Mechanism to provide intuitive motion for bicycle trainers

Abstract

Provided herein is a dynamic device that can provide lateral rocking with fore-aft action to a stationary bicycle trainer. Also provided herein is a dynamic device, which can include a four-bar linkage mechanism that can provide a stationary trainer or stationary bicycle with an intuitive and natural-feel lateral rocking action and fore-aft action to simulate motions of a bicycle being ridden in a non-stationary environment.

Claims

1. A dynamic device to provide a rocking motion for a stationary trainer used in bicycling, comprising: a base; a support member to connect to the stationary trainer; one or more floating links connected to or integrated with the support member; a plurality of side link assemblies connecting the floating links and the base; two sets of at least one linear rod; and two sets of at least one linear bearing; wherein the linear bearings are disposed to move relative to the linear rods in rotational and axial directions, and whereby said support member is configured to slidably move substantially perpendicular to a plane of action of said dynamic device.

2. The dynamic device of claim 1, wherein the support member is integrated into a stationary bicycle comprising of: a resistance device to provide urging resistance to pedals; a bottom bracket providing rotation of the pedals; a seat; and handlebars.

3. The dynamic device of claim 1, wherein the linear rods are connected to said floating links, and wherein the linear bearings are connected to said side link assemblies.

4. The dynamic device of claim 1, wherein the linear rods are connected to said base, and wherein the linear bearings are connected to said side link assemblies.

5. The dynamic device of claim 1, wherein the linear rods are connected to said side link assemblies, and wherein the linear bearings are connected to said base.

6. The dynamic device of claim 1, wherein the linear rods are connected to said side link assemblies, and wherein the linear bearings are connected to said floating links.

7. A dynamic device including a four-bar mechanism to provide motion for a stationary bicycle trainer, comprising: a base including two sets of one or more grounding pivots; one or more floating links collectively providing two sets of one or more floating link pivots; a support member connected to or integrated with the floating links which is configured to support a cyclist and a stationary trainer; two or more of side links each with two or more side link pivots; two sets of at least one linear rod; and two sets of at least one linear bearing; wherein each of the side links is connected to at least one of the grounding pivots and to at least one of the floating link pivots, wherein the grounding pivots within each of said sets are substantially coaxially aligned, wherein the floating link pivots within each of said sets are substantially coaxially aligned, wherein the floating link pivots are connected to the grounding pivots through the side links, wherein a distance between the two sets of grounding pivots is less than a distance between the two sets of floating link pivots, wherein the linear bearings are disposed to move relative to the linear rods in rotational and axial directions, and whereby said support member is configured to slidably move substantially perpendicular to a plane of action of said four-bar mechanism.

8. The dynamic device of claim 7, wherein the four-bar mechanism is substantially symmetrical around a vertical plane perpendicular to the plane of action, wherein said side links are of substantially equal length, and wherein the two sets of said grounding pivots are approximately aligned in at least one direction.

9. The dynamic device of claim 7, wherein the support member is integrated into a stationary bicycle comprising of: a resistance device to provide urging resistance to pedals; a bottom bracket providing rotation of the pedals; a seat; and handlebars.

10. The dynamic device of claim 7, wherein the linear rods are connected at said floating link pivots, and wherein the linear bearings are connected at said side link pivots.

11. The dynamic device of claim 7, wherein the linear rods are connected at said grounding pivots, and wherein the linear bearings are connected at said side link pivots.

12. The dynamic device of claim 7, wherein the linear rods are connected at said side link pivots, and wherein the linear bearings are connected at said grounding pivots.

13. The dynamic device of claim 7, wherein the linear rods are connected at said side link pivots, and wherein the linear bearings are connected at said floating link pivots.

14. A dynamic device including a four-bar mechanism to provide motion for a stationary bicycle trainer, comprising: a base including two sets of one or more grounding pivots; one or more floating links collectively providing two sets of one or more floating link pivots; a support member connected to or integrated with the floating links which is configured to support a cyclist and a stationary trainer; two or more of side links each with two or more side link pivots; two sets of at least one linear rod; and two sets of at least one linear bearing, wherein each of the side links is connected to at least one of the grounding pivots and to at least one of the floating link pivots, wherein the grounding pivots within each of said sets are substantially coaxially aligned, wherein the floating link pivots within each of said sets are substantially coaxially aligned, wherein the floating link pivots are connected to the grounding pivots through the side links, wherein a distance between the two sets of grounding pivots is less than a distance between the two sets of floating link pivots, wherein the linear bearings are disposed to move relative to the linear rods in rotational and axial directions, wherein the linear bearings and linear rods are substantially coaxially aligned with said side link pivots, and whereby said support member is configured to slidably move substantially perpendicular to a plane of action of said four-bar mechanism and rock substantially parallel to the plane of action of said four-bar mechanism.

15. The dynamic device of claim 14, wherein the four-bar mechanism is substantially symmetrical around a vertical plane perpendicular to the plane of action, wherein said side links are of substantially equal length, and wherein the two sets of said grounding pivots are approximately aligned in at least one direction.

16. The dynamic device of claim 14, wherein the support member is integrated into a stationary bicycle comprising of: a resistance device to provide urging resistance to pedals; a bottom bracket providing rotation of the pedals; a seat; and handlebars.

17. The dynamic device of claim 14, wherein the linear rods are connected at said floating link pivots, and wherein the linear bearings are connected at said side link pivots.

18. The dynamic device of claim 14, wherein the linear rods are connected at said grounding pivots, and wherein the linear bearings are connected at said side link pivots.

19. The dynamic device of claim 14, wherein the linear rods are connected at said side link pivots, and wherein the linear bearings are connected at said grounding pivots.

20. The dynamic device of claim 14, wherein the linear rods are connected at said side link pivots, and wherein the linear bearings are connected at said floating link pivots.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate example embodiments. In the drawings,

(2) FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of a bicycle and a dynamic trainer;

(3) FIG. 2 is an illustration of an embodiment of a stationary bicycle integrated with a dynamic trainer;

(4) FIG. 3 is an illustration of an example dynamic trainer;

(5) FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example dynamic trainer;

(6) FIG. 5 is a mechanism diagram of a rear view of an example dynamic trainer with the dynamic trainer at the center position;

(7) FIG. 6 is a mechanism diagram of a rear view of an example dynamic trainer with mechanism rotated from the center position;

(8) FIG. 7 is a side view of an example dynamic trainer;

(9) FIG. 8 is a detailed view of an example side link assembly of a dynamic trainer;

(10) FIG. 9 is a detailed view of an example spring assembly of a dynamic trainer;

(11) FIG. 10 is a top view of an example dynamic trainer;

(12) FIG. 11 is a detailed sectional view of an example dynamic trainer;

(13) FIG. 12 is an illustration of an example dynamic trainer;

(14) FIG. 13 is a detailed view of an example side link assembly of a dynamic trainer;

(15) FIG. 14 is an illustration of an example dynamic trainer;

(16) FIG. 15 is an illustration of an example dynamic trainer;

(17) FIG. 16 is a detailed view of an example side link assembly of a dynamic trainer; and

(18) FIG. 17 is an illustration of an example dynamic trainer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(19) In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, an embodiment of dynamic trainer 100 is shown with a bicycle 102 and a stationary trainer 104 ready for use in conjunction with dynamic trainer 100. A typical bicycle 102 will include pedals 108 which rotate around the axle and bearings known as the bottom bracket 106. Dynamic trainer 100 can be directed to focus on bottom bracket 106 as a neutral position instant center 138. It is noted that positions other than bottom bracket 106 as the neutral position instant center 138 may be used. For example, the neutral position instant center 138 may be adjusted as needed for different stationary trainers 104 or bicycles 102.

(20) A grounding base 112 can be configured and constructed to provide a stable interface to a substantially flat surface such as a floor.

(21) A support member 110 can be sized as needed to fit a variety of different shaped or sized stationary trainers 104. Support member 110 can provide structural support for bicycle 102 and stationary trainer 104 to attach to dynamic trainer 100. Support member 110 can be the component of dynamic trainer 100 that connects floating links 120 to stationary trainer 104 and bicycle 102. Floating links 120 can be the members of the four-bar mechanism that determine the position and angle of stationary trainer 104 and bicycle 102 as the four-bar mechanism moves through its range of motion. Various mechanical means of attachment and methods can be used to fix stationary trainer 104 to dynamic trainer 100 via support member 110 including U-bolts, zip-ties, straps, etc. (not shown) as determined by one skilled in the art.

(22) In one example embodiment, a cyclist can attach their bicycle 102 to support member 110 using stationary trainer 104. Next the cyclist could start a visual simulation program with a data connection to stationary trainer 104, and the cyclist can get on the bicycle, and start pedaling. When an opportunity for a hill occurs in the visual simulation, then stationary trainer 104 can be engaged by the visual simulation program to allow for increased effort by the cyclist. The cyclist can then utilize the dynamic motion provided by dynamic trainer 100 to experience a more realistic hill climbing effort.

(23) In an example illustrated in FIG. 2, an embodiment of a dynamic trainer 100 is shown integrated with a stationary bicycle 116. Support member 110 is integrated into the structure of stationary bicycle 116 so that stationary bicycle 116 can move according to the actions of dynamic trainer 100. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1, base 112 can be configured and constructed to provide a stable interface to a substantially flat surface. Various configuration embodiments of dynamic trainer 100 can be integrated into stationary bicycle 116.

(24) The example four-bar mechanism shown in FIG. 2 is comprised of base 112, floating links 120, and side link assemblies 114a. The four-bar plane of motion is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the four-bar mechanism pivots defined by grounding pivots 126 and floating link pivots 128.

(25) An example dynamic trainer 100 can include support member 110, floating links 120, side link assemblies 114a, and base 112. Support member 110 can be sized and configured as needed to fit a variety of different shaped or sized stationary bicycles 116. Support member 110 provides structural support for the remainder of stationary bicycle 116.

(26) In the example dynamic trainer 100 shown in FIG. 3, floating links 120 can be part of support member 110 and can allow for connection to side link assemblies 114a to support member 110. Floating links 120 can be provided as moment arms for side link assemblies 114a to provide motion to support member 110.

(27) Base 112 can be used for providing stability to dynamic trainer 100 by providing support against the ground as a base for movement of floating links 120 and/or support member 110. Stanchions 118 can be connected to or integrated into base 112. Stanchions 118 can provide stationary points, or grounding pivots 126, that side link assemblies 114a can rotate around.

(28) Base 112 can include two or more stanchions 118 with grounding pivots 126 to provide a connection between stanchions 118 and side link assemblies 114a. Stanchions 118 can provide support between support member 110 and base 112 via side link assemblies 114a. Stanchions can also have different sizes, shapes, and orientations, and can provide support in other directions as desired. Floating link pivots 128 in floating links 120 can provide a means for connecting support member 110 to side link assemblies 114a.

(29) Side link assemblies 114a can be used for allowing movement of support member 110 via floating links 120. Side link assemblies 114a can define the range of motion that floating links 120 move through by defining a circular path that certain points, or floating link pivots 128, on the floating link 120 move through.

(30) For example, support member 110 can be fixed to two floating links 120, wherein support member 110 can force floating links 120 to move together. Each of side link assemblies 114a can be connected to floating link 120 at floating link pivots 128, and to support base 112 at grounding pivots 126. Side link assemblies 114a, along with floating link 120 and base 112 can also be oriented in other directions to provide range of motion in these directions as well, if desired.

(31) In FIG. 4, an example dynamic trainer 100 is illustrated with support member 110 to be attached to base 112 via floating links 120, side link assemblies 114a, and stanchions 118. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, linear rods 130 are connected at floating link pivots 128. Support member 110 is then free to move in the fore-aft direction via side link assemblies 114a moving along linear rods 130.

(32) For example, support member 110 can be fixed to two floating links 120, wherein support member 110 can force floating links 120 to move together. Each of side link assemblies 114a can be connected to a floating link 120 at one end, and to base 112 at the other end.

(33) Additionally, these rotational connections can allow freedom of motion along their pivotal axis as well as the rotation around the said pivotal axis. In the example shown, side link assemblies 114a are able to move fore and aft along as well as rotate around linear rods 130. Spring assemblies 134 can be used to return support member 110 toward a neutral fore-aft position during dynamic fore-aft motion. Linear rods 130 can be retained as needed. Side link assemblies 114a, along with floating link 120 and base 112 can also be oriented in other directions to provide range of motion in these directions as well, if desired.

(34) Base 112 can include two or more stanchions 118 and grounding pivots 126 to provide a connection between stanchions 118 and side link assemblies 114a. Stanchions 118 can provide diagonal support between support member 110 and base 112. Stanchions 118 can also have different sizes, shapes, and orientations, and can provide support in other directions as desired.

(35) Support member 110 can also have floating link pivots 128 in floating links 120 to provide a means for connecting support member 110 to side link assemblies 114a.

(36) FIG. 5 shows a rear view of an embodiment dynamic trainer 100 in a centered and neutral position for use as a starting point (when attached to stationary trainer 104 and bicycle 102 (as shown in FIG. 1, but not shown in FIG. 5)). In this position, neutral position instant center 138 is identified by the intersection of the projections of the centerline of the alignment of side link assemblies 114a. The disposition of side link assemblies 114a can be substantially symmetrically connected to support member 110 and base 112.

(37) Each stanchion 118 can contain two or more grounding pivots 126. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, two grounding pivots 126 can be provided substantially equidistant from the ground plane defined by the bottom of base 112, although other geometries can be used. Side link pivots 122a can be connected to grounding pivots 126 so that side link assemblies 114a rotate around the axis of grounding pivots 126.

(38) In the embodiment shown, the top surface of support member 110 is below grounding pivots 126. In other embodiments not shown, the top surface of support member 110 can be above grounding pivots 126.

(39) Each floating link 120 can include two floating link pivots 128. Side link pivots 122b can be connected to floating link pivots 128 so that floating links 120 and side link assemblies 114a rotate relative to each other around the axis of floating link pivot 128.

(40) The pull of gravity in the negative z-direction applied to support member 110 in the center plane of the mechanism can be utilized to position support member 110 into neutral position instant center 138 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5. This attribute can make dynamic trainer 100 inherently stable during non-use and during seated riding with small lateral forces applied.

(41) With the four-bar mechanism in the neutral position as shown in FIG. 5, the projected intersection of the centerlines of side link assemblies 114a is the neutral position instant center 138. With the distance between floating link pivots 128 larger than the distance between grounding pivots 126, the neutral position instant center 138 will be located above grounding pivots 126. Additionally, the floating links 120 and support member 110 can be configured so that the neutral position instant center 138 is above the top surface of support member 110.

(42) The four-bar mechanism shown in FIG. 5 includes a point known as the coupler point 136. Coupler point 136 is a position fixed relative to floating link 120 and floating link pivots 128. In the embodiment shown, coupler point 136 is defined as being coincident with the neutral position instant center 138. In one embodiment, coupler point can 136 also be substantially coincident with the center of bottom bracket 106 (shown in FIG. 1, but not shown in FIG. 5).

(43) As illustrated in FIG. 6, as side link assemblies 114a rotate around grounding pivots 126, floating links 120 and support member 110 tilts and coupler point 136 moves slightly. In the embodiment shown, side link assemblies 114a of dynamic trainer 100 can be equal in length, width, and height to provide symmetrical behavior. A shift in a cyclist's center of mass away from the mechanism center plane, or a torque applied by the cyclist around an axis perpendicular to the mechanism plane of action, can cause coupler point 136 to rotate away from neutral position instant center 138. The motion of coupler point 136 can be very small, such as between 1-25 mm.

(44) FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating the components of dynamic trainer 100 that enable support member 110 to move fore and aft with rider pedaling force input. Side link assemblies 114a can include linear bearings 132 to allow side link assemblies 114a to move along linear rods 130. Kinetic energy absorbing components can be included in dynamic trainer 100 to return support member 110, floating links 120, and side link assemblies 114a from the ends of the fore-aft travel range and toward the center of the fore-aft travel range of dynamic trainer 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the energy absorbing components are spring assemblies 134 at the ends of linear rod 130. Base 112 and stanchions 118, through side link assemblies 114a, can provide grounding for the force applied by spring assemblies 134 to react against.

(45) FIG. 8 is a detailed view of an example side link assembly 114a. In this embodiment, rotation of side link assembly 114a around pivotal connections made at side link pivot 122a can be enabled by two pivot bearings 142. Pivot bearings 142 can be pressed into the side links 140a, machined into side links 140a, or provided by a different connector as needed.

(46) Additionally, in this embodiment, rotation of side link assembly 114a at pivotal connections between at side link pivot 122b can be enabled by linear bearing 132. Linear bearing 132 can also allow motion along the axis of linear bearing 132. Linear bearings 132 can be ball bearings, self-lubricating polymer bearings, or other bearings that allow axial and rotational motion. Linear bearings 132 can be pressed into the side links 140a, machined into side links 140a, or provided by a different connector as needed. Retainer ring 144 can be used to keep linear bearings 132 from sliding into side link pivot 122b. Other embodiments can have various types of connectors, bearings, or bearing arrangements and may include washers and/or spacers as needed.

(47) FIG. 9 is a detailed view of an example spring assembly 134. Spring bushings 148 can be designed to have a press-fit interface into the inner diameter of spring 146 so that spring bushings 148 can move with the ends of spring 146.

(48) FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 together illustrate an embodiment for allowing and managing fore-aft motion in dynamic trainer 100. During dynamic fore-aft motion, floating link 120, with support member 110 attached, can be returned away from its fore-aft range of motion and toward its center neutral fore-aft position by the reaction force provided by springs 146. Spring assemblies 134 can be placed at each end of each linear rod 130 to balance out these reaction forces. Spring bushings 148 can be used to provide a smooth interface to linear rod 130, linear bearing 132, and floating link 120. Retainer ring 144 can prevent the reaction force of spring 146 from pushing linear bearing 132 out of side link 140a.

(49) FIG. 10 is a top view of an embodiment of dynamic trainer 100 with another method of returning support member 110 with floating links 120 away from the ends of the fore-aft range of motion. In the embodiment shown, elastic cords 150 are used to move the dynamic trainer 100 away from the limits of fore-aft motion.

(50) FIG. 11 is a section view that shows the detail of elastic cords 150 from the embodiment of FIG. 10. Elastic cords 150 are shown which can be connected between base 112 and support member 110. Elastic cords 150 can also be metal coil extension springs. Such elastic cords 150 will pull support member 110 toward the center of the range of fore-aft motion as they reach an equilibrium between the plurality of elastic cords 150. In this way, many embodiments can be used to provide an interface between the stationary portions of dynamic trainer 100 and the portions of dynamic trainer moving in the fore-aft direction in order to return the moving portions of dynamic trainer 100 toward the center of the fore-aft range of motion after fore-aft force inputs from the rider.

(51) FIG. 12 illustrates another example embodiment of dynamic trainer 100. In this embodiment, the two side link assemblies 114a (shown in FIG. 4 but not in FIG. 12) on either side of dynamic trainer 100 such as in FIG. 4 can be merged into extended side link assemblies 114b. Alternatively, an extended side link assembly 114b could be applied to the embodiments of FIG. 3, FIG. 14, or other embodiments. Side link assemblies 114b can pivot on and move along linear rods 130 so that support member 110 can move laterally and fore and aft as in other embodiments of dynamic trainer 100.

(52) FIG. 13 is a detailed view of an example side link assembly 114b. Extended side link 140b can be made to provide side link pivots 122a and 122b at each end or through the full length of side link 140b. Side link 140b can be made of extruded aluminum, extruded plastic, carbon fiber, or other suitable materials. Linear bearings 132 can be retained in either end of side link pivot 122b with retainer rings 144. In alternate embodiments, a full length bearing sleeve can be used instead of separate linear bearings 132. Pivot bearings 142 can be pressed into either end of side link pivot 122a. Note that in other configuration embodiments, the extended side link assembly may be placed inverted compared to the placement in FIG. 12.

(53) FIG. 14 illustrates an example configuration embodiment of dynamic trainer 100. In the embodiment shown, the linear rods 130 are fixed to stanchions 118. Side link assemblies 114a such as detailed in FIG. 8 can be assembled into dynamic trainer 100 so that linear rods 130 pass through linear bearings 132 in side link assemblies 114a.

(54) FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 illustrate an example configuration embodiment of dynamic trainer 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, linear rods 130 can be fixed to side links 140c and linear bearings 132 can be fixed into grounding pivots 126. In this embodiment, side links 140c along with linear rod 130 are joined together as components of side link assembly 114c. Linear bearings 132 are fixed into the grounding pivots 126 of stanchions 118. Support member 110 with floating links 120 and side link assemblies 114c move together through linear bearings 132 in the fore-aft direction.

(55) FIG. 16 details the composition of side link assemblies 114c for this embodiment. A plurality of pivot bearings 142 can be pressed into the side link pivots 122a of side links 140c. Other types of bearings and assembly methods can be used to allow rotation of side link assemblies 114c at side link pivots 122a. As indicated in FIG. 15, linear rod 130 can be fixed to side link pivots 122b.

(56) FIG. 17 illustrates an example configuration embodiment of dynamic trainer 100. Side link assemblies 114c shown in FIG. 16 can be utilized in an inverted way from FIG. 15. In the embodiment shown, linear rods 130 can be fixed to side links 140c in side link pivots 122b and linear bearings 132 can be fixed into floating link pivots 128. In this embodiment, side links 140c along with linear rod 130 are together as components of side link assembly 114c. Side links 140c can remain stationary in the fore-aft direction with stanchions 118 and base 112. Support member 110 with floating links 120 move along linear rods 130 in the fore-aft direction.

(57) While the invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be made, and equivalents employed without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

(58) The embodiments discussed herein provide a means enabling cyclist on a stationary trainer or stationary bicycle to move the bicycle dynamically in ways similar to riding a bicycle outdoors.

(59) The four-bar mechanism of the embodiments can provide a means for lateral rotation of the bicycle. The four-bar mechanism can provide a rotation center near the bottom bracket so that the cyclist will not be required to move his or her mass laterally significantly. The four-bar mechanism with thereby enable the cyclist experience a more realistic lateral rotation motion than prior-art rocker plates provide. Additionally, the four-bar mechanism provides an inherent lateral stability that prior-art rocker plates do not.

(60) For some embodiments, the linear bearings and linear rods integrated into the four-bar mechanism provide a fore-aft movement in reaction to variations in the pedal forces. This action further enable the cyclist to experience a realistic riding motion.