U.S. patent application number 13/617610 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-21 for stationary exercise bicycle.
This patent application is currently assigned to C.O.R.E. TEC INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Ursula Cafaro, Clair Machida, Theo Reichart, Thomas Stumpp. Invention is credited to Ursula Cafaro, Clair Machida, Theo Reichart, Thomas Stumpp.
Application Number | 20130072356 13/617610 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47881208 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130072356 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Machida; Clair ; et
al. |
March 21, 2013 |
STATIONARY EXERCISE BICYCLE
Abstract
A stationary exercise bicycle includes a base, and right and
left pedals mounted to the base. The pedals are configured to
rotate in operation about an axis of rotation. A frame has a rear
end pivotally mounted to the base, and a forward end spaced apart
from the rear end. A saddle is coupled to the rear end of the
frame, and a handlebar is coupled to the forward end of the frame.
The stationary exercise bicycle includes an actuator coupling the
frame to the base. The actuator is configured to pivot the frame
relative to the base about the axis of rotation, which can enable
the rider to maintain the same general position as the frame is
pivoted between normal and inclined positions.
Inventors: |
Machida; Clair; (Etobicoke,
CA) ; Stumpp; Thomas; (Penetanguishene, CA) ;
Cafaro; Ursula; (Etobicoke, CA) ; Reichart; Theo;
(Hillsdale, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Machida; Clair
Stumpp; Thomas
Cafaro; Ursula
Reichart; Theo |
Etobicoke
Penetanguishene
Etobicoke
Hillsdale |
|
CA
CA
CA
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
C.O.R.E. TEC INC.
Toronto
CA
|
Family ID: |
47881208 |
Appl. No.: |
13/617610 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61534919 |
Sep 15, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/58 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/008 20130101;
A63B 2225/09 20130101; A63B 22/0023 20130101; A63B 2022/0658
20130101; A63B 21/00076 20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/58 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/06 20060101
A63B022/06 |
Claims
1. A stationary exercise bicycle, comprising: a base; right and
left pedals coupled to the base, and configured to rotate in
operation about an axis of rotation; a frame having a rear end
pivotally mounted to the base, and a forward end spaced apart from
the rear end; a saddle coupled generally to the rear end of the
frame; a handlebar coupled generally to the forward end of the
frame; and an actuator coupling the frame to the base, the actuator
configured to pivot the frame relative to the base about the axis
of rotation.
2. The stationary exercise bicycle of claim 1, wherein the actuator
couples the forward end of the frame to the base.
3. The stationary exercise bicycle of claim 2, wherein the actuator
pivots the frame between normal and inclined positions.
4. The stationary exercise bicycle of claim 3, wherein, in the
inclined position, an incline angle of the frame is about 15
degrees.
5. The stationary exercise bicycle of claim 3, wherein the actuator
is a linear actuator.
6. The stationary exercise bicycle of claim 5, further comprising a
first pivotal connection coupling an upper end of the actuator to
the forward end of the frame, and a second pivotal connection
coupling a lower end of the actuator to the base.
7. The stationary exercise bicycle of claim 6, further comprising
right and left upstanding cradle plates mounted to the base, and a
crank assembly pivotally supported between the cradle plates and
secured to the frame
8. The stationary exercise bicycle of claim 7, wherein the crank
assembly comprises a spindle, and the right and left pedals are
coupled to the spindle.
9. The stationary exercise bicycle of claim 8, wherein each of the
cradle plates comprises an aperture, and the spindle extends
through the apertures.
10. The stationary exercise bicycle of claim 9, wherein the frame
comprises a seat tube, and first and second top tubes secured to
the seat tube, and the crank assembly is secured between the seat
tube and the first and second top tubes of the frame.
11. The stationary exercise bicycle of claim 7, wherein the
actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder.
12. The stationary exercise bicycle of claim 11, wherein the
hydraulic cylinder and the crank assembly are connected so that
hydraulic fluid power from the crank assembly causes the frame to
pivot.
13. The stationary exercise bicycle of claim 12, wherein the crank
assembly comprises gears forming a gear pump.
14. The stationary exercise bicycle of claim 12, wherein the crank
assembly comprises at least one cam element coupled to the spindle,
and at least one piston element coupled to the cam element.
15. The stationary exercise bicycle of claim 12, further comprising
a control device configured to move the actuator to pivot the
frame.
16. The stationary exercise bicycle of claim 15, wherein the
control device is configured to control a resistance of the
pedals.
17. A stationary exercise bicycle, comprising: a base; a frame; a
crank assembly pivotally coupling the frame to the base, the crank
assembly comprising a spindle; right and left pedals mounted to the
spindle, and configured to rotate in operation about an axis of
rotation; and a hydraulic cylinder coupling the frame to the base,
the hydraulic cylinder configured to pivot the frame relative to
the base about the axis of rotation between normal and inclined
positions.
18. The stationary exercise bicycle of claim 17, wherein the crank
assembly comprises gears forming a gear pump, and the hydraulic
cylinder and the crank assembly are connected so that hydraulic
fluid power from the crank assembly causes the frame to pivot
between the normal and inclined positions.
19. The stationary exercise bicycle of claim 17, wherein the crank
assembly comprises at least one cam element coupled to the spindle,
and at least one piston element coupled to the cam element, and the
hydraulic cylinder and the crank assembly are connected so that
hydraulic fluid power from the crank assembly causes the frame to
pivot between the normal and inclined positions.
20. A stationary exercise bicycle, comprising: a base; right and
left pedals coupled to the base, and configured to rotate in
operation about an axis of rotation; a frame coupled to the base,
the frame comprising a saddle and a handlebar; and a linear
actuator coupling the frame to the base, the linear actuator
configured to pivot the frame relative to the base about the axis
of rotation between normal and inclined positions.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/534,919 filed on Sep. 15, 2011, the entire
contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a stationary exercise
bicycle for indoor cycling.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The following paragraphs are not an admission that anything
discussed in them is prior art or part of the knowledge of persons
skilled in the art.
[0004] Indoor cycling, often referred to as SPINNING.TM., is a form
of exercise that involves using a stationary exercise bicycle in a
classroom setting. A typical class can involve a single instructor
at the front of the class who leads participants through routines
that are designed to simulate terrain and situations similar to
riding a road bicycle outdoors. Some of the movements and positions
include hill climbs, sprints and interval training. The instructor
can use music, motivation, visualization and enthusiastic coaching
to lead students through a ride that suits their fitness level and
goals. An advantage of indoor cycling is that each participant can
control his/her level of intensity to suit their individual ability
or fitness level, but still remain as a part of a group.
[0005] Indoor cycling classes generally use specialized stationary
bicycles. Features of these bicycles can include a mechanical
device to modify the difficulty of pedaling, specially shaped
handlebars offering various positions, and multiple adjustment
points to fit the bicycle to a range of riders. The bicycles can
also include a weighted flywheel which simulates the effects of
inertia and momentum when riding a real bicycle. Typically, the
difficulty of the workout can be modulated by the individual in two
ways: by varying the resistance to the flywheel attached to the
pedals; and/or by changing the cadence (the speed at which the
rider pedals).
INTRODUCTION
[0006] The following paragraphs are intended to introduce the
reader to the more detailed description that follows and not to
define or limit the claimed subject matter.
[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a
stationary exercise bicycle can include: a base; right and left
pedals coupled to the base, and configured to rotate in operation
about an axis of rotation; a frame having a rear end pivotally
mounted to the base, and a forward end spaced apart from the rear
end; a saddle coupled generally to the rear end of the frame; a
handlebar coupled generally to the forward end of the frame; and an
actuator coupling the frame to the base, the actuator configured to
pivot the frame relative to the base about the axis of
rotation.
[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a
stationary exercise bicycle can include: a base; a frame; a crank
assembly pivotally coupling the frame to the base, the crank
assembly comprising a spindle; right and left pedals mounted to the
spindle, and configured to rotate in operation about an axis of
rotation; and a hydraulic cylinder coupling the frame to the base,
the hydraulic cylinder configured to pivot the frame relative to
the base about the axis of rotation between normal and inclined
positions.
[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a
stationary exercise bicycle can include: a base; right and left
pedals coupled to the base, and configured to rotate in operation
about an axis of rotation; a frame coupled to the base, the frame
comprising a saddle and a handlebar; and a linear actuator coupling
the frame to the base, the linear actuator configured to pivot the
frame relative to the base about the axis of rotation between
normal and inclined positions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various
examples of apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure and
are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.
In the drawings:
[0011] FIG. 1 is perspective view of a stationary exercise
bicycle;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a top view of the stationary exercise bicycle of
FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the stationary exercise bicycle of
FIG. 1, in which a frame of the stationary exercise bicycle is
shown in a normal position;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of the stationary exercise bicycle of
FIG. 1, in which the frame is shown in an inclined position;
[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of several parts of the
stationary exercise bicycle of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIGS. 6A and 6B are detailed perspective views of a crank
assembly of the stationary exercise bicycle of FIG. 1, with and
without crank arms and pedals, respectively;
[0017] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the crank assembly
of FIGS. 6A and 6B;
[0018] FIG. 8 is schematic flow diagram of a hydraulic system;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a detailed perspective view of another crank
assembly of the stationary exercise bicycle of FIG. 1; and
[0020] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the crank
assembly of FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Various apparatuses or methods are described below to
provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No
embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any
claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ
from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited
to apparatuses and methods having all of the features of any one
apparatus or method described below or to features common to
multiple or all of the apparatuses or methods described below. It
is possible that an apparatus or method described below is not an
embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an
apparatus or method described below that is not claimed in this
document may be the subject matter of another protective
instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the
applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon,
disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its
disclosure in this document.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, an example of a stationary
exercise bicycle is shown generally at 10.
[0023] The stationary exercise bicycle 10 includes a base 12. In
the example illustrated, the base 12 is formed of a longitudinal
base member 14 which extends between a rearward lateral base member
16 and a forward lateral base member 18. Outer ends of the lateral
base members 16, 18 include ground engaging feet 20.
[0024] The stationary exercise bicycle 10 includes right and left
pedals 22a, 22b coupled to the base 12. The pedals 22a, 22b rotate
in operation about an axis of rotation 24.
[0025] The stationary exercise bicycle 10 includes a frame 26. The
frame 26 has a rearward end 26a pivotally mounted to the base 12,
and a forward end 26b spaced apart from the rearward end 26a.
[0026] In the example illustrated, the frame 26 includes a seat
tube 28 at the rearward end 26a, and a head tube 30 at the forward
end 26b. The seat and head tubes 28, 30 are arranged generally
upright, and the angle of each can be varied, as can the dimension
between them, depending on desired geometry. For example, and not
intended to be limiting, the seat tube 28 can be arranged, when in
a normal position, at an angle of approximately 7 degrees aft,
whereas the head tube 30 can be arranged at an angle of
approximately 15 degrees aft. Furthermore, a horizontal distance
between centers of the seat and head tubes 28, 30 (measured at the
top of the seat tube 28) can be approximately 592 mm.
[0027] In the example illustrated, the frame 26 further includes a
first top tube 32 extending generally between the seat and head
tubes 28, 30. A first down tube 34 is connected between the head
and top tubes 30, 32. As illustrated, the frame 26 can also include
a second top tube 36 and a second down tube 38 which extend
generally between the seat and head tubes 28, 30. The top tubes 32,
36 are spaced apart to accommodate a crank assembly (described
below). In some examples, the frame 26 can be formed from 2''
structural steel tubing having a 1/8'' wall thickness, and with a
powder coat. With the tubes 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 secured (e.g.,
welded) to one another, the frame 26 can be a relatively rigid
structure.
[0028] A seat post 40 is received in the seat tube 28, and couples
a saddle 42 to the rearward end 26a of the frame 26. An adjustment
mechanism 44 can be provided to lock the position of the seat post
40 relative to the seat tube 28, to set the height of the saddle 42
as desired. As illustrated, a generally horizontal seat slide bar
46 is mounted to the seat post 40. A sleeve 48 slides over the
slide bar 46. The saddle 42 is fixed to the sleeve 48. An
adjustment mechanism (not shown) can be provided to lock the
position of the sleeve 48 relative to the slide bar 46, to set the
fore/aft position of the saddle 42.
[0029] Similarly, a head post 50 is received in the head tube 30,
and couples a handlebar 52 to the forward end 26b of the frame 26.
An adjustment mechanism 54 can be provided to lock the position of
the head post 50 relative to the head tube 30, to set the height of
the handlebar 52 as desired. As illustrated, a generally horizontal
head slide bar 56 is mounted to the head post 50. A sleeve 58
slides over the slide bar 56. The handlebar 52 is fixed to the
sleeve 58 via a bracket 60. As with handlebars on a typical road
bicycle, the bracket 60 can allow for the position of the handlebar
52 to be raised or lowered (by pivoting about the bracket 60) as
desired. An adjustment mechanism (not shown) can be provided to
lock the position of the sleeve 58 relative to the slide bar 56, to
set the fore/aft position of the handlebar 52.
[0030] Mounting plates 62, 64 are secured to the base member 14. In
the example illustrated, right and left cradle plates 66a, 66b are
secured to the mounting plate 62 using, for example, fasteners (not
shown). As illustrated, the cradle plates 66a, 66b can be arranged
to be upstanding, generally parallel to one another. The rearward
end 26a of the frame 26 is arranged between, and pivotally
supported by, the cradle plates 66a, 66b, as described in further
detail below.
[0031] An actuator 68 couples the frame 26 to the base 12. In the
example illustrated, the actuator 68 is a linear actuator, with a
lower end secured to the mounting plate 64 at a pivotal connection
70. An upper end of the actuator 68 is secured to the forward end
26b of the frame 26 at a pivotal connection 72, via a pair of
mounting plates 74. The mounting plates 74 are arranged on either
side of a junction between the head tube 30 and the second down
tube 38 of the frame 26.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the actuator 68 can pivot the
frame 26 relative to the base 12 about the axis of rotation 24
between a normal position (in which the actuator 68 is retracted,
shown in FIG. 3) and an inclined position (in which the actuator 68
is extended, shown in FIG. 4). The frame 26 pivots about the axis
of rotation 24 between the normal and inclined positions. In the
normal position the top tube 32 is aligned with line 76a, whereas
in the inclined position the top tube 32 is aligned with line 76b.
The lines 76a, 76b define an incline angle 78. The incline angle 78
is zero when in the normal position. In some examples, the incline
angle 78 can be up to about 15 degrees in the inclined position. In
some examples, the incline angle 78 can be up to about 20 degrees
in the inclined position.
[0033] As mentioned above, indoor cycling classes can use
specialized stationary bicycles. If a rider's position is not
optimal on the stationary bicycle, injuries can occur. Problems
with the lower back and knees are the most common types of injuries
that can be sustained using stationary bicycles. To avoid injury,
the biomechanical position of the rider should be established, and
maintained, as closely to optimal as possible.
[0034] With this in mind, the frame 26 of the stationary exercise
bicycle 10 rotates about the axis of rotation 24 of pedals 22a,
22b, which can enable the rider to maintain the same general
position as the frame 26 is pivoted between the normal and inclined
positions. In other words, the relative distances between the
pedals 22a, 22b, the saddle 42 and the handlebar 52 (the points of
contact between the rider and the stationary exercise bicycle 10)
are the same when the frame 26 is in the normal and inclined
positions, and any intermediate position in between the normal and
inclined positions. As such, the biomechanical position of the
rider is maintained, and the risk of injury can be reduced.
[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the stationary exercise
bicycle 10 can include a control device 80. The control device 80
includes a means for user input (for example, a mechanical lever,
buttons, and/or a touch screen), and can include a means for
providing information to the user (for example, a liquid crystal
display). In the example illustrated, the control device 80 is
mounted to the sleeve 58, but various configurations are possible.
In other examples, the control device can consist of two or more
components arranged in separate locations on the stationary
exercise bicycle 10.
[0036] In some examples, the control device 80 can be used to
command the actuator 68 to move the frame 26 between the normal and
inclined positions. Furthermore, optionally, the control device 80
can be used to control a resistance of the pedals 22a, 22b. In some
examples, the resistance can be increased as the incline angle 78
increases between the normal and inclined positions. In some
examples, the resistance can be proportional to the incline angle
78, thereby simulating a hill climb. Moreover, in some examples,
the control device 80 can be used to control the resistance of the
pedals 22a, 22b independent of the incline angle 78 (e.g., to
increase resistance to simulate wind).
[0037] In some examples, the stationary exercise bicycle 10 can
utilize hydraulics. As illustrated, the actuator 68 can comprise a
hydraulic cylinder. For the purposes of clarity, hydraulic
connections between the actuator 68 and other components of the
stationary exercise bicycle 10 have been omitted from the
drawings.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B, a crank assembly 82 is
coupled to the pedals 22a, 22b by crank arms 84a, 84b,
respectively. The crank assembly 82 can be configured to drive
hydraulic fluid from an inlet port 88 to an outlet port 86, as
described in further detail below.
[0039] The crank assembly 82 can be secured to the frame 26, with
fasteners (not shown), between tubes 28, 32, 36, and arranged
between the cradle plates 66a, 66b (which are secured to the base
12, as shown in FIG. 1). The cradle plates 66a, 66b can be secured
to one another and maintained in a spaced apart relationship using
spacers 90 and spacing block 92, along with fasteners (not shown).
Bearings 94a, 94b can be received in apertures 96a, 96b of the
cradle plates 66a, 66b, respectively, in press fit arrangement, for
example. The bearings 94a, 94b support generally cylindrical
journal portions 98 (see FIG. 6B, and in which the left journal
portion is obscured from view) of the crank assembly 82.
[0040] Although not illustrated, to maintain clearance between the
frame 26 and the cradle plates 66a, 66b, at least one insert (e.g.,
formed of hardened steel) can be disposed on inner surfaces of each
of the cradle plates 66a, 66b, which can engage complementary
inserts (e.g., formed of bronze) disposed on opposing sides of the
frame 26. The inserts can form a friction bearing that provides
lateral support to the frame 26, throughout the range of motion
between the normal and inclined positions.
[0041] The crank assembly 82 further includes a spindle 100, which
extends through the apertures 96a, 96b. The crank arms 84a, 84b are
secured to ends of the spindle 100. The journal portions 98 are
generally concentric with respect to the spindle 100. As such, the
frame 26 pivots about the axis of rotation 24 defined by the
spindle 100. The crank assembly 82 can include two or more housing
plates, and a plurality of holes 102 can be provided to allow the
housing plates to be secured by fasteners (not shown).
[0042] Referring to FIG. 7, the crank assembly 82 is shown to
include a right housing plate 104, a left housing plate 106, and a
center housing plate 108 sandwiched between the housing plates 104,
106. Right and left inserts 110a, 110b include the journal portions
98 (again, with the left journal portion obscured from view). The
inserts 110a, 110b further include flange portions 112a, 112b,
which are received in complementary recesses 114 formed in the
housing plates 104, 106 (the recess of the housing plate 106 is
obscured from view). The inserts 110a, 110b can be rigidly fastened
to the housing plates 104, 106, respectively. Outer seals 116a,
116b can be provided between the inserts 110a, 110b and the spindle
100. The inserts 110a, 110b at either side of the crank assembly 82
support spindle bearings 118a, 118b, respectively. The spindle
bearings 118a, 118b in turn support ends of the spindle 100.
[0043] Between the housing plates 104, 106, inner seals 120a, 120b
and spindle bushings 122a, 122b can be arranged on both sides of
the spindle 100. A main gear 124 surrounds the spindle 100. At
least one spring-loaded pawl 126 is located along the outer
circumference of the spindle 100, and is arranged to engage teeth
128 that are located along the inner circumference of the main gear
124. The pawl 126 and the teeth 128 form a ratchet mechanism that
allows the pedals 22a, 22b to drive rotary motion of the main gear
124 when pedaling forward, but disengages allowing the main gear
124 to continue rotating when pedaling ceases.
[0044] An idler gear 130 is arranged adjacent to and meshed with
the main gear 124. The idler gear 130 is retained and supported by
the housing plates 104, 106, and with idler gear bushings 132a,
132b arranged therebetween, respectively. The main gear 124 and the
idler gear 130 form a gear pump that operates to draw hydraulic
fluid from the inlet port 88, through a cavity 134 around an outer
perimeter of the gears 124, 130, to the outlet port 86. Fluid
conduits (not shown) formed in the center housing plate 108 connect
the ports 86, 88 and the cavity 134. Gaskets 136 located in grooves
138 can be provided on either side of the center housing plate 108
and surrounding the cavity 134, ensuring a good seal between the
housing plates 104, 106, 108 to prevent hydraulic fluid from
leaking from the cavity 134.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 8, a hydraulic fluid reservoir 140 is
connected by a fluid line 142 to the inlet port 88 of the crank
assembly 82. In various examples, the reservoir 140 can be located
hidden in the frame 26, between the cradle plates 66a, 66b, or can
be an external component attached to the base 12. Pedaling drives
the hydraulic fluid out of the outlet port 86 to a fluid line 144,
which delivers the pressurized fluid to a control valve module 146.
The control valve module 146 can selectively deliver the fluid to
the actuator 68 via a fluid line 148, or back to the reservoir 140
via a pressure relief line 150. Fluid is returned to the reservoir
140 from the actuator 68 via a fluid line 152.
[0046] The control device 80 can be operably linked to the crank
assembly 82, the control valve module 146 and the actuator 68,
either mechanically (e.g., linked with a cable mechanism(s)) or
electronically (e.g., linked by wires, or wirelessly). By
controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid between the crank assembly
82, the control valve module 146, and the actuator 68, the control
device 80 can be used to selectively control the position of the
frame 26 between the normal and the inclined positions.
Furthermore, by restricting the flow of hydraulic fluid out of the
crank assembly 82 using, for example, the control valve module 146,
the control device 80 can be used to selectively control the
resistance of the pedals 22a, 22b. As mentioned above, the
resistance and the incline angle 78 of the frame 26 can be
associated, or can be set independent of one another.
[0047] The control device 80 can also be linked to one or more
sensors (not shown) located in the crank assembly 82, the control
valve module 146, the actuator 68, or elsewhere. For example, the
control device 80 can be linked to a sensor in the crank assembly
82 that provides information related to cadence. The control device
80 can also be linked to a sensor in the control valve module 146
that provides information related to pressure of the hydraulic
fluid, which can be correlated to power output. The control device
80 can further be linked to a sensor in the actuator 68 that
provides information related to incline angle 78. Various sensor
arrangements are possible.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 9, another crank assembly suitable for
the stationary exercise bicycle 10 is shown generally at 200. The
crank assembly 200 is configured to drive hydraulic fluid from
inlet ports 202a, 202b to outlet ports 204a, 204b, as described in
further detail below. The crank assembly 200 can be secured to the
frame 26 of the stationary exercise bicycle 10 generally as
described herein with reference to the crank assembly 82.
[0049] Similar to the crank assembly 82, the crank assembly 200
includes journal portions 206 and a spindle 208. The journal
portions 206 are generally concentric with respect to the spindle
208. As such, in examples where the stationary exercise bicycle 10
includes the crank assembly 200, the frame 26 pivots about an axis
of rotation defined by the spindle 208.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 10, the crank assembly 200 is shown to
include a right housing plate 210 and a left housing plate 212.
Right and left inserts 214a, 214b include the journal portions 206
(with the left journal portion obscured from view). The inserts
214a, 214b further include flange portions 216a, 216b, which are
received in complementary recesses formed in the housing plates
210, 212. The inserts 214a, 214b can be rigidly fastened to the
housing plates 210, 212, respectively. The inserts 214a, 214b at
either side of the crank assembly 200 support spindle bearings
218a, 218b, respectively. The spindle bearings 218a, 218b in turn
support ends of the spindle 208.
[0051] In the example illustrated, an O-ring 222 is seated in a
groove provided in at least one of the housing plates 210, 212, and
provides a seal therebetween. Cam elements 220a, 220b are arranged
adjacent to one another, around the spindle 208. Drive keys 224 are
disposed along the outer circumference of the spindle 208, and
provide for locking rotational engagement between the cam elements
220a, 220b and the spindle 208.
[0052] In the example illustrated, piston elements 226a, 226b are
arranged generally orthogonal to an axis of the spindle 208, and in
registration with the cam elements 220a, 220b, respectively. Return
springs 228a, 228b, held in place by spring clips 230a, 230b, bias
the piston elements 226a, 226b to bear against the cam elements
220a, 220b, respectively. End seals 232a, 232b provide a seal
between the piston elements 226a, 226b and a flange plate 234. The
flange plate 234 is mounted to recesses 236, 238 of the housing
plates 210, 212, and a gasket 240 provides a seal therebetween. A
piston housing block 242 is mounted to the flange plate 234 and at
least partially receives the piston elements 226a, 226b. A check
valve block 244 is mounted to the piston housing block 242, and
O-rings 246a, 246b provide seals therebetween.
[0053] In use, rotation of the spindle 208 causes corresponding
rotation of the cam elements 220a, 220b. In the example
illustrated, the cam elements 220a, 220b alternately activate a
reciprocating movement of the piston elements 226a, 226b. Due to
the arrangement of the cam elements 220a, 220b positioned offset
from one another by 180.degree., motion of the piston elements
226a, 226b generally oppose one another. Thus, while the piston
element 226a is in a compression stroke, the piston element 226b is
alternately in a decompression or suction stroke, and vice
versa.
[0054] During the compression stroke, the piston elements 226a,
226b move (by movement of the cam elements 220a, 220b) generally
away from the spindle 208, forcing hydraulic fluid out of the
respective piston element 226a, 226b to the outlet ports 204a, 204b
via the check valve block 244. During the decompression stroke, the
piston elements 226a, 226b move (by force of the return springs
228a, 228b) towards the spindle 208, drawing hydraulic fluid into
the respective piston element 226a, 226b from the inlet ports 202a,
202b. In this manner, the crank assembly 200 acts as a pump that
operates to draw hydraulic fluid between the inlet ports 202a, 202b
to the outlet ports 204a, 204b. The crank assembly 200 can be
implemented in a hydraulic system similar to the crank assembly 82
as described herein with reference to FIG. 8.
[0055] While the above description provides examples of one or more
processes or apparatuses, it will be appreciated that other
processes or apparatuses may be within the scope of the
accompanying claims.
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