An exercise bike

Abstract

A resilient linkage for an exercise bike, the linkage comprising: a steering tube having a steering axis; an arm extending outwardly from the steering tube; a spherical bearing received in the arm; and a resilient member, wherein a first end of the resilient member is received in the spherical bearing.

Description

[0001] AN EXERCISE BIKE

[0002] FIELD

[0003] Exercise bikes, and more particularly, tilting exercise bikes.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Exercise bikes such as that disclosed in GB2520677B offer users a realistic cycling experience by allowing the bike frame to tilt from side to side, as is customary for a conventional bicycle. Known exercise bikes provide resilient mountings between the frame and base which urge the frame to a substantially neutral or upright position.

[0006] In addition to realistic tilting, known exercise bikes include working steering. The example in GB2520677B provides a resilient member between the steering tube and the base, such that when the frame tilts the steering tube is urged in a particular direction. A user can apply a force to the steering tube and via a transfer of forces through the frame, steering tube, resilient member and base, the frame tilt position can be affected by the user.

[0007] Due to the forces involved and the repetitive or cyclic loading present at the resilient member, the resilient member must be formed from a relatively stiff material which will not easily fatigue. The nature of known tilting exercise bikes means that the resilient member must withstand the adapting geometry of the bike components, in use, without breaking, disconnecting, fouling, being noisy, or allowing the user to tilt the frame beyond a safe position.

[0008] There is therefore a need in the industry for an apparatus which successfully goes some way to addressing some or all of these issues.

[0009] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention provides:

[0011] In a first embodiment, a resilient linkage for an exercise bike, the linkage comprising: a steering tube having a steering axis; an arm extending outwardly from the steering tube; a spherical bearing received in the arm; and a resilient member, wherein a first end of the resilient member is received in the spherical bearing. In at least one embodiment the arm receives the spherical bearing such that an outer race of the spherical bearing is substantially immovable relative to the arm, and the resilient member is slidably received in an inner race of the spherical bearing.

[0012] In at least one embodiment the steering tube is configured to rotate about the steering axis, and the corresponding rotation of the arm is configured, in use, to deform the resilient member when the steering tube is rotated.

[0013] In at least one embodiment an exercise bike comprising: a base; a frame pivotably mounted to the base; and the resilient linkage, wherein the steering tube is received by the frame and a second end of the resilient member is received by the base.

[0014] In at least one embodiment the frame is removably mounted to the base such that removal of the frame from the base disengages the resilient member from the spherical bearing.

[0015] In at least one embodiment the resilient member has three rotational degrees of freedom about the arm.

[0016] In at least one embodiment the geometry of the resilient linkage is configured to allow the resilient member to disengage from the spherical bearing when the strain of the resilient member reaches a predetermined level.

[0017] In at least one embodiment the first end of the resilient member is received in the spherical bearing such that the spherical bearing is substantially immovable relative to the resilient member, and the spherical bearing is slidably received by the arm.

[0018] In at least one embodiment the resilient linkage or exercise bike is configured to allow removal of the resilient member for replacement with another resilient member.

[0019] In a second embodiment, a resilient linkage for an exercise bike, the linkage comprising: a steering tube having a steering axis; an arm extending outwardly from the steering tube; wherein a first end of a resilient member is received in the arm, and a second end of the resilient member is received in a spherical bearing. In at least one embodiment the arm receives the resilient member such that the resilient member is substantially immovable relative to the arm, and the resilient member is slidably received in the spherical bearing.

[0020] In at least one embodiment an exercise bike comprising: a base; a frame pivotably mounted to the base; and the resilient linkage arrangement of any of claims 11-12, wherein the steering tube is received in the frame and the spherical bearing is received in the base.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0022] In orderthatthe present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] FIGURE 1 is an illustrative side view of an exercise bike, embodying the present disclosure;

[0024] FIGURE 2a is an illustrative rear side view of an exercise bike with a neutral steering angle, embodying the present disclosure;

[0025] FIGURE 2b is an illustrative rear side view of an exercise bike with a non-neutral steering angle, embodying the present disclosure;

[0026] FIGURE 3a is an illustrative side cross sectional view of a resilient linkage with a neutral steering angle, embodying the present disclosure;

[0027] FIGURE 3b is an illustrative side cross sectional view of a resilient linkage with a non-neutral steering angle, embodying the present disclosure; and

[0028] FIGURE 4 is an illustrative side cross sectional view of a resilient linkage, embodying the present disclosure.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0030] In a first embodiment there is provided a resilient linkage 1 for an exercise bike 10. With reference to Figure 1 , the resilient linkage 1 comprises a steering tube 2, having a steering axis 20. The resilient linkage 1 further comprises an arm 3 which extends outwardly from the steering tube 2. The resilient linkage 1 further comprises a spherical bearing 4 (not visible in Figure 1 , see cross sectional views in Figures 3 and 4) which is received in the arm 3. The resilient linkage 1 further comprises a resilient member 5 having a first end 5a received in the spherical bearing 4.

[0031] It should be recognised that this first embodiment may be suitable for use with an exercise bike 10. Known exercise bikes often do not provide any steering functionality. It is therefore advantageous to the user experience of an exercise bike 10 to provide this. The previously described resilient linkage 1 could, however, be incorporated with a regular exercise bike. The steering tube 2 may be operated through varying degrees of rotation by a user, optionally via a handlebar 13. The arm 3 connected to the steering tube 2 may rotate substantially about the steering axis 20 when the steering tube 2 is rotated. The distal end of the arm 3 which connects to the resilient member 5, optionally via spherical bearing 4, may swing in a substantially circular path with the steering axis 20 at its centre when the steering tube 2 is rotated. When the distal end of the arm 3 moves along its path, the first end 5a of the resilient member 5 is urged to follow the distal end of the arm.

[0032] With reference to Figures 2a and 2b, the mechanism of the resilient linkage 1 is illustrated, in use, with an exercise bike 10.

[0033] Figure 2a depicts the exercise bike 10 with a neutral steering angle. A neutral steering angle is where no steering input is applied, hence, as is illustrated, the handlebar 13 is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the frame 12. Said differently, the longitudinal axis of the handlebar 13 is substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel, as is conventional for a bicycle travelling in a straight line.

[0034] Figure 2b depicts the exercise bike 10 with a non-neutral steering angle. A non-neutral steering angle occurs in any scenario other than the aforementioned neutral steering angle. In a non-neutral steering angle, the handlebar 13 is not perpendicular to the plane of the frame 12, or the direction of travel. There is therefore an (oblique) angle not equal to 90° between the handlebar 13 and the plane of the frame 12 and / or the direction of travel.

[0035] In the non-neutral position illustrated in Figure 2b, the steering tube 2 has rotated clockwise as viewed form above the exercise bike 10. The arm 3 now extends outward and to the left side of the frame 12. Had the steering tube 2 rotated counterclockwise, the arm 3 would have protruded from the right side of the frame 12. As mentioned previously, the first end 5a of the resilient member 5 is urged by the arm 3, optionally via the spherical bearing 4, in the direction that the arm 3 moves.

[0036] In embodiments where the arm 3 extends from the steering tube 2 in a direction opposite to that depicted in Figure 2, i.e. in a forward direction, as opposed to the rearward direction illustrated, the detail of the previous paragraphs applies but in the opposite direction. Hence, with an outwardly and forwardly protruding arm 3, clockwise rotation of the steering tube 2 causes the arm 3 to extend to the right side of the frame 12. Counterclockwise rotation of the steering tube 2 causes the arm 3 to extend to the left side of the frame 13. As is conventional, rotation of the steering tube 2 in either direction may be caused by rotation of the handlebar 13 in the same direction.

[0037] The steering tube 2 may be a circular cross section tube, as is conventional for known bicycles. The steering tube 2 may alternatively take on an alternative cross section. The steering tube 2, as illustrated in Figure 1 , may not have a consistent cross section along its length.

[0038] The steering axis 20 may be the longitudinal axis of the steering tube 2. The steering tube 2 may be suitable to rotate about the steering axis 20 by up to 360 degrees. Alternatively, the steering tube 2 may not be suitable to make a full rotation about the steering axis 20.

[0039] The arm 3 may extend outwardly from the steering tube 2. The arm 3 may extend substantially perpendicularly from the steering tube 2. The arm 3 may extend radially outwardly from the steering tube 2 (as illustrated). The arm 3 may be formed as a single component with the steering tube 2. The arm 3 may extend from the steering tube 2 and, as it does so, may reduce in cross sectional area (as illustrated in the figures). An exemplary arm 3 is illustrated in the figures, but it should be understood that the arm 3 may take on any suitable form. The arm 3 serves the purpose of allowing a point of mechanical connection to the steering tube 2 to be offset from the steering axis 20. It should be appreciated that the radius of the steering tube 2, about the steering axis 20 may act as an arm 3 without the need for a separate (as illustrated) feature. A given point on the circumference of the steering tube 2 inherently moves along a circular path at a radial distance from the steering axis 20 when the steering tube 2 is rotated. Therefore, the inherent radius of the steering tube 2 may act as an arm 3, extending outwardly from the centre of the steering tube 2. In such an embodiment, the spherical bearing 4 and resilient member s (both discussed later), may be received in the steering tube 2, as opposed to the arm 3. It should be understood that the present disclosure requires that the resilient member 5 be radially spaced apart from the steering axis 20. This concept is achieved with the illustrated arm 3; but this is not the exclusive solution.

[0040] The spherical bearing 3 may be a plain bearing with metal-on-metal contact between inner 4a and outer 4b races. Alternatively, the spherical bearing 4 may be a roller bearing with a series of rollers or balls between the inner 4a and outer 4b races. The spherical bearing 4 may be made from steel, plastic, or any other suitable material. The spherical bearing 4 may be retained in the arm 3 by various means. For example, the arm 3 may provide a threaded hole (as is illustrated in Figure 3) adjacent to the received spherical bearing 4 suitable to accept a grub screw to retain the spherical bearing 4 via its outer race 4b. Alternatively or additionally, the arm 3 may provide a friction fit to the spherical bearing 4. Retaining the spherical bearing 4 in such ways may allow the spherical bearing 4 to be replaced periodically as a serviceable item that may wear out in use. Alternatively, the spherical bearing 4 may be retained by more permanent means such as welding or gluing. It should be understood that any means for and philosophy of retaining the spherical bearing 4 in the arm 3, in the case of certain embodiments, are equally applicable to retaining the spherical bearing 4 in the base 11 .

[0041] Alternatively, and / or additionally, the spherical bearing 4 and arm 3 may be formed as a single component. Optionally, the spherical bearing 4 and arm 3 may be formed as a single component with the steering tube 2.

[0042] The resilient member 5 may be formed from any suitable material, including metals, plastics, natural materials or composite materials. The resilient member 5 may or may not have a consistent cross-sectional area. The resilient member 5 may be substantially elongate. The resilient member 5 may have a first end 5a and a second end 5b. In the exemplary resilient member 5 illustrated in the figures, the first end 5a and second end 5b may otherwise be identified, respectively, as the top and bottom of the resilient member 5.

[0043] The resilient member s may offer various mechanical properties which may not be consistent in all directions. For example, the resilient member 5 may offer a high resistance to tensile extension in its longitudinal direction. The resilient member 5 may offer a limited resistance to bending in directions substantially within the plane of the frame and may offer higher resistance to bending in the side to side direction (across the frame). This variation in mechanical properties may be because of the shape of the resilient member 5 or due to variations in the materials used throughout the resilient member 5.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, the arm 3 may receive the spherical bearing 4 such that the outer race 4b of the spherical bearing 4 is substantially immovable relative to the arm 3. The resilient member 5 may be slidably received in the inner race 4a of the spherical bearing 4. Alternatively, the inner race 4a of the spherical bearing 4 may receive the arm 3, and the resilient member 5 may be fixed to the outer race 4b of the spherical bearing 5. This alternative arrangement is not illustrated.

[0045] The resilient member s and / or the spherical bearing 4 may be formed from materials which, when in contact, in use, allow for movement of the resilient member 5 relative to the spherical bearing 4 with little to no friction and / or resistance. Alternatively, and / or additionally, the spherical bearing 4 and / or resilient member 5 may have a coating applied to their external surfaces such that the friction / surface resistance to movement is reduced. The coating may be a ceramic coating or any other low friction material which may, additionally or alternatively, have a high resistance to mechanical wear. In at least one embodiment, the steering tube 2 of the resilient linkage 1 may be configured to rotate about a steering axis 20. The arm 3, connected to the steering tube 2, may correspondingly rotate when the steering tube 2 is rotated. The corresponding rotation of the arm 3 may be configured, in use, to deform the resilient member 5 when the steering tube 2 is rotated.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, the resilient linkage 1 may be comprised in an exercise bike 10. The exercise bike 10 may comprise a base 11 , a frame 12 pivotably mounted to the base 11 , and the resilient linkage 1 . The steering tube 2 may be received by the frame 12. A second end 5b of the resilient member 5 may be received by the base 11 .

[0047] The exercise bike 10 may take the form of any conventional exercise bike, or alternatively may include additional functionality such as frame tilting and steering. The frame 12 of the exercise bike 10 may be formed from a plurality of tube-like sections, as is conventional. Various frame styles are possible, such as road, mountain, reclined, or BMX. It should be recognised that the style of the frame is not critical to the present disclosure as fundamental elements of the frame are relatively consistent across the various styles.

[0048] The frame 12 may be pivotably mounted to the base 11 via one or more resilient mounts. The resilient mounts may be fixed internally to the base 11 and, as illustrated in the figures, the base 11 may comprise a main (central) section which is made up of several independently rotatable portions. These rotatable portions may be joined via the aforementioned resilient mounts. The resilient mounts may urge the frame 12 toward a substantially upright position when the frame 12 is tilted away from the upright position in use.

[0049] As is conventional, the frame 12 may further comprise a head tube through which the steering tube 2 may extend. The steering tube 2 may be journaled to the head tube via one or more bearings, as is conventional. The steering tube 2 may be restrained within the head tube such that the steering tube 2 cannot slide within the head tube during use. The steering tube 2 may be removable from the head tube for maintenance purposes (or for any other reason).

[0050] The second end 5b of the resilient member 5 may be received by the base 11 via any suitable means. The second end 5b of the resilient member 5 may be rigidly received by the base 11 . If the resilient member 5 is rigidly received by the base 11 , any movement of the arm 3 does not have a substantial effect on the second end 5b of the resilient member 5. Further, if the arm 3 moves, the fist end 5a of the resilient member 5 will be urged out of alignment with the second end 5b such that the resilient member 5 is no longer straight. It is this deformation which causes strain in the resilient member 5 such that the resilient member 5 begins to urge the arm 3 back to its neutral position. As viewed in Figure 2b, the second end 5b cannot move relative to the base, however the distance (referred to herein as the ‘strain distance’) between the point of contact of the second end 5b of the resilient member 5 and the base 11 , and the point of contact of the first end 5a of the resilient member 5 and the arm 3 (or spherical bearing 4) is not consistent when the arm 3 rotates.

[0051] The strain distance is at a minimum when the resilient linkage 1 is arranged in the neutral position. In the neutral position, as illustrated in Figures 2a and 3a, the arm 3 and resilient member 5 are both positioned substantially within the plane of the frame 12. Said differently, the arm 3 does not protrude to the left side or the right side of the frame 12 when the resilient linkage 1 is on the neutral position. Further, in the neutral position, the resilient member s may be substantially parallel to the steering tube 2.

[0052] When the steering tube 2 is rotated about the steering axis 20 the strain distance begins to increase from its minimum. As the steering tube 2 rotates (as illustrated in Figures 2b and 3b) the distal end of the arm 3 is moved about the steering axis 20 to a position offset from the neutral position.

[0053] In embodiments where the resilient member s is substantially unextendible in its longitudinal direction, in order for the resilient member 5 to maintain contact with the arm 3 (or spherical bearing 4) and the base 11 the resilient member must be allowed to slide freely at least at one end 5a or 5b. In the illustrated example of Figure 3b it can be seen that the first end 5a of the resilient member 5 has, partially, slid through the inner race 4a of the spherical bearing 4 and hence there is a larger gap between the first end 5a of the resilient member 5 and the top portion of the arm 3 in Figure 3b than is present in Figure 3a. This has occurred due to the second end 5b of the resilient member 5 being substantially retained in the base 11 , and therefore unable to slide in the longitudinal direction of the resilient member 5.

[0054] It should be noted that the sectional views of Figures 3a and 3b are each as viewed from a direction perpendicular to both the extension of the arm 3 (from the steering tube 2) and the steering axis 20. Figure 2a corresponds to Figure 3a and Figure 2b corresponds to Figure 3b.

[0055] Due to being received by the base 11 , the resilient member 5 may, when the arm 3 is rotated, be forced to deform. The deformation of the resilient member 5 may be a combination of bending and twisting. As was noted previously, the mechanical properties of the resilient member s may have the effect of additionally or alternatively causing the member 5 to twist about its fixed end as opposed to, or, in addition to bending.

[0056] Certain embodiments, as illustrated, provide a resilient connection between the resilient member 5 and the base 11 . The purpose of such a connection is to allow for rotation of the resilient member 5 about the base 11 . This connection may urge the resilient member 5 to a substantially upright position. The resiliency of the connection may be considered as an additional element of the resiliency of the resilient member s. As should be understood, the principal of the embodiments disclosed herein is that a level of resistance and / or resiliency to movement is provided between the base 11 and the arm 3.

[0057] In at least one embodiment, the frame 12 of the exercise bike 10 may be removably mounted to the base 11 such that removal of the frame 12 from the base 11 disengages the resilient member 5 from the spherical bearing 4. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, removal of the frame 12 may cause the resilient member 5 to disengage from the base 11 at the second end 5b of the resilient member 5.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiments, the steering tube 2, along with the arm 3 and handlebars 13, are removable with the frame 12, from the base 11 . The resilient member 5 may be configured to be slidable relative to the spherical bearing 4, optionally within the inner race 4a. Therefore, if the spherical bearing 4 were to be moved along the resilient member 5 to such an extend that the two features were no longer in contact, this would be allowed to happen. Alternatively, the resilient member 5 may further comprise a mechanical stop, which is positioned at first end 5a of the resilient member 5 to substantially prevent the resilient member 5 and spherical bearing 4 from disengaging.

[0059] In at least one embodiment, the resilient member 5 may have three rotational degrees of freedom. The rotational degrees of freedom may be about the arm 3. Optionally, the resilient member 5 may only be restrained from translation in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the spherical bearing 4 inner race 4a. In this case, the resilient member 5 may be free to translate and / or rotate in any other direction.

[0060] The longitudinal direction of the spherical bearing 4 should be understood to substantially coincide with the axis of rotation of the inner race 4a relative to the outer race 4b. The spherical bearing 4 may be configured such that the inner race 4a can pivot and rotate with respect to the outer race 4b, about the longitudinal axis. The inner race 4a of the spherical bearing 4 may be substantially prevented from being removed from the outer race 4b.

[0061] The resilient member 5 may be free to slide within the inner race 4a such that translation in the longitudinal direction is possible. Additionally, the spherical bearing 4 allows for low resistance rotation of the resilient member 5 relative to the arm 3 about the longitudinal axis. In addition to rotation about the longitudinal axis, the spherical bearing 4 allows for a degree of rotation about the directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. It should be understood that these degrees of freedom equate to free rotation in all axes but do not include translation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0062] It should be appreciated that the rotation provided by the spherical bearing 4 is necessary to allow the first end 5a of the resilient member 5 to extend from the arm 3 at varying angles. In the neutral position, the resilient member 5 may extend substantially perpendicularly from the arm 3. However, if the second end 5b of the resilient member s is restrained in the base 11 , then rotation of the arm 3 causes the resilient member 5 to bend and the first end 5a of the resilient member 5 will no longer meet the arm 3 at a perpendicular angle. The spherical bearing 4 therefore provides a range of movement between the arm 3 and the resilient member 5 without sacrificing the necessary transfer of force, or without introducing undesirable slack (loose fitting to allow movement) in the arrangement 1 .

[0063] In at least one embodiment, the geometry of the resilient linkage 3 may be configured to allow the resilient member 5 to disengage from the spherical bearing 4 when the strain of the resilient member s reaches a predetermined level. For example, as is illustrated, rotation of the steering tube 2 causing the arm 3 to rotate about the steering axis 20 causes the first end 5a of the resilient member 5 to follow the same circular path as the distal end of the arm 3 (and the spherical bearing 4). As this movement takes place, the resilient member 5 is caused to deform. The deformation equates to a level of engineering strain in the resilient member 5.

[0064] It should be noted that, as with most mechanical elements, a certain level of strain (or extension) can be recovered from elastically, however, if an element extends beyond a predetermined limit, a portion of the overall extension will be permanently applied to the element (plastic deformation). Extreme over extension can further lead to absolute failure where the element breaks and cannot return to anywhere near its original length. Therefore, it is desirable for the embodiments of the present disclosure to prevent such over extension from occurring so as to prolong the life of the resilient member 5.

[0065] Returning to the illustrated example, the distal end of arm 3 moves along its radial path to a point at which the strain distance (introduced earlier) exceeds the length of the resilient member s. In this scenario, the first end 5a of the resilient member 5 is disengaged from the spherical bearing 4 and returns to the neutral position without the distal end of the arm 3.

[0066] Several options exist for achieving this result, for example:

[0067] • The length of the arm 3 may be adjusted to increase or decrease the effect of steering tube 2 rotation on the strain distance. A shorter arm reduces the variation in strain distance from the neutral steering position, whereas a longer arm 3 will allow for greater variation and thus earlier disengagement (at a lower strain value). • The length of the resilient member 5 may be adjusted to have an effect on the mechanical properties of the resilient member 5. A shorter member 5 would mean that less movement of the arm 3 would be needed before the arm 3 and member 5 disengaged. The opposite is also true.

[0068] • The angle at which the arm 3 extends from the steering tube 2 may also be varied such that the effective arm length, or the radial distance from the steering axis 20 to the spherical bearing 4 is changed.

[0069] • The position of the arm 3 relative to the first end of the resilient member 5 can also be adjusted to affect the disengagement strain level. If the arm 3 is moved toward the centre of the resilient member 5 (downward from the first end 5a), then a greater rotation of the steering tube 2 and thus greater deformation of the resilient member 5 would be needed prior to disengagement. The opposite is also true.

[0070] It should be noted that the above options apply at least to the illustrated embodiments, and several alternatives exist may for the alternative arrangements disclosed herein. The above list is not exhaustive.

[0071] In at least one embodiment, the first end 5a of the resilient member 5 may be received in the spherical bearing 4 such that the spherical bearing 4 is substantially immovable relative to the resilient member 5. In certain arrangements, the spherical bearing 4 may be slidably received by the arm 3. Conceptually, whether the spherical bearing 4 is slidable relative to the resilient member 5 or if the spherical bearing 4 is slidable relative to the arm 3 is not critical to the function of all embodiments disclosed herein.

[0072] In at least one embodiment, the resilient linkage 1 or exercise bike 10 may be configured to allow removal of the resilient member 5 for replacement with another resilient member 5. Such an exercise bike 10 may be provided to the user with a plurality of resilient members 5 which vary in length and / or resiliency and / or other properties, thus allowing the user to select a preferred resilient member 5 for their usage style or particular requirements.

[0073] The method of replacing the resilient member s of the resilient linkage 1 may comprise: removing the frame 12 from the base 11 so as to disengage the first end 5a of the resilient member 5 from the arm 3; removing the resilient member 5 from the base 11 ; optionally via the removal of one or more fixings; and installing a different resilient member on the base 11 . The method may further comprise reinstalling the frame 11 such that the first end of the different resilient member engages with the arm 3. The method may alternatively comprise disengaging the resilient member 5 and engaging the different resilient member with the spherical bearing 4 received in the arm 3. In at least one embodiment, the resilient linkage 1 may comprise a steering tube 2 having a steering axis 20. The resilient linkage 1 may further comprise an arm 3 extending outwardly from the steering tube 2. The first end 5a of the resilient member 5 may be received in the arm 3, and a second end 5b of the resilient member 5 is received in a spherical bearing 4.

[0074] In at least one embodiment, the arm 3 may receive the resilient member 5 such that the resilient member 5 is substantially immovable relative to the arm 3, and the resilient member 5 is slidably received in the spherical bearing 4.

[0075] In at least one embodiment, the exercise bike 10 comprises a base 11 , a frame 12 pivotably mounted to the base 11 , and a resilient linkage 1 . In certain embodiments, the steering tube 2 is received in the frame 12 and the spherical bearing 4 is received in the base 11 .

[0076] With reference to Figure 4, the illustrated arrangement may provide an alternative to the aforementioned embodiments. Herein, the resilient member is substantially rigidly received by the arm 3 and is slidably received in a spherical bearing 4 which itself is received in the base 11 . In such an arrangement, the arm 3 may provide a level of resiliency between the arm 3 and the steering tube 2 such that the first end 5a of the resilient member 5 may rotate about the arm 3. This rotation may allow the second end 5b of the resilient member s to remain substantially within the spherical bearing 4. The principals of the invention detailed above, with respect to various other embodiments may apply equally to the embodiment of Figure 4.

[0077] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0078] The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

[0079] Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

[0080] Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and / or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A resilient linkage for an exercise bike, the linkage comprising: a steering tube having a steering axis; an arm extending outwardly from the steering tube; a spherical bearing received in the arm; and a resilient member, wherein a first end of the resilient member is received in the spherical bearing.

2. The resilient linkage of claim 1 , wherein the arm receives the spherical bearing such that an outer race of the spherical bearing is substantially immovable relative to the arm, and the resilient member is slidably received in an inner race of the spherical bearing.

3. The resilient linkage of any preceding claim, wherein the steering tube is configured to rotate about the steering axis, and the corresponding rotation of the arm is configured, in use, to deform the resilient member when the steering tube is rotated.

4. An exercise bike comprising: a base; a frame pivotably mounted to the base; and the resilient linkage of any preceding claim, wherein the steering tube is received by the frame and a second end of the resilient member is received by the base.

5. The exercise bike of claim 4, wherein the frame is removably mounted to the base such that removal of the frame from the base disengages the resilient member from the spherical bearing.

6. The resilient linkage or exercise bike of any preceding claim, wherein the resilient member has three rotational degrees of freedom about the arm.

7. The resilient linkage or exercise bike of any preceding claim, wherein the geometry of the resilient linkage is configured to allow the resilient member to disengage from the spherical bearing when the strain of the resilient member reaches a predetermined level.

8. The resilient linkage of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the resilient member is received in the spherical bearing such that the spherical bearing is substantially immovable relative to the resilient member, and the spherical bearing is slidably received by the arm.

9. The resilient linkage or exercise bike of any preceding claim, wherein the resilient linkage or exercise bike is configured to allow removal of the resilient member for replacement with another resilient member.

10. A resilient linkage for an exercise bike, the linkage comprising: a steering tube having a steering axis; an arm extending outwardly from the steering tube; wherein a first end of a resilient member is received in the arm, and a second end of the resilient member is received in a spherical bearing.

11. The resilient linkage of claim 10, wherein the arm receives the resilient member such that the resilient member is substantially immovable relative to the arm, and the resilient member is slidably received in the spherical bearing.

12. An exercise bike comprising: a base; a frame pivotably mounted to the base; and the resilient linkage arrangement of any of claims 11 -12, wherein the steering tube is received in the frame and the spherical bearing is received in the base.

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