Convertible cycle exerciser

Abstract

A convertible cycle exerciser. The exerciser, moveable between a first position and at least one second position, comprises a base and a supporting member extending upwards therefrom with a main exerciser body pivotally connected to the supporting member by at least one pivot point. In the first position, force is applied to crank arms via a user's feet in a conventional cycling mode, and in the at least one second position, applied to the crank arms with a user standing and operating the exerciser via hands and arms. An adjustable resistance mechanism acting on a first rotating member to vary the load requirement is controlled by at least one resistance control conveniently accessed in each of the first and at least one second positions. Movement of the exerciser between the first and at least one second positions is facilitated by operation of a simple release mechanism. Compared with conventional convertible systems, the cycle exerciser presents a considerably simpler mechanism, reducing complexity of the system and thereby cost, weight, and maintenance requirements, providing an additional upper body exercise component with simplified and convenient engagement and resistance adjustment access in all positions of use.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates to cycle exercisers and in particular to a cycle exerciser easily convertible to a position providing an additional upper body exercise component.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Stationary bicycle-type exercise devices are well known, and numerous advances in the design thereof have been made, improving performance and enhancing fitness benefits and user experience thereof. Even so, while ample cardiovascular and lower body workout components are provided, for dedicated upper body exercise components, additional devices and / or programs must be accessed by a user.[0005]Accordingly, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,422, Bishop Jr. discloses an exercise device having a driving sprocket coupled to a resistive driven sprocket, in which pedals are connected to the driven sprocket and rotated by foot about an axis in a first direction. The driving sprocket and pedals may be repositioned to a second pos...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022]The resistance controls may further provide a braking capability to instantly terminate rotation.

[0023]Movement of the exerciser between the first and at least one second positions is facilitated by operation of a single release mechanism, freeing the main exerciser body from attachment to the base. The main exerciser body then pivots via the at least one pivot point on the supporting member.

[0024]Upward force required to move the main exerciser body may be augmented or fully supplied by extension of the at least one supplementary connecting mechanism. Where more than one second position is available, the at least one supplementary connecting mechanism may further provide incremental fixing of the main exerciser body in each of the available second positions.

[0029]Compared with conventional convertible cycle exerciser systems, the disclosed cycle exerciser presents a considerably simpler mechanism, reducing complexity of the system and thereby cost, weight, and maintenance requirements, providing an additional upper body exercise component with simplified and convenient engagement and resistance adjustment access in all positions of use.

Problems solved by technology

Repositioning of the mechanism, however, requires complicated operation by the user.

Further, upper body-targeted use of the device is still largely restricted to either a seated posture or a relatively awkward standing posture in which the seat is straddled, since the seat apparatus remains fixed.

As well, when the device is repositioned, operation of the sprocket requires the user to engage the pedals of the device in a position that may be awkward, uncomfortable, or even harmful.

In addition, such requirement for direct contact with the pedals by the hands presents a potential encounter with dirt or residue from prior contact with a user's feet or shoes, an undesirable situation compounded in environments such as gyms or health clubs where the device is operated by multiple users.

In both cited devices, however, complexity of structure creates considerable issues of size, weight, and, accordingly, price.

As well, the abundance of moving parts and linkages increases likelihood of component fatigue and breakdown, with associated cost and inconvenience.

As mentioned previously, though, the stationary cycle exercisers employed provide no upper body component to the workout.

Existing devices providing an additional upper body component, however, such as those cited, are unsuitable for use in spinning classes, since switching between positions is complicated and time-consuming enough that the flow of the class would be negatively affected.

No current devices allow convenient resetting of resistance from both positions.

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