the flywheel 40
relative to the roller 27. Illustrated with the flywheel 40 is also
a system for coupling/decoupling the flywheel 40 from the roller
27. In one form the drive mechanism 600 includes a ring gear 601
attached to the roller 27 and a sun gear 602 attached to the
flywheel 40. A carrier 603 is mounted on the shaft 41 and carries a
plurality of planet gears 604. The rotation of the ring gear 601
drives the planetary gears 604 which in turn drive the sun gear
602. The operation of a planetary gear train is believed known to
those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0060] In one form of the system for coupling/decoupling the
rotation of the flywheel 40 from the roller 27 there is utilized
the movement of carrier 603 in a spline 610. The carrier 603 is
moved in the axial direction along the shaft 41 to either engage or
disengage the planetary gears 604 from the sun gear 602 and the
ring gear 601.
[0061] With reference to FIG. 9, there is illustrated a rear roller
27 with a flywheel 40a extending only a partial distance within the
roller. The flywheel 40a is substantially similar to the flywheels
described above. With reference to FIG. 9A, there is illustrated a
rear roller 27 that includes a flywheel 40 and a supplement
resistance device 501. In one form the supplemental resistance
device is a permanent magnet eddy current hysteresis dynamometer.
The magnets of the permanent magnet eddy current hysteresis
dynamometer may be magnetically coupled with the roller 27 and/or
the flywheel. In one form, the magnets may be fixed to the shaft
and the proximity of the magnets to the roller or flywheel manually
controlled to achieve the desired resistance. In another form, the
magnets may be mechanically coupled to either the flywheel or the
roller and magnetically coupled to the other component. Further,
the present application contemplates a variety of other
supplemental resistance devices including, but not limited to a
direct current motor/generator, a fan or paddlewheel, a friction
device, a viscous fluid device and other devices as are believed
generally known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The present
application further contemplates the utilization of a roller system
with multiple supplemental resistance devices.
[0062] With reference to FIGS. 13-15, there is illustrated one
embodiment of the present invention for adjusting the position of a
roller. The present application will describe the mechanism of
adjusting the location of the roller in respect to the front roller
29. In one form a slot 800 is formed in the frame rail 23 and
includes a plurality of scallops 801 that are useable to align the
position of the threaded fastener 50. In order to adjust the
position of the roller the fastener 50 is loosened at each of the
frame rails 22 and 23. In the present invention the threaded
fastener 50 is only loosened and remains coupled with the threaded
portion 46 of the shaft as it is moved within the slot 800. The
threaded fastener 50 is loosened to pass the reduced diameter
portion 50a between the top 805 and bottom 806 of the scallops 801.
With the reduced diameter portion 50a between the top 805 and
bottom 806 of the scallops 801 the fastener 50 while attached to
the shaft can be slid along the slot 800 and thereby change the
location of the roller 29. The threaded fasteners 50 are positioned
at the desired location and the threaded fasteners are then
tightened. The belt 33 is temporarily removed from groove 29g in
order to facilitate movement of the roller 29. The present
application contemplates alternate embodiments of the present
invention where the slot 800 does not include scallops 801 or has
different changes in geometric shape.
[0063] With reference to FIGS. 16-18, there is illustrated one
embodiment of the handle 34 integrated with the frame 21. The
system for carrying the frame 21, and/or locking the frame 21 in an
open position and/or carrying the belt 33 is utilizable with all
types of roller systems and is not limited to use with the systems
of the present application unless specifically provided to the
contrary. For the avoidance of doubt the handle/carrying system is
applicable with virtually all types of folding rollers. In one form
of the present invention each of the frame portions 22b and 23b
include a hinge portion 900 that is coupled to the corresponding
frame portion 22a and 22b. Fastener 25 joins the respective
components together.
[0064] Handle 34 included engagement pins 901 (FIG. 3) at each end.
In one form the handle 34 is spring loaded and is compressed to get
into position between the rails 22 and 23. Upon the handle being
properly positioned the handle is allowed to extend due to spring
bias and pushes the engagement pins 901 into the respective holes
910 in frame portion 23a and 22a and holes 915 in the hinge portion
900 when the frame 21 is in an open state. The engagement pins 901
hold the frame 21 in an open position as shown in FIG. 16. Upon
folding the frame 21 about the hinge portions 900 the handle 34 is
removed and engagement pins 901 are withdrawn from openings 910 in
frame portions 22a and 23a and holes 915 in hinge portion 900. The
frame 21 is then folded and the handle 34 is compressed so that
engagement pins 901 can be deployed through holes 910. The spring
force within handle 34 biases the engagement pins 901 into a
locking relationship within holes 910. The handle 34 can then be
utilized to grasp and carry the roller system.
[0065] In one embodiment the handle 34 further functions to provide
a storage location for the belt 33 when the frame is folded. The
belt 33 is wound around the handle 34 prior to insertion of the
handle between the frame portions 22 and 23 as shown in FIG.
18.
[0066] In roller systems of the present invention the flywheel has
the capability to store and release enough energy to allow the
bicyclist to stop pedaling for a period of time as the rear wheel
coasts on the intermediate and rear rollers. The traditional roller
systems as described in FIG. 1, allow a very short period of time
for coasting. The cost down time on a prior roller system such as
in FIG. 1, affords the rider approximately 2-3 seconds as the
bicycle speed drops from about 35 miles per hour to 10 miles per
hour. In contrast bicycle roller(s) of the present invention may
provide relatively long coast down times. The present application
contemplates that roller systems of the present invention may
provide coast down times from 35 miles per hour to 10 miles per
hour at durations of approximately 20-30 seconds, however other
coast times are contemplated herein. During these relatively long
coasts the bicyclist will have sufficient time to stretch his legs,
to rise out of the saddle to allow blood flow to return to the
groin and buttock areas, and/or to adjust his clothing.
[0067] Second, energy absorbed and released during each pedal
stroke effectively smoothes out the rider's pedaling action. This
allows the rider to pedal while standing with greater ease and
comfort than with prior rollers.
[0068] Third, the flywheel absorbs approximately 15-20 times more
energy during a typical acceleration from 10 to 35 miles per hour.
This makes interval training much more productive than with prior
rollers.
[0069] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown
and described and that all changes and modifications that come
within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. It
should be understood that while the use of the word preferable,
preferably or preferred in the description above indicates that the
feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not
be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated
as within the scope of the invention, that scope being defined by
the claims that follow. In reading the claims it is intended that
when words such as "a," "an," "at least one," "at least a portion"
are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item
unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. Further,
when the language "at least a portion" and/or "a portion" is used
the item may include a portion and/or the entire item unless
specifically stated to the contrary. Each patent and/or publication
referred to herein is incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
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