Support platform assembly configured for use with a bicycle trainer system

Abstract

Improved technology for use with bicycle training systems, in particular, an improved support platform assembly configured for use with a bicycle trainer system. Embodiments are directed to a rocker plate assembly, which provides movement (e.g., lateral and axial) to a bicycle supported by that assembly, for example, where the rocker plate assembly includes a stable stepping platform to assist a user when mounting / dismounting the bicycle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Australian Patent Application Serial No. 2024900028, filed Jan. 5, 2024, for “AN IMPROVED SUPPORT PLATFORM ASSEMBLY CONFIGURED FOR USE WITH A BICYCLE TRAINER SYSTEM,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates, in various embodiments, to improved technology for use with bicycle training systems, in particular, an improved support platform assembly configured for use with a bicycle trainer system. Embodiments are directed to a rocker plate assembly which is provides movement (e.g., lateral and axial) to a bicycle supported by that assembly, for example, where the rocker plate assembly includes a stable stepping platform to assist a user when mounting / dismounting the bicycle.BACKGROUND

[0003] Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0004] It is known to use a rocker plate with a bicycle trainer system. For example, various rocker plates are commercially available, these allowing a limited degree of bicycle movement (e.g., tilt) thereby to provide a more natural feel for users. Known trainers can be difficult to use, for example, involving a risk (or perceived risk) that a user will fall over when mounting and / or dismounting.

[0005] Technology disclosed herein seeks to ameliorate problems of the prior art.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] Example embodiments are described below in the section entitled “claims,” and in the section entitled “detailed description.”

[0007] One embodiment provides a support platform assembly for a bicycle trainer system, the support platform assembly including:

[0008] a first platform zone, which is configured to support a stationary trainer device, wherein the stationary trainer device is configured to couple with a rear section of a bicycle;

[0009] a second platform zone, which is configured to directly or indirectly support a front section of the bicycle; and

[0010] a third platform zone, which is located intermediate the first platform zone and the second platform zone;

[0011] wherein the first and second platform zones are configured to enable movement of the supported bicycle within predefined limits; and

[0012] wherein the third platform zone is decoupled from the movement of the first and second platform zones.

[0013] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,”“some embodiments,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,”“in some embodiments,” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0014] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first,”“second,”“third,” etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[0015] In the claims below and the description herein, any one of the terms comprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that means including at least the elements / features that follow, but not excluding others. Thus, the term comprising, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression a device comprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B. Any one of the terms including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements / features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

[0016] As used herein, the term “exemplary” is used in the sense of providing examples, as opposed to indicating quality. That is, an “exemplary embodiment” is an embodiment provided as an example, as opposed to necessarily being an embodiment of exemplary quality.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a trainer system arrangement according to one embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a rocker plate according to one embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates the rocker plate of FIG. 2 in a disassembled configuration; and

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates the rocker plate of FIG. 2 in a deconstructed configuration.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present disclosure relates, in various embodiments, to improved technology for use with bicycle training systems, in particular, an improved support platform assembly configured for use with a bicycle trainer system. Embodiments are directed to a rocker plate assembly, which provides movement (e.g., lateral and axial) to a bicycle supported by that assembly, for example, where the rocker plate assembly includes a stable stepping platform to assist a user when mounting / dismounting the bicycle.

[0023] Embodiments described below are applicable in the context of several categories of bicycle trainer systems. These include:

[0024] Trainers that are configured to receive a complete bicycle, and engage with a rear wheel of that bicycle thereby to offer resistance. These are often referred to as “wheel-on” trainers.

[0025] Trainers that are configured to receive a partially deconstructed bicycle, deconstructed in the sense that the rear wheel is removed, and engage with a drivetrain that bicycle thereby to offer resistance. These are often referred to as “wheel-off” trainers. In these examples, the existing bicycle drivetrain typically attaches to a cassette that is mounted to the trainer assembly.

[0026] Integrated trainers. These are trainer assemblies that have an integrated bicycle drivetrain, saddle and cockpit, often referred to as “stationary bicycles.” These differ from the previous examples in the sense that, in the previous examples, a conventional bicycle is mounted to a trainer, and in this example the trainer does not require a separate bicycle to be mounted.

[0027] Examples provided in the drawings relate to “wheel-off” trainers. However, it will be appreciated how other embodiments are adapted to both wheel-on trainers and integrated trainers.

[0028] Where the term “bicycle” is used, that should be interpreted with reference to the form of trainer being considered. For example, in the context of a wheel-on trainer, this may include a complete conventional bicycle. In the context of a wheel-off trainer, this may include an incomplete conventional bicycle. In either of those examples, the bicycle may be non-functional as a traditional bicycle (e.g., a machine made to function in a trainer environment, but not capable of being ridden in a conventional manner, for example, due to the lack of a front wheel, and / or other design elements). In the case of integrated trainers, the term “bicycle” refers more generally to a machine, which, from a user perspective, has certain attributes of a bicycle that allow it to functionally be used for training purposes.

[0029] Various embodiments described below relate to “simulation systems,” which operate in conjunction with bicycle trainer systems. The term “simulation system” should be read broadly enough to include:

[0030] Hardware integrated with a bicycle trainer system.

[0031] A combination of hardware integrated with a bicycle trainer system, with one or more connected devices (such as smartphones, televisions, media rendering devices such as Apple TV® , and so on).

[0032] Processing devices that are connected to bicycle trainer systems (such as smartphones, televisions, media rendering devices such as Apple TV®, and so on).

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates an example implementation arrangement according to one embodiment. This example includes an extensive selection of components, not all of which are present in all embodiments. FIG. 1 illustrates an example arrangement making use of a “wheel-off” trainer assembly 10. Trainer 10 includes an arm 52, which extends from a base member 152. Arm 52 supports a freewheel assembly 27, which is coupled to trainer internals that are configured to provide resistance, monitor rotational velocity, and other functions. Trainer 10 may be operated by a user for stationary riding when coupled to a conventional bicycle 100 (shown in FIG. 1). To use the bike trainer 10, a user first removes the rear wheel of the bicycle 100, secures the rear dropouts 106 of the bicycle to the bike trainer 10, tightens the axle clamp adjustment, and aligns a chain 104 of the bicycle with one of the sprockets of the cassette 26. In operation, the cassette 26 works with a rear derailleur 108 of the bicycle 100 to provide multiple gear ratios for a user of the bike trainer 10. The cassette is mounted to a freewheel assembly 27 of the trainer. In this regard, trainer 10 operates substantially as any of a wide range of known wheel-off trainers. In a further embodiment, arm 52 and freewheel assembly 27 are replaced with a wheel-on trainer functional assembly.

[0034] Regardless of the style of trainer used, a component of trainer 10 provides an output, which may be wired or wireless (for example, Wi-Fi or BLUETOOTH®) which provides what is referred to herein as a “velocity signal,” which represents a simulated velocity based on data observations. The velocity signal is representative of the rate at which bicycle 100 would be moving, if it were not attached to trainer 10 (which is wholly or primarily effected by pedaling of bicycle 100 using pedals 110). This is optionally calculated by measuring a velocity RPM of a component of trainer 10, and extrapolating that to a bicycle wheel size (or, in the case of a wheel-on trainer, based on the linear velocity of the bicycle wheel / tire periphery). The velocity signal is, in some embodiments, additionally representative of other effects of user interaction the drivetrain of bicycle 100 (via pedaling using pedals 110), for instance, optionally including cadence. In some embodiments, the simulated velocity is derived from measurements of power.

[0035] The velocity signal is optionally calculated by measuring a velocity RPM of a component of trainer 10, and extrapolating that to a bicycle wheel size (or, in the case of a wheel-on trainer, based on the linear velocity of the bicycle wheel / tire periphery). The velocity signal is, in some embodiments, additionally representative of other effects of user interaction the drivetrain of bicycle 100 (via pedaling using pedals 110), for instance, optionally including cadence.

[0036] Velocity signal is transmitted via a wired or wireless coupling to a velocity signal input 162 of a control unit 160. Control unit 160 then passes on the velocity signal, or a signal derived therefrom, to a simulator system 170. In some embodiments, control unit 160 is physically housed inside trainer 10. As described further below, control unit 160 is configured to receive data from a plurality of input sources beyond the velocity signal, in this example including a steering input signal, tilt input signal, motion sensor input signal, and a human performance input signal (e.g., heart rate), and includes a processing module 166. Processing module 166 is configured to provide to simulator module 170 data derived from the various inputs in a predefined format, and is additionally responsive to signals from module 170 to set a resistance parameter for freewheel assembly 27 (for example, to apply the effect of an incline and / or wind resistance relevant to a virtual simulation environment).

[0037] Simulator system 170 includes a microprocessor that is configured to execute computer code (software instructions), which are stored on a memory module of simulator system 170. These software instructions include software instructions configured to provide a bicycle simulator program, which delivers a rendering of a simulation interface on a display screen 180. This simulation preferably includes a representation of vehicular travel (typically bicycle travel), with a velocity of travel being controlled based on the velocity signal. For example, the simulation interface provides a rendered display of simulated bicycle riding at a simulated velocity corresponding to a measured theoretical velocity determined from the velocity signal. It should be appreciated that, although the input device for the simulator in the present embodiments is a bicycle or bicycle-like device, there simulator need not show simulated bicycling (for example, in one embodiment a user interacts with the bicycle inputs to control an airplane in the virtual environment).

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, a front wheel 28 of bicycle 100 is mounted to a front wheel support unit 151. Front wheel support unit 151 includes a top part, which is configured to pivot about a vertical axis, thereby to enable turning of handlebars 29 is bicycle 100, and in doing so simulate steering. A specific example of a suitable wheel support unit is described further below. Wheel support unit 151 includes a sensor, which is configured to measure pivoting, and hence provide a signal representative of bicycle steering activity, referred to as a steering input signal 142. This is transmitted via wired or wireless communication to a steering signal input 161 of control unit 160. Example technologies for front wheel support units is disclosed in Australian innovation patent 2021107653.

[0039] In further embodiments, steering signal 142 is derived by other means. These may include:

[0040] A sensor, which is configured to directly measure rotation of a steerer tube relative to the frame (particularly relevant in the case of integrated trainers, where there is no front wheel).

[0041] An accelerometer mounted to the handlebars or a component that rotates with the handlebars (for example, forks, stem, hub, or the like). In some embodiments, this is provided via a smartphone that is mounted to the handlebars or stem.

[0042] As noted, steering signal 142 is transmitted via a wired or wireless coupling to a steering signal input 161 of control unit 160. Control unit 160 then passes on the steering signal, or a signal derived therefrom, to simulator system 170. Simulator system 170 is configured to, based on the steering signal, simulate bicycle steering. For instance, in a simple example, an angle of handlebar steering on bicycle 100 is converted to a degree of simulated bicycle steering / turning in the simulated virtual environment.

[0043] In some embodiments, steering simulation via simulator system 170 is controlled via steering signal 142 in isolation. However, in other embodiments, as described below, steering simulation via simulator system 170 is controlled by way of a combination of monitoring steering and bicycle tilt. This combination provides a more realistic simulation, as in practice steering via handlebars is only part of the overall process of steering a bicycle, with tilt being of equal or greater importance.

[0044] Tilt is facilitated by way of support platform, also referred to as a “rocker plate.” Combining tilt and steering into a trainer arrangement provides a much more natural feel to a user, and optionally as discussed herein can allow for an improved simulator system. An example rocker plate 150 is illustrated in FIG. 1, with a further rocker plate embodying aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.

[0045] Rocker plates typically include an upper plate member, to which trainer 10, and optionally wheel support unit 151, is enabled to be mounted. In some embodiments, either or both of trainer 10 and wheel support unit 151 are integrally formed with the upper plate member. The upper plate member is coupled to a lower plate member, such that the upper plate member is able to tilt about a horizontal axis that is parallel and aligned with the central plane of the bicycle, typically by between 10 and 20 degrees in each direction. This allows a bicycle, when mounted, to tilt from side-to-side. A bias mechanism is provided thereby to provide a bias force between the upper and lower plate mechanisms. In some embodiments, the bias mechanism is provided by one or more pairs of resident balls (for example, inflated rubber balls, tennis-style balls, or the like), which are sandwiched between the upper and lower plates, and disposed evenly to each side of the vertical plane defined by the bicycle. However, other arrangements may also be used.

[0046] Regardless of the style of rocker plate used, a sensor may be configured to generate a signal referred to herein as a “tilt signal”141. The tilt signal 141 is representative of tilt of bicycle 100 relative to a vertical plane. There are various forms of sensor hardware that may be used to generate tilt signal 140, including:

[0047] A digital level senor mounted to any of: the upper plate of rocker plate 150; wheel support unit 151; trainer 10; or a component of bicycle 100.

[0048] An IMU, gyroscope, or other such component mounted to any of:

[0049] the upper plate of rocker plate 150; wheel support unit 151; trainer 10. For example, this may be an IMU mounted in wheel support unit 151 configured to determine both steering and tilt, allowing a conventional “dumb” rocker plate to be used.

[0050] A smartphone having an IMU mounted to the stem of bicycle 100. This may optionally measure both tilt and steering.

[0051] Pressure sensors configured to monitor pressure in bladders (e.g., inflated balls) which are provided by the rocker plate on either side of the bicycle plane, such that pressure changes depending on bicycle tilt (pressure increased in a right-side bladder progressively as the bicycle is tilted further to the right). A load cell or strain gauge may be used.

[0052] Strain gauges provided by the rocker plate on either side of the bicycle plane.

[0053] Tilt signal 140 is transmitted via a wired or wireless coupling to a velocity signal input 162 of a control unit 160. Control unit 160 then passes on the tilt signal, or a signal derived therefrom, to a simulator system 170.

[0054] In some embodiments, control unit 160 processes the steering signal and the tilt signal thereby to provide a single combined steering signal to simulator system 170, this combines signal being in the form of a steering or turning input in a format required by the simulator system (for example, representative of an angle of turn or the like). In other embodiments, this combining of steering and tilt is performed in the simulator system.

[0055] Accordingly, simulator system 170 provides a system for providing simulation of bicycle activity, the system including:

[0056] (i) A velocity input, which is configured to receive a signal representative of user interaction with a bicycle drivetrain mechanism. For example, this is in some cases a signal derived directly or indirectly from a sensor component of trainer 10. This may include a signal, which is received by velocity signal input 162, and processed into a form compatible with simulator system 170.

[0057] (ii) A steering input, which is configured to receive a signal representative of user interaction with a bicycle handlebar turn mechanism. For example, this is in some cases a signal derived directly or indirectly from a sensor component of which provides steering signal 142, for example, a sensor in wheel support unit 151. The steering input may include a signal, which is received by steering signal input 161, and processed into a form compatible with simulator system 170.

[0058] (iii) A tilting input, which is configured to receive a signal representative of user interaction with a bicycle tilt mechanism. For example, this is in some cases a signal derived directly or indirectly from a sensor component of rocker plate 150, or sensor mounted to wheel support unit 151 or bicycle 100. This may include a steering signal 142, which is received by tilt signal input 163, and processed into a form compatible with simulator system 170.

[0059] In some embodiments, the steering and tilting input are combined into a single turning metric by control unit 160, and that single turn metric is provided to simulator system 170 to enable control over turning in the simulation. In such cases, simulator system 170 still provides a steering input and a turning input; these are, however, combined into a single input that receives a signal derived from both steering and turning signals.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, control unit 160 and simulator system 170 are in combination configured to process the signals received from the velocity input, the steering input and the tilting input, thereby to deliver a visual simulation of bicycle riding via a display screen, wherein the visual simulation includes simulated steering based on a combination of at least:

[0061] (i) the signal representative of user interaction with the bicycle handlebar turn mechanism; and

[0062] (ii) the signal representative of user interaction with the bicycle tilt mechanism.

[0063] The processing is preferably configured such that the simulation is configured to recognize counter steering, as described in PCT publication WO2021222970.

[0064] Control unit 160 provides a data collection and transmission hub for a simulator system such as simulator system 170. Often, hardware associated with simulator system 170 is limited in terms of a number of wireless devices that can be connected (for example, when the simulator system uses, for example, Apple TV® hardware with simulator software executing as a software application thereon). In such cases, control unit 160 is used to receive multiple wireless signals from multiple wireless devices, and provide them as a single wireless signal to the simulator system. This preferably includes one or more wireless signals from bicycle monitoring sensors (for example, velocity, steering angle, tilt, cadence, etc.) and at least one device that collects physiological data from a wearable physiological sensor (for example, a heart rate monitor). The control unit may in this regard be embedded in trainer 10.

[0065] FIG. 2 illustrates a support platform assembly for a bicycle trainer system, in the form of a rocker plate 200. This may be used in place of rocker plate 150 in the arrangement of FIG. 1.

[0066] Rocker plate 200 has a segmented design, being formed from three components that are, at least in this embodiment, able to be connected / disconnected without the use of tools. This allows for convenient disassembly and storage of rocker plate 200. This provides significant practical advantages to users, as compared with known non-segmented arrangements.

[0067] The three components are:

[0068] A first platform zone, referred to as rear segment 230. Rear segment 230 is configured to couple with (i.e., support) a stationary trainer device, for example, a wheel-off trainer such as trainer 10 of FIG. 1. For example, the trainer device is mounted via fasteners at location 234.

[0069] A second platform zone, referred to as front segment 210. Front segment 210 is configured to directly or indirectly support a front section of the bicycle. For example, in some cases the front wheel of a bicycle rests directly on front segment 210. In another embodiment a wheel block (such as wheel support unit 151 of FIG. 1) is placed on segment 210 (optionally fastened in place), and the wheel of the bicycle is placed in that block. The wheel block preferably rotates thereby to support the front wheel during turning of the bicycle handlebars (optionally as part of a steering simulation arrangement).

[0070] A third platform zone, referred to as bridge segment 220. This is located intermediate the front segment 210 and rear segment 230.

[0071] Segments 210 and 230 are each respectively configured to enable movement of the supported bicycle within predefined limits, as discussed further below. The bridge segment is decoupled from the movement of the first and second platform zones. That is, when the three segments are stably supported on a substantially flat surface, the bicycle is able to move (e.g., tilt and slide) due to movement provided by segment 210 and rear segment 230, whilst bridge segment 220 remains substantially still. This allow the bridge segment to be used as a stable stepping platform to assist a user when mounting / dismounting the supported bicycle. This provides a significant advantage over known non-segmented rocker plates, in relation to which it can be challenging and / or risky to perform mounting / dismounting.

[0072] Rear segment 230 includes a base member 231, which is configured to stably rest on a surface (ideally a hard flat surface). Base member 231 is coupled top member 232, which is configured to providing a mounting arrangement for the stationary trainer device at or proximal region 234. For example, as illustrated region 234 includes apertures formed through top member 232 thereby to enable fastening (e.g., via straps, screws, or any other arrangement).

[0073] Base member 231 is coupled to top member 232 via a motion facilitation arrangement 238. This motion facilitation arrangement is configured to enable sliding and tilting motion. In particular, motion facilitation arrangement 238 includes a pair of base connectors 241, which are secured to base member 231, these supporting a support rod 244. A pair of sliding members 242 are mounted on the support rod (for example, via a linear ball bearing arrangement) thereby to allow axial sliding along the axis of the support rod and rotation about the axis of the support rod. These sliding members are also secured to top member 232.

[0074] The configuration of motion facilitation arrangement 238 allows sliding motion between base member 231 and top member 232 along the axis of the support rod. This sliding movement is limited based on a combination of motion limiters provided on the support rod, and by spring members 243, which resiliently bias the slider arrangement toward a central neutral position (as shown in the figures). In the present embodiment, base member 231 and top member 232 overlap in alignment when in the central neutral position.

[0075] The configuration of motion facilitation arrangement 238 also allows tilting movement of top member 232 relative to base member 231 about the axis of support rod 244. This tilting motion is limited by operation of a plurality of biasing members, which, in this example, are resilient ball members 233. These ball members are in use sandwiched between top member 232 and base member 231 and held in place via apertures 236 and 237. Limitations on tilting (and tilting resistance) are defined by the position and resilient characteristics of the ball members (which are optionally variably inflatable). Preferably, a pair of similar ball members are provided at equal spacing from the axis of the support rod on opposing sides. This biases the top member 232 of rear segment 230 into a neutral position in which its plane is parallel with the plane of base member 231. In the illustrated embodiment there are two such pairs. Alternate biasing arrangements (e.g., springs and the like) may be used in place of the present ball-based approach.

[0076] Segment 210 includes a base member 211, which is configured to stably rest on a surface (ideally a hard flat surface). Base member 211 is coupled top member 212, which is configured to providing a support region for a wheel block / support or front wheel at or proximal region 214. In the present embodiment a wheel block remains in place due to frictional engagement, rather than being secured with fasteners.

[0077] Base member 211 is coupled to top member 212 via a motion facilitation arrangement 213. This motion facilitation arrangement is configured to enable sliding motion only. In particular, motion facilitation arrangement 213 includes a pair of slider assemblies 218. Each of these includes a pair of connector members 243, which are secured to base member 211, these supporting a support rod 244. A pair of sliding members 242 are mounted on each support rod (for example, via a linear ball bearing arrangement) thereby to allow axial sliding along the axis of the support rod and rotation about the axis of the support rod. These sliding members are also secured to top member 212. The support rods are laterally separated and parallel in axis, thereby to inhibit tilting motion. The configuration of motion facilitation arrangement 213 allows sliding motion between base member 211 and top member 212 along the axis of the support rod. This sliding movement is limited based on a combination of motion limiters provided on the support rod, and by spring members 243, which resiliently bias the slider arrangement toward a central neutral position (as shown in the figures). In the present embodiment, base member 211 and top member 212 overlap in alignment when in the central neutral position.

[0078] The axis of support rods 244 of assemblies 218 and motion facilitation arrangement 238 are aligned, such that the sliding motion of segments 210 and 230 are able to occur in unison (with the bicycle providing a physical connection between the respective top members 212 and 232 of these segments in use). In relation to the tilting motion of rear segment 230, that is not transferred to segment 210, with the wheel of the bicycle freely rotating relative to top member 212 or a wheel block member mounted thereon. As an added advantage, but having a non-tilting front segment 210 (preferably, with a rotating wheel block, such one based on the disclosure of Australian Innovation Patent 2021107653), and a tilting rear segment 230, that provides a more natural steering feeling as compared with wheel blocks in which mounting zones for the front and rear of the bicycle both tilt, for example, where these are part of a single common top platform.

[0079] Bridging zone 220 comprises a platform member 221, which rests on a pair of struts 223 with respective lateral supports 224 (which extend normally relative to the struts). These components are optionally fixed together, and / or held in place via friction or formations defined in the underside of platform member 221. Struts 223 are coupled to each of base members 211 and 231 via frictional engagement using slots formed in the base members. An upper connector 222 is optionally also coupled to each of top members 212 and 232 via engagement using slots formed in the top members, this being centrally positioned thereby to transfer sliding motion between segments 210 and 230 but not transfer tilting motion of rear segment 230 to segment 210.

[0080] It will be appreciated that the above disclosure provides improved bicycle simulations, for example, via a rocker palate, which is: (i) able to be more readily stored; (ii) provides a more natural riding feel due to sliding motion combined with rear-only tilting; and (iii) improved mounting / dismounting due to decoupling of motion from a platform segment, which remains stable in spite of the bicycle's ability to tilt and / or slide.

[0081] It should further be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, various features of the present disclosure are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed present disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the present disclosure, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0083] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0084] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as falling within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A support platform assembly for a bicycle trainer system, the support platform assembly including:a first platform zone, which is configured to support a stationary trainer device, wherein the stationary trainer device is configured to couple with a rear section of a bicycle;a second platform zone, which is configured to directly or indirectly support a front section of the bicycle; anda third platform zone, which is located intermediate the first platform zone and the second platform zone;wherein the first and second platform zones are configured to enable movement of the supported bicycle within predefined limits; andwherein the third platform zone is decoupled from the movement of the first and second platform zones.

2. A support platform assembly according to claim 1, wherein the third platform zone is configured to provide a stable stepping platform to assist a user when mounting / dismounting the supported bicycle.

3. A support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first platform zone includes a first zone base member, which is configured to stably rest on a surface, coupled to a first zone top member, which is configured to providing a mounting arrangement for the stationary trainer device, wherein the first zone base member is coupled to the first zone top member via a first zone motion facilitation arrangement.

4. A support assembly according to claim 3, wherein the first zone motion facilitation arrangement includes an axial slider assembly.

5. A support assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first zone motion facilitation arrangement includes one or more tilt resistance members.

6. A support assembly according to claim 5, wherein the one or more tilt resistance members are resilient balls, which are sandwiched between the first zone top member and the first zone base member.

7. A support assembly according to claim 5 wherein the axial slider assembly includes a single slider axis that is substantially central relative to at least two of the tilt resistance members.

8. A support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second platform zone includes a second zone base member, which is configured to stably rest on a surface, coupled to a second zone top member, which is configured to providing a mounting arrangement for the stationary trainer device, wherein the second zone base member is coupled to the second zone top member via a second zone motion facilitation arrangement.

9. A support assembly according to claim 8, wherein the second zone motion facilitation arrangement includes an axial slider assembly.

10. A support assembly according to claim 9, wherein the axial slider assembly includes at least two parallel slider axis.

11. A support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first platform zone and second zone include first and second base members, respectively, which are configured to stably rest on a surface, wherein the third platform zone is coupled to the first and second base members.

12. A support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the movement of the supported bicycle within predefined limits includes limited fore / aft sliding movement along a central axis and side / side tilting movement relative to that central axis.

13. A support assembly according to claim 12, wherein the limited fore / aft sliding movement is facilitated by a sliding member, which is configured to slide axially along a guide rail and rotate about the axis of the guide rail.

14. A support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second platform zones are coupled thereby to restrict relative movement along a central axis.

15. A support assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first, second, and third platform zones are coupled to restrict relative movement relative to a surface on which the support assembly stably rests.

16. A support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the stationary trainer device is a device that couples to the bicycle in place of a rear wheel.

17. A support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second platform zone includes a rotating wheel block, which is configured to enable indirect mounting of a front wheel of the bicycle to the second platform zone in a manner that facilitates restricted rotation of the front wheel.

18. A support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the movement of the supported bicycle within predefined limits is biased into a central position.

19. A rocker plate for a bicycle trainer device, the rocker plate having a segmented upper surface such that at least one segment is configured to enable movement of a supported bicycle within predefined limits relative to a support surface, and at least one segment remains substantially fixed in place relative to the support surface.

20. A rocker plate for a bicycle trainer device, the rocker plate being formed from three segments that are releasably coupled together, wherein two of the segments directly or indirectly couple with a bicycle in a manner that facilitates movement of the bicycle within predefined limits relative to a support surface, and wherein the third of the segments has an upper platform, which remains stable relative to the support surface.

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