GB2132099A - Cycle exerciser - Google Patents

Abstract

The exerciser includes a frame 1 having a seat support column 3 forming a front boundary thereof, a rotor 5 and rotatable pedals and crank arms 13,14 mounted on the frame, the cranks being operatively connected to the rotor, and a handlebar or handlebars 27 projecting forwardly from the frame, the arrangement being such that a user can move into and from an operative position on the exerciser without hindrance from the handlebars or any part of the frame. The handlebar(s) may be rotatable to, or fixed in, an erect position so that exercise may be effected in a standing position (Figure 8 - not shown). The rotor may include vanes or blades 11 secured to its rim and a work rate meter 32 may be connected to the rotor. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Cycle exerciser This invention relates to cycle exercisers and is particularly although not exclusively concerned with such exercisers having an ergometric function.

Cycle exercisers of various forms have been proposed over the years and examples are found in U.S. Patents 2565348, 2872191, 3940128 and 4188030, U.K. Patent 1194046 and Austraiian Patent 462920. In all such examples, the exerciser frame is based on that of a conventional bicycle so that the user must move sideways on to and off the exerciser. Such an arrangement is inconvenient for some people and especially people suffering ambulatory or other physical disabilities. In extreme cases such cycle exercisers cannot be used by disabled people so that they are denied the valuable benefits that can be derived from such use.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved form of cycle exerciser which is convenient to use, especially for a person suffering physical handicap. It is a further object of the invention to provide such an exerciser which is of relatively compact construction.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a cycle exerciser including, a frame having a generally upright seat support column forming a front boundary thereof, a seat connected to an upper end of said column, a rotor mounted on said frame and located behing said column, a pair of foot operated cranks rotatably mounted on said frame adjacent the lower end of said column, drive means operatively connecting said cranks to said rotor, and at least one handlebar attached to said frame to provide a hand engageable support for a user.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a cycle exerciser including, a frame, a seat supported by said frame, a rotor mounted on said frame, a pair of foot operated cranks rotatably mounted on said frame, drive means connecting said cranks to said rotor so that said rotor will turn in response to turning movement of said crank, and at least one handlebar attached to said frame at a location adjacent said seat and extending from that attachment to provide a hand engageable support for a user, the arrangement being such that no part of said frame obstructs movement of a user between an operative position on said exerciser and a standing position immediately adjacent said seat.

A cycle exerciser according to the invention is characterized in that the user can board the exerciser by moving from a standing position directly in front of the seat. That is, the user can move through the front of the exerciser to board or alight rather than having to move across parts of the exerciser frame as in prior constructions. That is achieved by supporting the handle bar or bars on the frame adjacent to the seat and extending that bar or bars in laterally spaced relationship to the seat so that the user can move past the bar or bars to board the exerciser.

The foregoing concept can be embodied in a variety of different constructions, but it will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention with particular reference to the general form of cycle exerciser disclosed by Australian Patent 462920. In that form of exerciser, the energy absorber comprises a rotor having a series of vanes or blades against which air impinges to provide resistance to rotation of the rotor. The rotor is driven through cycle-type foot pedals connected to the rotor through a chain and sprocket system or other appropriate drive means. U.S. Patent 4188030 is concerned with the same basic form of exerciser, but in which the handle bars are also movable and drivably con nected to the rotor.

The essential features of the invention, and further optional features, are described in detail in the following passages of the specification which refer to the accompanying drawings. The drawings however, are merely illustrative of how the invention might be put into effect, so that the specific form and arrangement of the features (whether they be essential or optional features) shown is not to be understood as limiting on the invention.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a semi diagrammatic perspective view of one form of cycle exerciser according to the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the exerciser shown in figure 1, but looking from the opposite side; Figure 3 is a view similar to figure 1 but showing an alternative arrangement of the handlebars; Figure 4 is a view of an alternative method of mounting the handlebars on the figure 1 construction; Figure 5 is a perspective view of yet another handlebar arrangement; Figure 6 is a semi diagrammatic view showing a manner of use of the figure 5 construction; Figure 7 is a view similar to figure 1 showing yet another handlebar arrangement; Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view showing a manner of use of the figure 7 arrangement; Figure 9 is a view similar to figure 1 and showing still another handlebar arrangement;; Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the handlebar drive as used in the figure 9 arrangement; Figure 11 is a view of a further handlebar arrangement.

In the example embodiment of the inventon shown in the drawings, the main frame 1 is of substantially triangular form and includes three principal components - namely, a base member 2, a seat support column 3 and a brace 4 which doubles as a support for the rotor 5. The column 3 and brace 4 each extends angularly upwards from respective opposite ends of the base member 2 and are interconnected at their end portions remote from that base member 2. For the purpose of stability, it is generally preferred to provide a laterally extending foot member 6 engaging pad (not shown) or the like may be provided at each end portion of each foot member 6.

The rotor 5 is rotatably mounted on the brace 4, which will generally be formed of two laterally spaced bars 7 for that purpose. In the preferred construction shown, the rotor 5 is in the form of a wheel having a rim 8, a hub 9, and spokes 10 interconnecting the rim 8 and hub 9. Vanes or blades 11 in the form of flat plate-like elements are secured to the rim 8 and are arranged generally as disclosed in Australian Patent 462920. A stationary guard 12 formed from wire for example, may be provided over the rotor and secured to the frame 1.

Drive means for the rotor 5 includes a pair of foot pedals 13 and associated crank arms 14 interconnected through a shaft 15 which is rotatably mounted on a bearing 16 secured to a lower end portion of the seat support column 3. A sprocket 17 is secured to the drive shaft 15 to rotate therewith and in the arrangement shown a chain 18 connects that sprocket 17 to another sprocket 19 secured to an idler shaft 20 rotatably mounted on the base member 2. A second sprocket 21 secured to the idler shaft 20 is connected by a chain 22 to a sprocket 23 connected to the rotor hub 9. Such an arrangement enables a suitable ratio to be established between the rotor 5 and the drive shaft 15.

A seat 24 of suitable form is mounted on the upper end of the column 3 and it is preferred to mount the seat 24 in such a way as to enable adjustment of its height. For that purpose, the seat support column 3 may be tubular and a stem 25 projecting from the underside of the seat 24 is slidably located within that column 3. Any suitable means may be adopted for securing the seat 24 in a selected position of elevation.

In the example shown in figure 2, the seat stem 25 is formed of square or other non circular tubing and which is dimensioned to fit within tubing of similar section forming the seat support column 3. That is, the seat stem 25 can be telescoped within the column 3 and in that way the seat can be moved to any desired position of elevation. Locking means to hold the seat 24 in a selection position may take the form of a pin 26 which passes through aligned apertures in the column 3 and stem 25, but any other suitable arrangement could be adopted. If a locking pin 26 is used, that may be retained against loss by an appropriate safety chain for example.

The construction shown in figures 1 and 2 has a pair of handle bars 27 mounted on the seat support column 3, but they could be mounted on the brace 4 if required. It is generally preferred however to mountthe inner end portion 28 of each handlebar 27 at a location adjacent the upper end of the column 3.

In the arrangement shown, the two handle bars 27 are formed integral as part of a U shaped structure.

That is, the two handle bars 27 are interconnected at the inner end 28 by a cross bar 29 and that cross bar 29 is secured to the seat support column 3 in any appropriate manner. It is preferred however, that the handle bars 27 are releasably connected to the frame 1 of the exerciser for a reason hereinafter made clear. Each handle bar 27 may extend angularly upwards in the forward direction so that the terminal end portion 30 is at a suitable elevation for the user of the exerciser.

As is apparent from the drawings, each handlebar 27 is spaced laterally outwards from the seat 24 on a respective side thereof. A person wishing to use the exerciser shown in figures 1 and 2 can approach the seat 24 through the space provided between the handle bars 27, and the size of that space is determined accordingly. In order to assist the user, a small forwardly projecting step 31 may be provided on a lower end portion of the seat support column 3.

The user can approach the seat 24 rearwardly and can raise himself or herself onto the seat 24 by placing one foot on the step 31 and holding the handle bars 27 for support. It is found that even physically handicapped people are able to raise themselves onto the seat 24 in that way.

The seat support column 3 may slope upwardly and rearwardly as shown, but the angle of slope need not be large. In a preferred arrangement, the seat 24 is positioned rearwardly of the foot step 31 by a distance such that a person standing or supported on that step 31 can conveniently move onto or off the seat 24. Because of the free space between the handle bars 27 and the absence of significant forward projections at the lower end portion of the seat support column 3, a person can approach very close to the seat 24 whilst keeping both feet on the ground.

A work rate meter 32 may be mounted on or adjacent the exerciser and connected to the rotor 5 so as to respond to rotation of that rotor 5. For example, the meter 32 may be driven through a device which responds to rotation of the rotor and a cable which transmits that response to the meter.

The meter 32 may be of a mechanical and/or electrical form and is preferabiy adapted to provide a plurality of read-out functions. By way of example, the meter 32 may provide the following information: 1. The power in watts being adsorbed by the rotor.

2. The approximate rate that can be attained by a person of predetermined weight range running on a level plane at an energy expenditure equivalent to that expended by the person using the exerciser.

3. The approximate rate that would be attained by the user if cycling on a level road on the same energy expenditure.

4. The approximate distance that would be covered by the user of the exerciser if running or cycling as referred to above.

Energy expenditure information can be obtained from established physiological data to provide caiibration or programming input for achieving the read-outs referred to under items 2, 3 and 4 above. In a mechanical type meter, the various read-outs can be provided on separate scales swept by the same needle or pointer, and the user simply reads from the particular scale of interest. In the case of an electrical meter, the necessary data may be stored in a microprocessor circuit and any one of the various read-outs may be selected by operation of an appropriate button or switch. The selected read-out may be displaying in digital form and the arrangement may be such that only one read-out can be displayed at a given time, or there may be a facility to permit simultaneous display of two or more read-outs.

A timer may be incorporated in or in association with the meter 32 and that may have either a count-up or a count-down facility, or it may have both.

Figure 3 shows a variation of the figure 1 construction in which the handlebars 27 extend upwardly rather than forwardly. Such an arrangement permits the user to operate the exerciser by standing on the foot pedals 13 and facing the seat 24, generally as shown in figure 8. If desired however, the user may choose to face away from the seat. Such an arrangement allows the userto in effect simulate a running or jogging action.

If desired, provision may be made for adjustment of the handlebars 27 so as to vary the elevation of the outer end portions 30 between say the figure 1 and figure 3 positions. Figure 4 shows one possible arrangement for achieving that adjustment in which the handlebar cross-bar 29 is rotatably mounted in a clamp-type mounting 33. The mounting 33 is tightened or loosened by appropriate manipulation of a winged nut 34. Other arrangements are clearly possible.

Figures 5 and 7 show a modified handlebar arrangement in which only one handlebar 27 is provided. The longitudinally extending portion 35 of the handlebar 27 which is located laterally outwards of the seat 24, constitutes an intermediate portion of the handlebar 27, and an outer portion 36 of the handle bar 27 extends transversely of the frame 1 and is also spaced laterally outwards of the seat 24.

The figure 5 arrangement is comparable to that of figure 1 in that it is designed to allow the user to operate the exerciser from the seated position as shown in figure 6. The handle bar arrangement of figure 5 does not detract from the aim of the invention to provide minimum obstruction to movement of a user into and out of an operative position on the exerciser. In both the figure 1 and 5 arrangements, the user can position himself directly in front of the seat 24 with no obstruction between him and the seat 24 so that movement on to the seat 24 is convenient to accomplish. Furthermore, there is no obstruction to movement of the user into and out of the position in front of the seat 24.

The figure 7 arrangement is comparable to that of figure 3 in that is allows the user to operate the exerciser from a standing position as shown in figure 8.

In accordance with another embodiment as shown in figures 9 and 10, the handle bars 27 are movably mounted and are connected to the drive means to achieve an arrangement similar to that of U.S. Patent 4188030. Preferably, the handle bars 27 are movable relative to one another and in the arrangement shown each has a laterally projecting spindle portion 37 at its rearward or inner end and which is rotatably mounted on the exerciser frame 1. In the example shown, each spindle portion 37 locates within a bearing mounting 38 secured to the frame 1 at or adjacent the junction of the brace 4 and seat support column 3.

Figure 10 shows one form of connection between each handle bar 27 and the drive means, in which an arm 39 is secured to and extends laterally from the.

respective spindle portion 37, and a connecting bar 40 extends between that arm 39 and a crank 41 secured to the drive shaft 15. Such an arrangement is substantially as disclosed in U.S. Patent 4188030 except that the connecting bar 40 extends rearwardly and upwardly from the drive shaft 15 at a relatively steep angle. That is, in the prior construction the rotor 5 is located forwardly of the seat support columns 3, whereas in the present construction it is located rearwardly of that column 3.

Any suitable relationship of movements may be adopted between the handle bars 27 on the one hand and between those bars 27 and the foot pedals 13 on the other hand. Locking means (not shown) may be provided to releasably secure the handle bars 27 and/or rotor 5 against movement so that the handle bars 27 can provide a rigid support for a person moving onto or off the exerciser.

Adaptability of the exerciser to its various uses may be improved by arranging the terminal end portion 30 of each handlebar 27 so that it can be adjusted relative to the main body of the handlebar 27. Figure 11 shows such an arrangement in which the end portion 30 may be adjusted so that it can adopt any one of a plurality of positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the main body of the handle bar 27. That facility may be adopted for either of the fixed and movable handlebar versions of the exerciser, but generally will be more applicable to the former.

In the example arrangement of figure 11, each handlebar end portion 30 has two angularly arranged parts 30a and 30b. That is, the end portion 30 is bent at a location between its ends to that one part 30a extends at an angle relative to the other part 30b. For example, the included angle between the two parts might be in the range of 1 20" to 1500, but something near the centre of that range is usually preferred. It will be convenient to hereinafter refer to part 30a as the mounting part and part 30b as the gripping part.

The mounting part 30a is connected to the main body of the respective handlebar 27 so as to be rotatable relative thereto about its longitudinal axis, and any appropriate means may be employed to releasably secure that part in a selected position of rotation. According to one arrangement, the handlebar 27 is tubular and the mounting part 30a has an axiaily extending spindle section which fits within the end of the handle bar 27 so as to be rotatable relative thereto. With that arrangement, the mounting part 30a becomes an axial extension of the handlebar body. In one form the securing means comprises a pin 42 which is located to extend through aligned transverse holes of the handlebar 27 and mounting part 30a.A single transverse hole or bore may be formed through the mounting part 30a whereas a plurality are provided through the handlebar 27 to allow selection of any one of two or more rotational positions. The pin 42 can be releasably retained against inadvertant removal of any suitable means.

If desired, a sleeve of resilient material may be provided on the gripping part 30b, and a similar sleeve may be provided on the mounting part 30a also.

When the exerciser is to be used in the normal cycling mode with the user seated, the handlebar end portions 30 may be adjusted so that their respective gripping parts 30b extend angularly inwards towards one another as shown in broken line in figure 11. In the running or jogging mode in which the user stands, the adjustment may be such that the gripping parts 30b slope upwardly and away from their respective handlebar bodies as shown in full line in figure 11. Other arrangements may be adopted to suite requirements. In either mode, the user may grip the gripping part 30b or the mounting part 30a, according to preference.

In variation of the construction particularly described, the mounting part 30a may be composed of a cylindrical member which fits completely within the end portion of the handlebar body. A hand grippable sleeve may then be provided on the surrounding section of the handlebar body if desired. Other variations are obviously available.

All forms of the exerciser as described have the substantial advantage of being convenient to use, even for physically handicapped people. They have the further advantage of compactness in that they require less floor space than prior cycle exercisers. In addition, they can be easily packaged for transport and storage, and that facility may be improved by dismantling the handle bars 27 or adjusting them to adopt a downwardly projecting disposition.

Yet another advantage of all forms is that they can be used by a person seated or lying prone at a location forwardly of the exerciser frame 1. That is possible because of the absence of forward projections and the clear space available forwardly of the foot pedals 13. In the case of the figure 9 exerciser, a person can exercise by moving the handle bars 27 from a standing or seated position forwardly of the exerciserframe 1.

The fixed handle bar form of exerciser may be modified by providing elbow rest pads at a suitable location along each handle bar.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the present invention provides a compact exerciser which is convenient to use by people of various physical capabilities. The exerciser is suitable for use in the home as well as in gymnasiums, hospitals and the like.

Various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of part previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (1)

1. A cycle exerciser including, a frame having a generally upright seat support column forming a front boundary thereof, a seat connected to an upper end of said column, a rotor mounted on said frame and located behind said column, a pair of foot operated cranks rotatably mounted on said frame adjacent the lower end of said column, drive means operatively connecting said cranks to said rotor, and at least one handle bar attached to said frame to provide a hand engageable support for a user.

2. A cycle exerciser including, a frame, a seat supported by said frame, a rotor mounted on said frame, a pair of foot operated cranks rotatably mounted on said frame, drive means connecting said cranks to said rotor so that said rotor will turn in response to turning movement of a said crank, and at least one handle bar attached to said frame at a location adjacent said seat and extending from that attachment to provide a hand engageable support for a user, the arrangement being such that no part of said frame obstructs movement of a user between an operative position on said exerciser and a standing position immediatly adjacent said seat.

3. A cycle exerciser according to claim 2, wherein in one said operative position said user is seated on said seat and in another said operative position said user stands on foot pedals attached to said cranks.

4. A cycle exerciser according to any preceding claim, wherein said frame includes a base member for extending over a supporting surface, and said column and a brace extend generally upwards from respective opposite end portions of said base member.

5. A cycle exerciser according to claim 4, wherein said brace and column converge upwardly from said base member so that said frame is of generally triangular form.

6. A cycle exerciser according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said rotor is mounted on said brace.

7. A cycle exerciser according to any preceding claim, wherein said seat has a stem attached thereto and which is slidably mounted in an upper end portion of said column to permit variation of the elevation of said seat, and means is provided for releasably holding said seat in a selected position relative to said column.

8. A cycle exerciser according to claim 7, wherein said stem is of non-circular cross section and slides in a bore of said column which is of substantially complementary cross section.

9. A cycle exerciser according to any preceding claim, wherein there are two said handle bars, each of which is located on a respective opposite side of said seat and has an inner end portion connected to said frame adjacent the upper end of said column, and said handle bars extend from said connection forwardly of said seat in laterally spaced relationship so that a user can approach said seat by moving between said handle bars.

10. A cycle exerciser according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein there are two said handle bars, each of which is located on a respective opposite end of said seat and has an inner end portion connected to said frame adjacent the upper end of said column, and said handle bars extend from said connection upwardly beyond said seat in laterally spaced relationship.

11. A cycle exerciser according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein there are two said handle bars, each of which is located on a respective opposite side of said seat and has an inner end portion connected to said frame adjacent the upper end of said column, and said handle bars extend from said connection in laterally spaced relationship, means is provided whereby each said handle bar can be moved between positions at which it extends upwardly and forwardly of said seat respectively, and means is provided to secure each said handle bar in a selected said portion.

12. A cycle exerciser according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein there are two said handle bars, each of which is located on a respective opposite side of said seat and has an inner end portion pivotally connected to said frame adjacent the upper end of said column, said handle bars extend from said connection in laterally spaced relationship so that a user can be positioned between them, and secondary drive means interconnects each said handle bar to said rotor so that said rotor turns in response to pivotal movement of said handle bars.

13. A cycle exerciser according to claim 12, wherein said secondary drive means includes two drive bars each of which connects a respective said handle bar to a respective said crank.

14. Acycleexerciseraccordingtoclaim 12 or 13, wherein said handle bars are arranged out of phase so that one moves forwardly as the other moves rearwardly.

15. A cycle exerciser according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a single handle bar is provided, an inner end portion of said handle bar is attached to said frame adjacent the upper end of said column, an intermediate portion of said handle bar is located to one side of said seat, and an outer portion of said handle bar extends transversely of said frame and is located in spaced relationship to said seat.

16. A cycle exerciser according to claim 15, wherein said outer portion is located above said seat.

17. A cycle exerciser according to claim 15, wherein said outer portion is located forwardly of said seat.

18. A cycle exerciser according to any preceding claim, wherein a foot engagable step is provided at a lower end of said frame to assist a user in moving to and from an operative position on said exerciser.

19. A cycle exerciser according to any preceding claim, wherein said rotor is a wheel having a plurality of plates arranged to provide resistance to rotation of the wheel through the surrounding body of air.

20. A cycle exerciser according to any preceding claim, wherein a work rate meter is connected to said rotor so as to be operative in response to rotation of said rotor to indicate the work done in effecting said rotation.

21. A cycle exerciser according to any preceding claim, wherein an outer end portion of said handle bar is adjustable to adopt a desired angular disposition relative to the main body of the handle bar.

22. A cycle exerciser substantially as herein particularly described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

New claims or amendments to claims filed on Superseded claims 1,2 Claim 2 deleted. Remaining claims renumbered.

New of amended claims:

1. A cycle exerciser including a frame having a generally upright seat support column forming a front boundary thereof, a seat connected to an upper end of said column, a rotor mounted on said frame and located behind said column, a pair of foot operated cranks rotatably mounted on said frame adjacent the lower end of said column, drive means operatively connecting said cranks to said rotor and at least one handle bar attached to said column at a location adjacent said seat and extending from that attachment to provide a hand engagable support for a user, said handle bar forming a boundary of an access space forwardly of said seat through which a user can move between an operative position on said exerciser and a standing position immediately adjacent said seat without obstruction by said frame.