Technical Field

The present invention relates to a piece of sports equipment for the exercise of cycling.

Background Art

Numerous sports equipment is known which is usable by sportsmen to exercise cycling.

Among the many, the exercise bike (also known as a “static bicycle”) is a device which allows a user to simulate riding a bicycle indoors, allowing a user to enjoy the same muscular and cardiovascular benefits as from outdoor bicycle use.

The exercise bike is, therefore, particularly practical for exercising profitably in circumstances wherein the use of a bicycle is inconvenient, for example when the weather conditions are adverse and/or the outside temperature is particularly low.

In detail, an exercise bike typically has at least one pair of pedals, a seat and a handlebar arranged on a fixed support relative to the ground in positions quite similar to those of conventional bicycles.

Modern exercise bikes are, in addition, provided with one or more devices to monitor the user biometric/performance parameters which allow checking his or her health, fatigue and/or performance during exercise.

In the present case, the aforementioned devices comprise: odometers for monitoring the theoretical distance traveled, tachometers for calculating the pedaling speed, calorie counters for measuring the energy consumed during exercise, heart rate monitors for tracking heartbeats, altimeters, accelerometers, gyroscopes and numerous others.

It is clear how the implementation of such devices makes the user’s training sessions even more effective, thereby assisting the user in achieving his or her fitness and/or sports performance goals.

It should be considered, however, that the monitoring of biometric/performance parameters is, as of today, only made possible through the use of exercise bikes and that, therefore, athletes who want to take advantage of the benefits associated therewith must necessarily perform their workouts indoors.

Keeping the above in mind, it is easy to appreciate how nowadays it is increasingly felt by athletes the need to be able to collect information on their biometric/performance parameters not only during indoor exercise but also by training outdoors, thus freeing themselves from the need to have to use exercise bikes.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to devise a piece of sports equipment for the exercise of cycling which can be profitably used in both indoor and outdoor environments and which can effectively monitor the biometric/performance parameters of the user.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a piece of sports equipment for the exercise of cycling which can overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as inexpensive solution.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by this piece of sports equipment for the exercise of cycling having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a piece of sports equipment for the exercise of cycling, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the equipment according to the invention in a first configuration of use;

Figure 2 is a side view of the equipment according to the invention in the first configuration of use;

Figure 3 is an axonometric view of the equipment according to the invention in a second configuration of use;

Figure 4 is a side view of the equipment according to the invention in the second configuration of use.

Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a piece of sports equipment for the exercise of cycling.

The sports equipment 1 for the exercise of cycling comprises at least one main body 2 provided with at least one seat 3 intended to support the weight of at least one user, with at least one pair of pedals 4 employable by the user for pedaling and with at least one first wheel 5 which can rest on the ground.

In addition, the main body 2 comprises at least a first frame 6 on which the seat 3, the pair of pedals 4 and the first wheel 5 are mounted.

In this case, the seat 3 is mounted on top of the first frame 6.

In addition, the pedals 4 are mounted laterally to the first frame 6.

Again, the first wheel 5 is mounted to the rear of the first frame 6.

In actual facts, the arrangement of the seat 3, of the pedals 4 and of the first wheel 5 on the first frame 6 is quite similar to that in conventional bicycles. The first frame 6 is at least partly preferably made of carbon fiber.

In fact, such a material allows making an extremely strong and, at the same time, particularly lightweight first frame 6.

It cannot however be ruled out that the first frame 6 be made, even only partly, of one or more materials other than carbon fiber.

For example, the first frame 6 can be made, even only partly, of steel, aluminum, titanium, magnesium or any combination of the materials just mentioned, or other materials still known to the expert in the field.

In addition, the main body 2 comprises at least one pedal assist device, not shown in the figures for simplicity, which is associated with the first frame 6 and is configured to exert a propulsive force on the pedals 4, operating in conjunction with the muscle force generated by the user to set the first wheel 5 in rotation around its own axis of rotation.

For example, the pedal assist device can be mounted on the first frame 6 at the position of the pedals 4, or at a position between the position of the pedals 4 and that of the seat 3, or at other positions yet. Precisely, the pedal assist device is of the type of a motorized unit comprising at least one electric motor.

In this case, the pedal assist device can be operated by pressing a dedicated button, or it can be configured to activate automatically, e.g., once the user exceeds a certain preset pedaling speed (i.e., the first wheel 5 exceeds a certain preset speed of rotation around its own axis of rotation).

In addition, the pedal assist device may also comprise one or more batteries deputed to store the mechanical energy generated by the user during pedaling and to release it, at least partly, as a result of the activation of the pedal assist device to generate the aforementioned propulsive force on the pedals 4.

The piece of equipment 1 then comprises at least one auxiliary body 7 provided with at least one second wheel 8 which can rest on the ground and with at least one handlebar 9.

In addition, the auxiliary body 7 comprises at least a second frame 10 on which the handlebar 9 and second wheel 8 are mounted.

In this case, the handlebar 9 is mounted on top of the second frame 10.

In addition, the second wheel 8 is mounted below the second frame 10.

In actual facts, the arrangement of the handlebar 9 and of the second wheel 8 on the first frame 6 is quite similar to that of conventional bicycles.

In much the same way as for the first frame 6, the second frame 10 is also preferably made at least partly of carbon fiber.

In fact, such a material makes it possible to create a second frame 10 which is extremely strong and, at the same time, particularly light.

It cannot however be ruled out that the second frame 10 be made, even only partly, of one or more materials other than carbon fiber.

For example, the second frame 10 can be made, even partly, of steel, aluminum, titanium, magnesium or any combination of the materials just mentioned, or other materials still known to the expert in the field.

It is important, at this point, to specify that the main body 2 is connectable in a removable manner to the auxiliary body 7 in at least a first configuration of use of the equipment 1 , shown in Figures 1 and 2, wherein the main body 2 and the auxiliary body 7 define a bicycle.

This means that it is possible to use the piece of equipment 1 profitably in open environments by means of the simple mutual connection between the main body 2 and the auxiliary body 7.

In the first configuration of use, therefore, the first frame 6 and the second frame 10 are connected to each other in a removable manner so as to define a complete frame provided with a first wheel 5 and with a second wheel 8, a seat 3, a handlebar 9 and a pair of pedals 4.

Speaking of the first configuration of use, it should be pointed out that it is possible to mount the dedicated button for activating the pedal assist device on the auxiliary body 7, e.g., on the handlebar 9.

In this way, in fact, the user of the equipment 1 in the first configuration of use can easily reach the button and generate, in doing so, a propulsive force on the pedals 4 which enables him/her to make pedaling less strenuous.

In addition, the piece of equipment 1 comprises at least one electronic station 11 to which the main body 2 is connectable in a removable manner in at least a second configuration of use of the equipment 1, shown in Figures 3 and 4, wherein the main body 2 and the electronic station 11 define an exercise bike.

Precisely, in the second configuration of use, the first frame 6 is attached to the electronic station 11.

It should be noted that, unlike in the first configuration of use, in this case the first wheel 5 does not generate any propulsive force on the first frame 6.

In other words, the user’s pedaling does not, in this second configuration of use, result in a change in the position of the main body 2 which, on the contrary, remains stationary relative to the ground together with the electronic station 11.

This allows the equipment 1 in the second configuration of use to be used to simulate, indoors, the use of a bicycle and, in doing so, enjoy the same muscular and cardiovascular benefits obtained from outdoor use of the bicycle itself.

This expedient is quite advantageous in cases where outdoor training is inconvenient, such as when weather conditions are adverse and/or outdoor temperatures are particularly low. In actual facts, the equipment 1 can be used both outdoors, after setting it up in the first configuration of use, and indoors, after setting it up in the second configuration of use.

In detail, the electronic station 11 comprises at least one base 12 supporting the main body 2.

Thus, in the second configuration of use, the first wheel 5 is placed in support on the base 12 and the latter holds the weight of the whole main body 2 and the user sitting on the seat 3.

As visible in the figures, the electronic station 11 can also comprise a pair of resting arms I la which the user can grasp to gain more stability during the exercise.

In actual facts, the resting arms I la are functionally quite similar to the handlebar 9.

Electronic stations 11 constructed differently and, for example, lacking the resting arms I la cannot however be ruled out.

It is useful, at this point, to specify that it is possible to use the piece of equipment 1 in the second configuration of use to simulate any gradients (i.e., pedaling uphill) which result in a greater demand for total force impressed on the pedals 4.

In this regard, the base 12 is provided with braking means 13 of the first wheel 5.

Specifically, the braking means 13 are coupled to the first wheel 5 in the second configuration of use and are adapted to counteract the axial rotation of the first wheel 5, by exerting onto the latter at least one resistance force to pedaling.

Going into detail about the preferred embodiment which is clearly visible in Figures 1 and 3, the braking means 13 comprise at least one pair of brake rollers 14 which are axially rotatable and are arranged parallel to each other.

In the present case, the brake rollers 14 are oriented along a direction parallel to that in which the axis of rotation of the first wheel 5 is arranged when the equipment 1 is in the second configuration of use.

One or more motorized units operatively connected to one or both brake rollers 14 can be provided to set them in rotation.

Alternatively, according to the preferred embodiment, at least one of the brake rollers 14 is of the type of a motor roller.

As is well known, in fact, the motor rollers are distinguished from the rollers of a more traditional type by the fact that they are provided with internal motorization (e.g., consisting of one or more electric motors) which sets them in rotation.

For the most part, the motor rollers have similar overall dimensions to conventional rollers, while incorporating within them the motorization needed to set them in rotation.

It is, therefore, easy to appreciate that by providing a motor roller the overall dimensions of the electronic station 11 are greatly reduced, thus obtaining a piece of equipment 1 which is easily transportable, manageable and maneuverable by the user.

Among other things, this makes it possible to arrange the electronic station 11 not only within spacious and capacious areas, but also in rather small enclosed spaces, ultimately increasing its versatility of use.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, one of the two brake rollers 14 is a motor roller, while the other brake roller 14 is dragged in rotation by the motor roller.

The braking means 13 then comprise at least one supporting surface 15 of the first wheel 5 which is wrapped at least partly around the brake rollers 14 and is movable due to the rotation of the first wheel 5.

The supporting surface 15 is a flexible body closed on itself in a loop shape that is set taut thanks to its winding around the brake rollers 14.

In fact, the brake rollers 14 are spaced apart from each other and, therefore, allow the supporting surface 15 wrapped around them to be tensioned.

Preferably, the supporting surface 15 is of the type of a conveyor belt rotating around the brake rollers 14.

The supporting surface 15 is made, at least partly, of a material that ensures excellent adhesion of the first wheel 5 on the supporting surface itself. Preferably, the supporting surface 15 is made, at least partly, of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

It is therefore possible to use the braking means 13 to simulate the use of a bicycle either on a substantially flat surface or on an uphill surface (as in the case of a hill, mountain and so on).

In the first case, once the user starts pedaling, the rotation of the first wheel 5 drags the supporting surface 15 into motion and makes it slide around the brake rollers 14, which are in turn moved by the supporting surface 15 which sets them in rotation relative to their axes of rotation.

In other words, the supporting surface 15 and the brake rollers 14 go along with the rotation of the first wheel 5, being moved by the latter and thus exerting no significant braking force thereon.

In actual facts, the first wheel 5 operates exactly as a motor on the supporting surface 15 and on the brake rollers 14, that is, moving these components at speeds proportional to the rotational speed of the first wheel itself.

On the other hand, with regard to the uphill path, the brake roller 14 of the type of a motor roller is no longer dragged in rotation by the supporting surface 15 but operates thereon as a brake.

In the latter case, therefore, the user must impart a greater force on the pedals 4 than in the previous case in order to continue moving the pedals at the same speed.

Basically, there are mainly two separate forces operating on the supporting surface 15 which have opposite directions: one being the driving force coming from the axial rotation of the first wheel 5, the other being the braking force generated by the motor roller.

In this regard, it is possible to adjust the braking force generated by the motor roller on the supporting surface 15 in such a way as to simulate a more or less pronounced height difference.

To do this, the electronic station 11 comprises at least one graphical interface 16 which is provided with at least one screen 17 viewable by the user and usable by the latter at least to adjust the braking means 13. In this sense, the greater the height difference set by the user on the graphical interface 16, the greater the resulting braking force applied by the motor roller on the supporting surface 15 and the greater the force to be impressed on the pedals 4 to continue moving the latter at the same speed.

Speaking of the graphical interface 16, it is useful to specify that the electronic station 11 can also be configured to receive from the pedal assist device the percentage of electric charge of the relevant battery and to send that value precisely to the graphical interface 16, which displays it on the screen 17.

By monitoring the percentage of electric charge, therefore, it is clearly possible to avoid unwanted interruptions of the pedal assist device due to the complete discharge of the battery by connecting the latter to a suitable power source in advance.

Having finished the description of the preferred embodiment of the braking means 13, it is still worth specifying that braking means 13 of different types from those just described cannot be ruled out.

For example, braking means 13 can be envisaged which are provided with: a pair of rollers parallel to and spaced apart from each other which are oriented along a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the first wheel 5 in the second configuration of use, the first wheel 5 being positioned between the aforementioned rollers in the second configuration of use; at least one motorized unit operatively connected to the rollers and operable to adjust the spacing between them.

In this case, therefore, the motorized unit reduces the spacing between the two rollers to simulate crossing a more sloping length.

In doing so, the two rollers tighten on the first wheel 5 and thus exert a braking force on the latter.

Similarly, it is sufficient for the motorized unit to reduce the spacing between the two rollers to reduce the braking force exerted on the first wheel 5 and thus simulate crossing a less sloping length.

The equipment 1 then comprises sensor means 18 which are associated with the main body 2 and are adapted to detect at least one biometric/performance parameter of the user during the use of the bicycle and of the exercise bike.

Preferably, the biometric/performance parameter is selected from the list comprising: average and maximum heart rate, average and maximum pedaling speed, total distance traveled, average and maximum height difference traveled, total calories consumed, average and maximum mechanical work, average and maximum mechanical power.

In actual facts, the sensor means 18 may comprise heart rate monitors, tachometers, odometers, altimeters, calorie counters, work meters, power meters and so on.

The sensor means 18 can be installed under the seat 3, at the pedals (as shown by way of example in the figures), and/or at other positions still on the main body 2 which allow them, however, to detect the at least one biometric/performance parameter effectively.

It is worth mentioning at this point that the electronic station 11 is operatively connected to the sensor means 18 in the second configuration of use to receive the at least one biometric/performance parameter from them and is configured to provide the at least one biometric/performance parameter to the user.

In detail, the graphical interface 16 is configured to show the at least one biometric/performance parameter received from the sensor means 18 on the screen 17.

In this regard, if the user employs the equipment 1 in the first configuration of use, then he/she can later connect the main body 2 to the electronic station 11 so that the latter receives from the sensor means 18 the at least one biometric/performance parameter related to the training just performed and shows it on the screen 17.

If, on the other hand, the user employs the equipment 1 in the second configuration of use, then the sensor means 18 send (in real time or at the end of the training) directly to the electronic station 11 the at least one measured biometric/performance parameter, and the station shows it on the screen 17.

Ultimately, the special expedient of providing sensor means 18 arranged on the main body 2 and operatively connectable to the electronic station 11 allows the user to monitor his or her biometric/performance parameters regardless of whether he or she intends to perform his or her training indoors or outdoors.

This fact clearly allows obtaining a piece of equipment 1 that is extremely versatile in its operation.

It should be specified that, as an alternative or in combination with the graphical interface 16, the electronic station 11 comprises at least one supporting element 19 which is electrically connectable to at least one external device provided with a monitor, e.g. of the type of a smart phone or the like.

In particular, the supporting element 19 is provided with at least one insertion slot which is coupleable by interlocking with the external device to make the aforementioned electrical connection.

The electronic station 11 allows, by means of the supporting element 19, at least one of the biometric/performance parameters measured by the sensor means 18 and the percentage of electrical charge of the battery of the pedal assist device to be sent to the external device.

Providing a supporting element 19 thus allows one or more external devices to be used as a graphical interface, taking advantage of the monitor as a screen for displaying information.

Ultimately, the particular expedient of providing a supporting element 19 as an alternative or in combination with the graphical interface 16 makes the piece of equipment 1 even more versatile and adaptable.

Conveniently, the piece of equipment 1 comprises coupling means 20, 21 of the main body 2 with the auxiliary body 7 and with the electronic station 11.

Specifically, the coupling means 20, 21 comprise at least a first coupling portion 20 and at least a second coupling portion 21 which are complementary to each other and mutually coupled in the first configuration of use and in the second configuration of use.

Regarding the first coupling portion 20, it should first be said that it comprises at least one projecting end 22.

In addition, the first coupling portion 20 comprises at least a first flat surface 23 on which the projecting end 22 is associated in a protruding manner.

The second coupling portion 21 comprises, on the other hand, at least one housing 24 of the projecting end 22, the latter being insertable to size within the housing 24 in the first configuration of use and in the second configuration of use.

Similarly to the first coupling portion 20, the second coupling portion 21 comprises at least a second flat surface 25, the housing being communicating with the outside through at least the second flat surface 25.

Thus, the projecting end 22 is equivalent to the male element of the coupling, and the housing 24 is equivalent to the female element.

In actual facts, in the first/second configuration of use, the projecting end 22 is fully inserted into the housing 24 and the first flat surface 23 is arranged to abut against the second flat surface 25 so as to make a substantially uninterrupted connection between the main body 2 and the auxiliary body 7/the electronic station 11.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first coupling portion 20 is associated with the auxiliary body 7 and with the electronic station 11, and the second coupling portion 21 is associated with the main body 2.

Alternatively, an embodiment can be provided wherein the first coupling portion 20 is associated with the main body 2 and the second coupling portion 21 is associated with the auxiliary body 7 and with the electronic station 11.

Thus, in general, the first coupling portion 20 is associated with the auxiliary body 7 and with the electronic station 11, and the second coupling portion 21 is associated with the main body 2, or vice versa.

According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the first coupling portion 20 comprises two projecting ends 22 and the second coupling portion 21 comprises two housings 24.

As will be explained in more detail later on, this expedient allows for a particularly robust and stable coupling between the first coupling portion 20 and the second coupling portion 21.

It cannot however be ruled out that the first coupling portion 20 and the second coupling portion 21 may comprise a different number of projecting ends 22 and of housings 24, e.g., three, respectively.

In all cases, by inserting the projecting ends 22 into their respective housings 24, the first coupling portion 20 can be firmly connected to the second coupling portion 21.

To even more firmly secure the first coupling portion 20 to the second coupling portion 21, the piece of equipment 1 comprises constraining means 26, 27, 28 which are associated with the first coupling portion 20 and with the second coupling portion 21 and are adapted to constrain the latter to each other in the first configuration of use and in the second configuration of use.

With reference to the preferred embodiment and with particular reference to the Figures 2 and 4, the constraining means 26, 27, 28 comprise at least a first constraining hole 26 which is obtained through at least part of the projecting end 22 and at least a second constraining hole 27 which is accessible from the outside and is obtained through at least part of the second coupling portion 21.

In this case, the second constraining hole 27 is communicating with the housing 24, and is aligned with the first constraining hole 26 in the first configuration of use and in the second configuration of use.

Specifically, the first constraining hole 26 and the second constraining hole 27 are sized quite similarly to each other.

Again, at least one of either the first constraining hole 26 or the second constraining hole 27 is obtained passing through the projecting end 22 and the second coupling portion 21, respectively.

Preferably, both the first constraining hole 26 and the second constraining hole 27 are obtained passing through the projecting end 22 and the second coupling portion 21, respectively.

In addition, the constraining means 26, 27, 28 comprise at least one constraining pin 28 which is at least partly insertable through the first constraining hole 26 and the second constraining hole 27.

In this regard, it should be pointed out that by using the term “pin” is intended to encompass, in addition to this particular type of component, mechanical members of different types but functionally similar, such as, e.g., cotter pins and dowels.

Once the projecting end 22 is fully inserted into the housing 24 and the first constraining hole 26 is aligned with the second constraining hole 27 accordingly, it is possible to insert the constraining pin 28 through the latter two and constrain, in doing so, the first coupling portion 20 and the second coupling portion 21 firmly together.

It is, at this point, easy to appreciate that the special expedient of providing two projecting ends 22 and two respective housings 24 allows for a particularly strong and stable coupling between the first coupling portion 20 and the second coupling portion 21.

In fact, in this case, it is possible to provide for the use of two constraining pins 28, one inserted through one projecting end 22 and the respective housing 24 and the other inserted through the other projecting end 22 and the respective housing 24, to avoid, by doing so, the occurrence of any and undesirable relative rotational phenomena between the first coupling portion 20 and the second coupling portion 21 coupled to each other.

By using two constraining pins 28, therefore, it is possible to firmly constrain the first coupling portion 20 to the second coupling portion 21 even if there is a slight coupling clearance between them.

It is clear how this expedient allows, therefore, making the use of the equipment 1 particularly safe both in the first configuration of use as a bicycle and in the second configuration of use as an exercise bike.

It is worth specifying at this point that embodiments of the coupling means 20, 21 different from the one described so far cannot be ruled out.

For example, it is possible to provide coupling means 20, 21 of the type of hinges mounted on the auxiliary body 7, on the main body 2 and on the electronic station 11 and attachable in a removable manner to connect the first two in the first configuration of use and the second two in the second configuration of use, or of other types still known to the expert in the field that allow, however, the aforementioned components to be firmly connected to each other.

Conveniently, at least one of either the first coupling portion 20 or the second coupling portion 21 comprises at least one electrical connecting element 29, schematically shown in the magnifying views of Figures 2 and 4, which is associated with at least one of either the projecting end 22 or the housing 24 and is adapted to electrically connect the first coupling portion 20 and the second coupling portion 21 to each other in the first configuration of use and in the second configuration of use.

Specifically, the connecting element 29 is associated with the second coupling portion 21 and is positioned between the two housings 24.

Precisely, the connecting element 29 is arranged so as to be communicating with the two housings 24.

This arrangement of the connecting element 29 advantageously allows for a closed electrical circuit to be made between the main body 2 and the electronic station 11 when the two projecting ends 22 are inserted into their respective two housings 24.

In this way, in fact, the data collected by the sensor means 18 can be sent to the electronic station 11 and displayed on the screen 17.

Preferably, the connecting element 29 consists of at least one electrical ferrule.

Connecting elements 29 of different types, e.g., of the type of movable terminal blocks or other types still known to the expert in the field cannot however be ruled out which, in any case, allow the main body 2 and the electronic station 11 to be electrically connected efficiently.

It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

In particular, the fact is emphasized that the special expedient of providing a main body that is connectable to an auxiliary body to define a bicycle and to an electronic station to define an exercise bike allows the sports equipment to be profitably used for cycling activity according to the invention in both indoor and outdoor environments.

In addition, the special expedient of comprising sensor means of the biometric/performance parameters associated with the main body allows the user to monitor his or her own health, fatigue and/or performance during exercise whether the exercise takes place indoors or outdoors.

In this way, the equipment according to the invention assists the user in carrying out his or her workouts, enabling him or her to achieve fitness and/or sports performance goals quickly and effectively.