Training bike

Abstract

An exercise bicycle comprising: a frame configured to rest on a ground surface and a saddle configured to support a user; a rotor supported by the frame, the rotor comprising a hub supported by the frame for rotation on a first axis, and a plurality of blades connected to the hub, the hub and the plurality of blades configured to rotate together about the first axis, and the plurality of blades comprising a first blade having a proximal end connected to the hub and an elongated body extending outwards longitudinally from the hub to a distal end, the elongated body having an upper and a lower surface and opposing first and second edges extending between the proximal and distal ends, the first blade further comprising a first flange.which is connected to the body and extends from the body transversely to the upper and lower surfaces, the first flange extending along the first edge of the first blade, the first flange having a first extension extending longitudinally outward from the proximal end of the body to form a first fastening element associated with the first flange, and the first fastening element being connected to the hub to connect the first blade to the hub; and a drive assembly operatively connected to the rotor to drive the rotation of the rotor, the drive assembly comprising a roller assembly mounted by the frame and operatively connected to the rotor, and a pedal assembly operatively connected to the roller assembly to drive the rotation of the rotor via the roller assembly.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION This revelation concerns exercise bikes, and in particular exercise bikes with features that provide, among other benefits, improved energy efficiency, improved feel, and increased lifespan. BACKGROUND Exercise bikes and other training devices that utilize human effort to drive the rotation of a rotor, thereby generating resistance for training purposes, are common and well-known in the state of the art. Such devices can be provided in many different configurations with a wide range of features. However, existing devices of this type have many drawbacks, and there is room for improvement. For example, many existing exercise bikes have structures that do not provide a rigid construction, smooth and consistent user effort, or close synchronization between components during use, resulting in an overall unsatisfactory "feel" for many users. This unsatisfactory "feel" is particularly important for devices that may be used repeatedly, even daily or more frequently by some users.The present disclosure addresses these and other problems with existing exercise bikes and other training equipment. SUMMARY General aspects of the present disclosure relate to an exercise bicycle or other training device comprising a support frame, a rotor mounted by the frame and a drive system that drives the rotation of the rotor. Aspects of the disclosure relate to an exercise bicycle comprising a frame configured to rest on a ground surface and a saddle configured to support a user, a rotor mounted by the frame, and a drive assembly operatively connected to the rotor to drive its rotation. The rotor comprises a hub mounted by the frame for rotation on a first axis and a plurality of blades connected to the hub, the hub and the plurality of blades configured to rotate together about the first axis.The multiple blades comprise a first blade having a proximal end connected to the hub and an elongated body extending longitudinally outward from the hub to a distal end. The elongated body has an upper and a lower surface and opposing first and second edges extending between the proximal and distal ends. The first blade further comprises a first flange connected to the body, extending transversely from the body to the upper and lower surfaces. The other blades may have the same structure as the first blade in a configuration. The drive assembly comprises a roller assembly supported by the frame and operatively connected to the rotor, as well as a pedal assembly and an arm assembly operatively connected to the roller assembly to drive the rotation of the rotor via the roller assembly. According to one aspect, the first flange of the first sheet extends along the first edge over the entire length of the first edge in the longitudinal direction, and the first sheet further comprises a second flange extending along the second edge over the entire length of the second edge in the longitudinal direction. According to another aspect, the first flange extends downwards from the body of the first sheet and forms a 90° angle with the body at a transition point between the body and the first flange. According to another aspect, the first flange has a first height that is greater at the proximal end and smaller at the distal end. The first sheet may also include a second flange with a second height that is greater at the proximal end and smaller at the distal end. In one embodiment, the first height and / or the second height decrease continuously from the proximal end to the distal end. In another embodiment, the first flange extends along the first edge of the first sheet, and the second flange extends transversely to the upper and lower surfaces along the second edge. According to another aspect, the first flange extends along the first edge of the first sheet, and the first sheet further comprises a second flange extending transversely to the upper and lower surfaces along the second edge. The first flange has a first extension extending longitudinally outward from the proximal end of the body to form a first fastening element associated with the first flange, and the second flange has a second extension extending longitudinally outward from the proximal end of the body to form a second fastening element associated with the second flange, the first and second fastening elements being connected to the hub to connect the first sheet to the hub. According to another aspect, the body of the first sheet comprises an upper section extending longitudinally in a central area of ​​the first sheet, a first lower section extending longitudinally along the first edge, and a second lower section extending longitudinally along the second edge. The upper section is vertically offset with respect to the first and second lower sections, and the body of the first sheet further comprises a first step section extending downwards from the upper section to the first lower section, and a second step section extending downwards from the upper section to the second lower section. According to another aspect, the width of the first sheet, measured between the first and second edges, is constant from the proximal end to the distal end. According to an additional aspect, the first blade has a first engagement surface spaced from a connection point between the first fastener and the hub, and the hub has a complementary engagement surface that engages with the first engagement surface of the first blade to counteract pivoting of the first blade about the connection point. In one embodiment, the first engagement surface is located at one end of the first fastener, and the complementary engagement surface is formed by a projection on the hub that comes into contact with the first engagement surface. Additional aspects of the disclosure relate to an exercise bicycle comprising a frame configured to rest on a ground surface and a saddle configured to support a user, a rotor mounted by the frame, and a drive assembly operatively connected to the rotor to drive its rotation. The rotor comprises a hub mounted by the frame for rotation on a first axis and a plurality of blades connected to the hub, the hub and the plurality of blades configured to rotate together about the first axis.The multiple leaves comprise a first leaf, which has a proximal end connected to the hub, and an elongated body extending longitudinally outward from the hub to a distal end. The elongated body has an upper and a lower surface and two edges extending between the proximal and distal ends. The body of the first leaf comprises an upper section extending longitudinally in a central region of the first leaf, a first lower section extending longitudinally along the first edge, and a second lower section extending longitudinally along the second edge.The upper section is vertically offset with respect to the first and second lower sections, and the body of each blade further comprises a first step section extending downwards from the upper section to the first lower section, and a second step section extending downwards from the upper section to the second lower section. The other blades may have the same structure as the first blade in one configuration. The drive assembly comprises a roller assembly supported by the frame and operatively connected to the rotor, as well as a pedal assembly and an arm assembly operatively connected to the roller assembly to drive the rotation of the rotor via the roller assembly. According to one aspect, the upper section, the first lower section and the second lower section of the first sheet are generally planar and parallel to each other, and the first lower section and the second lower section of the first sheet are coplanar. According to another aspect, the upper section of the first sheet is also laterally offset relative to the first and second lower sections, and the first and second step sections extend laterally outwards and downwards from the upper section to the first and second lower sections. In one formation, the first and second step sections form angles of 120° to 140° with the upper section. According to another aspect, the extent of a vertical offset between the upper section and the first and second lower sections of the first sheet is greater than the thickness of the first sheet, measured between the upper and lower surfaces. According to another aspect, the first sheet has a first fastening element that extends longitudinally from the proximal end along the first edge outwards, and a second fastening element that extends longitudinally from the proximal end along the second edge outwards. According to another aspect, the upper section, the first and second lower section, and the first and second step section extend from the proximal end to the distal end of the first sheet. Further aspects of the disclosure relate to an exercise bicycle comprising a frame configured to rest on a ground surface and a saddle configured to support a user, a rotor mounted through the frame, and a drive assembly operatively connected to the rotor to drive its rotation. The rotor comprises a hub mounted by the frame for rotation on a first axis, a toothed pulley operatively connected to the hub, a plurality of blades connected to the hub, and a plurality of connecting pieces connecting the blades to the hub, such that the hub, the toothed pulley, and the plurality of blades are configured to rotate together around the first axis.The array of blades comprises a first blade having a proximal end connected to the hub and an elongated body extending outward from the hub to a distal end. The elongated body has an upper and a lower surface and two edges extending between the proximal and distal ends. In this configuration, 70 to 90% of the rotor weight is located within 75% of the rotor's maximum diameter. The other blades may have the same structure as the first blade in a configuration. The drive assembly comprises a roller assembly supported by the frame and operatively connected to the rotor's toothed belt pulley, and a pedal assembly and an arm assembly operatively connected to the roller assembly to drive the rotor's rotation through the roller assembly. According to one aspect, 50 to 70% of the rotor weight is located within 50% of the maximum diameter of the rotor and / or 30 to 50% of the rotor weight is located within 25% of the maximum diameter of the rotor. According to another aspect, the hub and connecting pieces that link the leaves to the hub form a single supporting structure for the leaves, so that the distal ends of the leaves are free ends that are not connected to any structure. According to another aspect, the first blade has a leading surface that includes all surfaces of the first blade that are oriented in a direction of forward rotation of the rotor, and wherein the leading surface of the first blade has a surface area of ​​at least 20 square inches or a surface area of ​​20 to 40 square inches. According to another aspect, the multitude of leaves comprises 8 to 12 leaves and has a total weight of 9 to 11 pounds. According to another aspect, a proportion of 38 to 56% of the total moment of inertia of the rotor is located within 75% of the maximum diameter of the rotor. According to an additional aspect, the first sheet has a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, which decreases in the longitudinal direction along at least one section of the length of the first sheet between the proximal end and the distal end. According to another aspect, the first sheet has an incremental mass that decreases longitudinally along at least one section of the length of the first sheet between the proximal end and the distal end. Further aspects of the disclosure relate to an exercise bicycle comprising a frame configured to rest on a ground surface and a saddle configured to support a user, a rotor mounted by the frame, and a drive assembly operatively connected to the rotor to drive its rotation. The rotor comprises a hub mounted by the frame for rotation on a first axis, a toothed pulley operatively connected to the hub, and a plurality of blades connected to the hub, the hub, the toothed pulley, and the plurality of blades configured to rotate together about the first axis.The multiple leaves comprise a first leaf having a proximal end connected to the hub and an elongated body extending longitudinally outward from the hub to a distal end, the body having an upper and a lower surface and opposing first and second edges extending between the proximal and distal ends. The first leaf further comprises a first flange extending downward and transversely to the upper and lower surfaces along the first longitudinal edge, and a second flange extending downward and transversely to the upper and lower surfaces along the second longitudinal edge.The first flange has a first extension extending longitudinally outward from the proximal end of the body to form a first fastening element connected to the first flange, and the second flange has a second extension extending longitudinally outward from the proximal end of the body to form a second fastening element connected to the second flange. The first and second fastening elements are each connected to the hub by one or more connecting pieces. The drive assembly comprises a roller assembly, including an input roller mounted by the frame for rotation on a second axis spaced apart from the first axis, and a belt connected to the input roller and the rotor's toothed pulley to transmit power from the input roller to the toothed pulley, as well as a pedal assembly and an arm assembly.The pedal assembly comprises a pair of pedals operatively connected to the input roller to drive the rotation of the input roller, and the arm assembly comprises a pair of reciprocating arms operatively connected to the input roller to drive the rotation of the input roller, such that the pedal assembly and the arm assembly are configured to drive the rotation of the rotor via the input roller, the belt and the toothed belt pulley. According to one aspect, 70 to 90% of the rotor weight is located within 75% of a maximum diameter of the rotor, 50 to 70% of the rotor weight is located within 50% of the maximum diameter of the rotor, and 30 to 50% of the rotor weight is located within 25% of the maximum diameter of the rotor, and the leading surface of each blade has a surface area of ​​20 to 40 square inches. According to another aspect, the exercise bike further includes a rotor cover that at least partially covers the rotor, such that the rotor is designed to rotate within the rotor cover while allowing airflow to and from the rotor. The rotor cover comprises a front section forming the front half of the rotor cover, an upper rear section forming the upper rear quarter of the rotor cover, and a lower rear section forming the lower rear quarter of the rotor cover, such that the front section, the upper rear section, and the lower rear section are connected to each other to form the rotor cover. According to another aspect, the first blade has a first engagement surface located on the first fastener and spaced apart from a first connection point between the first fastener and the hub, and a second engagement surface located on the second fastener and spaced apart from a second connection point between the second fastener and the hub, and the hub has a first and a second complementary engagement surface that engage with the first and second engagement surfaces of the first blade to counteract the pivoting of the first blade about the first and second connection points. Further features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To enable a more comprehensive understanding of the present disclosure, it will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a perspective front top view of an embodiment of an exercise bicycle according to aspects of the disclosure; Fig. 2 is a perspective rear top view of the exercise bicycle of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a view of the right side of the exercise bicycle of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a view of the left side of the exercise bicycle of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a perspective front top view of the exercise bicycle of Fig. 1, with some external components removed to show internal details; Fig. 6 is a perspective rear top view of the exercise bicycle of Fig. 1, with some external components removed to show internal details; Fig. 7 is a view of the right side of the exercise bicycle of Fig. 1.Fig. 1 is, with some external components removed and some additional components represented by phantom lines to show internal details; Fig. 8 is a view of the left side of the exercise bike of Fig. 1, with some external components removed and some additional components represented by phantom lines to show internal details; Fig. 9 is a perspective front top view of a section of a roller assembly and a rotor assembly of the exercise bike of Fig. 1; Fig. 9A is a perspective front top view of a section of the rotor assembly of the exercise bike of Fig. 1; Fig. 9B is an enlarged side view of a section of the rotor assembly of the exercise bike of Fig. 1; Fig. 9C is an enlarged perspective view of a section of the rotor assembly of the exercise bike of Fig. 1; Fig. 10 is a perspective front top view of a roller of the roller assembly of Fig. 9; Fig.Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a blade of the rotor assembly of Fig. 9; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a connecting piece of the exercise bike of Fig. 1; Fig. 13 is a perspective front top view of a further embodiment of an exercise bike according to aspects of the disclosure; Fig. 14 is a perspective rear top view of the exercise bike of Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is a perspective rear top view of the exercise bike of Fig. 13, with some external components removed to show internal details; Fig. 16 is a perspective front view from below of the exercise bike of Fig. 13, with some external components removed to show internal details; Fig. 17 is a perspective exploded view of the exercise bike of Fig. 17, with some external components removed; Fig. 18 is a side view of a rotor of the exercise bike of Fig. 17; Fig.Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the rotor of Fig. 18; Fig. 20 is a schematic view illustrating the rotor of Fig. 18, with the limits 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% illustrating the maximum diameter of rotor 30; Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a blade of the rotor of Fig. 18; Fig. 22 is a top view of the blade of Fig. 21; Fig. 23 is an end view of the blade of Fig. 21; Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 24-24 from Fig. 22; Fig. 25 is a schematic side view showing an output roller and a tension roller of the exercise bike of Fig. 17; Fig. 26 is a schematic side view showing an input roller and a tension roller of the exercise bike of Fig. 17; and Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the sheet of Fig. 21 with shading to show a front surface of the sheet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Although this invention is suitable for many different embodiments, exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and described in more detail herein, with the understanding that the present disclosure serves as an exemplary representation of the inventive principles and not as a limitation of the extensive aspect of the invention to the illustrated embodiments. In the following description of numerous example structures according to the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof and in which numerous exemplary devices, systems, and environments are shown for illustration, illustrating how the aspects of the invention can be implemented.It should be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, exemplary devices, systems and environments can be used, and that structural and functional modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Referring to the figures, beginning with Figs. 1-12, an embodiment of an exercise bike or stationary bike 10, designed for stationary training, is shown. The bike 10 generally comprises a frame or frame assembly 12, a rotor assembly 14 attached to the frame 12, a drive assembly 16 attached to the frame 12 and configured to drive the rotation of the rotor assembly 14, and a cover 18 configured to at least partially cover the rotor assembly 14. The bike 10 may also include other components, such as a computer system comprising a computer interface 19, as shown in Figs. 1-8. The frame 12 comprises a base 20 configured to rest on the ground or other support surface, and a plurality of frame elements 21 extending upwards from the base 20 and supporting the other components of the bicycle 10. The base 20 in Fig. 1-8 comprises two base elements 26 configured as crossbeams extending laterally with respect to the frame 21, each base element 26 comprising one or more ground-contacting structures 27 directly connected to it. The ground-contacting structures 27 are configured as adjustable feet in Fig. 1-8. In this configuration, the base elements 26 and the ground-contacting structures 27 support all other components of the bicycle 10, including the remaining part of the frame 12. The ground-contacting structures 27 of the base 20 may further comprise wheels 22 configured for moving the bicycle 10 on the support surface.The frame elements 21 comprise rotor support elements 23, which support the rotor assembly 14, and components of the drive assembly 16 at the front of the bicycle 10. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-8, the rotor support elements 23 comprise axle brackets 24, which hold and / or support the axle 33 of the rotor assembly 14, as described herein. The frame 12 may further comprise a user support in the form of a saddle 24, on which the user can sit during operation of the bicycle 10, as well as a seat post 83 for supporting the saddle 24 with adjustment mechanisms 25 for adjusting the vertical and / or horizontal position of the saddle 24. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-8, a footplate 17 is directly connected to the frame 12, as shown in Figures 5-6, creating a more stable and rigid structure than existing footplates 17 that are directly connected to a housing supported by the frame 12.The frame 12 further comprises numerous connecting and fastening elements for connecting and securing other components of the bicycle 10, including components of the rotor assembly 14 and / or drive assembly 16. For example, the frame 12 has one or more axle brackets (not shown) that hold and / or support the axle 55 of the input roller 51. It should be understood that the frame 12 can be configured differently in numerous other embodiments to achieve the desired appearance and / or ergonomics while still maintaining similar functionality. In further embodiments, the frame 12 and its components and features (including the frame elements 21) can be constructed with similar structural and functional elements that have different configurations, such as a different decorative appearance. In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1-8, the frame 12 comprises features that provide a rigid and stable structure. For example, in one embodiment, the frame 12 may have frame elements 21 that are large in diameter or highly resilient, thereby achieving a stable and rigid structure without additional structural reinforcement elements. In the embodiment of Fig. 1-8, the frame 12 defines a gap 28 at the bottom between the base elements 26, such that no frame elements 21 extend directly between the base elements 26. In this embodiment, the frame elements 21 form an arch or span the gap 28, with a vertex 29 formed by ascending frame elements 48, 49 connected to the base elements 26.The ascending frame elements 48, 49 comprise one or more front ascending frame elements 48, which are connected to the front base element 26 and extend continuously upwards and rearwards from the front base element 26 to the apex 29, and one or more rear ascending frame elements 49, which are connected to the rear base element 26 and extend continuously upwards and forwards from the rear base element 26 to the apex 29. In the embodiment of Figs. 1-8, the ascending frame elements 48, 49 extend linearly to the apex 29 to form an angular arc, which, however, in another embodiment may have a curved and / or polygonal shape. In Fig.In Figures 1-8, the frame 12 comprises a pair of parallel, linear front ascending frame elements 48, which are connected to the front base element 26 and extend upward / rearward on opposite sides of the rotor 30, and a single rear ascending frame element 49, which is connected to the rear base element 26 and extends upward / forward, splitting into two branches near the rotor 30 (forming a "tuning fork" or Y-shape) to connect with the front ascending frame elements 48 at the apex 29. The ascending frame elements 48, 49 in Figures 1-8 form a "backbone" that supports the rest of the frame 12 and all other components of the bicycle 10. In this design, no section of the frame 12 extends below the top of the base elements 26, except for the base elements 26 themselves and any supports or connecting structures that form the rest of the frame 21 (i.e.The ascending frame elements 48, 49) connect directly to the base elements 26. Thus, the lowest sections of the frame 21 are the base elements 26 and any frame elements 21 that are directly connected to the base elements 26. In one embodiment, the seat post 83 comprises a fixed section 84, which is fixed relative to the rest of the frame 12, and a movable or adjustable section 85, which is movably connected to the fixed section 84 to allow adjustment of the saddle 24. In the embodiment of Figs. 1-8, the movable section 85 and the saddle 24 are together vertically adjustable on the fixed section 84 using a vertical adjustment mechanism 25, and the movable section 85 further comprises a horizontal adjustment mechanism 25 to adjust the saddle 24 horizontally relative to the movable section 85. It should be understood that the vertical adjustment mechanism 25 can also effect some horizontal positional change, and that the horizontal adjustment mechanism 25 can likewise effect some vertical positional change. The fixed section 84 in Fig.Figure 1-8 is a rectangular tube, and the movable section 85 comprises a smaller rectangular tube or column that fits into the fixed section 84 and is axially movable with respect to the fixed section 84. The seat post 83 further comprises a reinforcing structure to strengthen the fixed section 84 and provide it with additional stability, comprising an angled piece or support element 86 having a first end 87 connected to the rear of the fixed section 84 and a second end 88 connected to a lower point on the frame 12, for example, the rear rising frame element 49 in the embodiment of Figures 1-8. The angled piece 86 intersects the fixed section 84 at a transverse angle to provide both vertical and horizontal support. In the embodiment of Figure 1-8, the angled piece 86 is articulated with the fixed section 84 at a transverse angle to provide both vertical and horizontal support.1-8 is the lower end of the angle piece 86 fixed to the central “backbone” of the frame 12 (which is formed, for example, by the front and rear rising frame elements 48, 49), which supports all other components of the bicycle 10, and not directly to the base 20, as in many existing designs. The angled piece 86 intersects the fixed section 84 of the seatpost 83 in a high vertical position to increase the overall stiffness of the fixed section 84. In one embodiment, the uppermost point of the first end 87 of the angled piece 86 (referred to as the upper end Gt of the angled piece 86) is located within 7 inches of the upper end of the fixed section 84, measured along the rear surface of the fixed section 84, or in another embodiment, within 5 inches. In the embodiment of Fig. 1-8, the upper end Gt of the angled piece 86 is spaced 3.0 to 3.5 inches from the upper end of the fixed section 84, measured along the rear surface of the fixed section 84, e.g., about 3.2 inches (i.e., from the rear Pr of the fixed section 84).The connection between the angle bracket 86 and the fixed section 84 is also closer to the upper end of the fixed section 84 than to the ground, which can be measured at various points on the angle bracket 86 and the fixed section 84, as illustrated in Fig. 3. For example, if the center point Pm of the upper end of the fixed section 84 and the center point Gm of the angle bracket 86 at the intersection between the angle bracket 86 and the fixed section 84 are used as reference points, the height of the angle bracket center point Gm (measured from the ground surface GS) is, in one embodiment, 60 to 90% of the height of the center point Pm of the upper end of the fixed section 84, and 70 to 85% in another embodiment, e.g., about 78%.As a further example, if the rear and / or lowest point Pr of the upper end of the fixed section 84 and the upper end Gt of the angle piece 86 at the intersection between the angle piece 86 and the fixed section 84 are used as reference points, the height of the upper end Gt of the angle piece (measured from the base surface GS) in one embodiment is 70 to 100% of the height of the rear and / or lowest point Pr of the upper end of the fixed section 84 and 75 to 90% in another embodiment, e.g., about 88%. In the embodiment of Fig. 1-8, the upper end of the fixed section 84 has a height of 25.4 inches at the front and / or highest point Pf, a height of 24.9 inches at the rear and / or lowest point Pr, and a height of 24.5 inches at the midpoint Pm, and the angle piece 86 has a height of 21.4 inches at the upper end Gt, a height of 17.5 inches at the lower end Gb, and a height of 19.5 inches at the midpoint Gm.It should be understood that while the upper end of the fixed section 84 in the embodiment of Figs. 1-8 is angled such that the front Pf, the rear Pr, and the midpoint Pm have different heights, the relative heights mentioned above apply to a fixed section 84 that has a constant height. The height H-Pr of the rear and / or lowest point Pr from the upper end of the fixed section 84 is illustrated by way of example in Fig. 3, with the understanding that the heights of the other structures referred to herein are defined in the same way. The rotor arrangement 14 in the embodiment of Figs. 1-8 is illustrated in more detail in Figs. 9-11 and comprises a rotor 30 in the form of a fan with a hub 31 and a plurality of blades 32 connected to the hub 31 and extending radially outwards from the hub 31. The blades 32 are connected to the hub 31 via connecting elements 35, which in the embodiment of Figs. 1-11 may take the form of fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets, etc., while additional or alternative connecting structures, such as tabs, slots, or other interlocking mechanical structures, or welded, brazed, soldered, bonded, or otherwise joining structures, may be used in other embodiments.The hub 31 rotates on an axle or spindle 33, and the rotor assembly 14 further comprises an output engagement element 34 that engages with the drive assembly 16 to drive the rotation of the rotor 30. In the embodiment of Figs. 1-11, the output engagement element 34 is a toothed belt pulley or a roller that is operatively connected to the rotor 30 such that the roller 34 is rotationally fixed with respect to the rotor 30. In one embodiment, the roller 34 is directly connected to the rotor 30 and can be integrally connected to the hub 31 and / or as part of a single piece. In other embodiments, the rotor 30 and its components (including the blades 32) can be constructed with similar structural and functional elements that have different configurations, such as a different decorative appearance. The blades 32 of the rotor 30 of Figs. 1-11 are illustrated in more detail in Figs. 9-9C and 11. Each blade 32 has a proximal end 36 that engages with the hub 31 and a distal or free end 37 that is located away from the proximal end 36 and the hub 31. In addition, each blade 32 has an elongated body 38 that has two broad flat surfaces 43 and two opposite sides or edges 40 and extends between the ends 36 and 37. The direction in which each leaf 32 extends from the hub 31, i.e., from the proximal end 36 to the distal end 37, is defined as the longitudinal direction L (see Fig. 11 for reference) for each individual leaf 32 referred to herein, whereby it is understood that in one embodiment the leaves 32 are each elongated along the longitudinal direction L. The leaves 32 can also be described as extending radially from the hub 31.The term "elongated" means that the body 38 has a larger dimension in the longitudinal direction than in the two directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Each sheet 32 ​​also has one or more flanges or guide plates 39 extending outwards from the body 38 transversely to the surface of the body 38. In the embodiment of Figures 1-9C and 11, each sheet 32 ​​has two flanges 39 extending along the opposite sides or edges 40 of the body 38. In further embodiments, one or more of the sheets 32 may have a different number or arrangement of flanges 39, for example, with one or more longitudinally extending flanges 39 arranged between the two edges 40, in addition to or instead of the flanges 39 extending along the edges 40. In one embodiment of Figure 1-9C, each sheet 32 ​​has two flanges 39 extending along the opposite sides or edges 40 of the body 38.In Figures 1-9C and 11, the flanges 39 extend outwards from only one flat surface 43 of the body 38 (e.g., the upper surface), such that the sheet 32 ​​is essentially U-shaped or C-shaped in cross-section. In another embodiment, the flanges 39 can extend outwards from both flat surfaces 43 of the body 38, such that the sheet 32 ​​is essentially I-shaped in cross-section. In yet another embodiment, the flanges 39 can extend outwards from opposite flat surfaces 43 of the body 38, such that the sheet 32 ​​is essentially S-shaped in cross-section. In yet another embodiment, the flange or flanges 39 can be arranged only on one of the sides 40 of the body 38. In Fig.In Figures 1-9C and 11, the flanges 39 extend along the entire length of the body 38, from the proximal end 36 to the distal end 37, but in other embodiments they may extend over less than the entire length of the body 38. Additionally, in the embodiment of Figures 1-9C and 11, the flanges 39 are taller near the proximal end 36 and taper continuously to a smaller height near the distal end 37. The leaves 32 also have fastening elements 41 extending outwards from the body 38 at the proximal end 36 to provide a fastening structure for connection to the hub 31. In the embodiment of Figs. 1-9C and 11, the fastening elements 41 extend from the proximal end 36 on both sides 40 of the body 38, and each fastening element 41 has an opening 42 to receive the fasteners 35 for connection to the hub 31. The body 38 has a proximal edge 15 which, in this embodiment, extends between the fastening elements 41. In this embodiment, the fasteners 35 extend through the openings 42 in the fastening elements 41 and are connected to opposite side faces of the hub 31, for example, by being received in the openings (not shown), which may be threaded. As in Fig.As shown in Figures 9-9A, the hub 31 has two circular, plate-like end sections 57 with a cylindrical central body 58 that has a smaller diameter than the end sections 57, so that the end sections 57 extend radially outward from the central body 58. The end sections 57 include openings 59 designed to receive the fasteners 35 for connecting the leaves 32. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-9C and 11, the fasteners 41 abut the flanges 39 and can be considered extensions of the flanges 39, thus providing strength and support to the fasteners 41 for a tighter and more stable connection. Furthermore, since the flanges 39 extend transversely (e.g. vertically) from the body 38, the positioning of the fastening elements 41 at the ends of the flanges 39 allows the connection points with the hub (i.e. the openings 42) to be offset from the general plane of the body 38.The openings 42 in Figs. 1-9C and 11 are offset from the plane of the body 38 in the direction of the forward rotation of the rotor 30. This offset orientation and arrangement allows the body 38 of each blade 32 to extend radially with respect to the hub 31, while simultaneously providing clearance for the connection of the fastening means 35. In the embodiment of Figs. 1-9C and 11, the blades 32 are each connected and supported only at the fastening means 41 at the proximal end 36, with no other structures engaging the blades 32 between the proximal and distal ends 36, 37. Specifically, the hub 31 and the connecting structures that link the blades 32 to it constitute the only structure that supports the blades 32 and connects all the blades 32 directly or indirectly to one another.As described elsewhere herein, other embodiments may employ different connecting or fastening structures to connect the leaves 32 to the hub 31, wherein the fastening elements 41 may be provided with such structures (e.g., built-in hooks, tabs, or other connecting structures) and / or configured to connect with such structures. The leaves 32 may each be manufactured as a single piece, including the body 38, the flanges 39, and the fastening elements 41, for example, by stamping. In the embodiment of Fig. 1-11, the rotor 30 has a stabilizing structure that engages with the blades 32 to counteract the pivoting of the blades 32 relative to the hub 31 due to forces acting on the blades 32 during rotation of the rotor 30 (e.g., air resistance). The stabilizing structure can have adjacent and / or interlocking engagement surfaces 97, 98 on the hub 31 and the blades 32, respectively. Fig. 9-9C shows an embodiment of a stabilizing structure in the form of engagement surfaces 98 at the ends of the fastening means 41 of each blade 32 and a cylindrical projection 99 that forms complementary engagement surfaces 97 on the hub 31, which engage with and bear against the engagement surfaces 98 of each blade 32. In the embodiment of Fig.In Figures 9-9C, the engagement surfaces 98 on the leaves 32 are spaced apart from the connection point(s) between the leaves 32 and the hub 31 (e.g., the fasteners 35) and have a curved contour to match the curved outer contour of the cylindrical engagement surface 97 on the hub 31, thereby creating a more stable engagement between the parts. In the embodiment shown in Figures 9-9C, the hub 31 has cylindrical projections 99 that form engagement surfaces 97 on both sides of the hub 31, with each leaf 32 having engagement surfaces 98 on both fasteners 41. In another embodiment, the engagement surfaces 97, 98 can be arranged only on one side of the hub 31 and / or only on one fastener 41. In this embodiment, the engagement of the engagement surfaces 97, 98 causes the leaves 32 to pivot about the connection point with the hub 31 (i.e.the fastening element 35). It should be understood that in other embodiments, the engagement surfaces 97, 98 of the hub 31 and the blades 32 may be defined by a different structure at the same locations and in the same configurations. For example, the engagement surfaces 97 of the hub 31 may be defined by intermittent projections around the hub 31 instead of by a single cylindrical projection 99. As another example, the engagement surfaces 98 of each blade 32 may be defined on extensions of the flanges 39, even if the fastening structure for connection to the hub (e.g., fasteners 41) is arranged and / or structured differently. In further embodiments, the stabilizing structure may take the form of one or more additional connecting pieces 35 that connect each blade 32 to the hub 31 and that are defined by the connecting pieces 35 in Fig.9-9C are arranged offset, or have another type of engaging and / or adjacent engagement structure. Such alternative engagement structures may include engagement with the body 38 of the blade 32 (e.g., edge 15) and / or engagement with the end sections 57 or the central body 58 of the hub 31. Furthermore, the stabilizing structure in Fig. 1-11 stabilizes the blades 32 against pivoting in any direction of rotation with respect to the connecting pieces 35, and in another embodiment, the rotor 30 may have a stabilizing structure that stabilizes the blades 32 only against backward pivoting during the forward rotation of the rotor 30. In this embodiment, the blades 32 have increased weight and stiffness compared to blades 32 of existing fans or other rotors for exercise bikes, with the flanges 39 providing the blades 32 with increased stiffness and bending stiffness, as well as a secure and rigid structure for attaching the blades 32 to the hub 31, as described above. These heavier and more robust blades 32 have increased inertia, resulting in a smoother and more consistent effort during pedaling and less vibration, ultimately providing a better overall feel for the user. In the embodiment of Figs. 1-11, the roller 34 and the rotor 30 (including the hub 31, the blades 32, and any fastening means 35 or other connecting structures) form a single unit of rotation. In one embodiment, this unit of rotation has an increased mass and moment of inertia (MOI) about the axis of rotation compared to existing fans or other rotors for exercise bikes, due in part to the design of the blades 32 described herein. In one embodiment, the unit of rotation has a weight of at least 3.5 pounds or at least 9 pounds, e.g., 3.5 to 13 pounds or 5 to 11 pounds. In one embodiment, the blades 32 may be made of steel and each have a weight of at least 0.6 pounds or 0.6 to 1 pound, or in one embodiment, approximately 0.8 pounds.In this embodiment, the total weight of the rotor 30 is at least 9 pounds, or 9 to 12 pounds, or in one embodiment about 10 to 11 pounds, wherein the unified rotating body has a MOI of at least 450 pounds per square inch, or 450 to 550 pounds per square inch, or about 495 pounds per square inch with respect to the axis of rotation (indicated by XX in Fig. 9). In another embodiment, the blades 32 can be made of aluminum (the term including aluminum alloys) and each weigh at least 0.4 pounds, or 0.4 to 0.5 pounds, or in one embodiment about 0.45 pounds. In this embodiment, the total weight of the rotor 30 is at least 3.5 pounds or 3.5 to 8 pounds or in one embodiment about 6 pounds, wherein the unified rotating body has a MOI with respect to the axis of rotation of at least 150 pounds*square inch or 150 to 200 pounds*square inch or about 170 pounds*square inch.In other embodiments, the leaves 32 can be formed from other materials, such as other metals and alloys, polymers or composite materials, e.g. carbon fiber composites. In Fig. 1-9C, the rotor 30 has ten blades 32, and in one embodiment, the rotor 30 has no more than twelve blades 32, e.g., 8 to 12 blades 32. The diameter of this rotor can be 27 inches in one embodiment. Rotors of existing exercise bikes typically have a much larger number of blades, and such existing rotors do not achieve the moment of inertia described herein with only 8 to 12 blades 32. Additionally, the blades 32 described herein provide a large surface area, a correspondingly large aerodynamic profile, and a correspondingly large air displacement, as well as a large reflected MOI (the MOI perceived by the user after including the mechanical enhancement by the drive assembly 16) with a small number of blades 32, e.g., 8 to 12 blades, as described herein.For example, the surface area of ​​the uniform body of revolution, as described herein, may be at least 1000 square inches, or 1000 to 1200 square inches, or about 1100 square inches. The surface area of ​​the front face 44 of each blade 32, i.e., the surfaces facing in the direction of forward rotation and directly encountering air resistance during rotation, is at least 20 square inches, or 20 to 40 square inches, in one embodiment, or 25 to 35 square inches in another embodiment. The front surface 44, in the embodiments of Figures 1-24 and 27, is formed from the forward-facing edges of the flanges 39 and the surface 43 between the flanges 39. An example of the front surface 44 is indicated by shading in Figure 27. The surface area of ​​the front surface 44 of each fan blade 32 in Fig. 1-11 is approximately 34 square inches, and the surface area of ​​the front surface 44 of each fan blade 32 in Fig.13-24 and 27 is approximately 28 square inches. In one embodiment, the surface 43 of each blade 32 on the leading surface 44 faces directly in the direction of rotation of the rotor 30, i.e., perpendicular to the tangential direction of rotation during rotation. This configuration increases drag and provides a uniform feel during use. As another example, the reflected MOI of the uniform rotating body, including a mechanical gain (gear ratio) of 7.540, is at least 9 pounds per square inch, or 9 to 12 pounds per square inch, or approximately 10.25 pounds per square inch. The weight / mass of the rotor 30 is distributed more evenly over its diameter compared to many existing rotors, which are weight-loaded at the circumference. In one embodiment, for example, approximately 30 to 50% of the weight of the rotor 30 and / or the unitary rotating body is located within 25% of the maximum diameter of the rotor 30, and in another embodiment, this proportion is approximately 35 to 45%, e.g., approximately 40%. As a further example, in one embodiment, approximately 50 to 70% of the weight of the rotor 30 and / or the unitary rotating body is located within 50% of the maximum diameter of the rotor 30, and in another embodiment, this proportion is 55 to 65%, e.g., approximately 60%.As a further example, in one embodiment, approximately 70 to 90% of the weight of the rotor 30 and / or the unitary rotating body is arranged within 75% of the maximum diameter of the rotor 30, and in another embodiment, this proportion is 75 to 85%, e.g., approximately 80%. In the embodiment of Fig. 13-24, the unitary rotating body has a total weight of 10.6 pounds and a diameter of 27 inches, wherein the weight arranged within 25% of the maximum diameter is approximately 4.1 pounds, the weight arranged within 50% of the maximum diameter is 6.5 pounds, and the weight arranged within 75% of the maximum diameter is 8.7 pounds. It is important to understand that when components or features (e.g., mass / weight or MOI) are arranged within a specified “XX %” of the maximum diameter of the rotor 30 or the unitary body of revolution, as shown in Fig. 20 and described herein, this refers to the fact that they are arranged within a linear distance of XX % of the diameter of the rotor 30, measured from the axis of rotation of the rotor 30 used to the outermost circumference of the rotor 30 and perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In other words, the expression means that the components or features are arranged within a cylinder having a central axis aligned with the axis of rotation of the rotor 30 used and a cylinder diameter of XX % of the diameter of the rotor 30, measured from the axis of rotation of the rotor 30 used to the outermost circumference of the rotor 30 and perpendicular to the axis of rotation.Additionally, as used here, the part (proportion or %) of the total MOI of the rotor 30 or of the uniform body of revolution formed by the structures within a specific XX% of the maximum diameter of the rotor 30 (as shown in Fig. 20) is referred to as the “partial MOI”. The MOI of the rotor 30 is influenced by the mass distribution described above, and the resulting MOI is also more evenly distributed over the diameter of the rotor 30 compared to existing rotors, and especially rotors that are weight-loaded at the circumference. In the embodiments described herein in Figs. 1-11 and 13-24, the uniform body of revolution has a diameter of 27 inches and a total MOI of 435 to 531 lb*sq inch or about 483.0 lb*sq inch, and the proportion of the MOI that is within 25% of the maximum diameter is 10 to 13 lb*sq inch or about 11.6 lb*sq inch, the proportion of the MOI that is within 50% of the maximum diameter is 67 to 81 lb*sq inch or about 73.9 lb*sq inch, and the proportion of the MOI that is within 75% of the maximum diameter is 201 to 245 lb*sq inch or about 223.2 lb*sq inch.In such an embodiment, the partial MOI of the rotor 30 or the unified rotating body located within 25% of the maximum diameter is 2 to 3%, the partial MOI located within 50% of the maximum diameter is 13 to 19%, and the partial MOI located within 75% of the maximum diameter is 38 to 56%. In a further embodiment, at least 40% of the total MOI of the rotor 30 or the unified rotating body is located within 75% of the maximum diameter. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area and incremental weight of each blade 32 decrease along the longitudinal direction L along at least one section of the blade 32's length. As used herein, "cross-sectional area" refers to the portion of the blade 32 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, e.g., as shown in Fig. 24. Additionally, "incremental weight," as used herein, refers to the weight of each of a number (e.g., 10, 100, 1000, etc.) of successive, equal-length incremental segments of the blade 32 along the longitudinal direction L. In embodiments where the rotor 30 comprises a plurality of such blades 32, the incremental radial weight of the rotor 30 also decreases over at least one section of the rotor 30's diameter from the outside of the hub 31 to the outer diameter (i.e., the distal ends 37 of the blades 32).As used herein, “incremental radial weight” refers to the weight of each of a number (e.g., 10, 100, 1000, etc.) of successive, incremental annular or tubular segments of the rotor 30 along the radial direction, centered on the axis of rotation of the rotor 30 and having equal radial widths. In one embodiment, for example, the cross-sectional area and incremental weight of a blade 32 decrease in the longitudinal direction L along at least 25%, at least 50%, or at least 75% of the length of the blade 32. Likewise, in such embodiments, the incremental radial weight of the rotor 30 may also decrease over at least 25%, at least 50%, or at least 75% of the diameter of the rotor 30. In the embodiment of Fig.1-11 The cross-sectional area and incremental weight of each blade 32 decrease continuously in the longitudinal direction L, along the entire length of the blade 32, from the proximal edge 15 or the proximal end 36 to the distal end 37. In embodiments in which the rotor 30 has a plurality of such blades 32, the incremental radial weight of the rotor 30 also decreases continuously over the entire diameter of the rotor 30 from the outside of the hub 31 to the outer diameter (i.e., the distal ends 37 of the blades 32). The drive assembly 16 is operatively connected to the rotor assembly 14 and is configured to drive the rotation of the rotor assembly 14 by a mechanical effort applied by the user. The drive assembly 16 in Figs. 1-12 comprises a roller assembly or belt and roller assembly 50, which drives the rotation of the rotor assembly 14, a pedal assembly 60, which is configured to drive the roller assembly 50 by a rotational movement, and an arm assembly 70, which is configured to drive the roller assembly 50 by a reciprocating movement. The roller assembly 50 comprises at least one input roller 51, which is operatively connected to and configured with the pedal assembly 60 and / or the arm assembly 70 to receive power from these, an output roller in the form of the toothed belt pulley or roller 34, which is configured to transmit power to the rotor 30, and a belt 52, which engages with the input roller 51 and the output roller 34 to transmit power from the input roller 51 to the output roller 34. The input roller 51 rotates on a shaft or spindle 55, and the output roller 34 rotates on the shaft 33 of the rotor 30. The roller assembly 50 may also include one or more tension rollers 53, which are arranged between the input roller 51 and the output roller 34. The input roller 51 and the output roller 34 engage with the inner surface of the belt 52, and in the embodiment of Fig.Figures 1-10 show that the inner surface of the belt 52 has several grooves 56 running along its length to aid in guiding the belt 52. In other embodiments, the belt 52 may have a different configuration, such as a chain or another flexible loop structure. The roller assembly 50 in Figures 1-10 includes two tension rollers 53 located near the input roller 51 and the output roller 34, respectively. The tension rollers 53 engage with the outer surface of the belt 52 to increase the tensile tension in the belt 52 and to increase the surface engagement between the belt 52 and the input and output rollers 51 and 34, thereby reducing slippage. The tension rollers 53 can be viewed as deflecting the path of the belt 52 and creating a more winding path for the belt 52, so that the belt 52 does not extend directly between the input and output rollers 51, 34.In this embodiment, a load on the pedal system 60 and / or the arm system 70 by the user causes the input roller 51 to rotate, which in turn drives the rotation of the output roller 34, which in turn drives the rotation of the rotor 30. It should be understood that the relative diameters of the input roller 51 and the output roller 34 can be designed to provide a desired mechanical reinforcement, and that for this reason the diameter of the input roller 51 can be larger than the diameter of the output roller 34. In the embodiment of Figures 1-10, the input roller 51, the output roller 34, and the tension roller(s) 53 are made of metal for increased durability, but in other embodiments they can also be made of other materials. The tension pulleys 53 in the embodiment of Fig. 1-10 each have a concave annular surface 54 that engages with the belt 52. Tests have shown that this concave surface 54 assists in guiding the belt 52 and reduces lateral movement or decoupling of the belt 52. The effectiveness of this concave surface 54 in increasing stability and reducing lateral movement of the belt 52 is surprising, since common knowledge in the field of pulleys dictates that the annular surface 54 should be convex rather than concave. It is generally known that belts run in the direction of the point of highest tensile stress, and a convex surface creates the point of highest tensile stress in the center of the pulley, which should result in improved performance in resisting lateral movement. A pulley with a concave surface 54 should, according to common knowledge, provide inferior performance.Nevertheless, it was shown that the concave roller surface 54 resulted in superior performance for the tension rollers 53, so that the belt 52 remained centered on the input roller 51 and the output roller 34 during extended periods of use. The concave surface 54 can have a radius of curvature of 1.0 to 1.5 inches in one embodiment, and the concave surface 54 in Fig. 1-10 has a radius of curvature of approximately 1.25 inches. The input roller 51, the output roller 34, and the tension rollers 53 can be arranged in numerous embodiments to increase the contact between the belt 52 and the rollers 51 and 34. Figures 25 and 26 show an embodiment of the input roller 51, the output roller 34, and the tension rollers 53 that can be used in conjunction with the embodiments described herein. The tension roller 53 adjacent to the output roller 34 has a radius R1 of 15 to 25 mm, or in one embodiment approximately 20 mm, and the output roller 34 has a radius R2 of 20 to 30 mm, or in one embodiment approximately 25 mm. The tension roller 53 and the output roller 34 are arranged such that the shortest distance D1 between the rollers in this embodiment is 10 to 20 mm or about 15 mm, and the rollers 34, 53 are arranged such that the belt 52 engages with 50 to 65% of the circumference of the output roller 34 or in one embodiment about 57%.The tensioning roller 53 adjacent to the input roller 51 has a radius R4 of 17 to 28 mm, or in one embodiment approximately 17.5 mm, and the input roller 51 has a radius R3 of 130 to 170 mm, or in one embodiment approximately 150 mm. The tensioning roller 53 and the input roller 51 are arranged such that the shortest distance D2 between the rollers in this embodiment is 45 to 55 mm, or approximately 51 mm, and the rollers 51 and 53 are arranged such that the belt 52 engages with 60 to 75% of the circumference of the output roller 34, or in one embodiment approximately 69%. The rollers 51, 34, and 53 of Figures 25-26 can be used in conjunction with any embodiment described herein. The pedal assembly 60, as shown in Fig. 1-10, generally comprises two pedals 61, each attached to the end of one of two cranks 62 via spindle mechanisms, each crank 62 being operatively connected to the input roller 51 on opposite sides to drive the rotation of the input roller 51. In the embodiment of Fig. 1-10, the cranks 62 are connected to the input roller 51 via deflection levers 63 to provide an eccentric rotation mechanism. Each deflection lever 63 has a pivot joint 64, which is fixedly attached to the input roller 51 and allows the deflection lever 63 to rotate on or in alignment with the axis 55 of the input roller 51, and an arm 65 with an orbital connection 66 at or near its distal end. The orbital connection 66 revolves around the rotary connection 64 in a circular fashion and is connected to the pedal 61, for example via the spindle mechanism discussed herein.A cyclical movement of the pedals 61, driven by user pressure, thus drives the rotation of the input roller 51. The pedal assembly 60 can include additional components, such as spindles, axles, and connecting structures, to connect the components of the pedal assembly 60 to each other and / or to other components, such as the frame 12 or the roller assembly 50. In one embodiment, for example, the rotary joint 64 can be connected to drive the rotation of the axle 55 and thereby the rotation of the input roller 51, and in another embodiment, the rotary joint 64 can be directly connected to the input roller 51, so that both the deflection lever 63 and the input roller 51 rotate freely on the axle 55.It should be understood that other pedal mechanisms can be used to drive the rotation of the input roller 51 in other embodiments, such as a spindle mechanism in which the cranks 62 drive the rotation of the input roller 51 by rotating the spindle. The arm assembly 70, as shown in Figs. 1-12, generally comprises two arms 71, each connected to an axle 72 at a pivot point 73, each axle 72 being connected to a lever arm 74 and each lever arm 74 to a connecting piece or connecting rod 75, which is operatively connected to the roller assembly 50 and the pedal assembly 60. One of the connecting pieces 75 is shown in more detail in Fig. 12. Each of the arms 71 is an elongated element with a handle 76 that can extend transversely to the arm 71. The arms 71 are connected to the axles 72 and are designed to pivot back and forth about the pivot point 73 in a pendulum motion, the user being able to use the handles 76 to push and pull the arms 71 in this pendulum motion. The handles 76, as shown in Figs. 1-8, extend perpendicular to the arms 71, but in other embodiments they can also be inclined (i.e.The handles 76 may be formed at non-perpendicular angles to the arms 71. For example, in one embodiment, the handles 76 may extend outwards and backwards (i.e., towards the saddle 24) at oblique angles to the arms 71, thereby improving ergonomics. Furthermore, the handles 76 shown in Figs. 1-8 are fixed to the arms 71, but may additionally or alternatively be connected to the arms 71 in such a way that they are freely rotatable about their longitudinal axes. In the embodiment of Figs. 1-12, the proximal ends of the lever arms 74 are designed to be rotationally fixed with respect to the ends of the arms 71, for example, by making both the arms 71 and the lever arms 74 rotationally fixed with respect to the corresponding axes 72. In this embodiment, the lever arms 74 move with the same pivoting and oscillating motion as the arms 71. The distal ends of the lever arms 74 are connected to a first end 77 of each of the connecting pieces 75 on a connecting structure 82, so that the connecting piece 75 can rotate freely with respect to the distal ends of the lever arms 74. The oscillating motion of the arms 71 and the lever arms 74 results in a forward and backward reciprocating motion of the connecting pieces 75.A second end 78 of each of the connecting pieces 75 is connected to the orbital connection 66 at the distal end of the deflection lever 63 by a connecting structure 82 and is also freely rotatable with respect to the orbital connection 66. In this embodiment, the reciprocating motion of the connecting pieces 75 drives the orbital motion of the deflection levers 63 and thereby also drives the rotation of the input roller 51 by means of the mechanisms described herein. Accordingly, the user can exert force to drive the rotation of the main roller 51 by a rotational load on the pedals 61 and a reciprocating or pendulum load on the arms 71. The connecting structures 82 of each connecting piece 75 in Figures 1-10 and 12 have the form of openings that accommodate other structures, such as bearings, axles, spindles, etc.In a further embodiment, the connecting pieces 75 and the cranks 62 can be connected to different orbital connections 66 on the arm 65 of the deflection lever 63, so that the cranks 62 are each connected to a first orbital connection 66 on the corresponding deflection lever 63, and the connecting pieces 75 are each connected to a second orbital connection 66 on the corresponding deflection lever 63. The connecting pieces 75 in the embodiment of Figures 1-10 and 12 have side edges 79 that extend in the direction of the reciprocating movement and are straight and parallel to each other. In other words, each of the connecting pieces 75 extends in a straight line between the ends 77, 78. In this embodiment, the body of each connecting piece 75 has a flat surface 80 that extends along its entire length between the ends 77, 78 on both the inner and outer sides. It should be understood that the connecting pieces 75 may have a raised area and / or recessed area 81 on the inner and outer sides to increase stiffness, provided that this raised area / recessed area 81 does not extend to either of the side edges 79 of the connecting piece 75.This design differs from existing connecting pieces, which typically have a lateral bend or similar structure to compensate for width differences between the connections to the arms and the connections to the pedals. The resulting structure in Figures 1-10 and 12 allows a straight line to be drawn between the connecting structures 82 at the ends 77, 78, extending along the entire length of the flat surface(s) 80, and / or allows a plane to be drawn that intersects both of the connecting structures 82 and passes through both of the edges 79 along the entire length between the connecting structures 82. In this design, the force exerted along the length of each connecting piece 75 is a compressive or tensile force, rather than a shear force, bending force, or moment that might act if the connecting piece 75 were not straight.This results in greater stiffness and efficiency in use, compared to connecting pieces that are not straight, which can waste energy through bending or bulging, as well as an increased feeling of synchronization between the movement of the arms 71 and the pedals 61, compared to connecting pieces that have a certain degree of curvature. In another embodiment, the roller assembly 50 of Figs. 1-11 can be installed in an exercise bike that does not have an arm assembly 70, or in other training devices that use one or more roller assemblies with or without a fan or other type of rotor assembly. Likewise, the arm assembly 70 and the connecting pieces 75 of Figs. 1-10 and 12 can be installed in an exercise bike that uses a different type of roller assembly 50 or no roller assembly at all, or in other training devices that use pivot arms as a drive mechanism. In one embodiment, the bicycle 10 can have a computer system connected to numerous components of the bicycle 10 to monitor and / or collect data relating to the operation of the bicycle 10, and to perform calculations based on such data. For example, such a computer system can include a rotation sensor that detects the rotational speed of the rotor 30, a computer memory for storing data collected by the rotation sensor, and a computer processor to perform calculations based on such data, e.g., to calculate the virtual distance traveled or the calories burned. In one embodiment, the computer system can be calibrated for each individual bicycle 10 to the input power requirements of that bicycle 10 (which were determined by tests and / or calculations), so that the calculated calorie consumption data have increased accuracy. The bicycle 10 in Fig.1-10 comprises an interface 19 arranged so that it can be seen and / or operated by a user, and may include a visual output, an audio output and / or buttons or other input device(s) for operation. The bicycle 10 in Figs. 1-10 further comprises numerous covers and similar components to protect and / or conceal moving parts of the bicycle 10. Many such covers are not shown in Figs. 5-10 to show internal details. For example, the bicycle 10 comprises a rotor cover 18 that covers the rotor 30 to protect it from contact during rotation. The rotor cover 18 is a housing or similar structure with multiple openings that allow air to pass through, as shown in Figs. 1-4 and 13-17, protecting the rotor 30 while allowing air displaced by the rotor 30 to flow freely through the rotor cover 18.The rotor cover 18 includes one or more openings or recesses 91 to allow the connecting pieces 75 to extend through the rotor cover 18 to connect the arm assembly 70 to the pedal assembly 60, and to allow the belt 52 to extend through the rotor cover 18 to drive the rotation of the rotor 30. It should be understood that the rotor cover 18 can be formed from two or more sections connected to one another. The rotor cover 18 in Figures 1-10 is formed from three sections, as is the rotor cover 18 in Figures 13-17, with this structure being most clearly shown in Figure 17. In this embodiment, the rotor cover 18 comprises a front section 18A, which forms approximately the front half of the cover 18, and two rear sections 18B, each forming an upper and lower rear quarter of the cover 18.This design can provide greater stability and simpler connection compared to existing "shell / hinged housing" cover designs. As shown in Figures 13-14, the bicycle 10 can further include an air shield 92, which can be positioned to cover an upper rear section of the rotor cover 18 to prevent air displaced by the rotor 30 from blowing into the user's face. In this position, the air shield 92 can be connected to the frame 12 and / or the rotor cover 18. In other embodiments, the rotor cover 18 and the air shield 92 can be constructed with similar structural and functional elements, but with different configurations, such as a different decorative appearance. As another example, the bicycle 10 can have a roller cover 93 that covers certain components of the roller assembly 50 and the pedal assembly 60, as well as sections of the connecting pieces 75. The roller cover 93 in Fig. 1-4 is arranged directly next to the rotor cover 18 and has an opening 94 next to the opening 91 of the rotor cover 18, so that the connecting pieces 75 can extend directly from the rotor cover 18 into the roller cover 93 and are not exposed at any point. The roller cover 93 can be formed from several sections, such as two half sections, each arranged on one side of the input roller 51. As another example, the bicycle 10 can include pedal covers 95 arranged to cover the deflection levers 63 of the pedal assembly 60. The pedal covers 95 in Fig. 1-4 are firmly connected to the cranks 62 of the pedal assembly 60 and rotate together with the deflection levers 63.In other embodiments, other covers and similar components can be used. In further embodiments, the roller cover 93, the pedal covers 95, and other cover components of the bicycle 10 can be constructed with similar structural and functional elements, but with different designs, such as a different decorative appearance. Figures 13-24 show another embodiment of the bicycle 10, which is structurally and functionally identical in most aspects to the bicycle 10 of Figures 1-12. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the bicycle 10 in Figures 13-24 will only be described with regard to its significant differences from the bicycle 10 in Figures 1-12. Each of the features, components, and configurations described herein with respect to Figures 13-24 may be used in conjunction with other embodiments described herein, including the embodiment of Figures 1-12, and vice versa. It should be understood that all components and features described herein with respect to Figures 1-12, unless otherwise specified, are also present in the embodiment of Figures 13-24, and vice versa. In the embodiment of Figures 13-24, the bicycle 10 has an air shield 92, as described above, which is connected to the rotor cover 90.In addition, the bicycle 10 in Fig. 13-24 has pedal covers 95 that differ decoratively from the pedal covers 95 in Fig. 1-4, as well as other components with decorative differences. The bicycle 10 in Fig. 13-24 also has a device holder 96 designed to hold a portable device, such as a telephone, in a position that is clearly visible and accessible to the user. Another difference between the embodiment of Fig. 13-24 and the embodiment of Fig. 1-12 lies in the structures of the deflection levers 63, which is most clearly seen in Fig. 17. In this embodiment, the deflection lever 63, on the side of the frame 12 with the input roller 51, has a body 67 that is directly connected to the input roller 51, and a spindle 68 that extends from the body 67 and forms the axle 55 of the input roller.The body 67 can be considered to form the arm 65 of the deflection lever 63, as described herein. The spindle 68 also extends through the frame and is connected to the deflection lever 63 on the opposite side. Neither the air shield 92 nor the device mount 96 are shown in Fig. 17. Another difference between the embodiment of Figs. 13-24 and the embodiment of Figs. 1-12 is the structure of the blades 32 of the rotor 30. The blades 32 of the embodiment of Figs. 13-24 are shown in more detail in Figs. 21-24 and are described below. It should be understood that Fig. 17 shows a number of components that are either not visible or only partially visible in other figures, many of which are not specifically described herein. Fig. 17 shows the position, orientation, and structure of these components, and a person skilled in the art would recognize the identity and function of such components. The leaves 32 in the embodiment of Figs. 13-24 have a stepped or terraced cross-sectional shape and an asymmetrical profile at the distal end 37. The asymmetrical distal end 37 is most clearly shown in Fig. 22, where one of the sides 40 (and the flange 39 extending along this side 40) is shorter than the longer side 40 and extends further from the proximal end 36 than the longer side 40. The result of this design is that the distal end 37 has an asymmetrical configuration. The distal end 37 in Fig. 22 has a curved arc contour, with the apex of the arc being laterally offset and located closer to the longer side 40 than to the shorter side 40.In further embodiments, the distal end 37 in such an asymmetrical configuration can be straight and not perpendicular to the sides 40 and / or can have, among other things, a stepped or beveled configuration. The cross-sectional shape of the sheets 32 in Figs. 13-24 is most clearly illustrated in Figs. 21 and 23-24. In a stepped or terraced configuration, one or both surfaces 43 of the sheet 32 ​​have a first or upper section 45 and a second or lower section 46, which are connected to each other by one or more shoulder or step section(s) 47. The upper section 45, the lower section 46, and the step sections 47 all extend longitudinally and, in this embodiment, are arranged laterally adjacent to one another. It should be understood that "upper" and "lower," as used herein, are orientation-dependent, and the present description of the upper and lower sections 45, 46 refers to the orientation shown in Figs. 23-24. In this embodiment, the flanges 39 are arranged at an angle A1 to the upper section 45 of approximately 90°. In the embodiment of Fig.In Figures 21 and 23-24, the upper and lower sections 45, 46 are arranged essentially planar and parallel to each other, and therefore the angle between the flanges 39 and the lower sections 46 is also equal to A1. Additionally, the lower sections 46 are parallel and coplanar to each other. The sheets 32 in Figures 21 and 23-24 are thin sections (with a thickness T of 1 to 2 mm, e.g., 1.5 mm) with opposing surfaces 43 that are mirror images of each other. As can be seen in Figures 21 and 23-24, the upper section 45 is arranged in the middle section or central region of the sheet 32, with two lower sections 46 extending from the ends of the upper section 45 to the sides 40 of the sheet 32. The upper and lower sections 45, 46 are arranged vertically offset from each other, and the step sections 47 extend from opposite edges of the upper section 45 to the two lower sections.The step sections 47 both extend outwards and downwards (with respect to the orientation in Figs. 23-24) from the upper section 45 to the lower sections 46, and in the configuration shown, the step sections 47 form oblique (i.e., non-perpendicular) angles with the upper and lower sections 45, 46. The step sections 47 form angles A2 of 120° to 140° with the upper section 45, and, as shown in Fig. 24, angle A2 is approximately 129°. In a configuration where the upper and lower sections 45 are parallel to each other, the angle between the lower sections 45 and the step sections 47 is equal to A2. The resulting angle A3 between the step sections 47 and the flanges 39 can be represented by the equation A3 = A2 - A1, where, as shown in Fig. 24, where A1 is approximately 90°, this angle A3 is approximately 39°.In another embodiment, the step sections 47 can also be angled differently with respect to the upper section 45 and / or the lower sections 46, for example at right angles. The height H of the step sections 47 is defined as the height difference between the surfaces of the upper and lower sections 45, 46 and can therefore be considered equivalent to the degree of vertical offset between the upper and lower sections 45, 46. The height H is 2 to 3 mm in one embodiment and approximately 2.5 mm in the embodiment of Fig. 24. In one embodiment, the height H of the step sections 47 is greater than the thickness T of the sheet 32. As can be seen in Figs. 21 and 22, the upper section 45, the lower sections 46, and the step sections 47 extend longitudinally from the proximal end 36 to the distal end 37 over the entire length of the sheet 32.This stepped configuration improves the stiffness and bending stiffness of the 32 sheets. The numerous embodiments of an exercise bicycle 10 shown and described herein offer advantages over existing exercise bicycles and other training equipment. The bicycle 10 features a heavy-duty construction with greater stiffness and weight in the components of the rotor assembly 14 and the drive assembly 16 compared to other exercise bicycles. For example, the blades 32 of the rotor assembly 14 have a greater weight and structures to increase the stiffness and bending stiffness of the blades 32, resulting in a better feel, less vibration and noise, and a more consistent effort during the training movement. As another example, the connecting pieces 75 have a greater thickness and a straight or flat shape, which reduces energy losses and increases the synchronization between the arm assembly 70 and the pedal assembly 60.Other components of the bicycle 10 contribute to improved performance, such as the concave structure of the resistance rollers 53, which surprisingly ensures better tracking and better centering of the belt 52 during use. Further benefits and advantages are apparent to experts. Some alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. A person skilled in the art would understand the features of each embodiment, as well as the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person skilled in the art would also understand that each of the embodiments can be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is important to understand that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or central features. The examples and embodiments presented here are therefore to be regarded in every respect as illustrative and not as limiting, and the invention is not to be limited to the details mentioned herein.The terms “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “side”, “back”, “proximal”, “distal”, and the like, as used herein, serve only illustrative purposes and do not in any way limit the embodiments. Nothing in this description shall be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of the structures to be covered by the scope of protection of the invention, unless explicitly specified in the claims.“Integral joining technique,” ​​as used herein, means a technique for joining two pieces such that the two pieces effectively become a single, one-piece formed part, including, but not limited to, irreversible joining processes such as welding, brazing, soldering, or the like, where separation of the joined pieces cannot be achieved without causing structural damage to them. Additionally, the term “multiple,” as used herein, refers to any number greater than one, either separating or joining as required, up to an infinite number. The term “approximately,” as used herein, means a deviation of + / - 10% from the stated nominal value. For quantitative values ​​described herein that do not include decimal places, each digit to the left of the decimal point is considered a significant digit.Accordingly, although the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications are possible without substantially deviating from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is limited only by the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

An exercise bicycle comprising: a frame configured to rest on a ground surface and a saddle configured to support a user; a rotor supported by the frame, the rotor comprising a hub supported by the frame for rotation on a first axis, and a plurality of blades connected to the hub, the hub and the plurality of blades configured to rotate together about the first axis, and the plurality of blades comprising a first blade having a proximal end connected to the hub and an elongated body extending outwards longitudinally from the hub to a distal end, the elongated body having an upper and a lower surface and opposing first and second edges extending between the proximal and distal ends, the first blade further comprising a first flange.which is connected to the body and extends from the body transversely to the upper and lower surfaces, the first flange extending along the first edge of the first blade, the first flange having a first extension extending longitudinally outward from the proximal end of the body to form a first fastening element associated with the first flange, and the first fastening element being connected to the hub to connect the first blade to the hub; and a drive assembly operatively connected to the rotor to drive the rotation of the rotor, the drive assembly comprising a roller assembly mounted through the frame and operatively connected to the rotor, and a pedal assembly operatively connected to the roller assembly to drive the rotation of the rotor via the roller assembly. Training bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the first flange of the first blade extends along the first edge over an entire length of the first edge in the longitudinal direction and the first blade further comprises a second flange extending along the second edge over an entire length of the second edge in the longitudinal direction. Training bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the first flange extends downwards from the body of the first blade and forms a 90° angle with the body at a transition point between the body and the first flange. Exercise bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the first flange has a first height which is greater at the proximal end and smaller at the distal end. Exercise bicycle according to claim 4, wherein the first height decreases continuously from the proximal end to the distal end. Exercise bicycle according to claim 4, wherein the first blade further comprises a second flange extending transversely to the upper and lower surfaces along the second edge, and wherein the second flange has a second height which is greater at the proximal end and smaller at the distal end. Training bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the first blade further comprises a second flange extending transversely to the upper and lower surfaces along the second edge, wherein the second flange has a second extension extending longitudinally outwards from the proximal end of the body to form a second fastening element associated with the second flange, and wherein the second fastening element is connected to the hub to connect the first blade to the hub. Training bicycle according to claim 7, wherein the first blade has a first engagement surface spaced apart from a connection point between the first fastening element and the hub, and the hub has a complementary engagement surface that engages with the first engagement surface of the first blade to counteract the pivoting of the first blade about the connection point. Training bicycle according to claim 8, wherein the first engagement surface is arranged at one end of the first fastening element and the complementary engagement surface is formed by a projection on the hub which comes into contact with the first engagement surface. Exercise bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the body of the first blade has an upper section extending longitudinally in a central region of the first blade, a first lower section extending longitudinally along the first edge, and a second lower section extending longitudinally along the second edge, wherein the upper section is vertically offset with respect to the first and second lower sections, and wherein the body of the first blade further comprises a first step section extending downwards from the upper section to the first lower section, and a second step section extending downwards from the upper section to the second lower section. Training bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the width of the first blade, measured between the first and second edges, is constant from the proximal end to the distal end. Training bicycle according to claim 1, further comprising an arm arrangement which is operatively connected to the roller arrangement in order to drive the rotation of the rotor via the roller arrangement. Blade for connection with a hub of an exercise bicycle, the blade comprising: an elongated body having a proximal end designed to connect to the hub and extending outwards longitudinally from the proximal end to the distal end, the elongated body having an upper surface and a lower surface and opposing first and second edges extending between the proximal and distal ends;and a first flange connected to the body and extending from the body transversely to the upper and lower surfaces, the first flange extending along the first edge of the blade and the first flange having a first extension extending longitudinally outwards from the proximal end of the body to form a first fastening element associated with the first flange, and the first fastening element being configured to be connected to the hub in order to connect the first blade to the hub. Blade according to claim 13, further comprising a second flange connected to the body and extending from the body transversely to the upper and lower surfaces along the second edge, wherein the second flange has a second extension extending longitudinally outwards from the proximal end of the body to form a second fastening element connected to the second flange, and wherein the second fastening element is configured to be connected to the hub in order to connect the first blade to the hub. Sheet according to claim 14, wherein the first flange extends along the first edge over the entire length of the first edge in the longitudinal direction and the second flange extends along the second edge over the entire length of the second edge in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the first flange and the second flange have heights that are greater at the proximal end and smaller at the distal end.

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