Field of the Invention

[0001] The present concept relates to bicycles and more particularly relates to an ergonomic new method of use and associated structure.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Present day bicycles utilize a pair of pedals which are attached to a crank arm which in turn are attached to a rotating crank. In order to propel a bicycle the crank is attached to a driven sprocket which in turn is attached to a drive sprocket on the rear hub of the wheel normally by means of a chain.

[0003] In modern day bicycles, the normal pedalling action causes the crank to be rotated 360° during which the user's feet normally stay attached or at least touching the pedals.

[0004] For riders normally always seated rearward of the crank center, of the total 360° arc that the crank is rotated only about 120° of that rotation is part of the powerful pushing action which propels the bicycle. In this application this part of the rotation is called the power arc. During arc D or approximately 120 degrees of upward pedal motion little or negative pressure is applied to the pedals and this part of the arc does little or negatively impacts propulsion of the bicycle. This is also called the dead or ineffective part of the crank cycle. Additionally there is an upper and lower transition arc each about 60 degrees completing the 360 degree rotation of the pedal. The transition arcs are considered neutral propulsion.

[0005] This inefficient use of the engineered efficiencies of the bicycle drive system is mandated by the non-ergonomic biomechanics of the rider seated rearward of the crank center.

[0006] These biomechanics, commonly described as box pedalling, create dominant vertical crank loads of varying force and speed in each arc. These crank loads absorb a substantial portion of the rider's pedal force and speed experienced as propulsive effort

[0007] These biomechanics also create upper body non-ergonomic stress caused by crouching and leverage to increase torque in arc B. These same biomechanics also mandate the non-ergonomic initiation of torque at the beginning of arc B often causing knee injuries. Knees and hamstrings are also stressed in high effort recovery in arcs D and A. Furthermore, crouching and leveraging create harmful pressure on the perineum.

[0008] Box pedalling technique generates 120 degrees of limited propulsion and 240 degrees of drag from each leg in each chain wheel revolution. The resulting variance in chain tensions causes loss of continuous propulsive engagement of the rear gear with the hub resulting in inefficient motive force at the hub.

[0009] In addition, the bicycle seat is often positioned non-ergonomically low to facilitate rider stationary stability, potentially causing harmful knee stress to initiate acceleration at the beginning of arc B [00010] The inventor has found through trial and error that by placing the center of the seat overtop of the crank centre, one is able to ergonomically minimize the total pedalling effort and generate 50% more acceleration from each chain wheel revolution and enable stationary stance stability. The inventor has found the following features are relevant to the improved ergonomics, reduced effort, propulsive efficiency and stationary stability:

a) Ergonomic upright seating posture,

b) Increased proportion of thrust to drag,

c) Full leg articulation as a driving piston through arcs B and C,

d) Increased stationary stability.

[00011] Therefore there is a need for a bicycle and method of use which minimizes the dead and/or ineffective part of the pedalling stroke or crank cycle and optimizes the seating position of the seat overtop of the crank centre.

Summary of the Invention

[00012] The present invention is a kit to retrofit a conventional upright utility bicycle that includes a seat extender for an upright utility bicycle to translate the seat forwardly over a bicycle crank center line. The seat extender includes a longitudinally extending seat extension attached at a post end to a seat post which is adapted to slip into a seat tube, and the seat extension is configured to attach to the seat. [00013] Preferably the kit includes a pedal strut adapted to attach to an outer face of a pedal that pivots between a riding position and a stopped position. The pedal strut is selectably rotatable by rider foot action rotating the pedal to pivot the strut in a riding position to avoid the strut making ground contact. The strut also pivots downwardly to contact the ground for stationary stability. In the stopped position the pedal stops at the rear 3 o'clock pedal position and strut is pivoted to the stopped position to stabilize the bicycle while at a stop and to place the opposing pedal in a forward ready to go position.

[00014] Preferably the kit further includes a foot rest extending laterally from the pedal outer face proximate the upper most part of the pedal outer face. When the strut is in the stopped position, the foot rest is adapted to allow the rider to place his foot onto the foot rest to apply weight onto the strut when in the stopped position.

[00015] The present invention is also an upright utility bicycle that includes a bicycle frame with a seat positioned vertically above the crank centre of a bicycle crank. The frame includes a seat extender to translate the seat forwardly over a crank center line. The seat extender includes a longitudinally extending seat extension attached at a post end to a seat post which is adapted to slip into a seat tube, and the seat extension is configured at a seat end to attach to the seat. The seat end includes a connection tube rigidly attached to the seat end and configured to be connected to the seat.

[00016] Preferably the upright utility bicycle further includes a pedal strut attached to an outer face of a pedal, the pedal strut pivoting between a riding position and a stopped position. The pedal strut is selectably rotatable by rider foot action rotating the pedal to pivot the strut in a riding position to avoid the strut making ground contact or to pivot downwardly the strut to contact the ground for stationary stability. In the stopped position the pedal stops at the rear 3 o'clock pedal position and strut is pivoted to stopped position to stabilize the bicycle while at a stop and to place the opposing pedal in a forward ready to go position.

[00017] Preferably the upright utility bicycle further includes a foot rest extending laterally from the pedal outer face proximate the upper most part of the pedal outer face with the strut in the stopped position the foot rest is adapted to allow the rider to place his foot onto the foot rest to apply weight onto the strut when in the stopped position

[00018] The present invention is also a method of use of a bicycle that includes the steps of:

a) sitting on the seat of a bicycle which includes;

b) a bicycle frame which includes a seat positioned centred along a crank

centre line vertically above the crank centre of a bicycle crank which is attached to a crank arm and to a pedal;

c) wherein the seat is positioned such that it allows the legs to fully apply push to the pedal through a pedal arc from approximately a 30° pedal position to a 210° pedal position wherein the ankle articulates the foot from a neutral position at approximately the 30° position to a plantar extension position at approximately the 150° position, d) wherein the foot is in plantar extension from 210° to 30° from the forward seat position which minimises pedal loads, reciprocally reducing pedal resistance from 30° to 210°.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[00019] The present concept will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in which:

[00020] Figure 1 is a schematic side plan view of the present concept a bicycle and method of use.

[00021] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the crank cycle showing the improved pedalling method.

[00022] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the seat, crank and pedal pegs.

[00023] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a crank cycle.

[00024] Figure 5 is a schematic side plan view of an alternate embodiment of the present concept a bicycle and method of use.

[00025] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the crank cycle showing the improved pedalling method of the alternate embodiment.

[00026] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the seat, crank and pedal struts of the alternate embodiment.

[00027] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the crank and pedal struts of the alternate embodiment.

[00028] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the seat extender.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Definition

[00029] Upright utility bicycle: a bicycle with upright seating, though not placed directly over the center of the crank, that normally features a diamond frame for practical transportation purposes. The diamond frame consists of a truss comprised of a front triangle and rear triangle. Variations or other names for the upright utility bicycle include street bicycle, road bicycle, mountain bicycles, roadsters, hybrid bicycles and touring bicycles. An example of one is depicted in Figure 1.

[00030] Referring first of all to Figure 1 which schematically shows a modern day bicycle together with modifications depicting the present concept a bicycle and method of use shown generally as 100.

[00031] A bicycle and method of use shown generally as 100 includes the following major components namely bicycle frame 102, upper cross bar 104, lower cross bar 106, seat tube 108, a longitudinal seat extender 137 which includes a seat post 119, and a seat extension 121 and a connection means which may be a connection tube 141. It further includes a seat 123 centred over crank centre 129, crank 120, crank arms 124 terminating at pedals 126. The seat extension includes a post end 143 and a seat end 145. Seat extender 137 including connection tube 141, seat end 145, seat extension 121, post end 143 and seat post 119 is depicted in Figure 9.

[00032] Bicycle method of use 100 further includes front sprocket 122, driving a chain 128 and attached to a rear sprocket 135 which drives rear hub 113 and ultimately rear wheel 116, attached to upper rear forks 117.

[00033] Lower rear forks 110 are modified to include foot pegs 11 1 and springs 115 which slide along lower rear forks 110. Other arrangements may also be possible.

[00034] Bicycle and method of use 100 further includes front forks 112, front wheel 1 14 and handle bars 1 18 in similar fashion as a conventional bicycle.

[00035] The crank further includes a top centre position 212 and bottom centre position 214.

[00036] Sector A is known as the upper transition arc, Sector B is known as the power arc, Sector C is known as the lower transition arc and Sector D is the unweighted arc. Sectors C, D and A combined are the ineffective part of the crank cycle.

[00037] Referring now to Figure 2 by means of reference the pedalling cycle begins at top centre 212 at 0°. A foot 230 engages with pedal 126 at approximately the 30° which is part of Sector B the power arc wherein foot is on pedal 126. From the 30° position to the 150° position which is Sector B full force is applied by the foot 230 onto the pedal 126 and is transmitted through the crank 120 and through chain 128 back through rear sprocket 135 therefore driving the bike forward.

[00038] During Sector C which is from 150° to 210° this is known as the lower transition arc where the foot remains upon pedal 126. At the 210° mark namely at the start of Sector D the unweighted arc portion of the crank cycle 200 the foot 230 is removed and moved along pedal exit direction 233 onto foot peg 111 and is shown as peg position 234. Foot 230 may compress spring 1 15 thereby soring energy and helping to propel the foot forward and pedal entry direction 236 as shown by the arrow.

[00039] Once the pedal has completed rotation through Sector D namely the unweighted arc and also through part of or about on half of Sector A the upper transition arc and has moved from 210° back to 30° as depicted in Figure 4 and in Figure 2 the foot 230 moves through pedal entry direction 236 back onto pedal 126 as shown in Figure 2.

[00040] Compressing spring 1 15 helps to propel the foot 230 forward along pedal entry direction 236 and onto pedal 126 at the pedal position 232 at the 30° mark. [00041] Referring now to Figure 3 the reader will note that seat 123 includes a seat extension 121 which is attached to seat post 119 as shown in Figure 3 and also in Figure 1.

[00042] This helps to centre the middle of seat 123 over top of the crank centre 129 of crank 120 as depicted in Figure 1. This helps position the rider's hips over top of the crank 120 therefore maximizing the thrust available to the rider.

[00043] Figure 3 also shows foot pegs 1 1 1 in one particular arrangement as to how springs 1 15 and the spring stop 177 can be used.

In Use

[00044] Figures 1 through 4 depict the apparatus used in the present concept a bicycle and method of use 100. It relates to a new method of use and associated structure.

[00045] The human body sequentially alternates between a stride and stance during normal walking or running motions. In a stride muscle groups move the leg in the same direction in a smooth efficient rhythm. Stance uses powerful anticipated muscle groups sequentially in the leg and the foot and ankle to fulcrum the torso forward over the hip and to initiate the stride to swing the un-weighted leg forward. On the bicycle the stride is used most effectively in the power arc B and the stance in the lower transition arc C until the foot is propelled onto the foot peg 11 1. In stride motion the muscles drive the un-weighted leg forward and along pedal entry direction 236. On the bike the stride motion is used. Pedal along pedal entry direction 236 back to pedal position 232 which is the start of the power arc B.

[00046] Referring to Figure 4 and also to Figure 2 I will now describe the dynamics and method of use of bicycle 100. It is understood that this method of use is functional only in the seated position.

[00047] Starting at the 30° position namely the top of Sector B 206 the leg creates a strong and fast propulsion from 30° to 150° and also further along to 210° using the fully anticipated stride muscles of walking. This is similar to the stride motion used in walking.

[00048] At the 210° position the kinetic energy of the leg is used to move it in the pedal exit direction 233 onto the foot peg 211. Spring 115 may be compressed and the kinetic energy of the leg is converted into potential energy of the spring compression 1 15.

[00049] From the peg position 234 foot 230 is propelled forward by the release of the potential energy in spring 115 and also with the swing muscles of the leg to move the foot from the peg position 234 up to the pedal position 232. This is similar to the swing motion used in walking. [00050] In this manner modified walking stride muscle groups are used during the strong and fast push on the pedal 126 to drive the crank from 30° to 150° normally through power arc B and modified stance musles along to 210 degrees through lower transition arc C which normally provides little to no propulsive power.

[00051] The foot pegs 111 facilitate a more normal swing of the leg to provide pedal entry action 236 on the bicycle thereby conserving energy and creating more effective pedalling action. Additionally cranking penalties or drag is reduced when the weight of foot 230 is taken off pedal 126 during the un-weighted arc sector D and also some if not all of sector A the upper transition arc.

[00052] Furthermore seat 123 is moved forward with the seat extension 121 over top of crank centre 129. In this manner maximum thrust can be applied during the power arc B and through lower transition arc C. Additionally a more natural swing rhythm will be created from when the foot leaves the pedal at 210° and returns back to the pedal at 30° as shown in Figures 2 and 4.

[00053] The reader will note that a seat extension 121 and foot pegs 111 and springs 115 combination can be used to retrofit an existing bicycle to bring the seat 123 over top of crank 120 along crank centre 129 and to facilitate removal of foot 230 during sector D and A. It is possible however to design a bike from the ground up wherein seat tube 108 is positioned over crank centre 129 therefore eliminating the need for seat extension 121. Seat extension 121 however is very useful in retrofit applications. Furthermore any combination of seat and foot peg can be utilized depending upon the rider and the desired increase in efficiency. For example it is possible to only use the seat modification or only use the foot peg modification or both together. It is also possible to apply this technology to stationary bicycles or training or exercise bicycles.

Description of Second Embodiment

[00054] Modifications to the concept of the second embodiment are depicted in Figures 7 and 8. Portions of Figures 1, 2 and 3 do not apply to the second embodiment relating to springs 115. Otherwise the drawings are all applicable to the second embodiment as is most of the description except the portions related to springs 1 15. Referring to Figure 5 which schematically shows a second embodiment of an upright utility bicycle and method of use together with modifications depicting the present concept an upright utility bicycle and ergonomic method of use shown generally as 300.

[00055] An upright utility bicycle (also referred to hereafter as simply bicycle) and ergonomic method of use shown generally as 300 includes the following major components namely bicycle frame 302, upper cross bar 304, lower cross bar 306, seat tube 308, seat post 319, seat extension 321, seat 323, crank 320 centred over crank centre 329, crank arms 324 terminating at pedals 326.

[00056] Bicycle ergonomic method of use 300 further includes front sprocket 322, driving a chain 328 and attached to a rear sprocket 335 which drives rear hub 313 and ultimately rear wheel 316, attached to upper rear forks 317.

[00057] Pedals 326 are modified to include outwardly extending platforms 351 positioned normal to the outer pedal face and with rearward extending struts 31 1 which rotate the pedal 326 by gravity when the rider's foot is lifted such that the pedal is vertical with the strut dimensioned to contact the ground when the pedal 326 is at the rear 3 o'clock position and the platform for rider foot pressure is horizontal. This allows the rider an ergonomic stationary seated stance on the pedals 326 at the rear 3 and forward 9 o'clock positions and initiation of acceleration by the forward 9 o'clock pedal when the rider rotates the rear 3 o'clock ascending pedal, strut 311 and platform 351 back to riding position.

[00058] Bicycle and method of use 300 further includes front forks 312, front wheel 314 and handle bars 318 in similar fashion as a conventional bicycle.

[00059] Referring now to Figure 6 which shows schematically a crank cycle 400 and a pedalling method 402 referring first of all to Figure 6 crank cycle 400 includes four (4) particular crank sectors namely Sector A 404, Sector B 406, Sector C 408, Sector D 410.

[00060] The crank cycle further includes a top centre position 412 and a bottom centre position 414. [00061] Sector A is known as the upper transition arc, Sector B is known as the power arc, Sector C is known as the lower transition arc and Sector D is the dead arc. In prior art bicycles Sectors D, C, and A combined are the ineffective part of the crank cycle.

[00062] Referring now to Figure 6 by means of reference the propulsive pedalling cycle begins at 30°. At 30° the ankle articulates the foot to dorsiflexion to 150° continuing the power arc.

[00063] At 150° the ankle articulates the foot to plantar extension through to 210° where the propulsive portion ends. From the 30° position to the 210° position, which is sector B 406 and C 408, full piston force is applied by the foot 430 onto the pedal 326 and is transmitted through the crank 320 and through chain 328 back through rear sprockets 335 thereby driving the bike forward. From 330° to 30° the foot 430 is reciprocally driven by the propulsive push of the opposite leg from 150° to 210° with the ankle placing the foot in plantar extension on the pedal 326 from 330° to 30°. Therefore at least one pedal is always under effective propulsion.

[00064] From 210° to 30°, namely sectors D 410 and A 404, the plantar extension of the foot 430 on pedal 426 reduces leg weight on the pedal as the pedalling gait enabled by the forward high seat vectors the recovery pull tangentially to the pedal arc.

[00065] Referring now to Figures 7 and 8 the reader will note that seat 323 includes a seat extension 321 which is attached into seat post 319 as shown in Figure 7 and also in Figure 5. The seat extension 321 puts the seat position forwardly so that the seat 323 is centered over a crank center line 333. There is also a pedal strut 331 mounted to the outer face 332 of the pedals 326 that is pivotable between a riding position 330 and stopped position 336. In the stopped position 336, the pedal strut 331 makes contact with the ground when the pedals 326 are in the rear 3 o'clock and front 9 o'clock position. In the riding position 330, the pedal strut 331 extends horizontally. The pedal strut 331 is rotatable between the riding position 330 and the stopped position 336 by foot action from the rider. The rider can put his foot on foot rest 351 when in the stopped position 336 and the other foot on the other pedal which is in the ergonomic downstroke 353 ready to go position 357. The crank axle is mounted along lateral axis 371 as shown in Figure 8 of crank assembly 338. Foot rest 351 is mounted along an axis parallel to lateral axis 371.

[00066] This helps to centre the middle of seat 323 over top of the crank centre 329 of crank 320 at the least a fully extended leg flat foot on the pedal at 414. This helps position the upright rider's hips over top of the crank 320 This enables the leg kinematics of the new pedalling gait to more efficiently push through arcs B and C and more economically and efficiently recover through arcs D and A, therefore maximizing the thrust available to the rider, as effective motive force at the rear gear.

[00067] Figure 8 also shows rider operated pedal strut for seated stationary stability. In Use

[00068] Figures 5 through 9 depict the apparatus used in the present concept a bicycle and method of use 300. It relates to a new method of use and associated structure.

[00069] The human body sequentially alternates between a stride and stance during the evolved highly energy and work efficient gait used for walking and running. Stance uses powerful anticipated muscle groups and joint kinematics sequentially in the leg, hip, knee, ankle and foot to fulcrum the torso forward over the hip and to initiate the stride that swings the unweighted leg forward in the same direction in a smooth and efficient rhythm. On the bicycle the new pedalling gait ergonomically modifies stance and stride dynamics for efficient propulsion in arcs B and C and reciprocally in arc A and low weighted pedal recovery with the foot in plantar extension in arc D.

[00070] Referring to Figures 5 and 6 I will now describe the dynamics and method of use of bicycle 100. It is understood that this method of use is functional only in the seated position. These gait dynamics enabled by the forward seat, become neuro-mechanically tuned to the lower pedal resistance in this new method of use.

[00071] Starting at the top of Sector B 206 at 30° the forward seated gait modifies the sequential kinematics of the stride and swing, mandating the fully articulating leg to act as a powerful piston through the pedal arc from 30° to 210° with continued accumulated propulsive force through the 150° to 210° arc, namely sector C 408. This reciprocally powers the opposite leg through upper arc 330° to 30°, namely sector A 404, as propulsion assists the rider's leg pull and initiating kinetic energy to the direct piston drive of the leg at 30°.

[00072] In addition the forward seated gait modifies the swing recovery kinematics to vector the leg upward and forward with more rider weight on the seat, reducing hamstring and knee stress and reducing reciprocal drag through power arc B, 30° to 150° 406.

[00073] The forward seated gait recruits the lower limb muscles to the piston drive of the leg and generates high torque without leveraging the upright posture, reducing non-ergonomic strain on torso, arm and wrist muscles.

[00074] The reader will note that a seat extension 321 and pedal strut 311 with foot rest can be used to retrofit an existing upright utility bicycle to bring the seat 323 over top of crank 320 along crank center 329 and to facilitate stationary stability. It is possible however to design an upright utility bicycle from the ground up wherein seat tube 308 may be positioned over crank center 329 therefore eliminating the need for seat extension 321. It is also possible to design a bike from the ground up wherein pedal struts are integrated. Seat extension 321 however is very useful in retrofit applications as are pedal struts. Furthermore any combination of seat and pedal strut can be utilized depending upon the rider and the desired increase in power and comfort. For example it is possible to only use the seat modification or only use the pedal strut modification or both together. It is also possible to apply this technology to Pedelec bikes or training or exercise bicycles.

[00075] It should be apparent to persons skilled in the arts that various modifications and adaptation of this structure described above are possible without departure from the spirit of the invention the scope of which defined in the appended claim.