DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING A RESISTANCE OF A WHEEL OF A STATIONARY BICYCLE
20220355151 · 2022-11-10
Inventors
Cpc classification
A63B71/0619
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A63B2071/0675
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A63B22/0605
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
A63B21/00
HUMAN NECESSITIES
Abstract
A device and method for estimating a resistance of a wheel of a bicycle is disclosed. The device includes a mounting bracket, a disk, and a resistance adjustment knob. The mounting bracket is coupled to the bicycle. The disk is configured to indicate the resistance. The disk is located within the mounting bracket. The resistance adjustment knob is connected to the disk via a connector. Upon rotation of the knob, the connector rotates the disk for estimating the resistance of the wheel of the bicycle. The determined estimated resistance is visible on the disk.
Claims
1. A device for determining a resistance of a wheel of a bicycle, the device comprising: a mounting bracket coupled to the bicycle; a disk that is configured to indicate the resistance, wherein the disk is located within the mounting bracket; and a resistance adjustment knob that is connected to the disk via a connector, wherein upon rotation of the resistance adjustment knob, the connector rotates the disk for determining the resistance of the wheel of the bicycle, wherein the determined resistance is visible on the disk.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a post that is configured to pass through a mounting hole in the mounting bracket and a center hole in the disk, for securing the disk in place.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket is designed as a single plastic unit.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector is a zip-tie, a rubber band, a string, or a combination thereof.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket is coupled to a handlebar post of the bicycle using a fastener.
6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fastener is a zip-tie, a rubber band, a string, or a combination thereof.
7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon rotation of the resistance adjustment knob, the disk simultaneously rotates in a same rotation direction as the resistance adjustment knob.
8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an outside edge of a top portion of the disk comprises equally spaced visible numeral markers ranging from ten to hundred, each numeral marker separated by nine evenly spaced raised marker dots, and wherein the numeral markers and marker dots correspond to resistance values of the wheel.
9. The device as claim in claim 8, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a pointer arrow configured, wherein the pointer arrow is positioned parallelly above the visible numeral markers on the top portion of the disk.
10. The device as claim in claim 9, wherein during rotation of the resistance adjustment knob, the visible numeral marker aligned with the pointer arrow corresponds to the determined resistance of the wheel that is visible to a user.
11. The device as claim in claim 10, wherein the resistance of the wheel can be adjustable by rotating the knob based on a comfort of the user while riding the bicycle.
12. A device for estimating a resistance of a wheel of a bicycle, the device comprising: a mounting bracket configured to be coupled to the bicycle; a disk that is configured to indicate the resistance, wherein the disk is located inside the mounting bracket; wherein the disk is configured to be connected to a resistance adjustment knob on the bicycle via a connector; a pointer arrow attached to the mounting bracket, wherein the pointer arrow is positioned parallelly above the disk; and wherein an outside edge of a top portion of the disk comprises equally spaced visible numeral markers ranging from ten to hundred, each numeral marker separated by nine evenly spaced raised marker dots, wherein the numeral markers and marker dots correspond to resistance values of the wheel, and wherein upon rotation of the resistance adjustment knob, the connector rotates the disk, and wherein the visible numeral marker aligned with the pointer arrow corresponds to the estimated resistance of the wheel that is visible on the disk.
13. The device as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a post that is configured to pass through a mounting hole in the mounting bracket and a center hole in the disk, for securing the disk in place.
14. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the mounting bracket is designed as a single plastic unit.
15. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the connector is a zip-tie, a rubber band, a string, or a combination thereof.
16. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the mounting bracket is coupled to a handlebar post of the bicycle using a fastener.
17. The device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the fastener is a zip-tie, a rubber band, a string, or a combination thereof.
18. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein upon rotation of the resistance adjustment knob, the disk simultaneously rotates in a same rotation direction as the resistance adjustment knob.
19. The device as claim in claim 12, wherein the resistance of the wheel can be adjustable by rotating the resistance adjustment knob based on a comfort of a user while riding the bicycle.
20. A method for estimating a resistance of a wheel of a bicycle, the method comprising: coupling a mounting bracket to a handlebar post of the bicycle; placing a disk that is configured to indicate the resistance inside the mounting bracket; attaching a pointer arrow to the mounting bracket, wherein the pointer arrow is positioned parallelly above the disk; passing a post through a mounting hole in the mounting bracket and a center hole in the disk, for securing the disk in place; connecting a resistance adjustment knob to the disk via a connector, wherein an outside edge of a top portion of the disk comprises equally spaced visible numeral markers ranging from ten to hundred, each numeral marker separated by nine evenly spaced raised marker dots, wherein the numeral markers and marker dots correspond to resistance values of the wheel; and rotating the resistance adjustment knob for estimating the resistance of the wheel, wherein upon rotation, the connector rotates the disk and the visible numeral marker aligned with the pointer arrow corresponds to the estimated resistance of the wheel that is visible on the disk.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
[0041] Embodiments are provided so as to convey the scope of the present disclosure thoroughly and fully to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
[0042] The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
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[0044] In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 104 is a single plastic unit, designed to align the disk 108 at a proper angle with the knob 110. The disk 108 and the knob 110 are both placed diagonal to each other. The mounting bracket 104 includes a pointer arrow 114 on its top surface. The pointer arrow 114 is aligned with a center rotation point of the disk 108. The mounting bracket 104 is coupled to a handlebar post 106 of the bicycle 102 using a fastener. In an example, the fastener may be a zip-tie, a string, a rubber band, and the like. The device 100 further includes a post 116 that enables the mounting bracket 104 and the disk 106 to stay securely in place.
[0045] In an embodiment, the disk 108 is configured to indicate the resistance of the wheel of the bicycle 102. The disk 108 is located inside of the mounting bracket 104. For instance, the disk 108 may be of a circular cross section shape. The disk 108 rotates freely on a horizontal axis inside of the mounting bracket 104. The disk 108 is connected to the resistance knob 110 via a connector 112. In an example, the connector 112 may be a zip-tie, a string, a rubber band, and the like to allow flexible consistent connection to the resistance knob post. The knob 110 may be vertically mounted in front of the handlebar post 106. The knob 110 is attached to the bicycle 102 using a bike resistance knob post 110A. In an example, the bike resistance knob post 110A may be made using metal. One end of the connector 112 is wrapped around the resistance knob post 110A and another end of the connector 112 is wrapped around a center pulley of the disk 108. Revolutions of the knob 110 are transferred to the disk 108 via the connector 112. In this way, the connector 112 is flexible and may be easily stretchable.
[0046] In an embodiment, upon rotation of the knob 110, the connector 112 applies a force that rotates the disk 108. The connector 112 spins the disk 108 on which an estimated resistance of the wheel of the bicycle 102 is visible to a user/rider of the bicycle 102. Around 3 to 12+ rotations of the knob 110 translates to one full rotation of the disk 108. The number of rotations varies per bicycle 102. Also, around 3 to 12 + rotations of the knob 110 is required to reach a maximum resistance of the wheel with which the user can ride the bicycle 102. Further, the disk 108 and the knob 110 both simultaneously rotate in a same rotation direction. For instance, if the knob 110 rotates in a clockwise direction, the disk 108 also rotates in the clockwise direction. If the knob 110 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, the disk 108 also rotates in the counterclockwise direction. Also, a speed at which the disk 108 and the knob 110 rotate are nearly equivalent to each other. Details on how the resistance of the wheel is estimated based on the knob 110 and the disk 108 rotation is explained in the below figures.
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[0051] In an embodiment, upon rotation of the knob 110, the visible numerical marker/marker dot of the disk 108 aligned with the pointer arrow 114 of the mounting bracket 104 corresponds to the estimated resistance of the wheel of the bicycle 102. Thus, the user is provided with a visible indication of the resistance of the wheel while riding the bicycle 102. For instance, during virtual classes when the instructors say, “add 3 to 5” or “change resistance from 20 to 30”, the user can easily make the required change as the specific resistance values are clearly visible on the disk 108. Adjusting the resistance knob 110 to the correct resistance level prevents excess exercise when not required, thereby enhancing a fitness benefit of the user. After exercise/workout is completed, the user may calibrate the disk 108 by turning the knob 110 to a minimum resistance and turning the disk 108 to align with a first reference dot to the left of the number 10 on the disk 108. The knob 110 should be turned left-most in order to be aligned with the first reference dot. As the user starts riding the bicycle 102, he/she rotates the knob 110 towards the right. Rotating the knob 110 in a clockwise direction leads to an increase in the resistance level of the wheel and rotating the knob in the counterclockwise direction leads to a reduction in the resistance level of the wheel.
[0052] In an embodiment, the resistance of the wheel may be adjustable based on a comfort or a fitness level of the user while riding the bicycle 102. For instance, the user may be cycling at a high resistance level and may experience certain discomforts such as back pain, leg pain, heavy breathing. With the claimed device 100, the user can reduce the resistance to a lower level by rotating the knob 110, where the resistance level is clearly visible on the disk 108. Alternatively, the user may also increase the resistance level if they want to do more rigorous exercise. Thus, the claimed device 100 is easily adjustable based on a fitness level of the user riding the bicycle 102.
[0053] In an embodiment, an outside diameter of the center pulley of the disk 108 can be increased or decreased to match a ratio of revolutions of the knob 110 on each type of stationary exercise bicycle 102. This is not adjustable by the user. Instead, the diameter is adjusted before production of the disk 108 by the manufacturer. The ratio is adjusted such that full revolutions of the knob 110 from zero to 100% resistance equals one full rotation of the disk 108.
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[0057] Thus, introduction of the 2:1 gear reduction component 804 assists in solving the problems mentioned in the above paragraph. As shown in
[0058] As shown in
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[0060] At step 902, the mounting bracket 104 is coupled to a handlebar post 106 of the bicycle 102 using a fastener. In an example, the fastener may be a zip-tie, a string, a rubber band, and the like. For instance, the mounting bracket 104 is a single plastic unit.
[0061] At step 904, the disk 108 is placed inside the mounting bracket 104. The disk 108 is configured to indicate the resistance of the wheel of the bicycle 102. In an example, the disk 108 may be of a circular cross section shape. The disk 108 rotates freely on a horizontal axis inside of the mounting bracket 104.
[0062] At step 906, the pointer arrow 114 is attached to a top surface of the mounting bracket 104. In an embodiment, the pointer arrow 114 may also be manufactured into the mounting bracket 104. The pointer arrow 114 is aligned with a center rotation point of the disk 108. For instance, the pointer arrow 114 may be of a triangle shape, having a circular tip at its end. At step 608, the post 116 is passed through the mounting hole 302 in the mounting bracket 104 and the center hole 202 in the disk 108. For instance, the post 116 may be of a pin cylindrical shape. Such passing of the post 116 via the center hole 202 and the mounting hole 302 enable the disk 108 and the mounting bracket 104 to be held tightly in place.
[0063] At step 910, the knob 110 is connected to the disk 108 via the connector 112. In an example, the connector 112 may be a zip-tie, a string, a rubber band, and the like. The connection between the disk 108 and the post 116 under the knob 110 would require a long rubber band (aka connector) The knob 110 may be vertically mounted in front of the handlebar post 106. The knob 110 is attached to the bicycle 102 using a long rubber band aka connector. One end of the connector 112 is enclosed around the post 116 under the knob 110 and another end of the connector 112 is enclosed around a center pulley of the disk 108. Further, revolutions of the knob 110 are transferred to the disk 108 via the connector 112. In this way, the connector 112 is flexible and may be easily stretchable.
[0064] At step 912, the knob 110 is rotated for estimating the resistance of the wheel of the bicycle 102. Upon rotation of the knob 110, the connector 112 applies a force that rotates the disk 108. The connector 112 causes the disk 108 to rotate. The estimated resistance of the wheel of the bicycle 102 is visible on the disk 108 to a user/rider associated with the bicycle 102.
[0065] In an embodiment, an outside edge of a top portion of the disk 108 includes equally spaced numeral markers. The equally spaced numeral markers range from the number 10 to the number 100. Each numeral marker is separated by nine evenly spaced raised marker dots. The numerical markers and marker dots correspond to resistance values of the wheel of the bicycle 102.
[0066] Upon rotation of the knob 110, the visible numerical marker/marker dot of the disk 108 aligned with the pointer arrow 114 of the mounting bracket 104 corresponds to the estimated resistance of the wheel of the bicycle 102. Therefore, the user is provided with a clear and visible indication of the resistance of the wheel. For instance, during virtual classes when the instructors say, “add 3 to 5” or “change resistance from 20 to 30”, the user can easily shift between resistance values as the specific resistance values are clearly visible on the disk 108.
[0067] Further, the disk 108 and the knob 110 both simultaneously rotate in a same rotation direction. For instance, if the knob 110 rotates in a clockwise direction, the disk 108 also rotates in the clockwise direction. If the knob 110 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, the disk 108 also rotates in the counterclockwise direction. Generally, rotating the knob 110 in the clockwise direction leads to an increased resistance of the wheel and rotating the knob 110 in the counterclockwise direction leads to a decreased resistance of the wheel of the bicycle 102. Also, the disk 108 and the knob 110 both rotate at nearly equivalent speeds.
[0068] The device and method described herein above has several technical advantages. Turning the stationary bicycle resistance knob in the general direction of desired resistance would seem to be sufficient. Without a visual indication, estimating the resistance from minimum to maximum is not effective. The device and method described herein provides the user with a visual reference to better estimate resistance of the wheel based on number of rotations of the resistance adjustment knob on the stationary bicycle. Underestimating the resistance in use is common among stationary bicycle users. This natural tendency leads to a decrease in the health benefit of each exercise session. Therefore, in the subject invention, effective use of exercise bicycle resistance is maintained to provide increased exercise intensity and increased health benefit of time using the stationary bicycle. In summary, with the resistance estimation device attached to a stationary bicycle, the user has a visual reference estimation of resistance selected on the bicycle. Further, the device and method is capable in working on over 40 exercise bike models.
[0069] The device and method described herein further enables the resistance of the wheel to be adjustable based on a comfort or a fitness level of the user while riding the bicycle. For instance, the user may be cycling at a high resistance level and may experience certain discomforts such as back pain, leg pain, heavy breathing. With the device and method described herein, the user can reduce the resistance to a lower level by rotating the knob, where the resistance level is clearly visible on the disk. Vice versa, the user may also increase the resistance level if they want to do more rigorous exercise. Thus, the device is easily adjustable based on a fitness level of the user riding the bicycle.
[0070] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0071] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0072] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
[0073] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
[0074] The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
[0075] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.