Exercise bike with visual incline display

Abstract

A home trainer (1), comprising: a lifting mechanism (11); a frame (10) which is attached to the lifting mechanism (11); a resistance device (16) which is attached to the frame (10) and comprises an axle (163) and a flywheel (162); a reluctance mechanism (12) which is arranged next to the flywheel (162) and pivotably attached to the frame (10), wherein the reluctance mechanism (12) comprises several magnets; a coupling mechanism (15) comprising a first linkage seat (31) and pivotably attached to the reluctance mechanism (12); a first cable (14) with two ends, each attached to the first pivot seat (151) and the lifting mechanism (11); a linear mechanism (13) that is attached between the frame (10) and the lifting mechanism (11), wherein a length of the linear mechanism (13) is adjusted such that an angle between the lifting mechanism (11) changes and simultaneously the first cable (14) drives the first pivot seat (151), causing the reluctance mechanism (12) to rotate and thereby approaching or moving away from the flywheel (162), thus changing a resistance applied to the flywheel (162); and a first visual display (31) which emits a light in a color determined by a first parameter corresponding to an incline of the exercise bike (1).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an indoor exercise bike, in particular an exercise bike with a visual display of the incline. 2. Description of the known design

[0002] Indoor exercise is a great alternative in inclement weather and offers a variety of benefits that come with physical exercise on commercial fitness equipment, such as muscle strengthening, mood improvement, calorie burning, and improved physical fitness. Among exercise equipment, stationary bikes are more helpful for improving cardiopulmonary function and strengthening core muscles.

[0003] Most commercially available exercise bikes have a resistance adjustment function, but the incline cannot be changed. Some bikes have an adjustable incline. For example, US Patent No. 10,561,877B2 (TW637770B) describes a trainer with a frame consisting of a base section, an upright section, and a pivot. The upright section is connected to the base section at a single pivot point. Via a single pivot point, the pivot attaches the upright section to the base section. The pivot includes a thru-axle and a thru-axle socket. The thru-axle is attached to the upright section, while the thru-axle socket is attached to the base section. The trainer further includes an incline actuator that attaches the base section of the frame to the upright section of the frame and determines an angle that the upright section makes with the base section.

[0004] US patent US9833661B2 describes an exercise bike that enables improved training control through an improved information display. The exercise bike includes a first display and a second display. The first display is directed toward the exerciser and displays one or more pieces of information. The second display is directed toward the opposite side to display at least one piece of information. The displayed information includes both the training data recorded by the device (cadence / speed, power, resistance, etc.) and personal data such as heart rate and maximum heart rate.

[0005] State-of-the-art exercise bikes all consist of a stable base structure pivotally attached to an upright structure above. The angle between the upright structure and the base structure is varied by an incline actuator or an extension mechanism between them, thereby changing the incline of the exercise bike. As the incline changes, the resistance of the flywheel remains constant, with the resistance usually being adjusted by additional processes and mechanisms. Furthermore, the incline of the exercise bike is communicated to the user or trainer only via a control panel. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention is set out in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an exercise bike according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.2 shows a side view of the Fig. 1 shown exercise bike with some components removed. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the first visual display according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the first and second visual displays according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0007] In the best embodiment, the present invention provides an exercise bike 1 with a visual incline display, wherein the architecture of the exercise bike 1 may be the same as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 771,447, filed June 18, 2024, entitled "EXERCISE CYCLE IN WHICH RESISTANCE AND INCLINE CAN BE ADJUSTED SIMULTANEOUSLY." The entire contents of the above-referenced patent specification are incorporated into the specification and are considered part of the description of the present invention.

[0008] The Fig. 1 shows a perspective view showing an exercise bike 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a side view of the Fig. 1 shown exercise bike with some components removed. The Fig. 1 and Fig.2, the exercise bike 1 generally consists of a frame 10, a lifting mechanism 11, a reluctance mechanism 12, a linear mechanism 13, a first cable 14, a coupling mechanism 15, and a resistance device 16. The lifting mechanism 11 includes a first lifting arm 111 and a second lifting arm 112. The first lifting arm 111 has a first end 111a in contact with the ground and a second end 111b located above the ground, with the first end 111a of the first lifting arm 111 being pivotally mounted as a pivot point. The second lifting arm 112 has a first end 112a in contact with the ground and a second end 112b located above the ground, with the second end 112a of the second lifting arm 112 pivotally mounted as a pivot point. The second end 111b of the first lifting arm 111 and the second end 112b of the second lifting arm 112 are pivotally mounted at the pivot point P.The frame 10 is attached to the first lifting arm 111. The resistance device 16 is arranged on the frame 10 and consists of an axle 163 and a flywheel 162, also referred to as an "inertia wheel." The reluctance mechanism 12 is located adjacent to the flywheel 162 and is pivotally mounted to the frame 10. The reluctance mechanism 12 includes a plurality of magnets. The coupling mechanism 15 includes a first pivot seat 151 pivotally mounted to the reluctance mechanism 12. The first cable 14 has two ends, each attached to the first pivot seat 151 and the second lifting arm 112 (or to the first lifting arm 111 in another embodiment).The linear mechanism 13 is fixed between the frame and the second lifting arm 112, wherein a length of the linear mechanism 13 is adjusted to change an angle between the first lifting arm 111 and the ground and an angle between the second lifting arm 112 and the ground, wherein the first cable 14 simultaneously drives the first pivot seat 151, which causes the reluctance mechanism 12 to pivot and thus approach or move away from the flywheel 162, thereby changing a resistance exerted on the flywheel 162.

[0009] The Fig.1-3 show that the exercise bike 1 further comprises visual displays 31. In the preferred embodiment, the first visual displays 31 are arranged around a display 40 (e.g., a stopwatch) in front of the exercise bike 1. For example, the first visual displays 31 are arranged on the left side 401 and the right side 402 of the display 40. In the best embodiment, the first visual displays 31 are arranged on the left side 401, the right side 402, and the top side 403 of the display 40. This arrangement is more suitable for an instructor to observe several exercisers exercising on their respective exercise bikes 1 simultaneously from the front of the exercise bike 1. The first visual displays 31 can be integrated in a strip shape. The Fig.1-3 show that in some embodiments, the first visual indicators 31 may also include virtual indicators, such as an incline indicator 311 and a descent indicator 312, displayed on the screen of the display 40. In some embodiments, the flywheel 162 is covered with a housing 1620, on which some of the first visual indicators 31, as well as an incline indicator 311 and a descent indicator 312, are additionally arranged.

[0010] The Fig. 1-3 show that the incline of the exercise bike 1 changes as the linear mechanism 13 changes its length, with the first visual indicators 31 displaying a different color. Since the incline and resistance of the exercise bike 1 change simultaneously in the exemplary embodiment, the incline can also be used to indicate the user's level of exercise resistance.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an incline range of the exercise bike 1, e.g., -5° (downhill) to 12° (uphill), a total incline change of 17°, is defined as divided into several incline intervals (or incline steps, which are defined as the difference between the current incline and the minimum incline), wherein the first visual indicators 31 display a corresponding colored light corresponding to the incline interval (or increase in incline) corresponding to the current incline (see Table 1). For example, if the current incline is 3°, the first visual indicator 31 emits a yellow light. When adjusting the incline of the exercise bike 1, in a preferred embodiment, the first visual indicators 31, arranged around the display 40, sequentially display the change in incline as an incline or decline. Fig.3 shows that, for example, when the user adjusts the incline and changes the gradient (current incline minus previous incline) with a positive value, the first visual indicators 31 will illuminate sequentially from bottom to top on both sides of the display 40, and their brightness may differ. Likewise, when the user adjusts the incline and the change in incline is a negative value, the first visual indicators 31 will illuminate sequentially from top to bottom on both sides of the display 40, and their brightness may differ. In other embodiments, when the user adjusts the incline and the change in incline is a positive value, the gradient indicator 311 will display and / or flash; when the change in incline is a negative value, the descent indicator 312 will display and / or flash. Table 1 Gradient interval -5° - -2,5° -2,4° - 0° 0,1° - 2,5° 2,6° - 5° 5,1° - 7,5° 7,6° - 9,0° 9,1° - 12° Increase in gradient 0° - 2,5° 2,6° - 5° 5,1° - 7.5° 7,6° - 10° 10,1° - 12,5° 12,6° - 14,0° 14,1° - 17° Color emitted by the first indicators 31 Blue Cyan Green Yellow Orange Pink Purple

[0012] In some embodiments, in addition to displaying according to a first parameter—the incline (or the increase in incline)—one or more of the first visual displays 31 further flash at a frequency (rpm, the number of times the first visual displays 31 flash per minute) according to a second parameter. The selection of the second parameter includes the user's current heart rate and the user's traveling speed (rpm, the speed of the pedal 20 about the axis 163). Sensors are provided on the user's body and on the exercise bike 1 to measure the user's heart rate and traveling speed, with the measured data being continuously transmitted to a control system of the exercise bike 1.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a user's heart rate range is divided into a plurality of heart rate intervals. One or more first visual indicators 31, such as the first visual indicators 31 installed around the display 40, display or emit a corresponding colored light corresponding to the current incline of the exercise bike 1. The first visual indicators 31 flash at a frequency (rpm, the number of times the first visual indicators 31 flash per minute) corresponding to the heart rate interval corresponding to the user's heart rate (see Table 2). Table 2 Heart rate interval (rpm) Under 80 81-100 101-120 121-150 151-180 181-200 201 and higher Flashing frequency of the first indicators (rpm) 60 75 86 100 120 150 200

[0014] For example, Tables 1 and 2 show that when the current incline of the exercise bike is 1° to 3° and the user's current heart rate is 1110 beats per minute, the first visual indicator 31 installed around the display 40 will emit a yellow light and flash 86 times per minute, allowing the exerciser and / or the instructor to intuitively recognize the current incline of the exercise bike 1 and the user's heart rate.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a range of the user's riding speed (rpm) is divided into a plurality of riding speed intervals. The first visual indicators 31 display a colored light corresponding to the current incline of the exercise bike 1, with the first visual indicators 31 being displayed at a frequency (rpm) corresponding to the riding speed interval corresponding to the user's riding speed (see Table 3). Table 3 Driving speed interval (rpm) Under 80 81-90 91-100 101-110 111-120 121-130 131 and higher Flashing frequency of the first displays (rpm) 60 75 86 100 120 150 200

[0016] For example, Tables 1 and 3 show that the first visual indicator 31 installed around the display 40 emits a yellow light and 86 flashes per second when the current incline of the exercise bike is 1° to 3° and the current speed of the user is 95 rpm, whereby the exerciser and / or the instructor can intuitively recognize the current incline of the exercise bike 1 and the current speed of the user thanks to this yellow light and the 86 flashes per second.

[0017] The Fig.4 shows that, in some embodiments, the exercise bike 1 further comprises one or more second visual displays 32. When a third parameter reaches a predetermined value, the second visual display 32 emits a light and / or flashes. The selection of the third parameter includes the exercise time or calories burned. When the user's exercise time reaches a predetermined time, e.g., half an hour, or when the number of calories burned reaches a predetermined number, e.g., 200 calories, the second visual display 32 will emit a light and / or flash to remind the user to take a break. Fig. 4 shows that the second visual indicators 32 may be virtual lights on the display 40.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first parameter indicates a gradient increase ratio defined as gradient increase / maximum gradient increase, where the gradient increase is defined as the difference between the current gradient and the minimum gradient, and the maximum gradient is defined as the difference between the maximum gradient and the minimum gradient. For example, an incline range of exercise bike 1 is from -5 degrees to 7 degrees, with a total gradient increase of 12 degrees. Some example gradient increase ratios are shown in Table 4. The gradient increase ratio range is divided into several gradient increase intervals, with the first visual display 31 emitting a corresponding color according to the gradient increase interval that corresponds to the current increase (see Table 5).For example, if the current gradient increase ratio is less than or equal to 0.14, the first visual indicator 31 emits a blue light. This design allows the exerciser and / or instructor to intuitively recognize the current intensity of the workout. Table 4 gradient -5° (min.) -3° -1° 1° 3° 5° 7° (max.) Increase in gradient 0° 2° 4° 6° 8° 10° 12° Ratio of increase in gradient 0,00 0,17 0,33 0,50 0,67 0,83 1,00 Table 5 gradient -3,3° -5° - -3,29° - -1,59° -1,58° - 0,12° 0,13° - 1,83° 1,84° - 3,54° 3,55° -5,25° 5,26°-7,00° Increase in gradient 0°-1,7° 1,71° - 3,41° 3,42° - 5,12° 5,13° - 6,83° 6,84° - 8,54° 8,55° - 10,25° 10,26°-12,00° Interval of increase in gradient 0 - 0,142 0,143 - 0,284 0,285 - 0,427 0,428 - 0,569 0,570 - 0,712 0,713 - 0,854 0,855 - 1,00 Color that the first ads 31 emit Blue Cyan Green Yellow Orange Pink Purple

[0019] In some embodiments, a fourth parameter is the first parameter plus a second parameter, wherein the first parameter indicates the gradient increase ratio and selection of the second parameter includes one of the user's heart rate ratio, riding speed, and flywheel resistance ratio, wherein the first visual indicators 31 emit a corresponding color after a fourth parameter interval corresponding to the fourth parameter.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second parameter is the heart rate ratio, which is defined as the current heart rate divided by the maximum heart rate and whose value lies between 0 and 1. In an example in Table 6, the user's heart rate range is, for example, between 80 and 210 rpm. If the current heart rate is 150 rpm, the heart rate ratio is 150 / 210=0.71. In a preferred embodiment, each exerciser can enter the minimum and maximum heart rate via a control panel to define a heart rate range that corresponds to them. Table 6 Current heart rate (rpm) 80 105 125 145 165 195 210 Heart rate ratio 0,38 0,50 0,60 0,69 0,79 0,93 1,00

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a resistance range of the exercise bike 1 ranges from level 0 to level 13, while the second parameter is the resistance ratio, which is defined as the current resistance (level) divided by the maximum resistance (level), with its value ranging between 0 and 1 (see Table 7). For example, if the resistance is at level 4, the resistance ratio is 4 / 13=0.31. In a preferred embodiment, the exercise bike 1 includes a knob (not shown) for adjusting an initial distance between the reluctance mechanism 12 and the flywheel 162 so that each user can set the resistance range that suits them. For example, a smaller initial distance between the reluctance mechanism 12 and the flywheel 162 results in a greater initial resistance of the exercise bike 1. Table 7 Resistance (level) 0 2 4 6 8 10 13 resistance ratio 0,00 0,15 0,31 0,46 0,62 0,77 1,00

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the user's minimum travel speed is 0 rpm and the maximum speed is 140 rpm. The travel speed ratio is defined as the current travel speed (rpm) divided by the maximum travel speed (rpm), with a value between 0 and 1 (see Table 8). Table 8 Current driving speed (rpm) 0 25 50 70 95 120 140 Ratio of driving speed 0,00 0,18 0,36 0,50 0,68 0,86 1,00

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fourth parameter is the “gradient increase ratio” plus the “heart rate ratio”, with its value ranging between 0 and 2 (see Table 9). Table 9 Ratio of increase in gradient Heart rate ratio 0,00 0,17 0,33 0,50 0,67 0,83 1,00 0,00 0,00 0,17 0,33 0,50 0,67 0,83 1,00 0,15 0,15 0,32 0,49 0,65 0,82 0,99 1,15 0,31 0,31 0,47 0,64 0,81 0,97 1,14 1,31 0,50 0,50 0,67 0,83 1,00 1,17 1,33 1,50 0,62 0,62 0,78 0,95 1,12 1,28 1,45 1,62 0,77 0,77 0,94 1,10 1,27 1,44 1,60 1,77 1,00 1,00 1,17 1,33 1,50 1,67 1,83 2,00

[0024] In one embodiment, a range of the fourth parameter (0-2) is divided into a plurality of fourth parameter intervals, with the first visual indicator 31 emitting a corresponding colored light corresponding to the fourth parameter interval (see Table 10). When the fourth parameter is 1.32, the first visual indicator 31 emits an orange light. Table 10 Fourth parameter interval 0 - 0,28 0,29 - 0,57 0,58 - 0,86 0,87 - 1,15 1,16 - 1,44 1,45 - 1,73 1,74 -2 Color that the first ads 31 emit Blue Cyan Green Yellow Orange Pink Purple

[0025] In one embodiment, the fourth parameter is the "gradient gradient ratio" + the "drag coefficient." In another embodiment, the fourth parameter is the "gradient gradient ratio" + the "travel speed."

[0026] In some embodiments, a fifth parameter is the first parameter plus two different second parameters, where the first parameter is the gradient increase ratio, and the second parameter selection is the heart rate ratio, which includes the ground speed ratio and the resistance ratio. The first visual indicators 31 will emit a corresponding colored light according to a fifth parameter interval corresponding to the fifth parameter.

[0027] In one example, the fifth parameter is the gradient increase ratio plus the resistance ratio and the travel speed ratio, with a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 3. The first visual indicators 31 emit a predetermined colored light according to the fifth parameter interval corresponding to the fifth parameter (see Table 11). In a better embodiment, the fifth parameter is the gradient increase ratio plus the resistance ratio and the heart rate ratio, with a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 3. Table 11 Fifth parameter interval 0-0,42 0,43 - 0,85 0,86 - 1,28 1,29 - 1,71 1,72 - 2,14 2,15 - 2,57 2,58 - 3,00 Color that the first ads 31 emit Blue Cyan Green Yellow Orange Pink Purple

[0028] In some embodiments, the user can input the color and / or frequency of the first displays 31 corresponding to the individual intervals of each of the aforementioned first to fifth parameters via a control panel (not shown).

[0029] The exercise bike according to the present invention with visual display of the incline and additional parameters allows the trainee and / or instructor to conveniently and quickly recognize the current training level and physiological parameters of the trainee and to assist him in immediate adjustment.

[0030] Although the embodiment described above shows an exercise bike with adjustable incline, it is to be understood that the principles described in this patent can be applied to any suitable trainer, such as elliptical trainers, steppers, rowing machines, etc. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 10,561,877B2

[0003] TW637770B

[0003] US 9833661B2

[0004] US 18 / 771,447

[0007]

Claims

[1] An exercise bike (1) comprising: a lifting mechanism (11); a frame (10) attached to the lifting mechanism (11); a resistance device (16) mounted on the frame (10) and comprising an axle (163) and a flywheel (162); a reluctance mechanism (12) disposed adjacent to the flywheel (162) and pivotally mounted to the frame (10), the reluctance mechanism (12) comprising a plurality of magnets; a coupling mechanism (15) comprising a first pivot seat (31) and pivotally mounted on the reluctance mechanism (12); a first cable (14) having two ends each attached to the first pivot seat (151) and the lifting mechanism (11); a linear mechanism (13) mounted between the frame (10) and the lifting mechanism (11), wherein a length of the linear mechanism (13) is adjusted so that an angle between the lifting mechanism (11) changes and, at the same time, the first cable (14) drives the first pivot seat (151), causing the reluctance mechanism (12) to rotate and thereby approach or move away from the flywheel (162), thereby changing a resistance applied to the flywheel (162); and a first visual display (31) emitting a light in a color determined by a first parameter corresponding to an incline of the exercise bike (1). [2] The exercise bike (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first visual display (31) emits a light at a frequency corresponding to the second parameter, and the selection of the second parameter includes a heart rate and a riding speed. [3] The exercise bike (1) according to claim 2, further comprising a second visual display (32), wherein the second visual display (32) emits a light or flashes when a third parameter reaches a predetermined value, and the selection of the third parameter corresponds to an exercise duration and a number of calories burned. [4] The exercise bike (1) according to claim 3, wherein the second visual display (32) emits a virtual light, which light is emitted on a display (40) of the exercise bike (1). [5] The exercise bike (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first parameter corresponds to a gradient increase ratio, which is an increase in gradient divided by a maximum gradient increase of the exercise bike (1), the gradient increase corresponds to the difference between the current gradient and a minimum gradient of the exercise bike (1), and the maximum gradient increase corresponds to the difference between a maximum gradient and the minimum gradient of the exercise bike (1). [6] The exercise bike (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first visual display (31) emits the light in the color predetermined by a fourth parameter corresponding to the first parameter plus the second parameter, and the selection of the second parameter comprises one of a heart rate ratio, a riding speed ratio, and a resistance ratio, the heart rate ratio is the user's current heart rate divided by the user's maximum heart rate, the riding speed ratio is the user's current riding speed divided by a maximum riding speed, and the resistance ratio is the current resistance divided by a maximum resistance applied to the flywheel. [7] The exercise bike (1) according to claim 6, wherein the first visual display (31) emits the light in the color specified by a fifth parameter which is the first parameter plus two of the second parameters, and the selection of two of the second parameters corresponds to two of the heart rate ratio, the riding speed ratio and the resistance ratio. [8] The exercise bike (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first display (31) comprises a plurality of first displays arranged around a display of the exercise bike. [9] The exercise bike (1) according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of first visual indicators (31) emit the light one by one to reflect whether the change in the incline is a positive or negative value. [10] The exercise bike (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lifting mechanism (11) comprises the following components: a first lifting arm (111) having a first end (111a) in contact with the ground, the second end (111b) being above the ground, and the first end (111a) of the first lifting arm (111) being pivotally mounted as a pivot point; and a second lifting arm (112) having a first end (112a) in contact with the ground, the second end (112b) being above the ground, the second end (111b) of the first lifting arm (111) and the second end (112b) of the second lifting arm (112) being pivotally mounted as a pivot point.

Images